Pick-Up from Çeşme Port

Upon arrival at Çeşme Cruise Port, your professional English-speaking guide will greet you at the terminal.
Relax aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan as you depart for the scenic two-hour drive through the picturesque landscapes of western Anatolia — rolling hills, olive groves, and charming rural villages.
Your guide will share fascinating insights about the region’s history, culture, and daily life as you journey toward Selçuk, the modern gateway to Ephesus.

Ancient City of Ephesus

Arrive at the awe-inspiring Ephesus Archaeological Site, a city that once rivaled Rome as a cultural and commercial capital of the ancient world.
This remarkably preserved city offers a true open-air museum experience. Your guided walking tour includes all of Ephesus’s major landmarks:

• The Library of Celsus, an architectural masterpiece and one of the most photographed ancient monuments in Turkey.

• The Great Theatre, where St. Paul once preached, seating 25,000 spectators in its prime.

• The Temple of Hadrian, dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian and adorned with detailed reliefs.

• Curetes Street, lined with marble columns and once bustling with ancient shops and homes.

• The Agora, Fountain of Trajan, and Roman Baths, each offering glimpses into the daily life of this thriving ancient city.

Your expert guide will bring these ruins to life with vivid storytelling, connecting mythology, archaeology, and local history.

Fun Fact: Ephesus was once home to one of the largest ancient harbors in Asia Minor, linking it directly to global trade routes.

Temple of Artemis (Artemision)

Continue to the legendary Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Although only a few marble columns remain, the site’s historical importance is unmatched — once home to a colossal sanctuary dedicated to Artemis, goddess of fertility, nature, and the hunt.
Your guide will describe how this temple, four times larger than the Parthenon, became a place of worship, art, and trade, attracting pilgrims from across the Mediterranean world.

Highlight: Imagine the temple’s grandeur — gleaming white marble columns and intricate friezes that once symbolized the spiritual heart of ancient Ephesus.

Traditional Turkish Lunch

Enjoy an authentic Turkish lunch at a countryside restaurant near Ephesus.
Taste local specialties made from fresh, organic ingredients — grilled meats, savory mezes, olive oil dishes, and handmade desserts — accompanied by Turkish tea or coffee.

Optional Cultural Stop: Local Handicraft Workshop

Before returning to Çeşme, make an optional stop at a local artisan workshop where you can see traditional carpet weaving, ceramic making, or leather crafting in action.
Learn about these centuries-old techniques and browse for authentic souvenirs made by skilled local artisans.

Return to Çeşme Port

After a day filled with ancient wonders and local flavors, relax on the comfortable drive back to Çeşme Port.
Your guide will ensure you arrive in plenty of time to reboard your cruise ship — bringing with you memories of Turkey’s magnificent heritage and warm hospitality.