Private Half-Day Shore Excursion from Kusadasi: Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, and Sirince

Your private guide picks you up at the cruise ship port in an air-conditioned minivan. and sets out for Ephesus, located about to begin your shore excursion. Absorb the views of the Aegean Sea as you travel north for about half an hour towards UNESCO-listed Ephesus.

You'll enter this stunningly preserved Greco-Roman site via the Magnesia Gate. Stroll with your knowledgeable guide around this once-bustling city, and learn about its storied past.

Follow the marble-paved streets past the shells of shops and Roman baths, and see the remains of the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, and the Temple of Hadrian. Keep your camera ready for two of Ephesus' most celebrated landmarks: the Library of Celsus and the Theater, a 25,000-seater arena where St. Paul may once have preached.

It's just a short drive to the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.During its glory days, it boasted 127 columns: today, just a solitary restored column marks the site. Your guide will explain the temple's many incarnations over the centuries.

Your last stop is Sirince, a pretty hill village perched above Ephesus. This former Greek settlement is known for its wine and crafts, and offers a charming glimpse into rural Turkish life. Stroll the cobbled lanes past food and craft stalls, and sample some of the village's famous fruit wine at a local winery. Your guide will bring you back to Kusadasi with time for some shopping before you sail.

Please note: the order of activities as described above may be subject to change on the day of your tour.