3-Day Small-Group Turkey Tour from Izmir: Kusadasi and Ephesus

Visit Kusadasi and Ephesus (Efes) on this 3-day trip from Izmir that blends relaxation time on the sunny Aegean Coast with ancient culture! Bask on Kusadasi‘s sun-drenched beaches at leisure, and spend both nights of your tour in one of the town’s centrally located 4-star hotels. Spend a day exploring the evocative ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Ephesus and see monuments stepped in history like the Temple of Hadrian, the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana) and the Temple of Artmenis. With a roundtrip transfer from Izmir Airport or your local hotel included, this 3-day tour enables you to see the best of Kusadasi and Ephesus without the hassle.

Numbers are limited to 14 on this small-group tour, ensuring you’ll see incredible ancient ruins with personalized attention from your guide.

Day 1: Izmir – Kusadasi
Start your 3-day tour with a transfer from Izmir Airport or hotel to your central Kusadasi hotel. After a journey through mainland Turkey lasting roughly two hours, arrive on the coast and check in at your hotel. Your guide will then leave you to enjoy Kusadasi at leisure. Lounge on its sandy beaches, relax in one of the town’s legendary seafood or kebab restaurants or perhaps check out its legendary nightlife (any food, drinks and entrance fees at own expense).

Overnight: 4-star Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel or similar

Day 2: Kusadasi – Ephesus (B, L)
After breakfast in your hotel, leave by luxury minibus for the short journey to the ancient city of Ephesus – a site that’s often described as the best-preserved classical city in Europe. On the way, your guide will give you some insight into the history of this incredible site. Hear about the city in its heyday, when Ephesus was the capital of Roman Asia and its citizens reverently worshipped the Greek goddess Artemis.

On a leisurely paced walking tour of the ancient city, see all of Ephesus’ highlights and prepare to be stunned by its grandeur. Stroll down the colonnaded Arcadian Way that once served as the city’s main street, linking the port to the Great Theater – a vast Hellenistic structure that was expanded to seat more than 25,000 people. See the Temple of Hadrian, dedicated to the Emperor who once visited the city, and visit the Library of Celsus where more than 12,000 scrolls were once housed.

After a break for your 2-course lunch in one of the town’s restaurants, continue your tour around Ephesus. Visit the Basilica of St John that stands on the believed burial site of St John the Apostle, and then head to the House of the Virgin Mary, where Mary is said to have spent her last days. Admire the typical Roman architecture of the house, and then last but not least, see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis. A shrine to the Greek goddess Artmenis, the temple today is only a single reconstructed column, but the history of the ancient temple makes up for what’s lacking in appearance.

Head back to your Kusadasi hotel by minibus and spend your evening relaxing at leisure in town.

Overnight: 4-star Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel or similar

Day 3: Kusadasi -- Izmir (B)
Enjoy breakfast and then the morning is yours to spend at leisure in Kusadasi – perhaps shopping for souvenirs or sightseeing around Kaleiçi (Kusadasi’s Old Town) independently. At a pre-arranged time in the afternoon, meet your guide back at your hotel and then return to Izmir by minibus. Your tour ends back at your Izmir hotel.

Special Offer - Book and  travel before April 30, 2014 and save 10% - Book Now!

• Two nights of accommodation
• Transport by air-conditioned coach
• Entrance fees: Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and Basilica of St John
• Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks, unless specified

Special Offer - Book and  travel before April 30, 2014 and save 10% - Book Now!