Driving from the pier through the Turkish countryside, you arrive to the entrance to Ancient City of Ephesus that was built on a small hill, with the entrance located at the top of a hill. Once you enter the Open Air Archeological Museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, you will enter the administrative section of ancient Ephesus. The guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsius. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats. You will return to the buses through the Arcadian way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Continuing the tour, the next stop is at the ancient site of Miletus, which was a great Ionian Port, with two lions guarding its entrance. Miletus was the native city of several philosophers and sages. Only the Great Theater of the town is visible nowadays and some steps are required to enter inside of the structure which was reconstructed in the Roman period. You will continue to Didyma, to admire the magnificent Temple of Apollo, a great monument of antiquity. Many times looted and burnt, the sanctuary’s elegant beauty is still impressive. Some of the 120 columns that remain standing allow one to visualize the full magnificence of the structure.
A typical lunch will be served in the town of “Didim” at a local restaurant, overhanging the ruins of the Temple of Didyma where you can taste the delicious dishes from Turkish cuisine. On completion of your visit, your bus will take you to Kusadasi. Join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship which is within walking distance.
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