Ephesus ( 1 night / 2 days )

Day 1: Kusadasi
After departing from Istanbul in the morning, we arrive in Izmir where we meet our guide and begin our drive to Kusadasi. Our first stop on the way is to the House of the Virgin Mary. The chapel is built on the foundation of the house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have lived. From here we drive to the village of Sirince. This pretty, old Orthodox village of perfect Turk-Greek culture is located on the top of a mountain where we enjoy impressive views of the vineyards and peach trees.

Celsius Library - Ephesus - Selcuk

Terrace Houses - Ephesus - Selcuk

Home Hosted Lunch - Sirince Old Greek Village - Selcuk

Sirince Old Greek Village - Selcuk

Kismet Hotel - Kusadasi

Rug Weaving - Selcuk

As we wonder the narrow streets of the village lined with typical Greek houses, we come across woman selling handcrafts of all kinds and other local village products. Here we have chance to socialize with locals and taste the simple but delicious meals of Aegean cuisine at a home-hosted lunch. We then depart Sirince and make our way to the town of Kusadasi. Once check into our hotel, we have an afternoon at leisure, to be followed by dinner at the hotel.

Included meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Ephesus
This morning we depart for a full day of sightseeing. First we visit the Ephesus archaeological site which is perhaps the world’s best preserved ancient city and its ruins attract visitors from across the globe. The most significant relic of the site is the immense amphitheater. We walk along the Sacred Way, see the Temple of Hadrian, a Corinthian-style building with the head of Medusa on the porch, and the Library of Celsius. After this visit we drive to the local village of Sultanköy. Here we break for a grilled lunch and have the opportunity to learn about some local crafts, such as rug-weaving. We may also be able to see demonstrations performed by local craftsmen. Next, we continue to the town of Selcuk and visit the Ephesus Archeology Museum. Almost all of the exhibits are findings from Ephesus, the most spectacular being two life-size statutes of Artemis Ephesia, both dating from the middle Roman imperial era.Our last visit is to the Basilica of St. John. Today his grave is recognized as a shrine by Vatican. At the end of our tour we transfer to the Izmir airport for the return flight to Istanbul.

Included meals: Breakfast

Price of the package includes:

1. Accommodation in hotels :
   1 night Kusadasi: Kismet

2. Domestic flights within our program itinerary (Istanbul-Izmir, Izmir-Istanbul)

3. Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner

4. Services of a professional tour guide (private)

5. Modern, A/C, comfortable minibus for land transportation with driver (private)

6. Admission fees to sights and museums

7. Parking, portage, ferry, toll road

8. Gratuity (except guide & driver)

Price of the package excludes:

1. Airfare of international flights and related taxes

2. Bottled beverages or alcohol

3. Optional gratuities to trip leaders, drivers

4. Travel insurance

5. Visas, laundry, and personal items