Ephesus & The Terrace Houses (Guided in Mandarin)

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Board your mini-motorcoach for a scenic drive to ancient Ephesus. Traveling north, you'll pass the massive Byzantine fortress at Selcuk, the Temple of Artemis - one of the seven wonders of the ancient world - and the extraordinary Basilica of St. John.

The three-arched Magnesian Gates are the starting point to your slow, downhill walk into the ancient city of Ephesus, once the trade center of the ancient world and the site of a succession of great civilizations. Your knowledgeable guide will take you back in time and highlight such structures as the beautifully preserved Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent Trajan Fountain, the Odeon Theater, once used for both political and entertainment purposes, and the beautiful Celsus Library with its imposing façade and two-story Corinthian-style columns. See the dramatic Great Theater, which seats twenty-five thousand and was once the arena of gladiator games. Strolling through the streets, it is easy to see that Ephesus is one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world and why it is considered one of the great outdoor museums of Turkey.

Look up at the hill across from Hadrian's Temple, and you will see the newly excavated area known as the Terrace Houses. Also referred to as "the houses of the rich," these structures give us important information about family life during the Roman period. Remarkably, these homes had such modern conveniences as hot and cold running water and intricate central heating systems. Beautiful tiled mosaics and ornate frescos have been consolidated for easy viewing and two buildings are open as museums.

Before returning to Kusadasi you will visit a local leather center where you can see the wonderful samples of Turkish leather products.

A scenic drive back to port affords the time to reflect with fellow travelers on the wonders you have seen. Once in Kusadasi, browse the colorful markets and bazaars where handmade goods and traditional foods are sold. A popular Turkish souvenir to bring home is "the evil eye," thought to ward off bad spirits and bring success and luck to its owner.

Special Notes:

Ephesus requires walking long distances over uneven surfaces. Terrace Houses require walking up many steps.

At the end of the tour, passengers have the option to remain in town or to shop in the bazaar; return to the ship would be on your own (10 to 15 minutes walking).

This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

This tour uses headsets.