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Ephesus & Village Of Sirince For Families

Ephesus & Village Of Sirince For Families

5.0 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews
Location Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus) KU1-600
Location Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus) KU1-600
Location Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus) KU1-600
Location Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus) KU1-600
Duration time 6.5 hours

Moderate Activity

Includes meal

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

Visitors from all over the world come to Kusadasi to lay eyes on Ephesus, one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world. Once an ancient Greek city, it became a major Roman provincial capital with a population of over 250,000 in the 1st century B.C. Your full-day family tour takes in this high point as well as several other cultural activities geared for the enjoyment of all ages.

A 30-minute motorcoach ride through the countryside brings you to the ruins, where you'll commence a guided walking tour. Surprisingly, Ephesus was once a seaport, but now it is situated six miles away from the sea. As you stroll, imagine Ephesus as it once was, home to 250,000 citizens, a Greco-Roman city with a vibrant, artistic community.

Your knowledgeable guide will lead you to 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. The dramatic Great Theater seats 25,000 and, although once an arena for gladiator games, is still used today for annual spring festivals.

The excavation of Ephesus has lasted more than a century, yet only 10 percent of the ancient city has actually been unearthed. Get the kids thinking about what other types of structures are yet to be discovered. Can anyone guess what caused the grooves you see in the marbled streets? They are impressions made by chariot wheels!

Reboard your motorcoach for a 30-minute drive to the village of Sirince (pronounced as she-RIN-jay). Originally, the village had been named Çirkince, or "ugly place," which was a deliberate attempt by its Greek inhabitants to hide its beauty from foreign intruders. But after WWI, when the Turks became the primary inhabitants, they changed the name to Sirince, which translates roughly into "pretty" or "charming place."

Surrounded by olive groves and fruit orchards, a pedestrian tour includes magnificent views from 1,000 feet above sea level. Most of the houses in the village date from the 19th century or earlier, and they were built at a time when Sirince was predominantly a Greek village. The Byzantine Church, which has been lovingly restored, is one of the village's star attractions. In the heart of Sirince, you'll find the wonderful local marketplace and shops, where handmade crafts can be found. A popular souvenir item to bring home is "the evil eye," thought to ward off bad spirits and bring luck and success.

Next on the agenda is Artemis Restaurant, a heritage building where children will take part in a fun Turkish bracelet making activity. This 45-minute activity will give parents an opportunity to enjoy free time to explore the market, sample some fruit wines or taste some local delicacies.

Then drive to a five star hotel where you will enjoy a delicious traditional lunch.

Finally reboard your motorcoach and return to Kusadasi, where you will enjoy a demonstration of Turkish carpet making before returning to the ship.

Points of interest

Basilica of St. John

Ephesus

Sirince

Carpet Weaving and Shopping

Schedule

Special Notes

No tripods or professional camera equipment permitted at Ephesus. Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended.

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

Medical Restriction

Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair, those with mobility limitations, or those with vision impairments.

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Location Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus) KU1-600
Location Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus) KU1-600
Duration time 6.5 hours

Moderate Activity

Includes meal

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

Visitors from all over the world come to Kusadasi to lay eyes on Ephesus, one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world. Once an ancient Greek city, it became a major Roman provincial capital with a population of over 250,000 in the 1st century B.C. Your full-day family tour takes in this high point as well as several other cultural activities geared for the enjoyment of all ages.

A 30-minute motorcoach ride through the countryside brings you to the ruins, where you'll commence a guided walking tour. Surprisingly, Ephesus was once a seaport, but now it is situated six miles away from the sea. As you stroll, imagine Ephesus as it once was, home to 250,000 citizens, a Greco-Roman city with a vibrant, artistic community.

Your knowledgeable guide will lead you to 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. The dramatic Great Theater seats 25,000 and, although once an arena for gladiator games, is still used today for annual spring festivals.

The excavation of Ephesus has lasted more than a century, yet only 10 percent of the ancient city has actually been unearthed. Get the kids thinking about what other types of structures are yet to be discovered. Can anyone guess what caused the grooves you see in the marbled streets? They are impressions made by chariot wheels!

Reboard your motorcoach for a 30-minute drive to the village of Sirince (pronounced as she-RIN-jay). Originally, the village had been named Çirkince, or "ugly place," which was a deliberate attempt by its Greek inhabitants to hide its beauty from foreign intruders. But after WWI, when the Turks became the primary inhabitants, they changed the name to Sirince, which translates roughly into "pretty" or "charming place."

Surrounded by olive groves and fruit orchards, a pedestrian tour includes magnificent views from 1,000 feet above sea level. Most of the houses in the village date from the 19th century or earlier, and they were built at a time when Sirince was predominantly a Greek village. The Byzantine Church, which has been lovingly restored, is one of the village's star attractions. In the heart of Sirince, you'll find the wonderful local marketplace and shops, where handmade crafts can be found. A popular souvenir item to bring home is "the evil eye," thought to ward off bad spirits and bring luck and success.

Next on the agenda is Artemis Restaurant, a heritage building where children will take part in a fun Turkish bracelet making activity. This 45-minute activity will give parents an opportunity to enjoy free time to explore the market, sample some fruit wines or taste some local delicacies.

Then drive to a five star hotel where you will enjoy a delicious traditional lunch.

Finally reboard your motorcoach and return to Kusadasi, where you will enjoy a demonstration of Turkish carpet making before returning to the ship.

Points of interest

Basilica of St. John

Ephesus

Sirince

Carpet Weaving and Shopping

Schedule

Special Notes

No tripods or professional camera equipment permitted at Ephesus. Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended.

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

Medical Restriction

Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair, those with mobility limitations, or those with vision impairments.