Exclusive Ancient Ephesus, Travel Through Time

This tour will be unlike any other you have ever experienced, a classic guided tour is enriched by creating a completely unique, interactive experience allowing you to travel in time.

3D re-creation happens when you place augmented virtual reality glasses on and you see how the buildings, shops, streets, palaces and temples looked with a vivid computer reconstruction. Live scenes played by actors unfold in front of your eyes in the ancient world and allow you to feel like an Ephesian. Skip-the-line tickets are included for sites to ensure a seamless experience.

Behind this technological innovation is a team of professionals from different sectors including tourism, history, archaeology, art and architecture with different visions for the same philosophy: To bring the culture and antiquities of the past to life through new technologies.

After a scenic drive from the ship, you will arrive at the spectacular Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of antiquity.

Enjoy a walking tour of this incredible site and pass by the Temple of Hadrian, the 25,000-seat Great Theatre, and perhaps the most recognizable building in the city, The Library of Celsus. With your guide, you will enter the city through the Magnesian Gate, the ancient entrance to the city at the top of Kuretes Street.

Listen to detailed historical and architectural information supplementing your guided visit, this is an awe-inspiring journey through time. By using state-of-the-art technology, you will see the reconstructed 10 highlights of the famous ancient city. It is not only a visual show but a valuable, detailed historical and architectural audio and visual lesson with information enhancing your guide's explanations.

At 5 places throughout your guided tour, you will watch scenes captured by real life actors, with the backdrop of ancient Ephesus brought to life with 3D imagery. Imagine watching Romans discussing state issues in Odeon, Cleopatra and Mark Anthony riding on Arcadian Way, or Romans trying to interrupt St. Paul's entry to the grand theatre. All with you immersed in the heart of the action!

Before your return to port stop by a ranch style rug weaving center where you will be given information about this art as well as time for shopping. Taste the mezes prepared by local products and the local wine in the courtyard before you return to your ship waiting for you.

Please Note: This tour involves over a mile of walking on uneven, cobblestones surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes, hat and sun protection is recommended. Restrooms are available at the entrance and at the exit (free of charge) of Ephesus. If the 3D augmented reality glasses should malfunction or be unusable during the tour, a visit to the Terrace Houses will be added on to the tour itinerary.

Lake Bled and Ljubljana

For the best of both worlds, join this combination tour of Ljubljana's charming cityscapes and Lake Bled's natural grandeur. This guided tour of Slovenia's capital and its most beloved mountain lake offers history, architecture, and unparalleled alpine beauty. See the bridges, parks, and squares designed by the famous Slovene architect, Joze Plecnik, as well as the green-domed Ljubljana Cathedral, Ljubljana Town Hall, and other historic monuments that comprise the old town center. The second portion of this comprehensive Slovenia tour brings you to Lake Bled, where snow-capped mountains surround a glacial lake and its famous island, home to a Gothic church and its wish-granting bell.

Begin your tour and enjoy a scenic 40 minute drive to Lake Bled, a popular destination for travelers from around the world. Bled Castle overlooks the lake from its north shore, and in the center of the lake Bled Island is home to a pilgrimage church built in the Gothic style and dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. The church's bell is visited frequently by newlyweds and travelers who hope to make their wishes come true. Nestled amid the towering alpine mountains, Lake Bled is a venue for both romantic getaways and sporting adventures. Admire Bled Castle built on a precipice above the glacial lake which according to written sources is the oldest Slovene castle. For those interested, the church is only accessible via boat at an additional cost of 14 EUR to be paid at the lake, and is not included in the tour price.)

Continue your tour to Slovenia's political, economic, and cultural capital, Ljubljana. The city's ancient roots begin in prehistoric times along the shores of the Ljubljana River, long before the Roman outpost was conquered by Atilla's Huns. In the city's center, atop a hill, you'll find the medieval Ljubljana Castle, which boasts architectural accents from the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance periods. Your guide will point out the many representations of the Ljubljana Dragon along the way. Symbolizing power, courage, and greatness, the dragon can be found on the castle's tower and Dragon Bridge, which spans the city's namesake river. Also in the old town's center, you can see the many architectural contributions of Slovenian architect Joze Plecnik, including the iconic Triple Bridge, the river's embankments, and a number of exquisite parks and squares. In the mid-20th century, Plecnik transformed the capital into the modern city it is today.

This Ljubljana and Lake Bled tour offers the best of Slovenia's city and countryside, so be sure to bring a camera to capture endless memorable images. Book a spot on this comprehensive Slovenia tour and experience the very best of the country's popular attractions.

Please Note: If time permits, guests who are interested in visiting the church at Lake Bled (at an additional cost of 14 EUR to be paid at the lake, not included in the tour price) must inform the guide immediately after arriving to Lake Bled, to ensure a timely return to the ship. All guests are required to carry their passports with them on this tour as you will be crossing the Italian/Slovenia border.