Exclusive Ancient Ephesus

Meet your professionally trained guide and drive to Ephesus, approximately 30 minutes from Kusadasi. Famous in antiquity for its Temple of Artemus during the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor. You will start your 90 minute Ephesus tour at the upper Magnesia Gate, and work your way down through the city, ending near the ancient Harbor.

Along the way, you will see the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, Temple of Artemis, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika, and the Great Theater, built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period. With your skip-the-line access, you can fully enjoy these sites, which have played host to events as varied as Paul and his sermons to the Ephesians, to concerts by Sting, in part due to their remarkable acoustics.

You will walk along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Antony and Cleopatra rode in procession. You will hear stories of Alexander the Great, the Virgin Mary, and many other famous visitors who walked the same marble streets that you are walking. As you depart the Ephesus site, you will be able to view the hilltop ruins of the Basilica of St. John in the distance, which was erected over his grave in the 6th century A.D. by Emperor Justinian.

Returning to the town of Kusadasi, guests will have the option to end their Ephesus tour in the shopping area, where they can attend a Turkish carpet explanation and explore the shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leatherware, and copper goods, or both. Turkish salespeople expect you to haggle and quite often you can get 10-15% off the listed price. Treat it as an adventure. The cruise pier is a 5-10 minute walk from the main shopping area.

Guests not wishing to attend the optional carpet shopping should stay on the bus and they will be taken directly back to the pier.

Journey to Pompeii

Step back in time on this unforgettable half-day excursion from Naples to Pompeii, traveling in comfort aboard an air-conditioned coach. With a licensed archaeological guide by your side, you'll bring the ancient city to life, uncovering the stories, secrets, and daily rhythms of a civilization frozen in time.

Wander along the streets of this once-thriving Roman settlement and explore its homes, temples, bath complexes, shops, and the iconic Forum. Witness the haunting plaster casts of the victims of the 79 AD eruption - a poignant and unforgettable testament to Pompeii's tragic history.

The tour is carefully designed to adapt to crowd levels and site accessibility, ensuring a smooth experience while still allowing you to explore at least one major landmark from each key category, including villas, temples, and market areas. The guided visit inside the ruins lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and stories of ancient Roman life.

Before entering the archaeological site, enjoy a short stop at a traditional cameo workshop, where skilled artisans hand-carve intricate designs from precious shells. This is also a convenient moment to refresh at the available restrooms before diving into the heart of Pompeii's timeless streets.

Experience history, artistry, and the poignant beauty of one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites - a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Please Note: The entrance fee to Pompeii is included in the tour price; however, all guests must present a valid photo ID on the day of the tour. Children under 18 may enter for free with valid identification. On national holidays and the first Sunday of each month, long lines are common, and the itinerary may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience.

Intimate Santorini

Located about 120 miles off the coastline of Greece lies Santorini, a volcanic island jewel full of charming traditional villages and spectacular sunsets. During this Santorini tour, you will learn about the island's volcanic history as you visit famous villages built into the walls of the caldera.

The journey begins in Fira, the lively hub of the island. We begin our quest to discover Santorini's secret treasures from the cable car station.

Our first stop ascend to Profitis Ilias' peak to reach the island's highest point. Enjoy stunning panoramic views from this location that reach as far as the eye can see. Marvel at the vastness of the Aegean Sea and take in the sight of nearby islands, a perspective that will leave you in awe.

The following stop, is the quaint village of Megalochori, which is tucked away in the southern part of the island. Explore its narrow lanes and uncover cave homes, neoclassical homes, and charming neighborhood chapels. The village has a timeless appeal that makes it ideal for leisurely exploration.

Next, is in the renowned village of Oia. This region of the island has a distinctive perspective thanks to its white-washed homes and the old Venetian Castle of Oia. Discover the cobblestone alleys, browse the gift shops, or just unwind in a cafe while admiring Oia's serene beauty. Enjoy ample time to explore local shops and savor a traditional meal, offering an authentic taste of Santorini's rich culture and flavors.

Our final stop, is at Anhydrous Winery, where you'll have the chance to sample regionally produced, award-winning wines. The rich agricultural traditions of Santorini are depicted in each sip. Enjoy a guided wine tasting and pairing session with regional specialties in the tranquil setting of this lovely winery.

Book this tour now for a special introduction to the romantic, postcard-perfect island of Santorini.