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.

Highlights of Mykonos

Mykonos is fast becoming THE place to party and play in the Greek Islands. Hop on the bus and take a scenic journey through the Island of the Winds to Agios Ionnis, Kalafatis, Ano Mera and Little Venice. Along the way you will see the Panagia Tourliani and Church of Panagia Paraportiani.

Your tour begins with a pleasant ride to Agios Ioannis, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and nearby Delos Island. From there you will head to the pristine beach of Kalafatis where you can dip your toes in the crystal clear waters.

Stroll around the tavern-lined square in the charming village of Ano Mera and visit the 16th century Panagia Tourliani monastery with its massive baroque altar screen. From there you will meander through the narrow, white-washed streets of Mykonos Town as you soak up the beauty of this early Cycladic fishing village. Gaze up at the legendary windmills and snap photos of the seaside buildings in Little Venice.

The Church of Panagia Paraportiani will beckon you with its eclectic mix of Byzantine, traditional, vernacular and western styles. Built beginning in the 15th century, this popular church is actually four churches in one, and is the most photographed church in Mykonos. Book now and bring your camera to Mykonos for a comprehensive look at this jewel of the Greek Islands.

Please Note: This tour ends at the Mykonos Town Waterfront, which is a short walk from the cruise ship piers and tender docks. Guests with limited mobility or those who prefer to avoid walking may wish to take the sea-bus back (approximately 2.50 Euro per person, not included).

The excitement begins as soon as you hit port and take a cable ride to the town of Fira. Take advantage of the scenic drive to grab photos of the magnificent cliffs painted in various colors and streaked with petrified lava.

Your guide will then take you to your bus and your group will head to Oia. The bus will begin its journey by going to the top of the cliffs, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Caldera, a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater. From there you will head to Oia, the most famous and most photographed village in Santorini. This location offers the most beautiful view of the island as well as Insta-worthy shots of the area's typical neoclassical architecture, including the ever-popular white-walled cave houses and shiny blue domes. Enjoy some free time in town to walk the streets, stop in the art galleries, and purchase local crafts or jewelry in one of the many boutique shops.

Continue to Fira, Santorini's capital city, perched high on the edge of a cliff. From this vantage point, you can score excellent photos of the submerged volcano. While here, pass under the arches of the convent of the Dominican Sisters in the Catholic Quarter in Firostefani, the town's oldest neighborhood. Then spend some free time exploring Fira and its commercial area before your return trip back to port. Book this 4-hour tour now to get up close and personal with the world-renowned beauty of Santorini.

Please Note: This tour does not include admissions, food, beverage or Professional/Licensed Guide during your visit in the archeological place or at the museums, or entrance fees. On days where there are more than 30 guests on your tour, you will instead take a tender to be transferred to the New Port (Athinios), where your bus will be waiting to take you to Oia.