Loading Private Cruise Shore Excursion and Sightseeing
Private Car, Driver and Private Guide
Ephesus. A view in the centre of the old city looking towards the Library.
photo by adelaidecrow | Bigstock.com
Arrive ANY DAY! This is the perfect add on to your Mediterranean cruise. Combine with your Crystal Cruise, Royal Caribbean Cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line or any other Mediterranean cruise.
Add Istanbul Shore Excursion. Extensions are available to Cappadocia,Bodrum or you may start your land tour in Kusadasi. More cruise shore excursions in Greece or Egypt.
Ephesus & Villages
Meet with your guide in front of the Izmir port passenger Terminal. Depart from the pier for the 60 minute drive to the magnificent site of Ephesus. Ephesus is the best preserved of the Greek/Roman cities in Anatolia and while you are visiting the ancient ruins of this magnificent site and your guide will bring them alive. You will see the beautiful Celsus Library, restored and reconstructed according to its original form by the architect Friedmund Hueber in the 1970’s. The most spectacular building of Ephesus is the Grand Theater, built during the Hellenistic age to hold 24,000 spectators. It is there that St. Paul preached. Opposite the Temple of Hadrian are the Hill Houses, homes of Ephesus’ wealthy citizens. The city was also the hometown of great philosopher Heraclitus.
After a visit to Ephesus Antique Site, you will arrive at Sirince Village. This old Orthodox Village, 30 km from Kusadasi, was once “Cirkince”(ugly). Indeed its inhabitants gave this name on the purpose as they did not want to be bothered by foreigners nor to share the beauty of their village. Still after years, visitors understood that the village was not ugly and called it “Sirince” (pretty). Today the village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture as of the 1920’s; after the Turkish Independence War, people exchange between Greek and Turks has occurred and all those typical Greek houses, though they kept their original outside characteristics, have received the local layout inside. At Sirince Village you will have chance of seeing the local life at a village and purchasing some small local souvenirs and handicrafts. The village is also famous for its local grape and other fruit wines.
During the lunch, mingle with the local people of the village as you will be a guest in their house for a simple lunch of local specialties. Have a cup of traditional Turkish coffee at the main coffee house of the village. Depending on the number of guests, a gypsy woman telling fortune by looking at the coffee grains remaining in the cup, may be available.
Your last stop will be the visit to the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus established in 1929. It displays very interesting and valuable finds from Ephesus.
Tour of Ephesus – Christian Ephesus
Meet with your guide in front of the Izmir port passenger Terminal. Drive to the country. Your first stop on this fascinating tour is at the House of the Virgin Mary. Then, you will continue on to visit ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world. See the Odeon, the Market Basilica, Curetes Street, Bath, Celsus Library, Marble Street and the Great Theatre with a seating capacity of 25,000 people. After lunch visit the Basilica of St John and see the Temple of Artemis, one of the wonders of the ancient world. En-route to Kusadasi enjoy the scenery or shopping opportunity.
Video by Eric Ross
Tour of Pergamon
Meet with your guide in front of the Izmir port passenger Terminal. Drive to the country. Your first stop on this fascinating tour is at the House of the Virgin Mary. Then, you will continue on driving through the fields and olive groves along the Aegean coast, we come to Bergama (ancient Pergamon where the Satan’s Throne was) and ascend its lofty acropolis, we see the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the remains of the 200,000-volume library which was surpassed only by Alexandria’s, the we tour the Asclepion, one of the world’s first medical and ancient healing centers. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the scenery or shopping opportunity as we head back to Izmir port.
Your local team meeting your cruise upon arrival
Escapades – Port Trips – Cruise Shore Excursions
Designed for cruise passengers seeking a more personal service, or a more upscale way of enjoying shore excursions. Arrive on Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Princess or other Mediterranean cruises. Port trips, shore excursions and ground transportation in the Mediterranean. We cater to your needs and custom tailor, from 2 to 2000 passengers. If you are among those who wish to break away from the crowd and experience a more intimate experience. Families and children are always welcome. You’ll always have your PRIVATE air conditioned vehicle and private guide.
All full days, all half day tours do include Lunch at a local restaurant
RATES per person in USD $
| Minimum number of guests |
Private Touring
Full Day Izmir and Ephesus |
| One guest |
US$ 447
|
| Two – Three Guests (Rate is per person) |
US$ 285
|
| Four – Six Guests (Rate is per person) |
US$ 245
|
| Ten Guests (Rate is per person) |
US$ 75
|
Starts every day. Rates are per person and do not include: Hotels, any airfare or tips.
Rate includes:
- Private Guided sightseeing
- Private air conditioned vehicle
- Parking fees where applicable at sites
- Any road / bridge tolls
- All entrance fees.
- Meals as listed: L = Preset menu, lunch
- Roundtrip transfers
Rate doesn’t include:
- Any International air fare.
- Visa Fee
- Trip/travel insurance, please ask us for the flyer.
Lunch will be served in a charming local restaurant
Lunch Menu:
- Seasons Salad
- Fried Eggplant with Tomato Sauce
- Barbecued Meat Balls
- Local Fruits
Please advise us in advance for any vegetarian meal request
Private Cruise Ship Shore Excursions in Greece & Turkey
The cruise regular shore excursion are generally a good introduction to the city, most of the seasoned cruise travelers prefer to go sightseeing with a private guide.
The difference between ship organized and private tours is best described as “package versus tailor-made.” Some people may feel all right joining a large tour group whereas sometimes it is difficult to hear the guide and the group moves only as fast as its slowest participant.
Others may not get their questions answered at all as there may be twenty other people in the group trying to do the same.
In contrast, a small tour group with tailor-made program is way more enjoyable and ensures personal attention for everyone. You will spend as much time as you want.
Therefore, if you want to maximize your limited time, the private escorted tour tailored to your unique wishes and interests is an ideal solution.
All our private shore excursions tours are carefully designed to give you the best possible experience. Our knowledgeable, friendly and qualified tour guide and driver will ensure that your visit ashore is truly memorable. When you tour with us in Turkey as part of a private shore excursion, your tour guide will get you into sites without waiting in lines that is especially valuable given the limited time you have to spend in Turkey.
Satellite shot of the Port of Izmir
