Ancient Ephessos

^{See also KUS-B}

Depart the thriving town of Kusadasi and drive along the coast and through the flourishing countryside in order to reach Ephessos, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John.
As you arrive at Ephessos, disembark your motorcoach and enter the ancient site through the Magnesian Gate. Continue on, following your guide as you marvel at the innumerable monuments such as the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre, built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still eminent for its remarkable acoustics. Observe the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language.
As your guided tour comes to an end, walk back to your motorcoach along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Antony and Cleopatra rode in procession. Driving back to Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk, just outside Ephessos, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected, over his grave in the 6th Century AD by the Emperor Justinian. And just downhill, lies the site of the famous Temple of Diana, today in ruins.
Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi to shop for every conceivable item, such as carpets, jewelry, local souvenirs, leather goods and Turkish delights.

Revised: 2003-06-30