Salon VIP et services de l'aéroport de Bodrum pour les hôtels de Kusadasi

Nat Geo Day Tour: The Ancient Mosaics and Artistry of Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the most visited classical sites in the world. From the 8th century BC to the 3rd century AD, the city flourished under Greek and then Roman rule. Today, it's a historical treasure trove in a remarkably well-preserved state considering its great age, and it's easy to imagine the bustle and chatter of daily life long ago as you roam through the ruins. Your adventure begins with a tour of the interactive museum, included with your entry ticket. Take in the wonder of the Terraced Houses, which are not usually included in Ephesus tours. Among the corridors and courtyards, once home to affluent Ephesians, you will get a sense of the opulent lifestyle of the day. These houses were occupied by some of the world's richest families, and the elegant details transport you back in time as you admire the striking mosaics and frescoes adorning the walls. Your guide will then lead you down the marble streets of Ephesus where St. Paul, Cleopatra and Alexander the Great once walked. A visit to the Library of Celsus, one of the only remaining examples of a library from the Roman Empire, and the amphitheater that could hold 24,000 spectators, are other highlights of this tour. See cultural conservation in action at the Art Ceramic Centre where traditional pottery methods are still very much alive. Watch a pottery demonstration and then try your hand at painting tiles created by local artisans, both experiences available exclusively for National Geographic travelers. Your tour concludes with a tasting session of regional fruit wines, a local speciality.

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour

A natural masterpiece combines with ancient ruins for this full day tour. You'll head to Pamukkale – which means 'cotton castle' in Turkish – as well as the adjacent city of Hierapolis. Both are UNESCO-listed, so it's a two-for-one deal on Turkey's historical gems. Muzaffer, one of our local guides, says, ‘Pamukkale is like something out of a fairytale – a spectacle of terraces formed over thousands of years that look like a cascading snowy waterfall. Legend has it, the hot thermal springs here have healing properties'.On arrival, you'll stop by the Pam Hotel for a spot of lunch, before soaking in their thermal pools. Next, prepare for a sight to behold, Pamukkale's natural springs solidified into chalk-white stalactites and cliffs long ago, resulting in a winter-like wonderland of petrified tiers and pools. People have bathed here for thousands of years, including Roman emperors. Follow in their footsteps and bathe in one of the thermal pools or simply make your way to the top and drink in the magnificent views.Next up is the ancient spa town of Hierapolis. You'll have free time to explore its well-preserved ruins, including ancient streets and an epic 13,000-seat theatre. What's more, for every sale of this experience, there's a donation to the TUI Care Foundation.

Ancient Ephesus tour with House of the Virgin Mary

The hills around Kuşadası are home to two of Turkey's most popular historical sites – the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. You'll be whisked through centuries of history at Ephesus, see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and visit an important pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos – all in one afternoon. Esra, one of our expert local guides, says, "The Library of Celsus is one of the most impressive landmarks of Ephesus. It once held over 12,000 scrolls and was the third-largest library in the ancient world."Kick off with a drive into the sun-soaked hills to visit the House of the Virgin Mary. According to popular belief, St John the Evangelist brought Mary to Ephesus after the crucifixion of Jesus, and she lived here until her death. Next, it's time to head to the ancient city of Ephesus, where a journey through history awaits. Your guide will lead you around the sprawling archaeological site and point out its highlights while regaling you with fascinating historic tales of this once-powerful city. While you're here, you'll also walk through the museum, where digital exhibits help to bring the place to life by showcasing what Ephesus could've looked like in its heyday. You'll stroll down marble-paved streets where mosaics and frescoes still decorate the walls of ancient Roman houses, gaze at the Temples of Artemis and Hadrian, and be blown away by the Library of Celsus. Esra says "I love to imagine the Great Theatre filled with 25,000 spectators. They would come to watch gladiator clashes, political rallies and performances in this theatre, a hub of city life. You can almost hear the roar of the crowd."

Kusadasi Horse Riding Safari

Exploring your surroundings by horse is a fun and natural way to discover the Turkish countryside. Take a few hours on this horse-riding excursion from Kusadasi to get back to nature at a sedate pace, with a refreshing sea swim along the way.

Kusadasi deluxe Turkish bath with transport

Ready to chill and unwind? Get pampered with a traditional Turkish Hamam experience – think full-body scrub, foam massage on marble tiles, plus a soothing 30-minute oil massage and face mask. If you're not at a participating hotel, no worries – transport's included to take you to the spa. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ultimate self-care day.

Kusadasi Half-day Scuba Diving from Beach

The sheltered waters that surround Kusadasi are crystal-clear, warm and teeming with marine life. This beginner-level scuba diving tour will give you expert instruction in scuba diving and its equipment before you plunge beneath the waves to experience the wonders of subaquatic life.

Pamukkale sunrise hot air balloon ride from Kusadasi

The cotton-white calcium terraces of Pamukkale have such a dream-like quality that, at first glance, you'd think you're drifting over snowy hills and frozen waterfalls. There's no better way to see one of Turkey's top treasures – and a UNESCO-protected site to boot – than from above in a hot air balloon. You'll need to rise and shine well before sunrise, but it's all worth it. Soar over the shimmering thermal pools before touching down for a post-flight buffet breakfast.

Fire of Anatolia Turkish dance show ticket from Kusadasi

Step into the world of the Ottoman Empire – a civilisation that spanned over 600 years and shaped much of Southeast Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. You'll be welcomed by Janissaries, the Sultan's elite guards, as you enter a setting inspired by Ottoman palaces. Sip traditional sherbet, Turkish coffee, tea, and colourful sweets, all to the sound of authentic Ottoman music. Then, the evening continues with the Fire of Anatolia show – a blend of dance, rhythm, and storytelling that centuries of Anatolian culture.

Half-day guided tour of Ephesus in Turkey

Relive the glory days of the Roman Empire as you explore Ephesus, one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world. Once a flourishing centre of trade, culture and religion, this half-day tour offers a true step back in time.You'll stroll down marble streets as your expert guide shares stories behind the temples, religious statues and relics, bringing them to life. You'll get to visit the Library of Celsus, one of the largest libraries in the Roman Empire that was once home to around 12,000 scrolls of ancient wisdom. Next, you'll step into the Grand Theatre, a dramatic amphitheatre carved into the hillside, where gladiators fought battles, crowds gathered in their thousands and St. Paul famously preached to the early Christians.Finally, you'll visit the Ephesus Experience Museum, a walk-through exhibition using state-of-the-art technology to reimagine what peak city life would have been like. This place will bring your day to an end with a blend of ancient wonder and modern storytelling.

Pamukkale Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience & Hierapolis Visit

Pamukkale is spectacular seen from the ground – but even better with bird's eye views. See one of Turkey's top natural treasures from above with this hot air balloon experience. You'll need to rise and shine well before sunrise, but it's all worth it. Soar over the cotton-white calcium terraces before touching down to visit the Roman ruins of Hierapolis, too.