Kusadasi Ephesus, Priene, and Doganbey Village Private Shore Excursion

Exploring the ancient wonders of Ephesus, Priene, and Doganbey Village is a captivating experience that transports visitors back in time. This private shore excursion from Kusadasi port provides a personalized journey, allowing guests to enjoy the rich history and stunning landscapes of these iconic sites. With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, the tour offers an enriching adventure that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• This private shore excursion from Kusadasi port explores the ancient Greek city of Priene, the abandoned Doganbey Village, and the ruins of Ephesus.
• The tour includes pickup/drop-off, private air-conditioned transportation, and a professional guide, providing a personalized and convenient sightseeing experience.
• Highlights of the tour include the Temple of Athena, the theater in Priene, the Celsus Library, and the Great Theater in Ephesus.
• The tour offers a lunch break in the fishing village of Karine, with a maximum group size of 14 for a more intimate experience.
• Cruise passengers can provide their ship details to ensure a seamless pickup and return to the original meeting point at the Kusadasi Port.

Tour Overview

This private shore excursion from Kusadasi port allows travelers to explore the ancient Greek city of Priene, the deserted Doganbey Village, and the renowned Greco-Roman ruins of Ephesus.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, private air-conditioned transportation, and a professional guide. Highlights include the Temple of Athena and theater in Priene, the abandoned village of Doganbey, and iconic sites in Ephesus like the Celsus Library and Great Theater.

During the day, there’s a lunch break in the fishing village of Karine. The maximum group size is 14 people.

Inclusions

The tour includes port pickup and drop-off, providing travelers with convenient transportation to and from the cruise ship.

A private air-conditioned minivan and a professional guide are also included, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience.

Drinks and gratuities are provided, but travelers are responsible for their own lunch expenses.

Souvenir photos are available for purchase.

This small-group tour has a maximum size of 14 people, allowing for a more personalized and intimate experience.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers are met by their guide with a sign at the main exit of the Kuşadası Port. The private shore excursion begins here, with pickup in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan.

Cruise passengers will need to provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time to ensure a smooth start to the tour.

At the end of the day, the group will return to the original meeting point. This convenient pickup and drop-off service allows guests to make the most of their time exploring the ancient sites of Ephesus, Priene, and Doganbey Village.

Exploring Priene

After the convenient pickup, the tour explores the ancient Greek city of Priene.

Visitors discover:

1. The remarkable Temple of Athena, an impressive 4th-century BC structure.

2. The well-preserved Priene Theater, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.

3. The remains of the Agora, the central marketplace of the ancient city.

4. The Bouleuterion, the meeting hall of Priene’s council.

Wandering the evocative ruins, travelers gain insight into the sophisticated planning and architecture of this once-thriving Ionian settlement.

The guide provides context, bringing Priene’s classical grandeur to life before the group continues its immersive journey.

Visiting Doganbey Village

From Priene, the tour moves on to the abandoned Doganbey Village, where travelers discover a poignant testament to the region’s complex history.

Once a thriving community of Greek residents, Doganbey was deserted in the 1920s after a population exchange between Greece and Turkey.

Doganbey, once a thriving Greek community, was deserted in the 1920s after a population exchange between Greece and Turkey.

Wandering the ghost town’s empty streets and abandoned buildings, visitors gain a vivid sense of the displacement and upheaval experienced by its former inhabitants.

Though somber, the visit offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the past, complementing the ancient ruins explored earlier.

The tranquil setting and views over the surrounding countryside provide a contemplative end to the day’s adventures.

Discovering Ephesus

Leaving the haunting sights of Doganbey Village behind, the tour now ventures into the grand ruins of Ephesus.

As the group walks the marble-lined streets, they’re transported back in time, marveling at the impressive Greco-Roman architecture.

The highlights include:

1. The Celsus Library, a stunning 2nd-century structure adorned with intricate carvings.

2. The Great Theater, a massive performance venue that once seated 25,000 people.

3. The Temple of Hadrian, a well-preserved monument to the Roman emperor.

4. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

After exploring these iconic sites, the tour breaks for a seaside lunch in the nearby fishing village.

Lunch Break in Karine

The tour group then breaks for a seaside lunch in the nearby fishing village of Karine.

At the recommendation of the guide, they stop at a local restaurant overlooking the quaint harbor.

The meal features fresh seafood caught that morning, as well as traditional Turkish dishes.

Diners enjoy the lively atmosphere and stunning views as they refuel for the next part of the excursion.

Though lunch is at their own expense, the quality and setting make it a highlight of the day’s activities.

With full stomachs, the group sets off to explore the abandoned Doganbey Village next.

Additional Information

Travelers receive confirmation upon booking this private shore excursion.

The experience isn’t recommended for those with certain limitations:

1. Not wheelchair accessible.

2. Requires moderate physical fitness.

3. Not suitable for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.

4. Bookings must include cruise details like ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time.

This small-group tour has a minimum of 1 and maximum of 14 participants.

Infant seats are available, and the child rate applies with 2 paying adults.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.