AITO: The Association of Independent Tour Operators
Cruising to Ephesus

Cruising to Ephesus

Cruising to Ephesus Overview

A classic cruise that takes in a series of Turkey’s most important and interesting archaeological sites, including the stunning ruins of Ephesus.

Beginning in Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassus, birthplace of the historian Herodotus, and following the shores of the ancient regions of Caria and Ionia, this cruise makes for an ideal introduction to the glories of Turkey’s archaeological heritage. It takes in some of the most impressive and best-understood sites in the country, a veritable succession of “must-see” highlights, as well as a number of more intimate “off the beaten track” remains, culminating in a visit to the astoundingly monumental ruins of Ephesus.

Cruising to Ephesus opens up a panorama of the ancient world, presenting a great variety of extraordinary visits, ranging from prehistory via Classical Greek and Roman antiquity to the Middle Ages and beyond. Every day will bring new insights and new beauties to behold.

Ancient cities and sanctuaries are the central themes of this cruise. From ancient Myndos, where excavations have only just started, it leads to Iasos, where the remains of a once-vibrant port town are scattered amongst olive groves. An inland excursion leads to the mysterious mountain-top sanctuary of Zeus at Labraunda and to the beautiful Temple of Zeus at Euromos. At Miletus, we explore the vast ruins of a “lost” city that was a major centre of culture in Greek and Roman days, as well as its main shrine, the huge oracular Temple of Apollo at Didyma. Priene, in its remarkably beautiful wooded setting, is the most clearly accessible and comprehensible of all Greek cities, its private homes and public buildings there to see. The final site on our cruise is Ephesus, capital of Roman Asia and one of the most magnificent ancient sites in the world, its vast theatre, ornate library and wonderfully decorated Roman mansions offering a memorable and fitting conclusion to this fascinating tour.

Archaeology apart, Cruising to Ephesus also includes much time for swimming, sunbathing, admiring the scenery or simply relaxing on our beautiful gulet.

Ephesus cruise

Reviews of this holiday

Cruising to Ephesus by bruval, 8 Nov 2023
Traveller rating:

Wonderful combination of guided visits, excellent food and cruising along beautiful coastline. read more

Cruising to Ephesus by Johnny W, 26 Oct 2023
Traveller rating:

A relaxed cruise between Bodrum and Ephesus, with trips ashore to look at the many well-preserved remains of ancient Greek ... read more

Cruising to Ephesus by Kelly , 21 Oct 2023
Traveller rating:

Very well organized. Professional staff, knowledgeable, friendly, connected. Food was excellent, boat was it top condition... read more

Cruising to Ephesus by Ella, 21 Oct 2023
Traveller rating:

We were so well looked after on the gulet. The crew were helpful and served delicious meals. The trips ashore to see the ... read more

Cruising to Ephesus by PG2023, 15 Oct 2023
Traveller rating:

I knew that Peter Sommer's tours have attracted excellent reviews but the experience more than matched my high expectations... read more

Cruising to Ephesus by Hugh, 14 Oct 2023
Traveller rating:

We were in a group of 9 on a Turkish gulet, cruising from Bodrum to Kudasasi and back, visiting Ephesus and other archaeological ... read more

Cruising to Ephesus by SJ2023, 10 Oct 2023
Traveller rating:

Our second Peter Sommer trip and it didn't disappoint. Cruising along the Turkish coast, visiting the most breath-taking ... read more

Cruising to Ephesus by Mrs A R 23, 4 Jul 2023
Traveller rating:

Everything about this tour exceeded our expectations, from the exhilaration of sailing on the ship, to the food, to the ... read more

Cruising to Ephesus by Maritime, 4 Jul 2023
Traveller rating:

Looking at the brochure is one thing but did the holiday live up to it......YES! Everything worked like clockwork. Met ... read more

Cruising to Ephesus by Angela, 3 Jul 2023
Traveller rating:

A really wonderful experience read more

Overall Holiday Rating
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Reviews Submitted: 40
Reviews Accepted: 40
Reviews Rejected: 0
Cruising to Ephesus by bruval, 8 Nov 2023
Traveller rating:

Wonderful combination of guided visits, excellent food and cruising along beautiful coastline. read more

Cruising to Ephesus by Johnny W, 26 Oct 2023
Traveller rating:

A relaxed cruise between Bodrum and Ephesus, with trips ashore to look at the many well-preserved remains of ancient Greek ... read more