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Ephesus and Goodbye to Turkey

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  Day 12: Roman City of Ephesus Wed, May 06, 2026 Today we'll tour the ancient city of Ephesus. Famous for its spectacular Temple of Artemis — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — it was one of the  wealthiest cities in Ancient Greece. It also played a role in the formation of the early Christian Church, drawing the attention of the Apostle Paul and possibly even the Virgin Mary. We'll take an extensive walking tour along the still-paved streets and remarkable ruins of Ephesus, including the dramatically restored facade of its Library of Celsus. This afternoon you'll have free time to visit Mary's House (where the Virgin Mary may have lived), view more ancient artifacts at the excellent Ephesus Museum in nearby Selçuk, or relax back in Kuşadası. Tonight we'll meet for a final dinner together to share travel memories and toast new friends. Serefe! Here we are in front of the library at Ephesus, followed by tons of Ephesus pictures The one below is of t...
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Aphrodisias and Kuşadası

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  Day 11: Ancient Aphrodisias and Kuşadası Tue, May 05, 2026 We'll work our way west toward Turkey's Aegean Coast, where ancient Greek colonists settled 2,500 years ago. Freed from the "establishment" norms of Athens, these communities thrived as centers of learning and creativity - and wealth. This morning, we'll tour the ancient site of Aphrodisias, which, under Greek and Roman rule alike, prospered as a center for the arts. After lunch together we'll continue on to the lively harbor city of Kuşadası. The Roman Theatre of this site, both from the front and inside.  Random sites  The following 5 pictures are from …..The Temple of Aphrodite was begun in the late first century BC by C. Julius Zoilos, a leading citizen. In the first century AD, the surrounding lonic columns were erected by several local families. The temple was then enclosed in an elaborate colonnaded court or sanctuary area, in the second century AD. Around AD 500, the temple was converted ...
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