Kusadasi Ephesus, Priene, and Doganbey Village Private Shore Excursion

The Kusadasi region of Turkey boasts a captivating blend of ancient ruins, abandoned villages, and breathtaking landscapes. This private shore excursion promises an immersive journey through the remnants of the Greco-Roman era, allowing visitors to uncover the stories etched in the weathered stones of Priene, Doganbey, and the renowned Ephesus. With a focus on exploration and culture, this tour offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and witness the fascinating interplay between the natural and man-made worlds that have shaped this remarkable destination.

About Your Stay

• This private shore excursion from Kusadasi port visits the ancient Greek and Greco-Roman ruins of Priene, Doganbey, and Ephesus.
• The tour includes transportation, a professional guide, lunch, and is limited to a maximum of 14 participants for an intimate experience.
• Priene features well-preserved architectural sites like the Temple of Athena, theater, agora, and gymnasium, showcasing Hellenistic heritage.
• The abandoned Doganbey Village offers a glimpse into the region’s complex history, with crumbling stone houses and streets evoking a sense of nostalgia.
• The renowned ancient city of Ephesus boasts impressive ruins, including the iconic Celsus Library and the Great Theater, providing a captivating look into the past.

Tour Overview

This private shore excursion from the Kusadasi port offers travelers the opportunity to explore the ancient Greek city of Priene, the abandoned village of Doganbey, and the renowned ruins of Ephesus.

Guests will begin by visiting Priene, examining its well-preserved Temple of Athena and theater.

Next, they’ll travel to Doganbey Village, a once-thriving community that was abandoned by its Greek residents in the 1920s.

The tour then concludes at Ephesus, where visitors can marvel at the iconic Celsus Library, the grand Great Theater, and other impressive Greco-Roman ruins.

Transportation, port pickup/drop-off, and a lunch break at Karine are all included in this comprehensive shore excursion.

Tour Details

The private shore excursion is priced per group, accommodating a maximum of 14 people. This includes port pickup and drop-off, private transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, and a professional guide.

Gratuities and drinks are also covered. Souvenir photos are available for purchase. Travelers will receive confirmation upon booking.

The experience isn’t wheelchair-accessible, and a moderate fitness level is required. Refunds won’t be issued for missed tours due to late cruise arrivals.

Pickup and Meeting Information

According to the information provided, travelers are to meet the guide at the Kuşadası Liman Başkanlığı, located at Kadınlar Denizi, Güvercinada Cd. NO:3, 09400 Kuşadası/Aydın, Türkiye. The guide will be waiting at the cruise exit with a sign. Alternatively, travelers can meet at the Dağ, Güvercinada Cd. 7A, 09400 Kuşadası/Aydın, Türkiye location.

Pickup Point	Address
Kuşadası Liman Başkanlığı	Kadınlar Denizi, Güvercinada Cd. NO:3, 09400 Kuşadası/Aydın, Türkiye
Dağ	Güvercinada Cd. 7A, 09400 Kuşadası/Aydın, Türkiye

The guide will be meeting travelers at the designated pickup points with a sign for easy identification.

Tour Conditions and Requirements

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

To participate, travelers must have a moderate level of physical fitness. This tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.

There are a few key requirements:

1. Minimum of 1 person, maximum of 14 per booking.
2. Child rate applies when sharing with 2 paying adults.
3. Refunds aren’t issued for missed tours due to late cruise arrival.

Reviews and Feedback

How do the reviews and feedback for this tour fare? Based on the 2 reviews, this excursion has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5. Positive highlights include knowledgeable and accommodating guides, a scenic seaside lunch, and the interesting historical sites and local crafts. Some suggestions for improvement include balancing the time spent at Doganbey Village with additional local craft and shopping opportunities.

Feedback	Positive	Neutral	Negative
Guides	Knowledgeable, accommodating	–	–
Sites	Interesting historical sites	–	–
Meals	Scenic seaside lunch	–	–
Shopping	–	Could be more local craft/shopping time	–

Ancient Greek City of Priene

Nestled in the Aegean foothills, the ancient Greek city of Priene offers a remarkable glimpse into the past.

Wandering through its well-preserved ruins, visitors can explore:

1. The impressive Temple of Athena, a stunning example of Ionian architecture from the 4th century BC.
2. The remarkably intact theater, which once seated over 5,000 spectators and provides a window into the city’s cultural and civic life.
3. The remains of the agora, gymnasium, and other public buildings that showcase the advanced planning and design of this ancient Greek polis.

Priene’s harmonious layout and architectural features make it a highlight of any tour through the Aegean region’s rich Hellenistic heritage.

Abandoned Doganbey Village

Leaving the well-preserved ruins of ancient Priene behind, the tour moves on to the abandoned Doganbey Village.

This once-thriving seaside town was home to a predominantly Greek population until the 1920s, when they were forced to relocate due to political tensions.

Today, the village stands in eerie silence, its crumbling stone houses and winding streets a testament to a bygone era.

Visitors can explore the remnants of this ghost town, imagining the lives that once bustled here.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to witness the poignant history etched into the abandoned buildings and crumbling infrastructure, offering a powerful glimpse into the region’s complex past.

Exploring the Greco-Roman Ruins of Ephesus

After exploring the haunting remains of Doganbey Village, the tour proceeds to the renowned ancient city of Ephesus.

As the group arrives, they’re greeted by the impressive Greco-Roman ruins that once comprised this thriving metropolis.

The highlights include:

1. The majestic Celsus Library, a stunning two-story structure that stands as a testament to the city’s scholarly achievements.

2. The Great Theater, a magnificent stone amphitheater that could seat over 25,000 spectators and remains one of the best-preserved ancient sites.

3. Various other well-preserved Greco-Roman structures, such as temples, streets, and commercial buildings, providing a captivating glimpse into the city’s glorious past.

Questions About Staying Here

What Languages Are the Guides Proficient In?

The guides on this private tour are proficient in multiple languages, including English and Turkish. They are knowledgeable about the historical sites and can provide detailed explanations to visitors in their preferred language.

Can We Stop for Additional Shopping Opportunities?

The tour can accommodate additional shopping stops, as some reviewers have suggested balancing the time at Doganbey Village with more local craft and shopping opportunities. However, this would need to be discussed with the tour provider.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the tour, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, modest clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Covering up in religious sites is recommended to respect local customs.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Focus on Certain Sites?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to focus on certain sites. The tour operator is generally flexible and willing to accommodate guests’ interests and preferences within the overall tour duration and logistical constraints.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator offers a 10% discount for seniors aged 65 and older, as well as a 5% discount for students with valid student IDs. These discounts can be applied to the per-group price, making the tour more affordable for those eligible.

Worth The Stay

The Kusadasi Ephesus, Priene, and Doganbey Village Private Shore Excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the remarkable history and stunning ruins of ancient Greece. From the well-preserved Priene and the eerie Doganbey Village to the majestic Ephesus, this tour provides an immersive cultural experience. With expert guidance and a intimate group size, visitors are sure to leave with a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Greco-Roman era.