Ephesus (Kuşadasi), Turkey

Magnificent Miletus & Ancient Magnesia

Explore the Ruins of an Empire Step back into the Bronze Age as you visit one of ancient Greece’s wealthiest cities and Magnesia on the Maeander. Begin your journey with a drive to the ruined city of Magnesia, once a thriving settlement at the crossroads of Ephesus, Priene and Tralleis. Today, its remains include one of the best-preserved ancient stadiums in the world and the Temple of Artemis Leucophyrene, an Ionian masterpiece. Continue to Miletus to walk in the footsteps of citizens who may have turned to the Didyma Oracle for guidance. Once the wealthiest of all Greek cities and a center of philosophy and trade, Miletus’s streets are lined by a magnificent amphitheater, Roman baths and a palaestra , or Greek wrestling school. Miletus gained its immense wealth as a port town, but its bay silted up, leaving it six miles from the coast. After your visit, return to your awaiting ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.