Things to do in Kusadasi

Half-day guided tour of Ephesus in Turkey

Relive the glory days of the Roman Empire as you explore Ephesus, one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world. Once a flourishing centre of trade, culture and religion, this half-day tour offers a true step back in time.You'll stroll down marble streets as your expert guide shares stories behind the temples, religious statues and relics, bringing them to life. You'll get to visit the Library of Celsus, one of the largest libraries in the Roman Empire that was once home to around 12,000 scrolls of ancient wisdom. Next, you'll step into the Grand Theatre, a dramatic amphitheatre carved into the hillside, where gladiators fought battles, crowds gathered in their thousands and St. Paul famously preached to the early Christians.Finally, you'll visit the Ephesus Experience Museum, a walk-through exhibition using state-of-the-art technology to reimagine what peak city life would have been like. This place will bring your day to an end with a blend of ancient wonder and modern storytelling.

Ottoman culture in Kusadasi city exploration game

Discover Ottoman Culture in Kusadasi by solving challenges and unlocking stories on your phone, which lead to new places and amazing stories.

Aqua Fantasy Waterpark with Transport

If it's thrills and spills you're after, Aqua Fantasy waterpark promises plenty. The biggest of its kind in Turkey, there are slides, rides, chutes and pools for all the family.

Kusadasi deluxe Turkish bath with transport

Ready to chill and unwind? Get pampered with a traditional Turkish Hamam experience – think full-body scrub, foam massage on marble tiles, plus a soothing 30-minute oil massage and face mask. If you're not at a participating hotel, no worries – transport's included to take you to the spa. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ultimate self-care day.

Bodrum Airport VIP Lounge & Service for Kusadasi hotels

Enjoy a more relaxed way to end your holiday with the Bodrum Airport VIP Lounge. You'll have up to two hours to enjoy all-inclusive hot and cold snacks, drinks and Wi-Fi. This will help ensure you'll keep the post-holiday blues at bay until the very last moment.On arrival at Bodrum Airport, you'll be greeted and assisted with check-in, security clearance and passport control. Then, once you're in departures, you'll be able to take advantage of the VIP lounge.Make use of the free Wi-Fi and let the children play in the kids' corner – it's a great way to pass the time before your flight. What's more, depending on the time of day, there's breakfast, hot and cold starters, or soup, bread and salads. And with a selection of drinks available too, you're sure to feel those holiday vibes until the moment you take off.

Pamukkale sunrise hot air balloon ride and Hierapolis tour

The terraced, vanilla-white pools of Pamukkale, one of Turkey's most recognisable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a looker from any angle on the ground. But, they hardly come close to the views of the area from above. That's what this guided outing is all about, seeing Pamukkale in all its glory with a bird's-eye view from a hot air balloon. Aydin, one of our local guides says "the thermal springs at Pamukkale are spread across four square miles, so it can be really tricky on the ground seeing them in one go. When you're up in a hot air balloon, you get to see every inch of them."Your hot air balloon ride is scheduled at sunrise, to make sure you get the most dramatic view of Pamukkale possible – be prepared for a very early start to the day. The early wake-up call is well worth it, though, because the pools really sparkle and shine when the morning light hits them. You'll be in the air for about 45 minutes, so there's plenty of time to take in the view and snap some pictures while you're soaring. When you come back down, you'll head to a restaurant for a buffet breakfast. When you're fuelled up, you'll head with your guide to the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis, whose ruins now serve as an open-air museum. Artifacts have been found here that date back to the Iron Age over 3,000 years ago, but it's most famous for its Greco-Roman remnants, including what's left of the Temple of Apollo, a 15,000-seater amphitheatre and one of the largest necropolises in Turkey. After your visit, you'll stop for lunch before driving back to your accommodation.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Maternal Icons: Artemis, Virgin Mary & a Local Mayor

Roam through the ages and explore the indomitable spirit of women who have shaped society from ancient times to the present day, right here in Turkey. Prepare to be awed by the might of the Greek goddess Artemis, learning her story as you pass by the site of her grand temple. In the museum, you'll spend time in the gallery dedicated to the local goddesses, depicting the evolution of Artemis. Admire two large statues of Artemis of Ephesus and a model of the temple as it was during the period when it was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. You will also have the chance to follow in the footsteps of the Virgin Mary, visiting the house believed to be where she lived and eventually died. Inspired by a National Geographic article, your guide will discuss Mary's role as 'the most famous woman in the world' and reflect on how in modern day Turkey, the role of the woman is vital to society. Enjoy exclusive access to Efes Village of Life Earth School, an initiative founded by the Mayor of Selçuk herself. This project underscores her dedication to nurturing her community and promoting sustainable agriculture and you'll have the opportunity to meet the locals who are involved. A member of the Mayor's team will accompany you, providing insights into how this initiative is changing local lives and landscapes. There will be an opportunity to sample some traditional Turkish homemade snacks and drinks, prepared by members of the local women's organisation.

Kusadası Buggy Safari

Strap on your seatbelt for a rip-roaring adventure in the Kusadasi countryside. Driving your own off-road buggy, you'll roar through wild landscapes, swamps and scenery. And after tearing it up on Turkey's tracks and trails, you'll head back to base for a few laughs looking at photos and video from the safari.

Kusadasi Private Boat Tour

Cruising Kusadasi's coastline is a real Turkish delight. Spend a full day swimming, snorkelling and savouring the scenery with your very own private boat tour exclusively for you and your party. There'll be plenty of tanning time and lunch on board, plus a chance to explore a selection of beautiful bays.Board your luxury vessel at Kusadasi harbour in the morning and push out into the sparkling Aegean Sea, gliding past the coastline's sand-laced coves and rugged cliffs. Head to the stunning northern bays, where you'll swim in the clear, turquoise waters from the boat – or maybe just sunbathe on the ample deck.Enjoy views of nearby beaches – at one of the stops, you can even swim to shore – and, after some peaceful swimming in secluded spots, you'll head back to the boat for lunch. Relax and refuel with relax on deck on deck with a drink in your hand, as your sun-soaked cruise continues.

2-Days Exploring Ephesus and Pamukkale Marvels from Istanbul

Explore the rich history of Ephesus, from the Library of Celsus to the grand amphitheater and enjoy a hassle-free and curated 2-day tour, ensuring a safe and joyful trip.

Kusadasi open-water scuba diving in the sea

Clear, warm and teeming with marine life, the sheltered waters that surround Kusadasi are perfect for a scuba diving experience. This beginner-level scuba diving tour will give you expert instruction in scuba diving and its equipment before you plunge beneath the waves to experience the wonders of subaquatic life.Let your PADI-certified instructor teach you all you'll need to know about scuba principles and equipment in the safe environment of one of Kusadasi's premier dive schools. Then it's off to a local dive site, renowned for the quality of its marine life. Non-divers can join in the cruise and enjoy time swimming and sunbathing instead of diving.With your instructor guiding you all the way, you'll explore the best of undersea life. Glide with shoals of silvery fish darting through the water, and maybe even shyer species, like eels and octopus.

Private Pamukkale and Hierapolis guided tour

A natural masterpiece combines with an ancient one on this private tour. Discover Pamukkale and Hierapolis, bathing in calcium-rich waters before journeying back in time to one of the world's oldest health spas.First up is in Pamukkale, which means Cotton Castle. It's a spectacle of terraces formed over thousands of years that look like a cascading snowy waterfall but are filled with calcium carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. On arrival, you'll have lunch at the Pam Hotel and hit its thermal pools there before heading to the thermal pools of Pamukkale.The waters have always been said to bring health benefits, which is why the Romans built the nearby spa town of Hierapolis. You'll enjoy a guided tour of its ancient streets, a 13,000-seat theatre and, of course, thermal baths. A dip is extra but well worth forking out for the experience of bathing in an oasis scattered with Roman ruins.