The Shores of Ancient Ionia

The Aegean Coast of Ionia provides the setting for some of the best preserved sites of classical times. Our tour charts these shores away from the tourist routes, reaching otherwise inaccessible locations. (Itinerary and map)

The Domain of Mausolus

Our cruise begins at ancient Halicarnassos, Bodrum, dominated by its Crusader Castle. Cruising the Turkish coast, we visit Mindos and Didyma, site of one of the largest Ionic temples in the classical world.

Hidden Cities in Caria

Cruise to Iasos with its late Roman Agora. At Euromos there is an almost complete temple, set in an olive grove, while Labranda, in the dramatic scenery behind Milas, is one of the most beautiful Hellenistic cities in the world.

The Gulf of Latmos

A deep gulf once stood where the Meander snakes to the sea. At its head is Miletos, with Roman theatre and Faustina Baths. Across the water lies Priene, its buildings set in pine-clad glades. Deep in the folds of the gulf, cut off from the sea, is Heraklea, a fine city on the shores of Lake Bafa, rising up over the granite mountains.

The Greatness of Ephesus

The highlight is a visit to Ephesus, which rivalled Rome itself. The site is magnificent - marble streets, villas, Celsus Library and State Agora, and a theatre to seat 28,000.

This itinerary can be done as a one week or as a two week cruise.