Take a step back in time on this excursion to the Virgin Mary's House and ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 30-minute drive will bring you to the House of the Virgin Mary, where she is said to have lived the last years of her life. This hallowed site, which has been officially declared a Roman Catholic shrine, has hosted three Papal visits since 1967. Then you will take a 10-minute drive to Ephesus, where you will see with the Odeon Theatre , the Celsus Library and Hadrian Temple. This impressive Corinthian-style temple was dedicated in A.D. 118 and reconstructed in the 4th century. You will see the Great Theatre, dating back to the Hellenistic period. It was at this monumental site that St. Paul preached. As its acoustics remain excellent, this theatre is still in use today. The Marble Road which runs between the Theater and the Celsus Library is part of a sacred walkway. On your return, you will sip apple tea as a myriad of colors unfold before your eyes during a carpet-making demonstration. Or, you may return directly to the yacht, or remain in Kusadasi to shop or explore the town independently. Please note : Although there are no uphill surfaces, this excursion does involve extensive walking. Comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles are therefore recommended.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience after hours during this Evening in Ephesus event exclusive to Windstar guests. Enjoy a 4-course, white-glove-service dinner under the stars accompanied by a trio from the Aegean Chamber Orchestra. Surround yourself in the magic of these ancient ruins, and delight in every detail. Please note: This Destination Discovery Event has been scheduled in a way that will allow you to book and experience another shore excursion on the same day and you will not miss anything.

Meet your professional guide and set off to visit the ruined city of ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by the Carians and Lelegs. Today, this is one of the most magnificent and best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. You will see the glorious Celsus Library façade, restored and reconstructed in the 1970s, the Temple of Hadrian , and the Great Theatre with a seating capacity of 25,000 people. You will also visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum . This small museum in Selcuk boasts an incredible collection of Hellenistic and Roman statues, carved reliefs and artifacts unearthed from the ruins of Ephesus. The famous statue of Artemis (goddess of fertility) is housed here. At the end of your tour, you will stop for refreshments and a carpet demonstration at a local weaving village. Enjoy watching the skilled artisans spinning and dyeing yarn and weaving carpets. From here you can either return directly to the ship or stay in Kusadasi. Guests who wish to stay in town to shop or explore on their own are welcome to do so, but must return to the ship on their own. Please note : This tour involves a great deal of walking over uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes with non-skid soles are highly recommended.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 8 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Visit the ruined city of ancient Ephesus , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded by the Carians and Lelegs. You will see the glorious Celsus Library façade, restored and reconstructed in the 1970s, the Grand Amphitheater and the Temple of Hadrian. Visit the "Terrace Houses" located opposite Hadrian's Temple, a newly excavated area. Next you will discover the beauty of Sirince Village , the perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture where you will stroll through the streets and see the typical Greek houses. You will have time to purchase some local handicrafts that the village ladies sell on the streets. The tour features a charming church dedicated to St John that you can view high above the village. A private lunch has been arranged for you in a beautifully restored local building, with spectacular views overlooking an amazing valley of fruit and olive trees and lots of grapevines. Here you will experience the local cuisine with the best of Turkish hospitality. Taste a few of the local wines throughout your private lunch . Upon your return to Kusadasi, you may enjoy a carpet-making demonstration and have some time for shopping. Explore the town and return to the yacht on your own. Please note : This tour involves a great deal of walking over uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore . See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Please note : Capacity: 1-10 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it's in the area and does not exceed the duration of 8 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Please note : Capacity: 1-10 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it's in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Delve into ancient Greek and Christian history on this journey to ancient Philippi, Kavala, and the baptistery at the St. Lydia site. Philippi stands as one of the most important archaeological sites in Eastern Macedonia. The city was fortified and protected by King Philip of Macedon in 365 B.C., when it faced threats from the Thracians. Hellenistic Philippi featured a strong fortification wall, an impressive theatre, public buildings, and private residences. With the construction of the Roman Via Egnatia, the city grew into a major regional center, later coming under the control of Octavius. Philippi also holds a significant place in early Christian history: it was here, in 49 A.D., that Saint Paul founded the first Christian church on European soil. During your visit, explore the remarkable archaeological remains and pilgrimage sites that tell this layered story. On your return to the ship, stop at the St. Lydia site, where a peaceful stream marks the place where Lydia—the first European woman baptized into Christianity—embraced her new faith.

On our way to Xanthi, we’ll stop to marvel at the Nestos River, the ecological pride of North Eastern Greece. We cross at the boundary between the Kavala and Xanthi prefectures, where tree-lined banks and rugged cliffsides teem with life. Pausing our journey to take it all in, this is the perfect place to enjoy a restorative moment in nature or capture a few scenic selfies. As you get to know Xanthi, you’ll quickly understand why locals call it the city of a thousand colours. Having been destroyed, rebuilt, and expanded time and again due to raids, civil conflict, and earthquakes, calling Xanthi diverse would be an understatement. In the Old Town, no two houses look alike, and as you hear stories of Thracians and Ottomans, you’ll notice their influence woven into the surrounding architecture. On the outskirts of town, time jumps forward to the late industrial age. Tobacco trading fueled Xanthi’s prosperity in the late 19th century, and the tobacco warehouses that remain offer a vivid glimpse into that transformative era. Continue to a local restaurant for an authentic lunch.

A sprawling 4,000 sq. m castle-house, inspired by the architecture of Old Macedonian mansions, is home to the Oenogenesis Winery. Located between Doxato and Adriani in the Prefecture of Drama, the estate is composed of five interconnected buildings arranged across three levels. The ground floor serves as the production, bottling, and storage area. Designed to support every step of the winemaking process, it is fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology: sorting belts, excavators, pneumatic presses, stainless-steel pre-cryogenic extraction tanks for white and rosé wines, and stainless-steel fermentation and stabilization tanks with controlled cooling systems. Below ground, the cellars of the estate house more than 800 French oak barrels of 225 liters each. Under ideal temperature and humidity conditions, all red wines—and select whites—mature here, developing the distinctive character imparted by their gentle contact with the wood. During your visit, you’ll explore the winery and its distillery, learn about the vinification process, and enjoy tastings of signature wines produced on the estate. The region of Drama is a land of valleys and mountains, home to alpine refuges, ski resorts, and forests filled with birdlife. Its fertile soil supports endless stretches of tobacco fields, while caves adorned with multicolored stalactites and softly flowing rivers create an enchanting natural landscape. The prefecture’s capital, also named Drama, is a lush, green town blessed with abundant spring water and surrounded by vast tobacco plantations.

Join a guide and fellow food enthusiasts to explore two lively open markets, uncover their history, and seek out local culinary treasures while enjoying tastings, including a traditional Greek coffee. Continue to a grocery filled with organic produce before venturing to additional tucked-away food and cultural gems that many visitors miss. At the end of your tour, you may choose to stay in town for free time at your leisure or return to the port with your guide.

Set on the sun-kissed slopes of Epanomi near Thessaloniki, Ktima Gerovassiliou is more than a winery—it is a tribute to Greek wine heritage, innovation, and culture. Owned by renowned oenologist Vangelis Gerovassiliou, the estate seamlessly blends world-class viticulture with warm Greek hospitality. Guests enjoy a guided walk through the vineyards and winery, taste award-winning wines, and explore the on-site Wine Museum, which houses one of the world’s most impressive corkscrew collections along with rare wine artifacts.

Thessaloniki, the “Nymph of the Thermaic Gulf,” stretches amphitheatrically along the slopes of Mount Chortiatis and was founded by King Kassander, who named it after his wife—half-sister of Alexander the Great. Over the centuries it became the capital of Roman Macedonia Secunda, later the second city of the Byzantine Empire, and remained under Ottoman rule for 400 years until its liberation in 1912. Your excursion begins with the landmark White Tower before visiting the Archaeological Museum, home to significant finds from the Archaic to Roman periods, including the renowned “Gold of Ancient Macedonia.” Continue past the International Trade Fair grounds and Aristotelion University, then ascend to the former Acropolis for sweeping views of the city, the Thermaic Gulf, and, on clear days, Mount Olympus. Visit the 5th-century Basilica of St. Demetrios—restored after the 1917 fire—to admire its early mosaics and descend into the crypt where the city’s patron saint is believed to have been imprisoned. Conclude by driving along modern Egnatia Street, named after the ancient Via Egnatia.

Join a guide and fellow food enthusiasts to explore two lively open markets, uncover their history, and seek out local culinary treasures while enjoying tastings, including a traditional Greek coffee. Continue to a grocery filled with organic produce before venturing to additional tucked-away food and cultural gems that many visitors miss. At the end of your tour, you may choose to stay in town for free time at your leisure or return to the port with your guide.

Set on the sun-kissed slopes of Epanomi near Thessaloniki, Ktima Gerovassiliou is more than a winery—it is a tribute to Greek wine heritage, innovation, and culture. Owned by renowned oenologist Vangelis Gerovassiliou, the estate seamlessly blends world-class viticulture with warm Greek hospitality. Guests enjoy a guided walk through the vineyards and winery, taste award-winning wines, and explore the on-site Wine Museum, which houses one of the world’s most impressive corkscrew collections along with rare wine artifacts.

Commence your exploration with an approximately one-hour drive to Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great and the second capital of ancient Macedonia. For 250 years, Pella stood as a cultural hub of the Greek world. As the seat of the royal family, it reached its greatest prosperity during the reign of Alexander the Great. Archaeological excavations have revealed public buildings and luxurious private homes adorned with intricate marble-floor mosaics, along with an impressive collection of delicate clay figurines and vases. You’ll have the opportunity to view these treasures and more at the small Archaeological Museum before continuing on to the city of Veria. Your journey then leads to Vergina, where you will visit the tomb of King Philip II of Macedonia. Dating to 335 B.C., the king’s remains were discovered covered with a magnificent golden wreath of oak leaves. The site also yielded his iron helmet, weaponry, and other regal artifacts. In addition to King Philip’s tomb and personal effects, you will see well-preserved examples of large-scale classical painting and numerous carved, painted steles commemorating everyday citizens. Conclude your experience with a traditional Greek lunch before returning to the ship.

This tour gives you the chance to relax in the naturally warm waters of Loutra Pozar, a beloved spa destination that attracts visitors from across Macedonia. Located about 110 km away, the scenic 1½-hour drive leads you to Pozar, whose name is believed to mean either “after the charcoal” or “under the fire,” hinting at an older village once destroyed by flames. Here, the healing thermal waters—heated deep underground and enriched with minerals—flow through a beautiful gorge set in the foothills of majestic Mount Voras. After your rejuvenating soak, continue to Edessa, the ancient capital of Macedon, whose name translates to “a tower into the water,” reflecting its long-standing connection with natural springs. Enjoy free time at the famous Edessa Waterfalls, where powerful cascades meet the cliff’s edge—described by Greek author Menelaos Lountemis as “the step where God stands to climb into the sky.” Changing rooms and hairdressing facilities are available at Pozar for your comfort before or after your soak.

Thessaloniki, the “Nymph of the Thermaic Gulf,” stretches amphitheatrically along the slopes of Mount Chortiatis and was founded by King Kassander, who named it after his wife—half-sister of Alexander the Great. Over the centuries it became the capital of Roman Macedonia Secunda, later the second city of the Byzantine Empire, and remained under Ottoman rule for 400 years until its liberation in 1912. Your excursion begins with the landmark White Tower before visiting the Archaeological Museum, home to significant finds from the Archaic to Roman periods, including the renowned “Gold of Ancient Macedonia.” Continue past the International Trade Fair grounds and Aristotelion University, then ascend to the former Acropolis for sweeping views of the city, the Thermaic Gulf, and, on clear days, Mount Olympus. Visit the 5th-century Basilica of St. Demetrios—restored after the 1917 fire—to admire its early mosaics and descend into the crypt where the city’s patron saint is believed to have been imprisoned. Conclude by driving along modern Egnatia Street, named after the ancient Via Egnatia.