Kusadasi
Dennis
Kusadasi, Turkey
Shore Excursion and Port Reviews
Last month we made 12 day Mediterranean Cruise
cruise with Star Princess and had a wonderful time. Our favorite
destination was Ephesus.
Before taking the cruise we booked our Ephesus excursion from a local tour
company called Byzance. The website is
http://more.at/Byzance
The site contains information and pictures of
Ephesus. I found Byzance very courteous, professional, and very quick to
respond to my emails. I saw many wonderful reviews about this company. Our
guide was very helpful and informative. Ephesus was something we enjoyed
so much (a feast for the eyes, ears and senses). Could not have been more
pleased.
Our guide met us early in the morning and we drove to the town of Selcuk.
Selcuk is a nice little town with about 20,000 people. Then we continued
to Ephesus. Ephesus, of course, was phenomenal. The large theatres and the
library of Celsus. we loved it. we wandered around and climbed up on the
rocks to appreciate it from different vantage points. Ephesus is
definitely a beautiful place to explore and discover the small rooms that
are hidden here and there. If you are adventurous enough you can find some
very nice little spots.
We wandered and took interesting pictures. Climbed through the overgrown
ramule to find small holes that open up to cavern-like passages and rooms
built beneath some of the columns and walkways. Walked through the
passageway that leads to the steps of the theatre and ascended to the
great view of the top seats. My friend and I decided to take advantage of
the peaceful surroundings and the novelty of the moment and take naps on
the top platform with the mountains rising around us. When I woke up I
walked out on the ledge created by the support beams of the structure and
marveled at the beauty of the valley in which Ephesus is cradled.
The Apostle Paul spent more time in the city of Ephesus than in any other
place he visited. It was here that he faced the riot of the silversmiths,
led by Demetrius, and it was also here that the young evangelist Timothy
served as a pastor.
Ephesus is also the home, according to tradition, of the Apostle John in
his later years, as well as to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
This city, founded nearly three millennia ago by the Greeks, today stands
as one of the most impressive archaeological and historical sites in the
world.
In our cruise through Med., we had the opportunity to visit many
destinations -- Athens, Naples, Athens, Santorini and others -- but
Ephesus was far and away the most awe inspiring of the bunch.
>From the moment you enter the city, as you walk the mile of marble
streets, visit the Ephesian latrines, ogle the beautiful mosaic walkway
(an entire sidewalk that is made up of mosaics), wonder at the Library of
Celsus, test your strength at the Pillars of Hercules, try to find the
brothel and then sit in the Theatre where the silversmiths rioted, e'er so
long ago, you will be transported to antiquity and find yourself deep in
the history of Turkey, and Rome.
Most of the ruins in Ephesus are Roman ruins. This city, like others has
been burned, conquered, destroyed by fire and earthquake and been
Romanized. So you'll get to see many temples and columns dedicated to
Trajan, Hadrian and the like.
The keystones to see, the places you must visit (and if you're in Ephesus
you cannot miss them) include: the Library of Celsus (of which only the
front remains, but it's the most impressive site), the advertisement for
the brothel (no lie, it's a famous site to see, everyone has pictures of
it), the Pillars of Hercules (you can only pass if your hands touch both
sides) and, of course, the Ephesian latrines.
After all that, you'll find yourself on the Harbor Road and facing the
massive Theatre. Once able to hold 25,000 people, this edifice dazzles the
visitor standing before it and in it.
Outside the city you will find the usual array of shops and sellers. Some
of the usual things you can find include fezzes (shriner's hats),
statuary, t-shirts, guide books, specialty books, apple tea (excellent
stuff), water pipes and the list goes on.
All in all, Ephesus is a must destination to visit.