Kusadasi, Turkey
Shore Excursion and Port Reviews

Dennis

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.

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