One of the stops that we most looked forward to was Kusadasi, Turkey, which we visited on Saturday, April 26th. The primary attraction in Kusadasi is the site of the ancient ruins of Ephesus. We took a 4 hour tour in the morning that took us to two places. First, we visited the House of Virgin Mary located outside the town of Kusadasi. After Jesus was crucified Mary, at the age of 55, traveled with John the Evangelist to this area and lived the rest of life here. She died at the age of 64. We visited the house where she lived until here death. It was a beautiful, spiritual site set in a serene garden. The site has been declared a Catholic shrine and visited by 3 Popes in modern times.
Next, we did a walking tour of the ancient ruins of Ephesus, an amazing archaeological site dating back to the 10th Century B.C.. The ruins are extensive with only about an estimated 1/3 of the ruins having been excavated and reveal a sophisticated lifestyle of the inhabitants. The ancient city grew as large as 250,000 people over the period of several centuries. It flourished under Roman control. The well designed streets and buildings show elaborate drainage and aqueduct systems. Beautiful architectural features throughout the area include a huge amphitheater designed for amplification and good viewing. Another signature features is a glorious structure called the Celsus Library façade built in 125 A.D. It was an amazing tour with an informative Turkish guide to explain the history to us.
After the tour, we walked around Kusadasi, a vibrant seaport town with lots of shops, restaurants and bars. We gave some thought to trying out a Turkish steam bath. We found a bathhouse in town and read the plaque outside about how it works. Cautiously, we stepped inside to check it out. One look at the large, hairy proprietor wearing a sweaty tank top and eating a smelly lunch at his desk and the 2 of us chickened out and got the heck out of there. We're just not that adventurous!!!
Later in the evening we were treated to one of the best evenings of our lives. Seabourn treated the World Cruise passengers to an exclusive dinner under the stars on the grounds of the Celsus Library in Ephesus. Round tables with white tablecloths and beautiful candlelit centerpieces were set up and a catered sit down dinner was served to us while a trio played classical music for us from the steps of the Library. It was absolutely magical. The weather was perfect - a clear, starry night. After dinner we joined the other cruise passengers for a concert of chamber music on the grounds under the stars with the ancient amphitheater in the background. Brian was in heaven! We did not want the evening to end. This much anticipated event did not disappoint. We will never forget this day!
Next, we did a walking tour of the ancient ruins of Ephesus, an amazing archaeological site dating back to the 10th Century B.C.. The ruins are extensive with only about an estimated 1/3 of the ruins having been excavated and reveal a sophisticated lifestyle of the inhabitants. The ancient city grew as large as 250,000 people over the period of several centuries. It flourished under Roman control. The well designed streets and buildings show elaborate drainage and aqueduct systems. Beautiful architectural features throughout the area include a huge amphitheater designed for amplification and good viewing. Another signature features is a glorious structure called the Celsus Library façade built in 125 A.D. It was an amazing tour with an informative Turkish guide to explain the history to us.
After the tour, we walked around Kusadasi, a vibrant seaport town with lots of shops, restaurants and bars. We gave some thought to trying out a Turkish steam bath. We found a bathhouse in town and read the plaque outside about how it works. Cautiously, we stepped inside to check it out. One look at the large, hairy proprietor wearing a sweaty tank top and eating a smelly lunch at his desk and the 2 of us chickened out and got the heck out of there. We're just not that adventurous!!!
Later in the evening we were treated to one of the best evenings of our lives. Seabourn treated the World Cruise passengers to an exclusive dinner under the stars on the grounds of the Celsus Library in Ephesus. Round tables with white tablecloths and beautiful candlelit centerpieces were set up and a catered sit down dinner was served to us while a trio played classical music for us from the steps of the Library. It was absolutely magical. The weather was perfect - a clear, starry night. After dinner we joined the other cruise passengers for a concert of chamber music on the grounds under the stars with the ancient amphitheater in the background. Brian was in heaven! We did not want the evening to end. This much anticipated event did not disappoint. We will never forget this day!
The seaport town of Kusadasi
House of Virgin Mary
Beautiful serene gardens at the
House of Virgin Mary
Ancient ruins at Ephesus
Well designed ancient streets of Ephesus
Architectural details in Ephesus
Ancient public toilet (Men's Room)
Celsus Library
Ancient amphitheater
Testing acoustics at the amphitheater
Arriving for dinner at the Celsus Library
Classical music on the steps of Celsus Library
Our dinner table group at Ephesus
Celsus Library at our candlelight dinner
NEXT STOP, DUBROVNIK, CROATIA.
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