Kusadasi

 Kusadasi 

Kuşadası is a beach resort town on Turkey’s western Aegean coast. A jumping-off point for visiting the classical ruins at nearby Ephesus (or Efes), it’s also a major cruise ship destination. Its seafront promenade, marina, and harbor are lined with hotels and restaurants. Just offshore on Pigeon Island is a walled Byzantine castle that once guarded the town, connected to the mainland via causeway. 

We have never been to Turkey so we used our usual criteria to choose a tour. This is the tour we have chosen. It is 3 and a half hours long and is rated Easy.

A motor coach tour from the port of Kusadasi travels through the picturesque countryside, dotted with vineyards and peach orchards. You will view Ephesus from the upper gate, Selcuk Castle, Temple of Artemis, Isa Bey mosque and the walls of St. John's Basilica. You will visit the Ephesus Museum, home of some of the most extraordinary antiquities in the world. there is much variation in the collection and the famous statue of Artemis, Goddess of fertility, is housed within its walls. 

your next stop is a traditional weaving village, where local artisans demonstrate the process of dying, spinning, and weaving splendid Turkish carpets. Returning to Kusadasi, you have the option of browsing the bazaars and walking back to the ship at your leisure, or taking the motorcoach directly to the port.

This tour uses headsets and involves some walking.

The tour departs at 9:15 and we are supposed to be in the Provence dining room at nine.

Well we had a wild night. The wind kept the ship bouncing. Fortunately I slept and did not get sick. In the morning it was still bouncing and it was COLD. The temperature was 9 degrees C and the wind was still howling. For a while it looked as if we would miss this port but our skilled captain and the tug operators managed to get us safely tied up. 

As we exited the terminal we were welcomed by local dancers in costume.

We had a new bus with a good heating system so our ride to Ephesus. As we drove our very capable guide recounted the history of the area. The system on board was excellent and we heard everything. He spoke fluent English which helped.

This port city is very nice with lots of scenes to enjoy. Once we left the city there were orchards everywhere.

Our first stop was a photo stop where we were able to see Ephesus in the distance. There was a lovely statue of Mother Mary there as well. 

Ephesus close up taken by other passengers.

Our next stop was supposed to be the Museum where the Ephesus artifacts are displayed but our guide called the museum and he was told that there were 6 buses there , and it was crowded. Our guide changed the schedule and we went to the weaving village instead.

I am so glad that we did. We saw the entire process all of the way from the cocoon to the finished product. I was so impressed. Turkish rugs are breath taking. We did not purchase one because we do not have a place where we could put something so beautiful. These rugs are as beautiful as those we saw in Buckingham Palace

I guess it is a custom to offer food and drink to your visitors so we were treated. The drink was a hot apple cider type of beverage and the food was a wonderful soft roll.

We were there for about an hour and our next stop was the museum. Now it was clear and we were the only bus there. Our guide explained what there was to see and then he gave us 45 minutes to enjoy the artifacts. I will not try to describe what we saw but you can enjoy some of the pictures . I took too many to post them all. It was truly amazing.

Then we began our half hour return to the port. Once there we were able to do some shopping. I got a magnet of Ephesus to add to our tree. 

The wind was still blowing and it was very COLD so we hurried back to the ship. The rest of the day went as is routine, rest, dinner and relaxation.

Tomorrow we are going to be in Gythion Greece. It is supposed to be cold again.