Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey - Day 10 - Mediterranean Greek Isle Cruise

Kusadasi, Turkey

We had a wonderful, fully packed day in Kusadasi, Turkey!  We had read many reviews and booked a private tour with Nejat Incedogan.  He actually sent his friend Nejat Tek to be our tour guide for the day.  I see that Nejat is still working and making the rounds on Cruise Critic – I would highly recommend him when visiting any port in Turkey!  Our particular tour was for 8.5 hours and cost $58 USD per person, plus a little extra if we toured the terrace houses (which we did - $10 USD per person). This was an amazing deal and included transportation, the greatest English speaking guide, entrance fees, and lunch.  We had a 14 person van for the 12 of us, so we were very comfortable!  We started the tour with a stop at the Virgin Mary House. 

Virgin Mary House and Prayer Wall

Virgin Mary House

The House of the Virgin Mary is a Roman Catholic and Muslim Shrine located on Mt. Koressos outside Ephesus.  The house was discovered following the description in writing by a Roman Catholic nun. Pilgrims visited the house, believing that the Virgin Mary (mother of Jesus) was taken to this house by St. John to mourn until her death.  The spring that runs underneath the house is said to have healing properties by those who visit and drink the water.

Ephesus Ruins and our guide Nejat

                                                           Roman Toilets

Our next stop was the ruins in Ephesus.  Ephesus was a Greek City and later a major Roman City.  The city is famous for one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis (550BC).  Unfortunately, little remains of the temple.  The ruins are a favorite international and local tourist attraction.  Within the ruins are the newly discovered terrace houses. 

Visiting the Terrace Houses

The terrace houses are also known at the ‘houses of rich’.  It tells the story of family life during Roman times.  Clay pipes ran beneath the floors and behind the walls to carry hot air and heat the houses.  The houses also had hot and cold water.  The mosaics and tile flooring show the riches of those that lived there. 

The Library of Celsus was built in honor of Roman Senator Julius Celsus (135AD).  He was a wealthy and well like ruler.  He paid for the construction of the library with his own money.  It was built to store 12,000 scrolls and serve as his resting place. 

Our group in front of the Library of Celsus

The Great Theater can hold 25,000 people!  It is one of the most famous sights in Ephesus.  The Theater was used for concerts, plays, religious, political, and philosophical discussions, and for gladiator and animal fights.  It is still used today for festivals and concerts. 

The Great Theater

Shopping outside the ruins - you could pay $1 to pose with this camel - 

we had to stop for these sheep to cross the road

Now, on to St. John’s Basilica, one of the great churches in Ephesus.  It is the burial site of St. John, apostle, evangelist and prophet. 

St. John's Basilica

The resting place of St. John                          baptismal font

For lunch, we enjoyed a buffet of traditional Turkish food.  Before returning to the port, we stopped at a ceramic shop.  It was filled with the great treasures, and several souvenirs we wish we had bought to bring home!  It was a great day!