East Med – Turkey
Turkey – an absolute delight. A white star and crescent moon were initially associated with Constantinople renamed Istanbul in 1930. Constantinople was the capital city of the Roman/Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire. The crescent and star also represented Persia and the Ottoman empire; two important kingdoms of antiquity.
CURRENCY: The Turkish Lira (TRY). The second-best is Euro, and then US dollars. However, you will get more value for your money if paying in Lira rather than Euro and dollars.
For a cruiser, it separates the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. Passing Istanbul into those waters is a longer cruise into a bigger adventure.
Eastern Mediterranean - Turkey
Port Akdeniz is the cruise terminal just outside Antalya. There is a concrete dock but if there are multiple ships a tender might be used. Silversea, Seabourn, Seadream, Regent, Azamara, TUI, Crystal and Oceania are amongst those who go here.
St George’s Day (or will it be Shakespeare Day in the future)
While many religious-based events may be said to be waning, the celebration of St George’s Day seems to be on the increase.
Antalya, Turkey. On the Turkish Riviera.
About 25 minutes away from the cruise port in the container port, the shuttle will drop you in the main area.
Phoenix, Seabourn, TUI, Windstar, Star Clippers and Seabourn are amongst those who sail into Bodrum.
This port is at the start of the Dardanelles Strait as you head from the Med to the Black Sea. Kepez is nearby. A favourite for those wishing to see the grounds of the battle of Gallipoli. Viking, Azarama, SAGA and Windstar are amongst the many who stop here.
THE ANCIENT CITY OF TROY, Turkey
Top cruise port. Troy is a real city that used to be on the coast and was inhabited for over 3000 years.
St George’s Day (or will it be Shakespeare Day in the future)
While many religious-based events may be said to be waning, the celebration of St George’s Day seems to be on the increase.
GALLIPOLI MEMORIALS, ÇANAKKALE, TURKEY
The Gallipoli Campaign was the Turks’ greatest victory in the Great War. Now, Çanakkale is a student town and is therefore young and vibrant. A total contrast to the solemn memorials and war graves across the Dardanelles strait.
TROY MUSEUM, Çanakkale, Turkey
The museum is full of artefacts from the real city of Troy which used to be on the coast and was inhabited for over 3000 years.
ÇANAKKALE PORT GUIDE, Turkey
The best Trojan Horse by far is at the port, on the promenade. It is the one from the movie Troy starring Bradd Pitt and
ÇANAKKALE, Turkey – available TOURS TROY & GALLIPOLI
Turkey will surprise you over and over again,
They have a turtle beach and a turtle statue in the middle of town. Star Clippers and boats go there. It has a small shallow bay.
Regent, Silverseas, Celestyal Cruises and Star Clippers get there.
When a cruise ship docks, it looks huge sitting at the end of the approaching street. Seabourn sail there.
A major city that has had its place throughout history. It sits guarding the passage out of the Med and into the Black Sea.
Izmir is a larger port and a wider variety of cruise ships stop there including Costa and Carnival.
The Ephesus region is a guided tour from Kusadasi. Drive to the House of the Virgin Mary, and explore the city of Ephesus, and with a visit to Artemis Temple.
Aegean Gems – the Marella route. 6 ports shown from the Discovery 2
Aegean Gems is a Marella Cruises route of seven ports in 8 days out of Limassol. It is one of the most exciting routes on
KUSADASI GUIDE – the easy place to walk around.
Kusadasi is a popular beach resort on the Aegean coast also famous for its genuine fakes and historic ruins from ancient Greece to the Roman Empire.
St George’s Day (or will it be Shakespeare Day in the future)
While many religious-based events may be said to be waning, the celebration of St George’s Day seems to be on the increase.
EPHESUS MUSEUM and PANORAMIC TOUR.
Kusadasi is a beach resort on the Aegean coast but importantly the gateway to Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis.
KUSADASI, Turkey – available TOURS
Turkey will surprise you over and over again, The Ephesus region is a guided tour from Kusadasi.
Azamara Journey – Elizabeth goes cruising again for Doris Visits
This is an Aegean Coast and Greek Island Cruise out of Istanbul.
Azamara, Seabourn and Regent sail there.
A modern container port, the largest port in Turkey and a gateway to Tarsus.
Mudyana plays host to the SeaDream Yacht Club. It is too small a port for ships.