http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/ Travel adventures in journals and photos from Middle East , Turkey , Aegean , Ephesus en-us Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:49:07 +0000 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:49:07 +0000 Ephesus once a Greek port town on the Aegean sea now lies several kilometers inland so our tour started at the port city of Kusadasi Bird Island. Kusadasi 25 years ago we were told was a small fishing village but with the number of tourist the city is much larger and busier.This was our second of two tours with the group of twenty. After another day at sea our tour guide Levent was originally s http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-455175.html At our hotel we met and became friends with another American and her two boys. She moved to Istanbul a year ago and is teaching at a Turkish prep school. She is a fountain of information and her command of the language is amazing. Together we went to explore Efes and had a great day.Efes is remarkable. Not just the ruins which are spectacular but also the information that is readily laid out http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-439537.html Dear friendsSome days ago I came back from the Mediterranean cruise it was the first time we make the cruise trip and it was very amazingThere is a lot to tell but first of all I would like to tell some words about Ephesus tour we take part in after arrival in Kusadasi port. We found a travel agency through Internet searching they were very flexible regarding the tour programm and the paymen http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-437305.html Location Kusadasi and EphesusWeather Sunny 34CThe ruins of Ephesus are a beautiful example of ancient Greek architecture. Yes Trish I found the brothel but not the sign advertising it The Ancient Greeks used marble everywhere when building Ephesus which makes it blinding and hot in the summer sun I wish they still ran water down the marble streets to cool the city like they did in ancient http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-434399.html We are enjoying the reviews of our guests...Thank you so much for an amazing experiance and place. You are wonderful tasteful and very warm Aysel and Nesrin was amazing and kind. Be back again..Meltem Aktas Chicagojune 252009I give an A to my doghter for bringing us to this wonderfully decorated and friendly residance...out of world breakfast..TERRY AND Ned from Florida6.27.09Excellent renovat http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-424318.html Day 8 Efesus Today is the day we hit the site. We walk over from town a pleasant stroll. A parking lot hawker tries to get us to take his bus to the upper entrance with the line ldquothis makes it a better tourrdquo but ldquowith only one small stop at a gift shop on the wayrdquo. We stand politely until he goes after his next victims and then we bolt for the lower entrance. By http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-423599.html Today there was excellent breakfast followed by a trip to the local weekly market. The market here is not all that large compared to say Ayvalik but we did find all one would reasonably expect. Seasonal vegetables fruit herbs cheese honey clothes houseware and spices. We bought paprika and pul biber.We picked up the rucksack and dropped off the spices before catching the minibus to Ep http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-410510.html DAY 60This morning we board the ferry at 7am. We head across the channel of the Dardenelles to Canakkale on the mainland. Our bus is at 8am and we head off south to Selcuk and the ruins of Ephesus.We arrive in Selcuk at about 4pm. We were given a brochure on a hostel to stay while in this area. The bus office just happens to be the place that call the hostel and we get a free ride since the pl http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-408167.html 6109FamilyWe found that this blog was never published after all so here it is. It is mostly just pictures and a couple of interesting observations including.1. Gas is really expensive here. At 8gallon we felt the pain with our last car rental that wasn't as economy sized as previously rented cars. The gas cost more than the rental. No wonder there are scooters everywhere. We have http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-403899.html We started at 730 a.m. European time which means about 1 to 1.5 hours later in Turkish time and came back at 930 p.m. http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-399867.html Once known as the capital of the Asian Province of the Roman Empire Ephesus certainly did not disappoint as it was easily one of the most beautiful ancient sites. Frankly I was really simply looking forward to the Library of Celsus. Most websites on Ephesus have this postcardpretty photo of the ruins of the Library and I truly thought it would be just that and a few more ruins maybe a small http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-395667.html Sirince Terrace Houses is a family run enterprise consisting of 3 heritage cottages overlooking the magnificent valley of Sirince in other words Ephesus on the hills . Olive House Fig House and Grapevine House all have their own distinctive character and were lovingly restored over 6 years. Our visitors come from all over the world to enjoy these fully furnished homes full of rustic antique http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-394439.html HOW TO FIND SIRINCEFrom Izmir follow the green signs for the motorway to AYDIN . Green Ayd305n sign . After joining the road you will travel for about half an hour and will take the turn off for SELCUK.After 10 kms you will see SELCUK CASTLE on an outcrop of rock infront of you and you will pass a few petrol stations. As soon as you enter the town of Selcuk you will see a turning to your le http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-388474.html Sirince Terrace Houses is a family run enterprise consisting of 3 heritage cottages overlooking the magnificent valley of Sirince in other words Ephesus on the hills . Olive House Fig House and Grapevine House all have their own distinctive character and were lovingly restored over 6 years. Our visitors come from all over the world to enjoy these fully furnished homes full of rustic antiques fr http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-388278.html Sirince Ephesus Houses is a family run enterprise consisting of 3 heritage cottages overlooking the magnificent valley of Sirince in other words Ephesus on the hills . Olive House Fig House and Grapevine House all have their own distinctive character and were lovingly restored over 6 years. Our visitors come from all over the world to enjoy these fully furnished homes full of rustic antiques fr http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-388276.html This is another ancient city on the west side of turkey it's incredible beautiful we stayed in a nearby town Selcuk and visited Ephesus in the day. We stayed once again with some amazing people they even let us steal their puppy for a night http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-386428.html In ancient times people who were escaping the tough living conditions in the city of Ephesus discovered this tranquil village. Today 350irince offers a fairytale vacation to people escaping their tumultuous busy life of the city people seeking peace and serenity who want to breathe in the nature350irince with its cobblestone pavements stone cottages charming inhabitants offering home mad http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-346151.html Everyone was eager to explore the ancient city of Ephesus as the Pacific Princess arrived in Kusadasi Turkey. Surprisingly this port city is a clean modern seaside resort currently undergoing a boom in tourism including many Brits and Irish folks who are buying condos in the area.We docked next the new Cunard Lines Queen Victoriaan impressive large vessel. The dock area is a nice shopping ma http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-345309.html 15 of the old city of Ephesus has been restored thanks to the combined work of the Turkish and Australian Archeological Societies. Our tour leader Emory showed us the agora or marketplace marble streets Roman baths the Hadrian Temple the Celsus Library public toilets and a large theatre where St Paul of Tarsus spoke. http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-344342.html The experience of visiting the House of the Virgin Mary located about 7 kms from Selcuk proved to be a most peaceful one. This house is believed to have been the last home of Mary. She came here to escape the persecutions of the Jews. The house has been visited by Popes Paul VI John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Located close the harbour of Ephesus this house was the setting of the Third Ecumenica http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Turkey/Aegean/Ephesus/blog-344337.html