LUXURY GAY CRUISES

After docking at the Turkish port of Kusadasi, we are welcomed by the local representative of ABOVE AND BEYOND TOURS. We will be introduced to the certified lecturer that will be guiding us today and board our Mercedes Benz, embarking on our discovery of the world’s best preserved Roman city, Ephesus. We begin with a scenic drive to Selcuk. This small town was the very first settlement of Ephesus and was founded by the Greek colonists in the 11^th century BC and remains inland due to the silting of the port of Ephesus.

Our first stop is at the remains of Temple of Artemis which was one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”. The temple was built in the 6^th century BC and is known as the first building constructed entirely of marble. It featured 127 Ionic pillars of famous Ionic proportion and was rebuilt by Alexander the Great after he took control of the city from the Persians.

Re-boarding our van, we have a short drive to reach the city of Ephesus where history and archaeology offer majesty with incredible riches. Ephesus was the capital of the Province of Asia Minor during the Roman Era, and was, therefore, the scene of many political intrigues acquiring immense fortune due to its port and its trading activities. A city with such considerable importance and wealth had prestigious buildings, many of which have survived until today in a wonderful state of preservation. We will walk the Marble Road which runs through the city, boasting many magnificent structures: Temple of Hadrian is a unique beauty with its articulate facade while Library of Celsus has all the expression of the former grandeur of the “good old days” of the Roman Period.

We have the unique opportunity to tour the Terrace Houses, the ancient residential section of Ephesus, where we relive the flamboyant style of the luxurious life of Ephesians. Amongst  the archaeological remains, the Great Theater of Ephesus has special significance due to its grandeur and its state of preservation. The theater also has Biblical importance, as it was the scene of an uprising (Acts 19) set by a merchant named Demetrius against St. Paul who spent two years in Ephesus.

Concluding our tour of Ephesus, we visit the Archaeological Museum to see the works of art unearthed from Ephesus. The famed statues of Ephesian Artemis and the reliefs of the  Temple of Hadrian are among the treasures on display.

It is now time for a relaxing and delectable lunch break at a local weaving center!!!

We will savor delicious appetizers and barbecued kebabs prepared in traditional style by the locals. Here we can observe the craftsmanship of masters in the art of weaving who are anxious to demonstrate their talents (and encourage you to return home with one of their personal creations!) Ample time will be allowed to hunt for other shopping bargains ranging from unique artwork to exclusive jewelry.

NOTE: We will return to the Crystal Serenity with time to refresh and have a light dinner if you wish to join the Evening Concert in Ephesus tour this evening.

NOTE: You would need to purchase three separate tours offered by the cruise line to include the sights of our private excursion today!

Suggested Tips:

• Please make sure you put on sunscreen before sightseeing against sunburns.
• Please make sure that you have hats for the sightseeing.
• Please make sure that you wear tennis shoes for sightseeing for both comfort and protection against risks of sliding.
• Feel comfortable to wear shorts and t-shirts.

Suggested Reading About Ephesus:

Discoveries at Ephesus, by John Turtle Wood

This is a comprehensive book that supplies a wide array of information covering the presence of Ephesus in different periods of history, its cultural and political impact and its immense archeological value.

Available through Amazon

Ephesus and the Temple of Diana, by Edward Falkener

For those interested in the history of archaeological excavations and who which to know how Ephesus looked when first discovered, this is a precious source of information. After reading this book and actually seeing the site, one will further appreciate the gifts of archaeology in the field of science.

Available through Amazon

Books on the destination and its current day culture:

 Selected Poems of Rumi, Translations by Coleman Barks and George Moyne

This inspiring book of poetry of Mevlana, founder of the Whirling Dervishes Order, offers some soul-padding, heart-warming verses that would enable eve the most seasoned travelers to have a deeper understanding of the order that exalts the love of God and cohesion of faiths whitin the love of God.