Izmir, Turkey, population about 2.6 million and the 3rd largest city in Turkey.


Quite a few of the ship's passengers were off to the ruins at Ephesus. Takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by bus each way with a cost of about $60 US per person.

If you decide not to take an excursion there is not much to see around the port where the ship docks, it is an industrial port, but there are shops in the terminal building where you can buy souvenirs.

You can take a taxi to the central square of Izmir it is called Cumhuriyet Meydani. In this area you 'll find all the big hotels, shopping, etc. Taxi fare I was told is about $10US one-way.

I headed off to Ephesus. Like I said it's a little over an hour away by bus, and they do make a washroom stop along the way.

Once you get to Ephesus, you are bombarded with vendors trying to sell you everything with the word Ephesus stamped on it and it seems like the entire world came to Ephesus today. People everywhere.

If you go bring a hat and water or other refreshments, the sun is intense under a cloudless sky. Plenty of places to buy water or sodas if you  haven't brought  anything with you.

Once the group I was part of passed the entrance gates, the guide began her job. She stopped at all the important sites and gave an in depth historical description.

Each site you visit, photographers capture you in living colour, pass off the digital cards from their cameras to a "runner" who does exactly that, runs the digital card to the exit of Ephesus and by the time you leave, a selection of pictures are waiting for you to purchase, everyone needs to make a living I guess.

Leaving the ruins you will find all kinds of shops selling souvenirs, food, beverages and whatever else is a hot item, even knock off Rolex watches and other brands as well.

The parking lot is jammed with tour buses so make sure you remember your bus number, you will be told your number as you enter Ephesus and several other times along the way.

Wish I had more time, to explore Izmir itself, but these are the tradeoffs you make on a cruise, can't do everything on one day.

Looking forward to Istanbul, my next port of call.