A cruise is an adventure where the journey is as thrilling and exotic as the destination. There is nothing quite like the fresh scent of the ocean as the waves lap against the hull of the boat, and the feeling of open space as you embark on a voyage across the boundless blue.
Each port destination is not so much a reprieve from the journey, but the continuation of an endless bacchanalia of relaxation and fun. One of the most attractive port destinations in the world is Turkey, tucked away on the far east corner of the Mediterranean Sea great place for last minute cruise destinations at this time of the year. It is home to some of the iconic landmarks of the ancient world as well as the pristine beaches characteristic of the region.
Dikili
There are four main ports of call in Turkey, the most popular of which is Dikili. Dikili is renowned across the world for its resorts and beaches layered with darkly shaded sand. From a historical perspective, Dikili is the home to the ruins of the fabled city of Troy and the now restored Temple of Trajan. The port also serves as the gateway for the battered colonnades of ancient Pergamum.
Kusadasi
Kusadasi is a common port of call for cruise ships. It is home to the ancient city of Ephesus, offering tourists a glimpse of the fabled Magnesia Gate and the capacious halls of the Grand Theater. The latter is where St. Paul addressed the locals and gave sermons to promote Christianity. Other notable religious sites include the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John.
Istanbul
The historic city of Istanbul is the former capital of both the Roman and Ottoman Empires and home to a culture that once spanned multiple continents. As the heart of Turkey’s present day social and financial infrastructure, the city offers a unique blend of ancient ruins and modern day businesses, bazaars, and restaurants. The Topkapi Palace is the extant home of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, with many of their ancient jewelry and treasures on full display. The product of an amalgamation of ancient cultures, the city boasts an abundance of architectural wonders that reflect a number of varying styles.
Trabzon
Once the capital of the Byzantine empire, Trabzon will transport you to another time with its cobblestone streets and bucolic atmosphere. A thriving marketplace invites modern day shoppers to try out local fashion and cuisine, including the metallic blue anchovies the region is famous for. The famed Sumela Monastery stands on a verdant hillside and offers an excellent view of the Mediterranean.
