Turkey: The Perfect Destination For Discount Cruises

The Aegean and Mediterranean coastline of Greece and Turkey possesses a wealth of historic attractions, stunning anchorages and popular resorts, making it ideal for cruise holidays.Passengers of all ages and interests are sure to find something for them amidst the miles of uniquely beautiful landscapes, ancient ruins, remote fishing villages and vibrant resorts. Add to this the warm Greek and Turkish hospitality and long, hot summers and you have a recipe for a hugely enjoyable holiday. Moreover, the Aegean and Mediterranean is a great option for a discount cruise – in part because it is outside of the Eurozone. Here is a short introduction to some of the main ports of call on an eastern Mediterranean cruise.

Athens
With its ancient monuments standing as an elegant testimony to the enduring legacy of ancient Greece and various sprawling, bustling districts, the Greek capital of Athens is a must-see. In a sense, ancient past literally overshadows modern city as the iconic ruins and rocky promontory of the Acropolis dominate the centre of Athens. Even if you are only in Athens for the day, it is a site that cannot be missed. Most of the visible monuments, such as the famous Parthenon and Caryatid-lined Erechtheion, are vestiges of Pericles’ ambitious programme of works during the 5C BC. The recently reopened and significantly revamped Acropolis Museum is richly endowed with sculptures and objects from various monuments and excavations. After a day spent exploring the sites, head to Plaka, a maze of colourful, hectic streets dotted with busy squares and Orthodox churches. For a bite to eat, you cannot go wrong with Filomoussou Eterias, with its numerous restaurants and elegant neo-classical facades.

Ephesus
Cruise holidays offer the chance to explore one of the most photographed sites on the Aegean coast. Ephesus, once a principal port and commercial centre under the Romans, has become a site of pagan pilgrimage for history buffs drawn by the superbly preserved vestiges of the ancient city, as well as those attracted by its importance in the early history of Christianity. Having embarked at Kusadasi, it is best to head to Ephesus before the midday sun bakes the ancient ruins. First, check out the huge Hellenistic theatre that originally seated around 24,000, making it one of the largest theatres in the ancient world. Next, the scant remains of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, leave much to the imagination. However, the striking Library of Celsus and the imposing arches of the Gate of Augustus, as well as the abundance of paved streets, public buildings and temples, give a clear impression of the Ephesus’ past importance.

Kusadasi
Kusadasi, the main port of call for many cruises along Turkey’s Aegean coast, is the ideal place to rest weary legs after a day exploring the ancient cities of Priene and Ephesus. The attractive beach resort of Kusadasi enjoys an idyllic setting and offers passengers on discount cruise holidays an array of attractions and amenities. Most choose to idle away the days on the powdery white-sand beach or to take advantage of the incredible variety of water sports on offer. At night, Kusadasi's streets are filled with the buzz of conversation at the various traditional restaurants that line the beachfront. And, as the night goes on, they are illuminated by the neon lights of the numerous bars and nightclubs.