Main Ports of Turkey

Istanbul 

Istanbul, Turkey is one of the world's most interesting cities. Cruise passengers get a striking view of the minaret-pierced skyline as the ship pulls into port. The treasures are plentiful here; visitors marvel at the great architectural triumph of the Blue Mosque, the glorious frescoes and mosaics of the Chora Church and the amazing Grand Bazaar.

Ephesus / Kusadasi

Ephesus was the capital of Asia Minor during the time of the Roman Empire, and now it is one of the world's most impressive and best-restored archaeological sites. Walk the marble-paved streets and see the spectacular ruins of the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus, the house where the Virgin Mary spent her last days and the amphitheater where St. Paul once preached. Kusadasi is a Turkish resort known for its extensive marina and miles of beaches, but it is famed for the ancient treasures just minutes away: Miletus and its Greco-Roman theater and Temple of Athena, Didyma and its Temple of Apollo, and the most glorious of all, the marble city of Ephesus.

Izmir

Izmir is one part idyllic fishing harbor, one part holiday retreat, filled with the remains of ancient civilizations. The city lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf filled by ships and yachts. The constant and refreshing sea breezes temper the heat of the palm-lined promenades and avenues which follow the shoreline, and the terraces that climb the surrounding mountains. Visitors in the summer months will particularly enjoy the International Arts Festival and the International Fair.

Bodrum

Spread out between two crescent bays, Bodrum exudes an "artsy" ambiance. With its white houses and flower gardens, it is one of the prettiest resorts on the South Aegean coast. Bodrum is easy to get around on foot. From the center square small streets fan out, lined with shops selling arts and crafts, leather, jewelry and carpets. Artists display their works along the harborfront. There is also a market offering a variety of clothing and local produce.

Marmaris

The once quaint fishing village of Marmaris has in recent years become a busy holiday resort. Except for its shoreline development, Marmaris is a small village, and a short stroll will show you the layout of the downtown section. The very heart of town is the little plaza next to the ferry dock. Located here are the customs house, tourism office, currency exchange booths, hotels and the market district.

Antalya

Located on the Turkish Riviera, Antalya's scenery includes a crescent bay, cliffs, mountains, palm-lined boulevards and a marina. In the old quarter, narrow streets and wooden houses huddle against the ancient city walls. The main square offers fantastic views of the bay and the distant mountain peaks, and it is home to the town's clock tower.