Turkey Cruise Ports
Thıs is an ideal place to take a cruise. Many people sail these seas yearly in gulets and yachts, often putting down anchor to swim in the warm water and enjoy a beautiful beach, regularly found in the coves that are so common along the coastline. Others prefer the facilities on a large cruise liner that can dock in many ports within Turkey and Greece.
Istanbul Ports
One popular place to start an
adventure on the seas is the city of Istanbul, Turkey. It has two large international airports, Ataturk
on the European side and Sabina Gokchen on the Asian side of the City. There is so much to see and do before you head to the port and the passenger terminal to
join your cruise ship. The Blue Mosque is undoubtedly one of the
highlights. You will find many major attractions within walking distance of each other in Sultanahmet; Topkapi
Palace, the Justinian Cistern, and Hagia Sophia are not to be missed. Although
if you are taking a Turkey cruise, you
might like to spend some time on the Bosphorus on an Istanbul cruise to see some of the landmarks both onshore and on
the water itself. The Galata Tower is
one of the most photographed landmarks in the whole city.
Once you have seen the highlights of Istanbul and you are on board your cruise liner heading west, you can expect your ship to have the best of everything, including international cuisine as well as the typical healthy Turkish food that uses fresh fruit and vegetables, spices and olive oil as well as the fruits of the seas.
Aegean
Sea Ports
Cruise ships will head south towards Kusadasi on the Turkish mainland, where
it is worth taking a shore
excursion to visit Ephesus, one
of the most impressive sites of ancient ruins left in the world. Before
reaching Kusadasi, Turkey, ships can call an island and spend some time in Greece.
Each Greek port on cruise itineraries is geared to take a cruise liner.
On arriving at Kusadasi, you can take an excursion to Selcuk, which is just a short distance inland. Ephesus is just outside Selcuk, the House of the Virgin Mary. The Basilica of St. John is also well worth a visit at the same time.
Your cruise liner may then travel south from the cruise port of Kusadasi down towards the most southwesterly part of the Turkish mainland, heading ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea.
The Mediterranean Ports
Turkish cruises regularly call into the Greek
Island of Rhodes, a short distance from the Turkish mainland and Marmaris. It
is undoubtedly worth doing shore
excursions in both places. Rhodes Old Town has many things that will
interest passengers, while Marmaris has become one of the liveliest tourist
towns on the Turkish Riviera.
Some cruise lines that go further east visit the small Greek Island of Meis, just a short distance from one of the best diving centers on the southern coast, Kas. Although Meis harbor is tiny, cruise liners can approach and turn through 360 degrees. This is the end of the line for some cruises, which then return west towards Rhodes.
A Turkey cruise is relaxing, and shore excursions enhance the experience. The climate is guaranteed, and the memories are lasting. When deciding on your next holiday, it might be difficult not to be tempted to try another one in the future. There are several itineraries from which you can choose, and each will provide a rich experience.
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