This is truly a spectacular archaeological site. It dates back from the Greco-Roman times when this area was the centre of trade and commerce. The port was improved by the Romans, and that nice friend of Greece and it seems Turkey, Hadrian was here to build more arches attached by many marble columns, Doric, Ionic and Corinthian (the most decorative). It was hot and dry, very little shade, we were well prepared with hats, water and fruit. We had a private tour, w...

After organising the trip around Istanbul and Ephesus, we are finally to visit the Shrine of the House of Mary and the ruins of the port town of Ephesus, where the disciple John took Mary after the death of Jesus. Ephesus was important for the early church John, Peter and Paul visited this important city. The shrine is sanctioned by the Catholic Church. Is is also a very busy place, many pilgrams and all of the boat was here at the same time. Lit a candle and sai...

Another early start, even though we are in a muslim city and it is Ramadan, the mighty tourism dollar does not rest. We had a prearranged small guided tour of the area of Sutlanahmet. Off the boat at 7:45 looking for 'Robert' on a sign. After a few minutes of panic, as there was every name but 'Robert' on a sign, Selime our guide from Istanbul Daily Tours arrived. Our confirmation email said that we would be in a group of 8, after a hurried conversation with othe...

After reading 'The Tournament', the only place that was not on the our tour tomorrow was the Basilica Cistern. After disembarking early we set off to exchange some Euros to Turkish Lira. Note to all travellers to Turkey's Karakoy port district. The only bank in a row of five that exchanges Euro is the Turkish Bank, and that is after you wait longer than time spent at any NSW RMS office. The good news the bank is across the road from the Ferry terminal and the lig...

The blogs are only half the story of the 'XXX Empires Criuse'. After many hours researching we booked a spa cabin on the Panaroma Deck (10). The cabins are a level above the Spa and a level below the Crows Nest and Observation Lounge, Explorers Coffee Shop. The staterooms include fresh fruit each day, ice, room service and a yoga mat (unused and still in the corner). The best thing about some of the staterooms they overlook the bow, we have one of these stateroom...