Ephesus Greek: Έφεσος, Turkish: Efes

Kusadasi, which means "bird island", is set in a superb gulf in the Aegean region of Turkey and is known for its turquoise sparkling water of the Sea, As we enter the port of Kusadai at 7:30 am we can see the outlines of an 16th Century Genoese Castle at Kusadasi. There is also a lighted statue. This ends our stay aboard the ship. We head of for a tour of Ephasus. We will have lunch at a local restaurant and a brief time to shop in Kusadasi before we are taken to our brief stay at the hotel before we fly out of Izmir. Ephesus was fabulous needless to say. The Library of Celsus was amazing. Ancient Toilet Facilities at Ephesus (what, no Sears catalog?) The entire day was astounding. After seeing Ephesus and receiving communion at the theater of Ephesus [which was amazing] we stopped to see St. John’s Basilica near ancient Ephesus. Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city on the Mediterranean, and perhaps the best place in the world to get the feeling for what life was like in Roman times. As a strategic coastal gateway to the Eastern World, this Ionian refuge grew to be the second largest city in the Roman Empire, the site of a Christian shrine, and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary, accompanied by St. Paul, came to Ephesus at the end of her life, circa 37-45 AD. Renaissance church historians mentioned the trip, and it is said that local Christians venerated a small house near Ephesus as Mary's. In 1967 Pope Paul VI. visited the site, where a chapel now stands, and confirmed the authenticity of the legend. Also the Basilica of St. John is located near Ephesus. St. John is said to have lived the last years of his life here and after his death, a shrine was located over his grave.