Izmir, Turkey Port Reviews

The Roman/Greek city ruins, the amphitheatre

Visited: Sep 19, 2011

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Got off the ship, very congested and dirty, went back to the ship. Had no interesting in exploring this port.

EARLY excursion to Ephesus. Great site--better than the Acropolis. (Could have done without the carpet sales pitch at lunch, though.)

We booked Ephesus and Terrace Houses which was a fantastic excursion with NCL with a terrific guide. It was a very early start though, but well worth it. The site is huge with lots to see. We did stop at a “carpet shop” on the way back, but this one was very interesting, upmarket, and we didn’t feel under any obligation to buy (unlike others on a private excursion who felt very intimidated and upset with their carpet shop stop). I didn’t realise how huge and industrial Izmir port is and had no desire to venture back out (although there was no time anyway) so suggest an excursion for this port. The Turkish security lines back at the ship were around the block!!

We very much enjoyed our visit to Ephesus. The rug merchants are part of the visit...high pressure sales are to be expected...The tour staff doesn't protect the single travelers from being pressured to buy something.

Don't do the carpet tour but go to the markets, I could have sold my daughter a thousand times and my mum

We went to Mary's House and Ancient Ephesus. It was frustrating that our cruise was changed from its original sailing and put us further from Ephesus. But at least we still go to go. The van we were in didn't have AC and the tour guide was subpar. That was so rough. But Ephesus was absolutely amazing. And I am glad we were able to see it!

Did MSC excursion here to Virgin Mary house and Ephesus. We had a great guide, very knowledgeable. But stopped in a carpet place and leather place on the way back, which was a waste of time, not unless you had loads of money to spend!!!!

The excursion to Ephesus was great.

nice port went to ephasis was great