Visit Kusadasi Popular Port of Cruise Lines

Kusadasi is situated in the Aegean region of Turkey, and is a magnificent and perfect place for an unforgettable vacation. It is not only popular with holidaymakers but also large cruise line ships carrying thousands of passengers. Most of them come just to visit the nearby ancient ruins of Ephesus, but the area does have many more attractions.

Kusadasi Cruise Port

It is no surprise that as a cruise line destination, shopping is big business in Kusadasi. Everything is for sale from cheap leather goods to authentic carpets, jewelry, clothes, and souvenirs. There is a local bazaar, near to the marina entrance or you can bargain for local deals in the outlet centers, located near Ephesus. You can even enjoy a complimentary fashion show :)

Kusadasi has every type of restaurant you can imagine, from international with English speaking staff to backstreet fast food establishments only frequented by locals. Although there is no big nightclub, the likes of what people will see in Bodrum, Kusadasi still has an active nightlife scene.

Kusadasi Bazaar

Beach clubs dotted around the coastal line are popular with visiting Turks while Ladies Beach has family friendly venues with games and activities to keep adults and children occupied. For those who really want to party, Bar street is the best place to be at.

Jade Beach Club

From Kusadasi, you can also visit Pamukkale, Priene, Miletus, Didyma, Pergamum, Aphrodisias or embark on Greek Islands Cruise ships leaving from Kusadasi Port during High season (April till November).

Things to do in Istanbul Don't Leave Istanbul without doing these

Istanbul... Istanbul.. Beautiful city amazes you with so many historical sites, museums, restaurants, night-life, wonderful hotels and shopping activities. But if you have only few days to do all, these would be my things to do list which I wouldn't go back home without doing.

Follow James Bond through the Yerebatan Underground Cistern: Yerebatan Sarayi (‘sunken palace’) appears in the 1963 James Bond film called “From Russia with Love”. Do you remember the scene where 007 rowed a small boat through the marble columns? That was filmed at this sixth-century underground Byzantine cistern. The upside-down head of Medusa supports one of columns.

Underground Cistern

Watch the Ceremony of Whirling Dervishes: In Hodja Pasha Culture Center, watch the mystical whirling dance of the dervishes as they perform their religious ceremony, known as the sema. Whirling dervishes are followers of the famous poet and philosopher Rumi.

Eat Istanbul Cuisine in Ortakoy. With its thriving cafe culture and position at the foot of the Bosphorus Bridge, which links Europe and Asia, Ortaköy has a distinctly cosmopolitan feel. The district boasts a fantastic choice of fish restaurants positioned directly on the waterfront, as well as a bustling Sunday market.

Ortakoy

Haggle for Bargains in the Grand Bazaar: Whether it is the highlight of your stay or an endurance test, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar will provide a memorable experience. Created during the 14th century, it is located in the heart of the old city and one of the world’s largest covered markets, with thousands of shops lining 65 streets and alleys.

Tour the Idyllic Princes Islands: A 90-minute ferry ride from Istanbul brings you to Buyukada, largest of small islands collectively known as the Princes’ Islands. For centuries, these were places of exile but now, tourists visit to enjoy the serenity of the leafy, traffic-free lanes.

Historical Tram in Istiklal Street,Beyoglu

Feel Real Istanbul Life in Beyoglu: Istanbul’s modern centre is bustling with coffee shops, quirky boutiques, and galleries. Spend the afternoon exploring the area by foot,talking in the unobstructed views by strolling down Istiklal Caddesi.

"Turkish Coffee" Ever tasted one?

You are in Turkey and you can not wake up without drinking my coffee! You want your coffee... You want caffeine now, right now! Alright, you are a coffeecholic and can not start the day without a cup of coffee. So good new for you that you can drink your coffee in your hotel or any cafeteria and restaurant close to your hotel. Bad news ; You must get used to drink Turkish style of coffee as you can not find a Starbucks everywhere.

Turkish word for coffee : Kahve

Turkish coffee refers not to a type of coffee, but to the way in which it is prepared. Unfiltered, the coffee grounds are never completely dissolved.

When drinking Turkish coffee, the trick is to keep gently swirling your cup. Otherwise, you will drink weak coffee and end up with a thick layer of grounds at the bottom of the cup or in your final gulp.

Locals prefer Turkish coffee without sugar but if it is your first time tasting the coffee; it is wise to add sugar because it is very bitter and a strong taste.

How to make Turkish Coffee?

Traditionally, ground coffee is  added to cold water in a copper pot (some use hot lukewarm water, to speed up the process, but the difference in taste is obvious. Turks call this hasty version “dishwater.”

The coffee and water mixture is stirred and slowly heated over medium heat. Just before the water boils, the pot is set aside and its contents are allowed to settle.

Then the pot is put back on boil. This time, half is poured into a cup, while the rest is reheated and then used to top off the drink.

 

Locals have a traditional saying to indicate whether the coffee is of decent quality.

“If the horseshoe floats, you know its good coffee.”

In some regions, an age-old tradition when choosing a bride was to judge her on the quality of her Turkish coffee. The intended family of the groom would be invited to her family’s house and she would serve everyone coffee. An engagement and wedding would only be agreed to if the coffee tasted delicious!