Whenever I look at booking a cruise I always look at the destinations first and foremost. Being a history geek, history and culture feature highly on my priorities so here are my top five ports for archaeology
Kusadesi
A short 40 minute drive from Kusadesi is my favourite archaeological site, Ephesus. Ephesus recently became a world heritage site – about time! and is one of the most complete digs I have ever seen! There are many intact buildings on the site including houses with amazing murals but perhaps the most stunning is the library of Celsus who couldn’t help but be impressed!
St. Paul was also said to deliver sermon at this amazing amphitheatre Nearby there is also the house of the Virgin Mary – another must see.After a trip to Ephesus you can indulge in shopping in port or if you have time go to the nearby ladies beach!
Naples
Perhaps the most obvious choice but there’s a reason. Pompeii is an outstanding site and it’s amazing to see in the flesh. My advice is find a winter cruise and get there early. We had the site pretty much to ourselves when we went in December.
Herculaneum is also near by and offers a similar experience but isn’t as busy.After a morning of exploring I recommend heading back to Naples for an authentic pizza!
Civitavecchia
Ok, you’ve got a long coach journey – about an hour – ahead of you but it’s totally worth it! Rome is full of aracheological wonders in the forum.
After a visit to the forum, head to the colesseum. I was surprised by its size, it feels so much bigger in real life!
Athens
You can’t mention Athens without thinking of the acropolis. Sitting above the city, the acropolis is an archaeologists dream. My personal favourite building was the Parthenon which unfortunately was undergoing renovations while we were there.
I recommend visiting in the morning and heading into town after for a gyro and a look around the acropolis museum.
Messina
A short drive away from Messina is the town of Taormina, a celebrity haven and has in my opinion the amphitheater with the best view on the world.
After a visit to the amphitheater head back into town and try a delicious cannoli- a local delicacyTop tip – I love archaeology sites but always find you get the most out of them with a guide. I always book a guide to go with us and have always found Viator to have great guides who are often archaeologists who have worked on the site.
Nell (the Pigeon Pair and Me)
Monday 31st of October 2016
Out of these, the only one I've visited is Athens. Thanks for the tips - so much fascinating history to explore! This post would be perfect for my new #CulturedKids linky. Do join up in Friday (4 Nov) if you get the chance!
Wandermust Mummy
Tuesday 1st of November 2016
Thanks - will def join up but away on Friday 4th so will have to be the one after but please add me to the list ?
Cathy (Mummytravels)
Thursday 27th of October 2016
Very pleased to see I've done three of these- I love exploring historic sites too and Ephesus is high on my list. I'd add Delos at Mykonos and Troy, near Canakkale was an interesting one to see though very glad I had a guide there as there's not much info or signs. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Wandermust Mummy
Sunday 30th of October 2016
Not done either of those so will have to add them on my list
Ahila
Thursday 27th of October 2016
I would love to visit Ephesus someday. The ruins of the library of Celsus and the amphitheatre looks beautiful. #CityTripping
Wandermust Mummy
Sunday 30th of October 2016
It's fantastic it is really worth a visit ?
Corey with fifi + hop
Thursday 27th of October 2016
Great idea for a post - I too am fascinated by archeology so when I saw the title of this I just had to read it. I've heard so much about Ephesus - hope I make it some day. #citytripping
Wandermust Mummy
Thursday 27th of October 2016
If you like archaeology you would love Ephesus
Sam | Away She Went
Tuesday 25th of October 2016
I've been to Rome and Pompeii, but I would love to see the other sites you mentioned, especially Ephesus. I actually just posted my travel recap of our day at Pompeii. I agree that it helps to have a guide at sites like these! There's just so many facts and stories that I think you'd miss without one.
Wandermust Mummy
Wednesday 26th of October 2016
Exactly. Will have to check out your post. Ephesus should def be on your list