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Top five ports for archaeology 

Top five ports for archaeology 

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 

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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!

library of celsus

library of celsus

St. Paul was also said to deliver sermon at this amazing amphitheatre

ampitheatre

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.

pompeii

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.

the forum


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.

parthenon


the acropolis

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.

taormina theatre

After a visit to the amphitheater head back into town and try a delicious cannoli- a local delicacy

Top 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