Croatia or Turkey

[travmagic]

Which port is better and why, Split, Croatia or Kusadasi, Turkey? I know we all have different opinions so that’s why I am asking for the reason for your choice.

All the other ports are just about the same in the itineraries I am considering.

Thanks in advance.

[MeHeartCruising]

First, both are fine ports, but it would likely depend on your preferences and not mine.  For Split, the most common thing to do is to walk off the ship and spend the day exploring Diocletian’s Palace, which is full of Roman architecture and history.  Modern stores and cafes and such are intermingled in the ruins so you can do a little shopping and eating if you wish.  It’s a very nice day.  For Kusadasi, most will probably go by bus on tour of nearby Ephesus - an Ancient Greek site with some very impressive ruins.  Try to include the Terrace Houses, which are usually an additional cost.  This is also a very nice day.  You would possibly have time to also walk around Kusadasi for some shopping.   I loved my day in both. 

Edited February 4 by MeHeartCruising

[edinburgher]

17 hours ago, travmagic said:

Which port is better and why, Split, Croatia or Kusadasi, Turkey? I know we all have different opinions so that’s why I am asking for the reason for your choice.

Not possible to compare apples and pears as they are very different from each other.  The #1 choice for Kusadasi is definitely Ephesus, followed by some shopping in the market if that appeals.

Many many past threads for Kusadasi and Ephesus and you would find it helpful to read a few of them.

 

Ephesus:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=ephesus&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=149

 

Kusadasi:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=kusadasi&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=149

 

 

Split is totally different and  and becoming a favourite with those who visit. Reading some of the past threads would be helpful to you:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=split&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=149

[cruisemom42]

If deciding between those two ports on a cruise, I would probably say Kusadasi (to see Ephesus ruins) has more impact. 

 

The ruins there are phenomenal, and are certainly an eye-opening introduction to many who aren't aware of the extent of Greek, Roman, and Hellenistic ruins in Turkey. Many cruisers have come back from Mediterranean cruises and said that Kusadasi/Ephesus was a real, unexpected surprise and delight to them.

 

Split is also unique, but IMHO, is not of the same "magnitude" in terms of impact or historical importance, as seeing Ephesus. 

 

To slightly correct @MeHeartCruising, Ephesus originated as a Greek city, but what you will see is mostly from the Roman period, when it rose to become one of the most important cities in the empire. Alexander the Great held a triumphal parade there. It was also visited by Marc Antony and Cleopatra as well as (later) by the Emperor Hadrian. And it was also very important in the early days of Christianity, with a number of very early churches. St. Paul preached to the residents in the theatre of Ephesus (still very well preserved). And one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis, was located there.

 

The biggest highlight today is the Library of Celsus. The library was renowned as probably second only to the one in Alexandria in the ancient world (after Marc Antony "donated" most of the book scrolls in the Pergamon library to Cleopatra), and the Library of Celsus, named for a Roman consul, was built to house them.

 

 

Edited February 4 by cruisemom42

[travmagic]

On 2/4/2024 at 9:49 AM, edinburgher said:

Not possible to compare apples and pears as they are very different from each other.  The #1 choice for Kusadasi is definitely Ephesus, followed by some shopping in the market if that appeals.

Many many past threads for Kusadasi and Ephesus and you would find it helpful to read a few of them.

 

Ephesus:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=ephesus&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=149

 

Kusadasi:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=kusadasi&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=149

 

 

Split is totally different and  and becoming a favourite with those who visit. Reading some of the past threads would be helpful to you:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=split&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=149

Thanks for the links, I will definitely read up more before deciding!

 

Edited February 6 by travmagic