Silversea Cruises Infuses Ancient Aegean Amphitheater with Enchantment and Melody
Sail the seas with a Silversea cruise and explore history like never before! If you're craving an unforgettable experience, let these top-notch travel providers sweep you off your feet. Instead of the usual shore excursions, why not join a special event handcrafted just for you?
In the heart of modern-day Turkey, we embarked on an Aegean voyage, sailing from Athens to the storied outposts of Greek civilization, like the infamous Rhodes, Crete, Mykonos, and Ephesus. Initially, I was apprehensive about visiting Turkey due to the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, but I felt safe during our one-day adventure.
Ephesus, a city on the west coast of the Turkish mainland, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Originally settled around 1200 BCE, Ephesus offers a captivating exploration of ancient families and empires rising and falling. I felt like l was walking through time itself as I strolled along the ancient city's long stone road, passing the Library of Celsus and the Roman Temple of Hadrian.
As a Ionian Greek city, Ephesus was later conquered and rebuilt by the Romans. For years a major city in Asia Minor, it was an essential city for early Christianity, as the apostle Paul's "Epistle to the Ephesians" echoed through its cobblestone streets. The Terrace Houses, a complex of six Roman residences, fascinated me, revealing beautiful unearthed mosaics and frescoes.
At the end of April, my wife and I attended a unique event organized by Silversea at the ancient city of Ephesus - a blend of ancient and modern culture. As we wondered the ancient city, we were suddenly ushered into the Odeon, an amphitheater built for musical events and gatherings of the aristocratic council. We settled onto the stone benches as the sun dipped below the horizon, ready for an enchanting night.
Lost in the romance of the moment, we were treated to a symphony of classical hits by talented Turkish musicians. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on the stone columns and walls, and as I looked around, I could almost imagine ancient audiences listening in awe to the same music centuries ago.
"At Silversea, we're focused on creating remarkable experiences that let our guests delve into the world in fresh and thrilling ways," says Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea. "Our diverse land programs immerse guests in the essence of every destination."
As the final notes of the concert began to fade, my wife and I held hands and returned to the cruise ship, lost in our reflections of the enchanting evening. From historical cruises to immersive virtual reality experiences, Silversea has you covered if you're seeking a touch of the extraordinary during your travels. So, grab your passport and get ready for an adventure you'll never forget!
While you're journeying across the seas, why not check out some other unique events hosted by historical sites and cruise companies? For instance, the Maritime Museum of San Diego offers a pirate adventure experience, where guests become crew members and participate in a live show. Or, if you find yourself in Tampa Bay, be sure to visit the Tampa Bay History Center for a chef-crafted lunch cruise experience featuring narration on Tampa Bay’s maritime past. Keep your eyes peeled for more extraordinary events like the one we experienced in Ephesus!
Venture on a Silversea cruise and attend captivating special events, such as the enchanting concert we experienced in Ephesus, blending ancient architecture with modern entertainment. Silversea's diverse land programs, like the immersive experiences at historical sites and museums, cater to a lifestyle of adventure and discovery during your travels.
