You will need a valid passport and also a visa is required to enter the country for all United States visitors. If you are flying into Turkey to board your cruise, visas are available right in the airport as a normal function of immigration. There is no need to acquire one in advance. If you are arriving by ship, the cruise line should offer to obtain one for you or help you obtain one.

The official language of Turkey is Turkish, but English is widely spoken (especially in the tourist and shopping areas). The currency is the Turkish lira. I would strongly suggest converting dollars to lira and investing the time to become familiar with the lira currency. The exchange rate is outrageous and it is quite possible to be short changed both in the conversion of funds in stores and in the making of change. Taxi drivers are notorious for shortchanging/over charging tourist using dollars for payment. This is one country that will require some thought and a calculator to convert currency.

Kusadasi is a smaller resort city residing on a beautiful bay that is one of the most beautiful. With a population of over 50,000 full time residents, Kusadasi offers excellent shopping, wonderful beaches and access to some of the most fabulous ruins in the world. There is much to see and do here.

Summers in Kusadasi can be downright hot so be sure to bring something cool to wear when tromping through the ruins. Winters are simply wonderful and resemble California’s San Diego climate.

The port of Kusadasi is right in the downtown area. It is an easy walk into the shopping area, as well as over to Goveroin Ada (or Pidgeon Island) and the beaches beyond.

The main shopping streets of downtown Kusadasi offer excellent shopping, as do the side streets, boutiques and mini malls. There are some nice boutiques along the coastline as well. Head past the Kusadasi bazaar and continue walking until you come to a broad shopping street. From here shopping streets extend in all directions. The narrow pedestrian streets offer some of the best shopping, but be prepared to negotiate. If you would like buy any handicraft items you can go to mini cooperatives or local work shops near the Ephesus.

Carpet salesmen are everywhere. Unless you want to purchase a carpet, stay on your toes. Beyond carpets, Kusadasi has a great selection of clothing, leather goods, ceramics, electronics, watches, jewelry, gold, Turkish crafts and collectibles (evil eyes are everywhere) and much more.