What to do in Ephesus Turkey with Limited Mobility
For many Eastern Mediterranean cruises, Ephesus Turkey is a port of call. I got the chance to visit here in 2010 when I sailed aboard the Star Princess. The city has a lot to offer and can be a great way to spend a day during your cruise. Here’s my guide on what to do in Ephesus Turkey with limited mobility.
When I visited with friends, we decided to do an easy shore excursion through the ship. There was a narrated driving tour through the city and then a stop in the small village of Sirince to do some shopping. For those that enjoy history and/or are religious there are also great spots to visit right in town.
Ephesus was home to the Ephesians and it is also where the apostle Paul was imprisoned. He wrote some of the chapters of the Bible during his time in jail. We passed by the ruins of this prison during our driving tour.
You can also tour the ruins of Ephesus. There are a couple of accessible tours available that allow you to roll through this ancient city. This city played a large role in the history of Christianity and Apostles Paul and John as well as the Virgin Mary once roamed the streets. You can find accessible tours through Sage Travel or through local tour operators (which I found via google).
Just outside of the city is an area that is believed to be where Jesus’s mother, Mary, spent the last of her days on earth. There is a statue dedicated to her and an ancient stone building believed to be her home. We had a short stop at her shrine, but not enough time to explore her home. It is located on a mountain, so the terrain may be challenging for wheelchair users.
After driving by these historic areas, we made it to our destination of Sirince. This small town has numerous quaint shops that you can explore. Just be aware that the walkways are cobblestone and not all shops will be wheelchair accessible. Typically, there was one or two small steps to go in.
I found the shop keepers to be friendly without being pushy (which is not true in all of Turkey). While there I tasted some local Mulberry Wine (delicious) and bought a bottle to bring back home with me. As I was the first person to make a purchase that day, the owner said I was good luck and had a special ceremony.
Another shop owner gave me a free pin. It was of a blue eye. In Turkish tradition, the blue eye wards off evil spirits. I still have this pin today in my jewelry box.
Travel Tip: In Turkey, you are expected to barter with shop keepers on the price of an item. So, hold back your enthusiasm and practice your negotiating skills. All of the shop owners I met spoke good English, so language shouldn’t be too much of a barrier.
Having purchased our souvenirs, we boarded the motorcoach and headed back to the ship. We had one last stop, however before our excursion was over… a Turkish rug demonstration/store. Here we learned how these popular rugs are made from silk worms and then the silk is dyed and weaved to make a rug. There was also a small sales push to get you to buy. They were beautiful but very expensive.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Turkey when I visited, but was pleasantly surprised by the rich history, delicious wine (who knew!), and unique traditions. Whether you have limited mobility or are a full-time wheelchair user, this city has something to offer. I hope you now have a better idea of what to do in Ephesus Turkey with limited mobility.
