Page 84 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2023 DISCOVERING TURKEY
P. 84
KUSADASI TOURS AND THE ART OF THE DEAL
usadasi was our second-to-last stop be- The Art of the Deal
fore our ship, Azamara Onward, docked
K in Istanbul. It’s a popular Aegean-coast Most tours, including shore excursions from
port for cruise ships usually destined for or
cruise ships, offer “optional” visits to shops to
just leaving Istanbul. The region has been a learn how rugs are made and perhaps buy one
center of art and culture for over five thou- to take home. In reality, no one mentions the
sand years, drawing settlers from many civi-
option of opting out. Instead, your friendly
lizations since 3000 BC. guide will chat you up about the fine estab-
The chief attraction of this large prosperous lishment you’ll visit, run by a lifelong friend,
resort town is the ruins of the ancient city of relative, or even poker buddy. He’ll marvel at
Ephesus, just 11 miles south. Kusadasi is how interesting it is to see silkworm cocoons
known for beaches, but for most tourists, it’s a spun into thread and woven into intricate pat-
place to stay and shop before or after they terns. Still not convinced? There are re-
visit Ephesus. Most shops feature quintessen- strooms…and refreshments.
tial Turkish wares, including ceramics, rugs, Carpet shops almost always cap hours-long
leather goods, and “genuine fake” designer Ephesus tours. By then, everyone is hot, tired
purses and watches. Bargaining is the norm,
and thirsty. A bench, AC and a bathroom would
so know prevailing prices before you haggle be welcome. Yes, the friendly nearby rug empo-
with savvy shopkeepers. rium has it all, even if the price is a sales pitch.
84 WINE DINE & T RA V EL MA G A ZINE F A L L 2023
WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2023
84
