Cruise Line Silversea Anchors to Deliver Music at Ancient Aegean Archeological Sites
Aventure & Culture on Silversea: A Memorable Journey through Ancient Ephesus
Escaping the mundane and diving into a world of extraordinary experiences, that's what you get when you sail with Silversea. Their focus is all about crafting unforgettable moments for passengers, and they pull out all the stops...especially when it comes to archaeological treasures.
We recently embarked on a Silversea Aegean cruise, uncovering the rich past of Greek civilization in ports like Rhodes, Crete, Mykonos, and Ephesus on the Turkish coast. Now, let's talk about Ephesus.
Known as one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, Ephesus was once a bustling port city dating back to 1200 BCE. You'll find remnants of this ancient civilization throughout the city, including the:
- Library of Celsus: A well-preserved library boasting a reconstructed facade (without the books, of course) that offers a glimpse into the city's intellectual life during its Roman heyday.
- Roman Temple of Hadrian: A magnificent temple built around 128 AD, showcasing the city's Roman heritage.
- The Terrace Houses: A complex of six Roman residences, highlights of which include unearthed mosaics and frescoes that offer a peek into the daily lives of Ephesus' wealthy inhabitants.
- Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, although it was destroyed by invading Goths in 262 AD and never rebuilt, the temple's ruins still stand as a testament to its former glory.
- Basilica of St. John & the Virgin Mary's House: Believed to be the burial site of St. John the Apostle and the last residence of Mary, respectively.
While most shore excursions are delegated to trusted vendors, Silversea decided to create a truly special event just for their guests at Ephesus. Under the stars and amongst the ruins, they staged a classical concert, transporting 21st-century voyagers back in time to experience the blend of ancient and modern cultures.
As the sun began to set, well-dressed passengers disembarked from their advanced cruise ship, equipped with the latest technology, and made their way to the Odeon of Ancient Ephesus for this unique concert experience. The intimate crowd, about 100 strong, fit snugly on the lower level of an amphitheater built for 1500. As the darkness fell, flickering candles revealed the shapes of columns and stone walls, setting the scene for an enchanting evening of beautiful music.
According to Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea, "We're focused on creating memorable experiences that let our guests explore the world in new and exciting ways." This event at Ephesus was just one example of their dedication to providing exceptional, culturally rich moments that go beyond typical tours.
Witnessing this concert, nestled within the ruins of Ephesus, was nothing short of magical. The evening air was thick with a sense of history, and as we made our way back to the ship, hand in hand, we couldn't help but feel a deeper connection to this ancient city and its incredible past.
For Silversea, every destination is more than simply a stop on a travel itinerary. It's an opportunity to create lasting memories and contribute to the local community, as their unique events and exclusive experiences are designed to help travelers truly immerse themselves in the heart of every destination they visit.
In keeping with their commitment to exceptional, culturally rich experiences, Silversea offered a unique classical concert within the ancient city of Ephesus, turning an ordinary shore excursion into an unforgettable evening of music and history. By staging this event amidst the ruins of the Odeon of Ancient Ephesus, they masterfully blended the ancient civilization with the modern lifestyle of their passengers, offering a memorable fusion of travel, entertainment, and archeology.
