Michael S. LibermanItaly and Greece (and Türkiye!) Day 15: Kusadasi and Patmos
July 16, 2026
From the island of Patmos …
It’s nearly 10p by the time we’re back on board the Celestyal Discovery and have a late snack for dinner. Overnight the ship leaves Mykonos and cruises to Kusadasi, Türkiye. After a 6a breakfast it’s a very early 6:45a start for the Ephesus excursion.
Kuşadası, Türkiye • 37°51’43.8″ N 27°15’15.72″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/640 sec at f/4.0
Ephesus is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. The archaeological site is renowned for its impressive ruins, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Terrace Houses, which provide insight into ancient Roman life and architecture. With the early start our local guide Oz makes sure that we are the first group in and we are treated to almost empty views of the site.
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°56’15.27″ N 27°20’34.62″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 72 • 1/500 sec at f/4.5
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°56’17.86″ N 27°20’31.20″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 34 mm • ISO 64 • 1/640 sec at f/4.5
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°56’20.20″ N 27°20’28.68″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/1250 sec at f/4.0
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°56’29.50″ N 27°20’30.54″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/640 sec at f/4.0
Next we see the work of the Turkish carpet weavers and their intricate knotting technique at Golden Fringe. A few carpets are purchased by members of our group.
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°55’49.68″ N 27°18’24.73″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 5600 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°55’49.06″ N 27°18’25.01″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 8000 • 1/250 sec at f/4.0
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°55’49.06″ N 27°18’25.01″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 8000 • 1/250 sec at f/4.0
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°55’48.81″ N 27°18’25.28″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 2800 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0
We head back to the ship for lunch and the short cruise to Patmos.
The island of Patmos is said to be where Saint John the Apostle received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. The notable landmarks on the island are the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse. It’s a quick tender ride from the ship to the small town on the island. We don’t have enough time for the taxi ride up to the monastery, so we head to the beach instead.
Patmos, Greece • 37°19’33.21″ N 26°32’35.40″ E
Nikon Z8 • 6.5 mm f/2 • ISO 60 • 1/2500 sec at f/2.0
Tonight is dinner on the ship and we sail the 112 nautical miles to the island of Rhodes.
