Ancient Aegean Ruins Enhanced by Silversea Cruises Through Music Performance Initiative
A Unique Blend of Past and Present: Silversea's Ephesus Concert
Cruising with Silversea means stepping into a world of exceptional experiences, and on our recent Aegean excursion, we were treated to just that. Our journey took us to Ephesus, an ancient city on the west coast of modern-day Turkey, where Silversea created an unforgettable event that weaved together the best of the past and present.
My wife and I, along with fellow passengers, set sail from Athens, destination: Ephesus, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Despite some Middle Eastern turmoil, I felt secure during our one-day visit. The ancient city, approximately 11 miles from Kusadasi, has been captivating visitors since its Greek founding.
Walking the long stone roads of Ephesus, we marveled at well-preserved structures such as the Library of Celsus and the Roman Temple of Hadrian. But Ephesus is primarily renowned for its Ionian Greek city roots and its pivotal role in early Christianity, as evidenced in Paul's "Epistle to the Ephesians."
The Terrace Houses, a complex of six Roman residences with unearthed mosaics and frescos, were a fascinating highlight. Ephesus also boasted two agoras, one a bustling marketplace, the other dedicated to state business.
The Temple of Artemis, or Diana, a goddess of fertility, built by the wealthy king Croesus, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although it was destroyed by invading Goths in 262 and never rebuilt, its ruins remain a powerful testament to the city's past.
Our day at Ephesus concluded with an expertly guided tour, followed by a delightful dinner back on the ship. Little did we know that we would return in the evening for a surprise.
In the dimming light, we found ourselves in the Roman ruins once more, greeted with a red-carpet reception and wine as we prepared for an extraordinary event. The Silversea crew had transformed the Odeon, an ancient theatre built for musical events and meetings of the aristocratic council, into an intimate setting for a classical concert under the stars and amongst the ruins.
The atmosphere was electric as we sat on the stone benches in the gathering darkness, our fellow voyagers and we watching as smartly-dressed musicians played the music of Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi, and other famous composers. As the concert reached its climax, we felt a sense of connection to the thousands of audiences who had sat in this very spot for 19 centuries.
Such experiences epitomize Silversea's approach to travel: creating memorable adventures that allow guests to explore the world in extraordinary ways. Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea, explains, "Whether it's exploring historic sites or enjoying exclusive events through our unique land programs, our broad land experience offerings bring guests closer to the heart of every destination."
Stepping back onto our luxurious cruise ship, we felt a renewed appreciation for the amazing fusion of past and present that Silversea had orchestrated.
As we returned to Ephesus in the evening, we were greeted with a surprising classical concert under the stars in the ancient Odeon, hosted by Silversea, elevating our travel experience to an extraordinary level. Our evenings on the cruising voyage with Silversea continued to be enriched with special events like this, blending the essence of travel, entertainment, and lifestyle, reminiscent of the archeological site's first audiences who marveled at music performances centuries ago.
