Ephesus by Moonlight and Horizons by E-Bike: A Day in Kuşadası

We recently enjoyed a delightful seven-day voyage aboard the Seabourn Quest. The ship had just emerged from dry dock with refreshed interiors. As the oldest and most intimate vessel in the Seabourn fleet, it was wonderful to see such a thoughtful investment in her timeless design. Our itinerary featured a perfect blend of familiar sights—Chania, Mykonos, and Kuşadası—alongside new discoveries in Gythion, Greece, and Çeşme, Türkiye. While some of these ports are familiar to me from past contracts and travels, they offered brand-new exploration for Dirk.

For most travelers, Kuşadası is the gateway to the ancient ruins of Ephesus. If you have never been, it belongs firmly on the global bucket list, holding the same historic weight as a visit to Pompeii, the Colosseum, or the Acropolis.

Having been fortunate enough to walk the marble streets of Ephesus several times over the years, my excitement for this stop was driven by something entirely unique. When Seabourn schedules a late-night departure from Kuşadası, they host one of their true signature events: a private, complimentary evening chamber music concert set directly within the illuminated ruins of Ephesus. We had booked an itinerary featuring this experience a few years ago, but geopolitical shifts had forced a route change. I was highly anticipating finally getting to experience it! While Dirk might not have shared my exact level of classical music enthusiasm initially, he certainly sensed how much the evening meant to me.

Kuşadası by E-Bike

Because the concert was scheduled for after dark, we had the entire daytime hours to explore Kuşadası. I found an exceptional independent operator: Joyride Bike Tours.

They arranged a lovely 22-kilometer private tour tailored precisely to our schedule. They provided well-maintained e-bikes and met us right at the cruise pier,  (Payment is settled in Euros at the end of the ride.) Our guide, Necati, was fantastic. He navigated us smoothly through classic spots like Ladies Beach and the historic Old Town, while introducing me to entirely new vistas, including a stunning overlook above the iconic Kuşadası sign and the serene Pine Lake. We felt completely secure throughout the ride, and Necati shared local history along the way. Given the town's incredibly steep hills, we highly recommend opting for the e-bikes!

TIP: Beyond custom private routes, Joyride Bike Tours also offers standard bike rentals and combined itineraries that include a ride out to Ephesus for those looking for an active approach to the ruins.

After turning in our bikes, Dirk and I enjoyed a wonderfully peaceful afternoon recharging by the ship’s pool, resting up for the grand event ahead.

Ephesus by Moonlight and Music    

The signature evening was executed with total precision. Every detail was meticulously anticipated—from the early dinner featuring local delicacies to the well-timed, comfortable transportation, the exceptional musicianship, and the warm welcome back aboard the ship. Hearing classical notes echo through ancient stones under the stars was pure magic.

Navigating Wellness: The Check-In

As I shared in my last post, I am shifting the coordinates of this section to focus on targeted, honest takeaways rather than a rigid checklist. For this port call, Movement took care of itself; from Gythion hiking and Kuşadası e-biking to shoreside wandering,  staying active is always our preferred way to explore.

However, traveling through the Mediterranean heat requires a deliberate strategy for Sustenance & Hydration.

The All-Inclusive Open Bar

On a luxury, all-inclusive line like Seabourn, fine wine and spirits flow freely. To keep our wellness goals on course, Dirk and I practiced a rule we established on previous cruises: always order a glass of ice water alongside every single cocktail.

Interestingly, we noticed a shift in the ship's daily rhythms that suggests other guests are doing the same. On past voyages, pool bar staff frequently circulated with trays of pre-made alcoholic drinks. While the team still checked on guests regularly, the cocktail sweeps felt less frequent, and the trays now prominently featured refreshing glasses of ice water.

Furthermore, the industry’s non-alcoholic offerings have evolved beautifully. Seabourn now features an excellent zero-proof selection, including the crisp Australian Great Northern Zero beer, non-alcoholic sparkling wines that taste sophisticated rather than like sweet grape juice, and several curated mocktails. It made incorporating healthy swaps throughout the week incredibly satisfying.

The "Game of Three"

When it came to navigating the ship's dining venues, I created a personal framework called the Game of Three. On any given day, I challenged myself to:

1. Try one entirely new food I had never experienced before.

2. Make one intentional healthy swap.

3. Indulge in one premium, special treat.

Surprisingly, given Seabourn’s extensive menus, finding something completely foreign to try proved to be the hardest task. The second hardest? Not surprisingly, limiting the indulgences to just one. However, implementing this rule kept me grounded in conscious, mindful appreciation rather than mindless cruise grazing.

That’s all for now —the realities of housework and meal prep are calling.. In just two weeks, the compass spins again as we head out to join the Oosterdam in Livorno, Italy. We will be trading one verandah for another, just in time for the peak of the Mediterranean August heat!

Bon Voyage & Bon Appétit!