Ephesus vs. Naples and Provence

You do realize that Ephesus is in Turkey. And no where near Naples and Provence. So each cruise would have to be substantially different - not just one or two ports different. And there is really no comparison between the two. Ephesus is ab absolutely fascinating as an old Roman city ruins. Naples is modern Italy city with some great sites especially the history museum but it is still a modern, busy city. I personally would go to Ephesus for the historical value.

Thanks for the info. I am aware Ephesus is in Turkey. The one Mediterranean cruise itinerary hits Ephesus/Turkey and one goes to Naples and Provence. These are the 2 differences in the itineraries. I was just trying to compare which one(s) would be better to visit if you would have the one chance.

I'd take Ephesus and Turkey. The Roman ruins are staggering and you can truly imagine a Roman city. Turkey itself is a treat and to experience an Islamic country with friendly polite people and happy children enlarges ones world view.
Naples is fascinating as well, but it takes time to appreciate and it's an urban area that is tumultuous so some folks might find it unsettling. Province has many nice villages and cities but it's charm is more in the way of life so I think a quick hit will not do it justice.

I have been to all three. Ephesus was actually first a Greek settlement, then Roman, Early Christian, Byzantine, and Turkish. For the variety of historical periods represented, Ephesus and Napoli are about even, with more modern history in Napoli.

I would go to Ephesus, depending on what other ports are are each itinerary. Kusadasi is the port, I think about an hour away from Ephesus. Are you doing excursions?

Been to all three and Ephesus wins hands down. Naples itself is just a city despite being close to Pompeii and Herculaneum. Those two sites are very interesting from a number of perspectives, but both of them together (imho) don't measure up to the scope and grandeur of Ephesus. Provence is an area that needs to be assimilated over period of time rather than during a port call.

I haven't picked any excursions yet whether on our own or ship escorted. Still working on which cruise itinerary to pick, but Ephesus seems to be the winner in most peoples' opinions so far.

Another vote for Ephesus. It's a fascinating site on many levels; doubly so if you have any interest at all in Biblical history. Nearby is the town of Selçuk, with the ruins of the Temple of Artemis (one of the original "Seven Wonders of The World") and Basilica of St. John. The cruise port of Kuşadası is itself interesting with ample nightlife. The countryside reminds me of what the Central California coast looked like before it became so overpopulated.

Many find charm in the chaos of Naples, but it's not my favorite Italian city.

Chalk up another vote for Ephesus. I really, really didn't like Naples. Provence is a large region; and it has so many and varied attractions that one day, or even a couple wouldn't do it justice. Ephesus, on the other hand, is a good excursion for a day.

I took a cruise in the early 200s based on visiting Ephesus and Istanbul. Those two ports were dropped due to some incident that happened near Ephesus. I was really disappointed. I finally made it there this past fall! Well worth going and glad I had the chance.

Unfortunately it's such a personal decision based on what your interests are. I've been to all three, although not as port stops on a cruise. I absolutely loved Ephesus and highly recommend it. But then, on the other hand, a cruise stop in Naples would most likely be an excursion to Pompeii, which also was one of my 'bucket list' places to see and I highly recommend that too, and I suppose there would be a cruise ship option to Capri which you'd have to weigh against Pompeii - ooh decisions decisions. In addition the cruise that stops in Naples also makes a stop for Provence which is totally different but wonderful in a different way. So, again, what are your main interests, what draws you? Would the option for two totally different stops (Naples area vs a piece of Provence - Italy vs France) bring more satisfaction as opposed to one stop (Ephesus) which is a more exotic location in most people's minds?

I'm not sure if the time of year you are going or the cost or length of the cruises would factor into your decision so it's really hard to give an opinion. But, when forced, I'm always ready to give an opinion and, for some reason, it's often opposed to the majority of other opinions - c'est la vie.

My vote would be Naples and Provence, and for options in Naples my vote would be for Pompeii over Capri. Just a personal choice.

Nancy has some good points. I have been to Kusadasi twice and seen Ephesus once ( had a private tour with Ekol Tours based in Istanbul, contact was Valentina, excellent ) and the smaller Greek and Roman ruinsPriene, Didyma, Mitilini. These were good but I would rather have seen Ephesus again. If you chose Ephesus, definitely tell your guide you want to see the Terrace Houses- colorful and easier to understand the ancient city. Unevenly spaced steps on the way down tho.
Kusadasi has great food, excellent shops for leather goods; soft lambskin coats and jackets, purses, many Italian leather items are made from Turskish leather and sewn together in Italy. There are some very fine Turkish rugs and a bit of fine art.

Depending on your port in Provence, you might see Aix, Carcassone, Cassis, but you can do those independently another time and linger to really enjoy the area. Naple- no, Pompeii yes.. but it is easier to get to Pompeii on a return trip. If you are curious about antiquities, see Ephesus and then Pompeii- it might disappoint.

I've been to all 3 locations, but like Nancy not as part of a cruise excursion. You don't say what excursion options are offered in Naples and Provence, making it difficult to recommend one itinerary over the other. What I can say is that I really enjoyed Ephesus. I had plenty of time to explore, but the cruise groups there that day were simply herded down the main street, past the library and theater and out the other end. That didn't strike me as being nearly as enjoyable an experience.

We visited Ephesus on a cruise and decided to tour on our own rather than take the ship excursion. We were stunned at the fares the drivers were touting as we got off the ship and started walking away from the pier. The further we walked, the lower the rates and eventually we accepted an offer. We arranged to be dropped at the entrance and to be picked up at a chosen time at the exit. There were many shops and stalls at the entrance, souvenirs, snacks, food. We purchased a guide book and spent several hours visiting this fascinating site, including the terrace houses (extra ticket? I think so, but unsure). More stalls and shops at the exit, found our driver among the crowds (note to self: he's wearing a red flannel shirt) and returned to port with enough time to grab something to eat. We had as much time as we wanted. A very nice day. The only spoiler...when we returned to port, he wanted twice as much as we had negotiated. Luckily for us, he was such a lousy liar --obvious to him and us, it really was pathetic--that our only reaction was to laugh out loud. We paid the agreed fee and walked away. We don't take cabs often, and in 40 years of travel abroad this was only the second time a taxi really tried to screw us so no major angst. Pompeii ranks as one of the most incredible places we have ever been though we did not visit Naples. We spent a very long day touring on our own with the guidebook provided. We have also spent a week in Provence with a car and loved it. I have glanced at cruises that identify a port of call as "Provence" ( which I think is akin to boarding a plane for "the Midwest", but maybe that's just me). Seems Toulon is sometimes named, but I have no knowledge of that city. Good luck deciding! And enjoy your cruise, wherever it takes you.