Izmir and Ephesus Tour

05:00 Early morning transfer to Istanbul airport
07:00 Direct Flight from Istanbul to Izmir.
08:10 Arrive at Izmir Airport, meet your guide, and drive to Izmir City Center.

Izmir City Tour:

Our first stop will be Kadifekale (Izmir Castle). Hellenistic and Roman Smyrna Acropolis, known today as Kadifekale and called Pagos in ancient sources. Acropolis Hill, due to its location, has a view that can keep the entire Izmir Bay under control.

The approximately 3 m thick fortification wall surrounding the Acropolis was built directly on the andesite bedrock. In the excavations and research, information about the cult and temple of Athena could not be reached. However, it is known that there are temples, altars, or places of worship and areas belonging to gods or goddesses other than the god or goddess of the city on the hills of the Acropolis.

As a matter of fact, a bowl with the inscription "For Artemis" found during the excavations indicated the existence of the cult of Artemis, at least on the hill. Then we will drive to Izmir (Smyrna) Agora,
Agora, located in the heart of the historical city center of Izmir, is also one of the largest agoras in the city center in the world today.

It is dated to the Roman Period (2nd century AD). "Agora" means "town square, bazaar, marketplace." To the Hippodamos city plan, it was built close to the center, with three floors. It is considered the largest and best preserved of the Ionian agoras. It is a three-story compound structure with a staircase in front, built on columns and arches around a large courtyard in the middle.

It is understood that the relief of Goddess Vesta on the northern gate of the Agora is the continuation of the comforts of the Altar of Zeus unearthed during the early excavations. In addition, besides the statues of God Hermes, Dionysus, Eros, and Heracles, Numerous male, female, and animal statues, reliefs, figurines, marble, bone, glass, metal, and terracotta artifacts were unearthed. After that, walk-in Kemeralti Street (Bazaar) to Konak Square.

Since the 19th century, inns and covered bazaars have been in the Kemeralti Bazaar, the liveliest trade point in Izmir. However, the shops here were referred to as small businesses that local people were interested in. Options such as blacksmith, coal maker, nail maker, spice and straw bazaar were previously located in Kemeralti Bazaar.

Commercial shops in different areas were also found at various points. Then we will arrive at Konak Square and the clock tower. Izmir Clock Tower, the symbol of Izmir, is the Ottoman Sultan Sultan II. It was built in 1901 as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of Abdulhamid's accession to the throne.

This commercial square started from the Hisar Mosque built in Izmir in 1592 and has grown increasingly. After the lunch break, visit Kizlaragasi Inn. Although there are many historical inns in Kemeraltı Bazaar, the best preserved among them is Kızlarağası Inn. The Kizlaragasi Inn, which reflects the classical structure of the Ottoman inn architecture, has a square-planned, two-story, rectangular courtyard in the middle.

The extensive tea garden in the courtyard is the main element that reflects the majesty of the building. Inn. You can visit the shops in the Kızlarağası Inn, each of which has striking details; Sing your coffee on the Ottoman-style sand or embers at the tiny tables placed in the submassive courtyard in the middle of the inn while the Izmir sun hits the courtyard from time to time; Accompany your delicious coffee with the vitality of this inn, which has been preserved for centuries in the history of caravans and travelers.

After that, we will drive to Kordon, one of the places to visit in Izmir. Kordon, one of the most essential points of Izmir, is flooded by the people of Izmir, especially on Sundays. Lying right next to the sea, Kordon is one of the services preferred for coastal walks. Cafes, bars, and restaurants in Izmir Kordon add a different beauty to the region. On Fridays and Saturdays, the bars and cafes in the area are very lively. Our last stop will be Asansor (Elevator).

The Historical Elevator is the best structure to catch the unique view of Izmir Bay with its promenade at the top. The elevator was built in 1907 by Jewish businessman Nesim Levi to overcome the topographical barrier between hill neighborhoods above sea level. After the panoramic view of Izmir, we will drive to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.