Izmir Tours

It is fun, sun and adventure all the way on a private tour of Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey. A city with an incredible history that is ready to greet tourists with every shade of blue waters, sunny skies for 300 days of the year and golden sandy beaches.

More importantly, the 8,500-year history and archaeological sites all add to this cities uniqueness.

Izmir was originally founded by the Greeks before being taken over by the Romans. Next came Alexandra the Great and then finally it became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century.

Some of the archaeological sites relating to these eras include The Roman Agora of Smyrna (Izmir was known as Smyrna in ancient years) which is now an open-air museum and Kadifekale Castle which is on a hilltop in the centre of Izmir city.

This city is very lucky to have the Aegean sea along one side and then to be surrounded by hills and mountains on all the other sides. These mountains offer a fantastic backdrop to Izmir.

Let the activities begin!
Private Day Tour to Priene, Miletos and Didyma From Kusadasi Port
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264 reviews

Enjoy a private tour of the three Ionian Cities of Ancient time at Priene, Miletos and Didyma. Spend as much time as you like at each site with your professional guide.

From USD
$196.00
Price varies by group size
2730 customer recommendations
8 to 9 hours Scheduling Private Tour Aydin
Private Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour From Izmir
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228 reviews

This day-long Private Ephesus & Virgin Mary House tour from Izmir lets you explore the ancient city of Ephesus as well as visit the Holy House of Virgin Mary.

From USD
$140.00
Price varies by group size
2274 customer recommendations
6 to 8 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Skip the Line Half-day Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Day Trip from Kusadasi
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198 reviews

Relive ancient history while on this half-day private tour of one of the wonders of the ancient world of Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary from Kusadasi Port.

From USD
$186.00
Price varies by group size
2111 customer recommendations
4 to 5 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Ephesus and Shopping Tour from your Cruise Ship at Izmir Port
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173 reviews

You do not come here every day. So, don't miss out on this chance that may only occur once in your lifetime. Take this tour to Ephesus and shop for some fantastic bargains.

From USD
$136.00
Price varies by group size
1891 customer recommendations
8 to 9 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Full Day Luxury History Private Tour Of Ephesus and Virgin Mary House from Izmir
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160 reviews

Travel back to Ancient Greek and Roman times as you explore the ruins of UNESCO-listed Ephesus, visit the House of Virgin Mary and view the ruins of the Temple of Artemis.

From USD
$104.00
Price varies by group size
1629 customer recommendations
7 to 8 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Ephesus and Shopping Tour from your Cruise Ship in Kusadasi
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103 reviews

You do not come here every day. So, don't miss out on this chance that may only occur once in your lifetime. Take this tour to Ephesus and shop for some fantastic bargains.

From USD
$122.00
Price varies by group size
980 customer recommendations
6 to 7 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Private Ephesus Tour From Bodrum Marina & Hotels
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90 reviews

A guided cultural tour of Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis with a private guide and minivan in our private tour from Bodrum Marina & Hotels to Ephesus.

From USD
$218.60
Price varies by group size
1024 customer recommendations
9 to 10 hours Scheduling Private Tour Mugla
Ephesus and Pottery Workshop Private Tour From Kusadasi
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89 reviews

Explore Turkey’s extensive ancient history and traditional crafts on a private tour from Kusadasi for your group of up to 10 people.

From USD
$104.00
Price varies by group size
856 customer recommendations
6 to 7 Scheduling Private Tour Aydin
Full Day Private Ephesus Tour From İzmir Port
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89 reviews

Spend a full-day exploring Ephesus with a private guide, including round-trip private transportation in our full-day private tour from İzmir Airport to Kusadasi.

From USD
$180.00
Price varies by group size
1229 customer recommendations
6 to 8 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Private Tour from Izmir Port to Ephesus and Kirazli Village
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80 reviews

Travel back to the ancient times and explore the Ephesus on a private tour from Izmir. Then, experience local village life at Kirazli, and pick peaches, olives and more.

From USD
$164.00
Price varies by group size
886 customer recommendations
8 to 9 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Half Day Ancient Ephesus and Virgin Mary Private Tour from Izmir Port
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79 reviews

Get a dose of ancient history while on this half-day private tour of one of the wonders of the ancient world of Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary from Izmir Port.

From USD
$120.00
Price varies by group size
764 customer recommendations
5 to 6 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Ultimate Private Guided Tour From Izmir To Ephesus
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77 reviews

Our ultimate private guided tour from Izmir to Ephesus, Terraced Houses, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, Basilica of St. John is one of a kind in its category.

From USD
$68.00
Price varies by group size
851 customer recommendations
7 to 9 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Full Day Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir Port
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76 reviews

Discover world-famous UNESCO sights of Turkey with a full-day Ephesus Tour for an unforgettable experience. You will get to visit ancient Ephesus and a scenic Sirince Village.

From USD
$116.00
Price varies by group size
827 customer recommendations
8 to 10 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Magnificent Ephesus Tour from Izmir Cruise Port or Izmir Airport
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67 reviews

Magnificent Ephesus Tour from Izmir touring the stunning standout ancient ruins of Ephesus remaining in the world today.

From USD
$82.00
Price varies by group size
778 customer recommendations
5 to 7 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
3-Day Mini Historic Aegean Tour From Izmir: Kusadasi, Ephesus And Pamukkale
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67 reviews

3-Day Mini Historical Aegean Tour From Izmir: Kusadasi, Ephesus And Pamukkale give you the chance to walk in the footsteps of Cleopatra, St Paul and the Virgin Mary.

From USD
$238.00
Price varies by group size
646 customer recommendations
3 days Scheduling Shared Tour Izmir
A Gourmet Private Tour of Ephesus and Sirince Village From Kusadasi
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61 reviews

The Gourmet Tour of Ephesus and Sirince Village is providing you with a very enjoyable day tasting Turkish snacks, meals, and beverages during the day.

From USD
$84.00
Price varies by group size
679 customer recommendations
4 to 6 hours Scheduling Private Tour Aydin
Ancient Ephesus Private Tour with Wine Tasting from Kusadasi Port
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60 reviews

This is a great private tour where you can visit the world-renowned Ephesus before going on to a winery where you get to sample some exceptional wines all with your own guide.

From USD
$218.00
Price varies by group size
705 customer recommendations
7 to 8 hours Scheduling Private Tour Aydin
Private Ephesus Tour from Bodrum
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60 reviews

Explore one of the four cities, from the Roman Empire's time Ephesus, on your very own Private Ephesus Tour from Bodrum.

From USD
$104.00
Price varies by group size
591 customer recommendations
8 to 10 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Biblical Ephesus Private Tour from Kusadasi Port
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60 reviews

Discover sacred Biblical treasures on a tour that includes a private mass at the House of Virgin Mary, guided walking tour of Ephesus' ruins and the Basilica of St. John.

From USD
$198.00
Price varies by group size
582 customer recommendations
6 to 7 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
3 Day Private Tour Of Ephesus And Pamukkale From Izmir
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58 reviews

Our 3 day private tour of Ephesus and Pamukkale from Izmir consists of a 2 night 3 day trip of The magnificent Ephesus and Pamukkale.

From USD
$400.00
Price varies by group size
611 customer recommendations
3 days Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
The Roman Agora of Smyrna
1 Should you go on a guided tour of The Roman Agora of Smyrna, you will be amazed at the history found here. See its basilica, well-protected buildings, historic murals and a 2,000-year-old water trench. There is evidence found here that Muslims, Jews and Christians all lived here together in peace. During excavations, graffiti was found on the basilica that shows the first ever crossword in the world.
Kadifekale Castle
2 Kadifekale Castle can be seen on a sightseeing tour or if you are more energetic on a guided hiking trail. Situated on the hilltop in the centre of the city, this castle dates back to Roman times. Explore the watchtowers, plain interior, see the remains of a 14th-century Ottoman mosque, public baths relics and much more. There is a bazaar located within the fortress walls and a fantastic view of the city below.
Kemeralti Market
3 Visit Izmir’s heart and soul on a city tour to Kemeralti Market. This is a bazaar that is like a labyrinth with all the little street and lanes that run off it. Dating back to an era during the 17th century, it has mosques, coffeehouses, tea gardens, eateries and many shops selling everything. Explore the grand caravansaries and historic places of worship that include not just Mosques but a synagogue too.
Izmir Museum of History and Art
4 Take a guided tour to the Izmir Museum of History and Art. This museum was only established n 2004 and is located with the Kulturpark. There are three separate buildings with each one specialising in different works of art such as stone, ceramics, precious artefacts and more. All the artefacts that you see on display are items that were found in Izmir city or from the immediate surroundings.
St. Polycarp Church
5 Visit the oldest church in Izmir on a sightseeing tour of St. Polycarp Church. It is said to represent ancient Smyrna’s (Izmir) role as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. The story of St. Polycarp is that he became Bishop of Smyrna after John the Apostle converted him. At the age of 86, the Romans tried to burn him at stake but, the flames would not touch him, so they had to stab him. The interior decor is impressive.  
Alaçati
6 Why not take a very enjoyable sightseeing tour to Alacati, which is a very quaint town close to Izmir and on the Çesme peninsula. There are some surfers from all over the world that would put it as the third best surfing town. It has lovely old picturesque stone houses that have held on to all of their charm along the backstreets. Enjoy the boutiques, trendy cafes, traditional restaurants and watch the stunning sunset seen.  
Clock Tower
7 On a city tour of Izmir, you will be brought to see the most iconic attraction, the Clock Tower which was built in 1901 as a gift to the then Sultan Abdulhamid 25th year. The marble which is both green and pink was brought from Marseilles upon instruction from the architect M. Raymond Pere. The clocks on the outer faces were gifts from the German Emperor Wilhelm the 2nd. See the Clock Tower at night when it is lit up magnificently.
Fountains and Wells Tour
8 One interesting tour to take in Izmir is the specialised one that brings you to see Fountains and Wells. There are many fountains and wells found in the city that represent the magnificence of the Ottoman Era architecture. It also represents the importance of water and cleanliness to the Turkish Islamic culture. The Donertas Well is one of the most important and people who come to Hatuniye Mosque spin a rock for luck.
Hisar Mosque
9 A trip to Izmir would hardly be complete without a guided tour of a mosque and one of the largest found in the city is the Hisar Mosque. This mosque dates back to 1597 and is situated in the Kemeralti Market. The inside is ornately decorated very ‘izmirli’ with lots of blue and gold motifs all over the domed ceiling. At the bottom of the women ’s gallery, there are roses and grapes carved all along.
Kordon
10 Along the seafront in Izmir is the now iconic Kordon which is more or less the promenade. The grass area all along the Kordon allows you to sit and watch the world go by or take in the amazing Turkish sunsets. There is also the best variety of cafes, restaurants and bars to keep you fed and entertained. It can be a very lively area at night time with many bars and restaurants hosting live entertainment.

Travel Tips for Izmir

Izmir is the third most populous city in Turkey, a modern city full of history and memories. If you find yourself in Turkey, Izmir should definitely be on your list. You can easily spend two days enjoying this vivid city and of course, you can combine your visit there with other destinations, like Cappadocia or Greece!

 

With over 8,000 years of ancient history evident in excavations of archaeological sites and monuments (one that was even rebuilt by Alexander the Great), Izmir not only boasts many fascinating cultural heritage sights, but also a lovely coastal climate, outdoors opportunities, and a unique local gastronomy.

Izmir is a relatively safe city for its size, however, it does have its "dodgy" areas. The city center as well as populated suburbs are generally safe during the day. Use common sense if walking at night, avoid dark and narrow alleyways (found mainly in Alsancak and Konak).

Ancient City of Ephesus is open from April to October 08.00-19.00. Between November and March 08.00-17.00 hours open The ruins are impressive and worth the visit. Exploring the ruins of Ephesus, located just outside of Selçuk in Turkey, did not take long.  You can reach Ephesus by taking a one-hour flight from Istanbul to Izmir, then a 1-1.5 hour train to Selcuk.

Two days may not be enough to visit everything the province of Izmir has to offer, but 48 hours in Izmir city is enough to experience the highlights. From crowded bazaars to historical artifacts, we took a look at some of the best Izmir activities and sights for a full two-day itinerary.