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!
Full Day Tour to Ephesus and Archaeological Museum From Izmir
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55 reviews

Spend your day with history, mythology and archaeology in a day trip to Ephesus and Archaeological Museum tour. Ephesus is a must see the site in Turkey.

From USD
$108.50
Price varies by group size
599 customer recommendations
6 to 7 hours Scheduling Shared Tour Izmir
Family Fun in Ephesus & Sirince Village from Izmir
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48 reviews

This family-friendly tour of Family Fun: Ephesus & Sirince Village from Izmir, provides you to spend enjoyable day with whole your family and friends

From USD
$90.00
Price varies by group size
503 customer recommendations
5 to 6 hours Scheduling Shared Tour Izmir
Full Day Private Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour From İzmir
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39 reviews

Discover amazing Ephesus Ancient City and a traditional turkish village of Sirince in a Full-Day Tour from Izmir Cruise Port.

From USD
$180.00
Price varies by group size
400 customer recommendations
7 to 9 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Private Ephesus Tour From Didim (Didyma)
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37 reviews

Explore one of the four cities at the most crucial time in the Roman Empire's history, on our private Ephesus Tour from Didim known as Didyma.

From USD
$108.00
Price varies by group size
374 customer recommendations
4 to 6 hours Scheduling Private Tour Aydin
Ephesus, Didyma and Miletus Tour From Kusadasi
12345
32 reviews

The Ephesus, Didyma and Miletus Tour is a ''must see'' historical sites around Kusadasi with perfect harmony.These well-preserved sites will give you lots of experience.

From EURO
€114.40
Price varies by group size
340 customer recommendations
7 to 9 hours Scheduling Shared Tour Aydin
Private Ephesus Tour From Bodrum With Return to Kusadasi
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27 reviews

There's no better way to experience an archaeological site with a Private Ephesus Tour From Bodrum with Kusadasi drop off.

From USD
$80.00
Price varies by group size
257 customer recommendations
7 to 9 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Izmir Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Kusadasi
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7 reviews

Book Izmir Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Kusadasi Which is Available 24/7 and Arrive at Your Destination in Kusadasi in Comfort and on Time.

From EURO
€32.00
€40.00 Save €8.00
Price varies by group size
391 customer recommendations
60 to 75 minutes Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Half Day House Of Virgin Mary & Artemission Tour From Kusadasi & Selcuk
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6 reviews

Our half day tour of House Of Virgin Mary & Artemission from Kusadasi & Selcuk includes visiting the House of Virgin Mary and a one time wonder of the world Temple of Artemis.

From USD
$70.00
Price varies by group size
44 customer recommendations
3 to 5 hours Scheduling Private Tour Aydin
Izmir Shore Excursion: Day Trip To Ephesus And House Of Virgin Mary
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5 reviews

The "Izmir Shore Excursion: Day Trip To Ephesus And House Of Virgin Mary" tour gives you the chance to see the beautiful sights and learn about the great history of Ephesus.

From USD
$88.00
Price varies by group size
54 customer recommendations
6 to 8 hours Scheduling Shared Tour Izmir
Private 2 Day Troy, Gallipoli and Pergamon Tour from Kusadasi
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4 reviews

This 2-Day Tour from Kusadasi visiting Troy, Gallipoli and Pergamon, is a great way to explore and discover the history of Turkey.

From USD
$980.00
28 customer recommendations
2 days Scheduling Private Tour Aydin
Private Ephesus Tours from ADB Izmir Airport or Izmir City Central Hotels
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4 reviews

Explore the fascinating Ancient City of Ephesus, The House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis with Private Guided tours from Izmir ADB Airport or City Centre Hotels

From USD
$96.00
Price varies by group size
31 customer recommendations
6 to 8 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
One-Way Private Transfer Door to Door From Kusadasi To Izmır Aırport
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3 reviews

We provide the most one-way reliable private transfer service from Kusadasi to Izmir Airport. Try out our Affordable, Friendly Private Service today!

From EURO
€24.00
Price varies by group size
319 customer recommendations
90 minutes Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Disability Friendly Private Ephesus Tour
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3 reviews

One of our Private Ephesus Tours caters for everyone's needs with a specially modified minivan for people with Disabilities so no one need miss out on this Wonder!

From USD
$100.00
Price varies by group size
23 customer recommendations
6 to 8 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
One-way Transfer From Izmir to CLC Golf Resort Spa (Private)
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2 reviews

With our private one-way transfer from Izmir to CLC Golf Resort & Spa we provide you with a safe and reliable journey and luxurious vehicles.

From EURO
€26.00
Price varies by group size
211 customer recommendations
90 minutes Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Private Return Transfers from Izmir Airport To CLC Golf Resort Hotel & Spa
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2 reviews

We provide a reliable efficient private return transfer service to the CLC Golf Resort & Spa Hotel from Izmir ADB Airport.

From EURO
€58.00
Price varies by group size
213 customer recommendations
60 to 90 minutes Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Private Kusadasi to Izmir Airport Departure Transfer
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6 reviews

Private departure transfer between Kusadasi and Izmir airport. Relax and take your time as airport pickups include 60 minutes of free waiting time.

From EURO
€30.00
Price varies by group size
618 customer recommendations
1 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Private Izmir to Sirince Village Half Day Wine Tasting & Walking Tour
12345
1 reviews

Walk along the Ancient Cobble Stoned streets of Sirince Village, soak up the Turk-Greek culture within the hidden village with a private tour guide.

From EURO
€78.00
Price varies by group size
118 customer recommendations
4 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
Izmir Airport to Kusadasi Private One Way Transfer
12345
0 reviews

We provide the most reliable return private transfer service to Kusadasi from Izmir Airport. Try out our 24/7 affordable, friendly private transfer today!

From EURO
€120.90
$130.00 Save €9.10
1 hours Scheduling Private Tour Izmir
2 Day Troy, Gallipoli and Pergamum Tour from Kusadasi
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0 reviews

This 2-Day Tour from Kusadasi to Istanbul visiting Troy, Gallipoli and Pergamum, is a great way to explore and discover the history of Turkey.

From EURO
€310.00
Price varies by group size
2 days Scheduling Shared Tour Aydin
Private Return Round Trip Transfer from Izmir Airport to Kusadasi
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0 reviews

We offer a door to door 24 hour, 7 days per week all year round private return Izmir Airport to Kusadasi transfer service with our 1st class professional licensed drivers.

From EURO
€300.00
1 to 2 hours 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.