Izmir : Izmir has come a
long way since the late 1800s when the Ottoman elite
christened the port city Kokaryali (Smelly Waterfront). Today
the city has earned the nobler designation of Güzelyali
(Beautiful Waterfront) and with the completion of a
multimillion dolar redevelopment plan that includes a green
waterside park , a promenade called the Kordon and the
restored customs house (or Konak Pier) built by Gustave
Eiffel, the name is more than appropriate.
Little
was left after the fire ignited at the tail end of the War of
Independence destroyed all traces of the cultural melting pot
that was Smyrna – and there is that perilous but
dormant fault line to contend with. Eighty - two years after
the reconstruction began, Izmir has been reinvented as a
prosperous, cosmopolitan, commercial city, more livable than
Istanbul, less sterile than Ankara and filled with wide
boulevards and swaying palm trees. But with the azure waters
of the Aegean and the extraordinary remains of Ephesus
competing for tourist attention, Izmir sadly falls short.
Despite this, I actually love the place. There is plenty to
do here for anyone who chooses to take an extended stay.
Izmir Tour 4
Tour Code : IT104
Travel Time
: 3 Nights 4 Days
Prices : Please Ask
Please click for Inquiry Form
Tour Plan :
Day
1 : Meet you at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport and drive
to Ephesus Its greatest asset is its closeness to the
magnificent ruins of Ephesus. We will spend several hours
walking in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Caesar,
Cicero, Apostles Paul and John and many other familiar
historical names. The recently opened Slope Houses where
the wealthiest Romans lived are an excellent example of
sensitive excavation and presentation. The mosaics and
frescoes are spectacular. Tradition has it that Virgin Mary
was brought here by St John after the Crucifixion and lived
her final years near the city of Ephesus on an isolated
mountain top. A lovely chapel is constructed on the site
tended by Franciscans and open to visitors. It has been
designated a pilgrimage site by the Pope.
Day
2 : Departs after breakfast at 9:00 am for Hierapolis /
Pamukkale. As we approach Pamukkale it looks like a glacier
is spilling down the mountainside. The name translates to
Cotton Castle. In truth these are glistening white
travertine terraces formed over millennia by mineral
deposits as water flowed out of natural springs. The water
is credited with healing powers. It is alleged that
Cleopatra swam in one of the pools that is open to the
public. Nearby are the ruins of the Roman resort,
Hierapolis, and a large necropolis. We come back to hotel
around 7pm.
Day
3 : Today we will visit Priene, Miletus, Didyma.
Ephesus may be the creme - de - la - creme of the Aegean
ruins but Priene, Miletus and Didyma though less frequently
visited are still important ancient settlements. Priene
occupies a dramatic position overlooking the Meander Valley
and plain. Miletus preserves a spectacular theater. And
Didyma has a Temple of Apollo vaguely reminiscent of the
great temples at Karnak in Egypt.
Day
4 : Check out from the hotel and drive to Bergama /
Pergamon The city of Bergama is historically famous for its
antique city of Pergamon and for it traditional quarter of
Ottoman houses. After the death of Alexander the Great his
generals divided up his kingdom. Over the following years
an impressive metropolis was built in the rocky terrain
with beautiful temples, roads, a vast library rivaling that
of Alexander’s in Egypt and a school of medicine,
which survived for centuries. Eventually, the Kingdom of
Pergamon was bequeathed to the Roman Empire. End of the our
service,we will transfer you airport.
Included :
| • Transfer from airport or hotel and back | |
| • Transportation by a comfortable AC non smoking Luxurious car / Van with professional driver. | |
| • Professional and experienced licensed guide during the tours. | |
| • Entry fees to the museums and sites. ( Including Terraces House in Ephesus ) | |
| • Parking fees. | |