About Izmir Turkey by Archaeologous
Archaeologous is proud to include Izmir in our collection of Mediterranean ports and private tours. Izmir is one of the fastest-growing cruise-ship ports of call on the Aegean and an excellent base for private trips to nearby Ephesus and Pergamon.You are in for a treat if you are arriving to Izmir Turkey for the day on a cruise line like: Princess, NCL, Azamara, Easy Cruise, Costa Line, MSC, Royal Caribbean etc.
This port city is known in Turkish as "Beautiful Izmir, (the 3rd largest city in Turkey and 2nd largest port other than Istanbul) with the proud history of being the land of Homer, Alexander the Great, Ataturk, and the most amazing art treasures in Turkey.
This major city in ancient times shared the honor with the city of Troy as having the most advanced culture. By the 1st millennium B.C. Izmir already ranked as one of the most important cities of the whole Ionian federation. Three thousand years ago was considered one of the city's most brilliant times with the greatest sculpture school in antiquity, most active port and the close by locations of the mega cities of Pergamon, Ephesus and Sardis. In Izmir you will be visiting some of the most extensive Roman ruins outside Pompeii, as well as Greek excavations...Take for instance the fact that Alexander the Great started building the city and the Romans finished the job. You'll see evidence of this at the Izmir Agora.
Turkey has been called ‘’the cradle of civilization’’ and by traveling through this historic land you will discover exactly what is meant by its phrase. The world’s first town, a Neolithic city at Catalhoyuk ( by Konya ), dates back to 6,500 BC. From the days of Catalhoyuk up to the present time Turkey boasts of a rich culture that through the centuries has made a lasting impression on modern civilization. The blending of major cultures like Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, Ottomans, Hattis, Phrygians, Hittites, Urartians, Lycians, Ionians, Lydians, makes it a paradise of cultural wealth, insights into modern culture and exquisite dining experiences. You will be able and excited to see the proof of each civilization ancient sites and ruins scattered throughout the "open air museum" as the whole Anatolia (Western Turkey) coastline is called.
Archaeologous can be of great help with your day tour itinerary Even in one day, although you really need a month, you'll have plenty to do with seeing the exquisite treasures at the Izmir Museum, shopping at the Kemeralti Bazaar, visiting the Kadefekale Castle and eating along the row of seaside cafes. If you have more time and are here on a week or multi-week vacation Izmir is an 'ideal base" being only 10 miles from the airport. It also is crowd free compared to the excavation sites of the legendary ancient cities. So let us help you setting up a great itinerary to see Pergamon, Troy, some of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, waterfalls, the massive excavation remains of Sardis, the Izmir Agora plus plus plus. Izmir area is amazing and so is Turkey. So let us know your time frame and desires and we can offer you our expertise with planning.
Always dress comfortably with really comfortable walking shoes, and preferably a hat, dark glasses and sunscreen if you are coming in the summer months. No bigger drag than to miss out on one of the world's most historic areas because of blisters and aching feet, right?
