Duration: Half day
Get ready to immerse yourself into a unique experience in Izmir – a historically rich city where East meets West! With a population of around 3.7 million, it is the third largest city in Turkey, and boasts the second largest port after Istanbul. Formerly the ancient city of Smyrna, Izmir is now a busy commercial center, with wide thoroughfares, modern buildings and shopping centers mixed with traditional red-tiled roofs structures, old mosques and churches.
Highlights
Ancient Agora
The ancient agora of Izmir dates back from the end of the 4th century BC, but it was Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor, that had it rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 178 AC. Our guides will show you the vaulted chambers and cisterns in the basements of the two stoas (basilicas), giving you a good idea of how this rectangular shaped, multilevel marketplace would have looked back in the days.
Konak Square
We then head to Konak square, the busiest part of the city center. Most of this busy square is occupied by the Governorate of Izmir Province, the City Hall of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, the Central Bus Station and the Yali Mosque.
Kemeralti
Close to Konak Square is Kemeralti - the historical market bazaar district and one of the liveliest parts of Izmir. Kemeralti is a labyrinth bazaar, stretching from Konak Square through to the Ancient Agora. Upon site, you’ll be able to visit shops, eateries, artisans’ workshops, mosques, coffeehouses, tea gardens and synagogues.