Izmir, once an Ancient Aegean port, is Turkey's 3rd largest city. It has been called home by Greeks, Armenians, Turks, Levantines, and Jews, but today is a relatively quiet pit stop on the way to the larger tourist destination of Ephesus - which makes it all the better for sightseeing! You will have the opportunity to visit Ephesus to see iconic sites like the Temple of Artemis, St. John's Basilica, and the Virgin Mary's Cottage before exploring Izmir, which houses a number of fascinating museums and attractions. Explore the incredible ruins of Pergamum, the jaw-dropping Royal Palace, and the Temples of Athena and Dionysos, and don't forget the must-visit Kemeralti Market bazaar! You'll most certainly wind up getting a little lost in its colorfully labyrinthine streets (even the locals do), but no visit to Izmir is complete without a taste of its famous Turkish coffee.
