Classes & workshops in Izmir
Nat Geo Day Tour: The Ancient Mosaics and Artistry of Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the most visited classical sites in the world. From the 8th century BC to the 3rd century AD, the city flourished under Greek and then Roman rule. Today, it's a historical treasure trove in a remarkably well-preserved state considering its great age, and it's easy to imagine the bustle and chatter of daily life long ago as you roam through the ruins. Your adventure begins with a tour of the interactive museum, included with your entry ticket. Take in the wonder of the Terraced Houses, which are not usually included in Ephesus tours. Among the corridors and courtyards, once home to affluent Ephesians, you will get a sense of the opulent lifestyle of the day. These houses were occupied by some of the world's richest families, and the elegant details transport you back in time as you admire the striking mosaics and frescoes adorning the walls. Your guide will then lead you down the marble streets of Ephesus where St. Paul, Cleopatra and Alexander the Great once walked. A visit to the Library of Celsus, one of the only remaining examples of a library from the Roman Empire, and the amphitheater that could hold 24,000 spectators, are other highlights of this tour. See cultural conservation in action at the Art Ceramic Centre where traditional pottery methods are still very much alive. Watch a pottery demonstration and then try your hand at painting tiles created by local artisans, both experiences available exclusively for National Geographic travelers. Your tour concludes with a tasting session of regional fruit wines, a local speciality.
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Popular experiences in Izmir
Kusadasi - Kusadasi deluxe Turkish bath with transport
Ready to chill and unwind? Get pampered with a traditional Turkish Hamam experience – think full-body scrub, foam massage on marble tiles, plus a soothing 30-minute oil massage and face mask. If you're not at a participating hotel, no worries – transport's included to take you to the spa. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ultimate self-care day.
Izmir - Bodrum Airport VIP Lounge & Service for Ozdere hotels
Enjoy a more relaxed way to end your holiday with the Bodrum Airport VIP Lounge. You'll have up to two hours to enjoy all-inclusive hot and cold snacks, drinks and Wi-Fi. This will help ensure you'll keep the post-holiday blues at bay until the very last moment.On arrival at Bodrum Airport, you'll be greeted and assisted with check-in, security clearance and passport control. Then, once you're in departures, you'll be able to take advantage of the VIP lounge.Make use of the free Wi-Fi and let the children play in the kids' corner – it's a great way to pass the time before your flight. What's more, depending on the time of day, there's breakfast, hot and cold starters, or soup, bread and salads. And with a selection of drinks available too, you're sure to feel those holiday vibes until the moment you take off.
Izmir - Izmir Airport VIP Lounge & Service for Ozdere hotels
Travel in style with this full VIP service at Izmir airport. Avoid all the usual hassle as you enjoy unlimited drinks, hot and cold snacks, Wi-Fi and more in the exclusive departure lounge. An altogether more relaxed way to round off your stay.Make your wait at the airport a breeze. You'll be greeted on arrival and then have time to take advantage of the comfortable VIP lounge and all its benefits. And to top it off, you'll have assistance with check-in, security clearance and passport control.Inside, you've access to complimentary coffee, tea, water, soft drinks and snacks, as well as selected alcoholic beverages too. What's more, there's unlimited free Wi-Fi access to a kids' area to keep the little ones entertained – allowing you to relax right up to take off.
Izmir - Ancient Sardes with Jewish Synagogue Guided Tour
Uncover the secrets of ancient Sardes, home to one of the world's oldest synagogues. Book your tour now!
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Izmir - Wine Tour with Izmir Ancient City Metropolis
Explore the fascinating Izmir metropolis ancient city, discover a range of cars in the Key Museum and enjoy a unique wine tasting tour with local wines.
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Izmir - All-Inclusive Boat Trip from Izmir
Unwind on a unique all-inclusive boat trip from Izmir: Relax in the sun, swim in secluded coves, and explore stunning natural habitats.
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Izmir - Guided Tour of Priene, Miletus and Didyma
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the ancient wonders of Priene, Miletus, and Didyma - a captivating blend of intellectual and cultural riches.
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Izmir - Guided Tour of Pamukkale and Ancient Hierapolis from Izmir
Embark on a guided tour of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Dive into history and relax in natural hot springs.
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Izmir - Ephesus Skip-the-Line Guided Tour from Izmir
Discover the wonders of ancient Ephesus on a guided tour. Visit remarkable sites and indulge in traditional shopping. Book your skip-the-line tickets now!
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Ephesus comes alive under the stars on this evening tour. Stroll through the ancient city with your expert guide, who'll lead you down marble streets while sharing stories of the Roman Empire's glory days. Finish up at the digital museum, where history gets a high-tech twist. As you follow your guide through the UNESCO-rated ruins, the evening light adds an extra ambiance to the ruins that you don't get during a daytime visit. You'll weave your way around before arriving at the star attraction – the Library of Celsus. In its heyday, this showstopper was the third-biggest library in the Roman Empire that once housed over 12,000 scrolls. Next, wander through ancient shops and houses, imagining what life was like thousands of years ago, before reaching the Grand Theatre. This massive amphitheatre used to seat up to 24,000 spectators, and it's believed St Paul, one of Jesus' apostles, used to preach here. Finally, you'll head to the digital museum for a chance to check out its interactive exhibits. Watch Ephesus' past come to life with 3D reconstructions, which offer a glimpse of Roman daily life and what the Temple of Artemis might've looked like in its prime.
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Izmir - Izmir City Tour with a Local Guide
Discover Izmir with a local guide, learn about the ancient history of the region and get some unique souvenirs at the bazaar.
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Izmir - Northern Bays Boat Tour from Seferihisar & Ozdere
Step on board for a day of adventure and relaxation along Turkey's beautiful coast. We'll cruise through the Northern Bays, stopping at picturesque islands and dropping anchor for swimming. You'll enjoy a rejuvenating mud mask, and explore a cave with a hot spring inside. Lunch on board will feature grilled fish and chicken with pasta and salad. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included during lunch service.
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Izmir - Gourmet Tour and Landmark Exploration in Izmir
Embark on a culinary journey through Izmir, savour Turkish delights, and explore iconic landmarks. Book your tour now!
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Izmir - Pergamon Guided Tour from Izmir
Embark on a historical journey through Bergama and Izmir Province. Explore ancient ruins, art centres, and the Turkish Aegean Coast. Book now!
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Izmir - All Inclusive Ephesus Tour with Virgin Mary from Izmir
Discover the historic city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Savour traditional Turkish cuisine and shop for local goods. Book your tour now!
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Kusadasi - Pamukkale Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience & Hierapolis Visit
Pamukkale is spectacular seen from the ground – but even better with bird's eye views. See one of Turkey's top natural treasures from above with this hot air balloon experience. You'll need to rise and shine well before sunrise, but it's all worth it. Soar over the cotton-white calcium terraces before touching down to visit the Roman ruins of Hierapolis, too.
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Kusadasi - Kusadası Buggy Safari
Strap on your seatbelt for a rip-roaring adventure in the Kusadasi countryside. Driving your own off-road buggy, you'll roar through wild landscapes, swamps and scenery. And after tearing it up on Turkey's tracks and trails, you'll head back to base for a few laughs looking at photos and video from the safari.
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Izmir - Ancient Ephesus Tour with House of the Virgin Mary
The hills around Kuşadası are home to two of Turkey's most popular historical sites – the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. You'll be whisked through centuries of history at Ephesus, see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and visit an important pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos – all in one afternoon. Esra, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Library of Celsus is one of the most impressive landmarks of Ephesus. It once held over 12,000 scrolls and was the third-largest library in the ancient world.'Kick off with a drive into the sun-soaked hills to visit the House of the Virgin Mary. According to popular belief, St John the Evangelist brought Mary to Ephesus after the crucifixion of Jesus, and she lived here until her death. Next, it's time to head to the ancient city of Ephesus, where a journey through history awaits. Your guide will lead you around the sprawling archaeological site and point out its highlights while regaling you with fascinating historic tales of this once-powerful city.You'll stroll down marble-paved streets where mosaics and frescoes still decorate the walls of ancient Roman houses, gaze at the Temples of Artemis and Hadrian, and be blown away by the Library of Celsus. Esra says, ‘I love to imagine the Great Theatre filled with 25,000 spectators. They would come to watch gladiator clashes, political rallies and performances in this theatre, a hub of city life. You can almost hear the roar of the crowd.'
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Kusadasi - Adaland Waterpark with Transfers
It's fast, it's furious and it's one of Kusadasi's top waterparks. Adaland is so exciting that you'll be running from one attraction to the other. There are themed areas, slides for the kids and even rafting. And for the fearless, there's the chance to defy gravity on Freefall and Kamikaze.
Izmir - Sites & Bites: Sirince tour, St John’s Basilica and Turkish meze
History fans and foodies, listen up! This guided tour to Sirince is all about getting to grips with the area's main landmarks, as well as sampling some of the local cuisine. This activity ticks off everything from castles and temples to meze and ice-cream. Plus, you'll have a guide with you throughout the trip, so expect lots of insider info and stories on top of the sightseeing and food tasting.You'll be picked up from your hotel and driven to your first stop, St John's Basilica in Selcuk. On the way, you'll get a glimpse of other big-name attractions in this part of Turkey, including the Temple of Artemis and Isa Bey Mosque. You might have a chance to hop off the coach and snap some pics. If not, you'll get a good look at them from the window as you drive by. Your guide will be on board, too, and they'll share stories and info related to everything you'll see. After some time to look around the exterior of the basilica, you'll wind your way through countryside lanes to Sirince.When you arrive in the village, you'll sit down for breakfast. You'll have a chance to try some authentic Turkish meze dishes, like stuffed vine leaves, gozleme pancakes and bazlama round bread. Then, it's time for a guided walk through the city. Your guide will tell you what life's like here, and they'll point out all the leading landmarks. It's a laidback walk, so you'll have plenty of time to shop for souvenirs, as well, and you'll also be treated to some ice-cream. After your walk, you'll wrap things up at the restaurant you had breakfast in for a fruit wine-tasting.
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