Day Tours and Trips from Izmir

One of the most visited cities in Western Turkey, Izmir is home to a range of outstanding landmarks and monuments. However, it also serves as a jumping-off point for those who wish to venture further afield and see what other gems can be found in this corner of the world.

There are day trips and tours from Izmir to suit every culture lover, from the beautifully-preserved remains of Ephesus to the final home of the Mother of Christ, these destinations are sure to captivate you with their thrilling history. Best of all, these excursions are suitable for all the family, which means even the youngest budding archaeologist can join in!

Ephesus

The UNESCO-listed city of Ephesus dates back to the 10th century B.C. and once formed part of the Ionian League. It housed several civilizations throughout the ages and was recognized as the second-largest city in the Roman Empire. Day trips to Ephesus enable you to step back in time and admire the remains of a plethora of buildings.

From theaters that held 25,000 spectators to affluent villas, bath complexes and funerary monuments, there is plenty for visitors to discover at this archaeological site, which was rediscovered in the 19th century. These excursions often include additional sites that are bound to fascinate any history buff, including the Virgin Mary House and the Temple of Artemis.

Virgin Mary House

Thought to be the home where the mother of Jesus spent her final years on earth, the Virgin Mary House, located on the slopes of Mount Koressos, is a prime pilgrimage spot that attracts thousands of devoted Christians every year. While the site has never been authenticated, it has received blessings from a handful of popes over the last century and pilgrims head to the house to drink its healing spring waters, and pay homage to the venerated saint.

Day trips to the Virgin Mary House provide an insight into the roots of Christianity with a pool thought to be used for baptisms and a chapel where one can say a prayer to Mother Mary. Additionally, those on a tour of the Virgin Mary House can attach their greatest desire to the “Wishing Wall,” as a way to commemorate their experience.

Hierapolis

Officially founded by King Eumenes II in the 2nd century, Hierapolis was once a bustling spa town, situated in the Denizli Province of southwestern Anatolia. The destination gained its notoriety from its neighboring hot springs — Pamukkale — which were believed to have healing properties. Formed of enchanting white terraces, these thermal springs have been nicknamed “cotton castles” and can reach temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius.

On top of Pamukkale, those on a day trip to Hierapolis can explore the Roman ruins of the town, which include its colossal amphitheater, designed to accommodate 15,000 spectators, as well as a sizable necropolis, holding 1,200 limestone tombs.

Sirince

Those visiting Ephesus or the Temple of Artemis often make a stop at neighboring Sirince, located just over 10 kilometers away. While the village was once nicknamed Cirkince — meaning “ugly” — in an attempt to ward off visitors, its true name translates to “cute” and is a more accurate description of the cobblestone streets, and panoramic views found here.

Day trips to Sirince are usually combined with other excursions and are typically the final stop on the itinerary. However, the village is a stand-alone destination with plenty to do, including sampling its famed fruity wines or wandering its lanes lined with artisanal boutiques.

Temple of Artemis

Named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis was once one of the most spectacular displays of Greek architecture. With a length of 110 meters and supported by 127 Ionic columns, the religious site was destroyed during a Gothic Invasion in the 3rd century, and never rebuilt. While there are few ruins that remain on the site, which is located in Ephesus, visitors on a day trip to the Temple of Artemis can learn all about the goddess of hunting, chastity and the moon, and how she was revered during ancient times.

Deepen your understanding of Turkey’s colorful past by combining your Temple of Artemis experience with a day trip to Isa Bey Mosque, St. John’s Basilica or the Virgin Mary House.

Pergamon

Often referred to as “Bergama,” Pergamon was formed during the 3rd century B.C. and was known as a cultural, and scientific hub. Situated above the Bakirçay Plain in the Aegean region of Turkey, the town’s acropolis was the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty — a powerful kingdom that ruled much of Asia until its takeover by the Romans.

On a day trip to Pergamon, you can expect to discover its sanctuary, which was built in honor of the gods, Asclepius and Hygieia, as well as its Altar of Zeus, commissioned by King Eumenes II.

Aphrodisias

Often overshadowed by larger archaeological sites in the area, the Greek site of Aphrodisias is not to be missed. Its main feature is the Temple of Aphrodite, which is thought to have been constructed in the 7th century B.C. This place of worship was dedicated to the goddess of love and attracted a cult following. Carved of marble, the temple was transformed into a Christian church in the 6th century.

Day trips to Aphrodisias enable you to see this remarkable monument for yourself, as well as several others that have been unearthed by archaeologists. These include one of the largest theaters in the region, with a capacity of 30,000 individuals, as well as a bath complex.

Sardis

In its prime, Sardis was the capital of the Lydian Empire and was inhabited for over 3,000 years. The city was also significant during both the Roman and Byzantine period until its destruction at the beginning of the 15th century. Nestled in the foothills of the Bozdağ Mountains, Sardis features a 3rd-century synagogue, which was built after the arrival of a large Jewish community, invited to settle in the town by King Antiochus III.

Day trips to Sardis educate you on this intriguing destination, which has been a melting pot of cultures throughout the centuries, and showcase its most exquisite remains, including a Roman gymnasium.