Discover Izmir

Our journey continues with a curated walk through the historic streets of Kemeraltı Bazaar, renowned as one of the oldest open-air markets in the world. As we explore this vibrant and authentic quarter, guests will have the opportunity to sample Izmir’s celebrated street delicacies while discovering its rich cultural
heritage, including historic mosques, synagogues, and traditional caravanserais that reflect the city’s multicultural past.

We conclude this immersive experience at the elegant city square, home to the iconic Izmir Clock Tower, one of the most recognizable symbols of Izmir.

Guests, who wish may enjoy a meal or browse authentic handicraft shops at their leisure. Overnight accommodation at a 4- or 5-star hotel after dinner.

Located in Urla, one of Izmir’s most serene and elegant coastal towns, this exclusive route brings together the characteristic grape varieties of the Aegean, boutique vineyards, and architecturally striking wineries.
Away from the crowds, guests enjoy personalized visits, discovering each producer’s story, philosophy, and passion firsthand.

Throughout the program, guests take part in vineyard walks, private tastings, and intimate meetings with winemakers. At every stop, in-depth insights are shared on the region’s terroir, indigenous grape varieties, and contemporary production techniques. This is not merely a wine tour, but a holistic journey where culture, nature, and lifestyle converge.

Another highlight of the Urla Wine Route is its exceptional gastronomy. At award-winning restaurants offering
modern interpretations of Aegean cuisine, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients are transformed into exclusive menus. Olive oil, wild herbs, seafood, and regional recipes are thoughtfully paired with wines, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

If you wish to explore the authentic spirit of the Mediterranean, connect with the passion of local producers, and discover the refined flavors of the Aegean, the Urla Wine Route awaits you.

As part of this tour, you will enjoy exclusive tasting experiences at four boutique wineries, followed by an unforgettable gastronomic dinner at a distinguished restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide. After dinner, we return to our hotel to conclude the day in comfort and style.

In addition to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of Western Anatolia’s most important commercial centers, we also visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have spent her final days.

Welcoming an average of 1.5 million visitors each year, and with excavations continuing for nearly 125 years yet still not fully uncovered, Ephesus leaves us with a profound sense of awe as we conclude our journey immersed in its timeless history.

Following our visit to Ephesus, we are hosted at one of the region’s leading wineries, 7 Bilgeler, for a special tasting and dinner experience.

Awarded the title of Türkiye’s first “Cittaslow-Friendly Establishment,” 7 Bilgeler embraces a philosophy that believes the true essence of life lies in slowness, balance, and tranquility. With a distinctive approach that extends beyond winemaking into a refined way of living, this exceptional destination offers far more than a tasting. As you savor the aromas in your glass, you will also become part of the timeless story of these lands, shaped by thousands of years of heritage and culture.

Following dinner, we return to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Today known as Bergama, the destination seamlessly blends the grandeur of the past with an authentic contemporary lifestyle. As one of the signature highlights of the DISCOVER IZMIR program, this route promises far more than a visit to ancient ruins; it invites guests to trace the footsteps of civilizations while truly feeling the spirit of the region.

Throughout the program, participants will discover the breathtaking views of the Acropolis, one of the steepest ancient theatres in the world, and the Asklepion—one of the most renowned healing centers of antiquity—accompanied by expert guides and in-depth storytelling. Guests will gain insight into Pergamon’s pioneering role in medicine, architecture, and urban planning, while developing a profound perspective on the lifestyle of the era.

This experience goes beyond cultural exploration by connecting guests with local life. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with Bergama’s traditional bazaars, artisans, and regional cuisine. Exclusive gastronomic experiences, crafted with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, enrich this historical journey with the distinctive flavors of the Aegean.

If you wish to explore one of the ancient world’s most remarkable centers through a privileged, immersive, and crowd-free cultural journey, Bergama awaits you.

At the end of this captivating day, we return to Izmir for a refined dinner experience, followed by an overnight stay at our carefully selected hotel.

As one of the exclusive highlights of the DISCOVER IZMIR program, Aigai goes beyond classical tourist routes, promising a deeper, more tranquil, and highly personalized cultural journey. Walking along ancient stone roads and among the impressive city walls, agora, and theatre remains, guests experience the traces of the past in harmony with the serenity of the surrounding landscape.

During this guided visit, expert narration brings to life the Aeolian culture, the region’s role in trade and urban planning, and the daily practices of ancient life. Participants gain not only knowledge of historical structures but also a meaningful connection to the spirit and lifestyle of the ancient world.
Following this immersive cultural and natural experience, we enjoy a refined lunch prepared with the region’s rich and seasonal local products.

If you wish to discover a lesser-known, authentic, and in-depth archaeological route and build a unique connection between the ancient world and nature, Aigai awaits you.

PHOKAIA – TIMELESS AEGEAN COASTAL HERITAGE

Foça, one of the Aegean’s most authentic coastal destinations, offers a refined and sophisticated discovery for discerning travelers with its ancient maritime heritage, natural beauty, and tranquil lifestyle. Known in antiquity as Phokaia, this captivating settlement played a significant role in history as the founder of several major colonies across the Mediterranean.

An important highlight of the day is Foça Castle, included among the Genoese Castles currently in the UNESCO World Heritage nomination process, adding a distinctive historical dimension to this exclusive experience.

As one of the privileged stops of the DISCOVER IZMIR program, Foça stands out not only for its rich past but also for the peaceful atmosphere and authentic coastal culture of the Aegean. Its charming stone houses, narrow streets, and life intertwined with the sea offer visitors a timeless Mediterranean ambiance.

Throughout the program, guests explore the ancient harbor, remnants of the fortifications, and the region’s maritime legacy with expert guides, while gaining close insight into the local fishing traditions and coastal way of life.

This historic trading center, where Phoenician sailors transported wine to the port of Marseille as early as the 6th century BC, invites guests to enjoy an exceptional wine experience inspired by its deep-rooted heritage.
After completing this memorable day filled with culture and history, we conclude our journey with a curated selection of fine wines and refined gastronomic flavors before returning to our hotel.

It is an immersive exploration into the ancient world’s vision of prosperity, governance, and cultural sophistication. The remarkable remains of the city reveal its strategic importance along ancient trade routes, as well as the advanced urban lifestyle of the Lydians.

Throughout the program, guests will explore the impressive Gymnasium complex, the monumental Temple of Artemis at Sardis, and the ancient synagogue—one of the most significant of its time—accompanied by expert guides and in-depth storytelling. This multi-layered historical journey spans the Lydian, Persian, and Roman periods, offering rich insight into the region’s architectural brilliance and cultural diversity.

The experience continues beyond history, seamlessly blending with the region’s natural beauty and local lifestyle. At Nif Vineyards, one of the area’s distinguished boutique producers, guests will enjoy a refined lunch paired with a curated selection of premium wines and local gastronomy, completing the cultural
narrative with an unforgettable sensory experience.

Following this elegant finale, we return to Izmir. In the afternoon, guests will have free time to explore the city at their own pace. You may indulge in boutique shopping, stroll along the iconic Kordon, or simply embrace the vibrant coastal atmosphere.

As evening approaches, we reunite for a memorable farewell dinner—bringing together the essence of history, culture, gastronomy, and wine that defines this exclusive DISCOVER IZMIR experience.

DAY 7

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and transfer to Adnan Menderes Airport for your onward flight.