Southern gems of Izmir

The journey starts at one of the city’s most iconic panoramic landmarks, the Tarihi Asansör. Built in 1907, this architectural gem offers a remarkable vantage point overlooking the Gulf, allowing guests to interpret the city’s historical transformation while enjoying its Mediterranean atmosphere. This first stop provides a compelling introduction to Izmir’s Levantine and cosmopolitan heritage.

Just below the elevator lies Dario Moreno Street, a charming promenade lined with restored historic houses, art galleries, and cafés that reflect the nostalgic character of the city. Named after the world-renowned artist born in Izmir, the street stands as a symbol of the city’s cultural diversity and reinforces the program’s “living
heritage” concept.

The route then leads to the heart of ancient Smyrna with a visit to the Agora of Smyrna, one of the bestpreserved Roman agoras in the Mediterranean. Establishing a strong historical connection with the region’s broader archaeological landscape, this site highlights Izmir’s commercial and administrative significance in antiquity. In doing so, the program offers a comprehensive regional perspective that complements visits to major sites such as Ephesus.

Transitioning from ancient history to living culture, the experience continues at Kemeraltı Bazaar, the vibrant commercial heart of the city since the 17th century. With its caravanserais, arcades, mosques, synagogues, and traditional workshops, this multi-layered heritage zone offers exceptional experiential value through authentic shopping, local craftsmanship, and meaningful cultural interaction. During the guided walk, guests explore the historical trade routes while engaging directly with the city’s daily rhythm.

Within this dynamic atmosphere, the highlight of the tour is an authentic Izmir street food experience. Tastings of iconic local specialties such as boyoz, gevrek (Izmir-style simit), kumru, and lokma allow guests to become part of everyday local life, offering a sensory introduction to the region’s culinary identity. The tour concludes at the symbolic heart of the city, Izmir Clock Tower and Konak Square. Built in 1901, the tower is an elegant example of late Ottoman architecture and a defining emblem of Izmir. The final moment, set against the backdrop of the Gulf, captures the continuity between the city’s rich history and its vibrant contemporary lifestyle.

Following the city tour, guests transfer to the hotel for check-in and leisure time. The day concludes with a refined welcome dinner, offering an elegant introduction to the journey ahead.

Departing in the morning, the first visit is to Metropolis Ancient City, an important settlement during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Known as the “City of the Mother Goddess,” Metropolis impresses with its hillside theatre, agora remains and commanding landscape. Accompanied by expert guiding, guests gain insight into ancient urban planning, regional trade networks and the continuity of civilizations in Western Anatolia. This visit provides a powerful archaeological complement to Ephesus, deepening the cultural dimension of the program.

The route then continues to Lucien Arkas Vineyards, one of the region’s most prestigious wine estates. Located on wind-swept Aegean slopes, the vineyards stand out for their terroir-focused philosophy and internationally acclaimed wines. During a professional tasting session, guests explore the estate’s signature labels while evaluating how microclimatic conditions shape varietal expression and stylistic structure.

Following the tasting, lunch is served at La Mahzen, located within the vineyard estate. Showcasing a seasonal menu inspired by modern interpretations of Aegean cuisine, the experience is designed around thoughtful wine-and-food pairings. This refined gastronomic interlude reinforces the program’s “Wine & Gastronomy” concept at a premium level.

In the afternoon, the program introduces a different cultural dimension with a visit to KEY Museum, home to one of Türkiye’s most comprehensive classic automobile collections. Featuring iconic cars, motorcycles and nostalgic memorabilia from the 20th century, the museum offers a distinctive perspective on industrial heritage and design history, enriching the program with multi-layered cultural depth.

On the return journey toward Izmir, a final tasting stop is arranged at İsabey Vineyards, one of the established producers of the Selçuk region. The degustation, featuring both indigenous and international grape varieties, allows guests to comparatively evaluate stylistic nuances and regional diversity within Aegean viticulture. This second tasting of the day reinforces the wine-focused narrative and highlights the broader potential of Southern Izmir as an emerging vineyard destination.

Arrival in Izmir takes place in the early evening. The day concludes with dinner at a carefully selected restaurant in the city center, followed by transfer to the hotel for overnight accommodation.

The third day unfolds along a distinctive route that brings together Southern Izmir’s rural gastronomy, boutique wine production and unspoiled natural landscapes. This is one of the most immersive days of the program, strongly reflecting the themes of “Living Tradition” and “Authentic Aegean Lifestyle.”

An early morning departure leads toward Ödemiş. Breakfast is intentionally not taken at the hotel, as the day begins with one of the region’s most iconic local flavors. Upon arrival, guests enjoy a traditional breakfast experience featuring the renowned pide of Töngül Pide. Known for its thin dough and wood-fired baking technique, this specialty offers a genuine introduction to the culinary identity of the Aegean countryside. This moment enriches the gastronomic dimension of the tour by connecting guests directly with local community culture rather than a conventional restaurant setting.

Following breakfast, the route continues toward Birgi, one of the best-preserved examples of Ottoman civil architecture in Türkiye. En route, a private tasting is arranged at Vinkalos Şarap Evi, a boutique producer distinguished by its small-scale, character-driven philosophy. Guests meet the producers and gain insight into terroir, artisanal production techniques and the story behind the wines. This visit deepens the wine narrative of the program with a more intimate and authentic perspective.

Upon arrival in Birgi, a guided walking tour reveals stone mansions, narrow streets and a remarkably preserved traditional texture. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, Birgi offers a compelling journey into Ottoman-era residential architecture, religious structures and rural settlement patterns. Through expert interpretation, guests explore the region’s social and cultural history, strengthening the cultural heritage dimension of the itinerary.

Lunch features another regional icon: Ödemiş köfte. Prepared with locally sourced meat and traditional cooking techniques, this dish reflects the simplicity and character of Aegean cuisine, reinforcing the authentic gastronomic focus of the day.

In the afternoon, the journey continues to Gölcük Lake, located on the slopes of the Bozdağ Mountains. A relaxing walk around the scenic crater lake, followed by free time and a coffee break, allows guests to slow down and fully absorb the tranquil rhythm of rural Aegean life. This segment balances the cultural and gastronomic intensity of the program with a refined “slow travel” experience immersed in nature. After the leisure time, return to IZMIR. The day concludes with dinner at a carefully selected fine-dining restaurant in the city center, followed by overnight accommodation at the hotel.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia, a hub of political, commercial, and cultural significance. With a professional guide, travelers explore its most iconic landmarks—Celsus Library, Grand Theatre, Marble Street, Agora, and Terrace Houses—while gaining an in- depth understanding of daily life, trade networks, and architectural ingenuity of the era. This immersive experience complements the historical insights from İZMİRAgora on the tour’s first day, elevating the cultural dimension to its pinnacle. Ephesus is not only about grand monuments; it offers a holistic civilization reading, encompassing trade, imperial policy, multicultural society, and religious transformation.

No visit to Ephesus is complete without experiencing the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Temple of Artemis. Constructed in the 6th century BCE, this monumental temple served not only as a religious center but also as a focal point of economic and political influence. The Artemis cult transformed Ephesus into a major international pilgrimage and trade destination. Although only remnants remain today, the temple’s historical and mythological significance adds a profound symbolic layer to the destination narrative. This stop enriches the “History & Faith” theme, blending archaeology with mythology, belief systems, and power dynamics.

Following this awe-inspiring visit, the route leads to 7 Bilgeler, one of the region’s visionary boutique producers. Nestled among olive groves and vineyards, this estate embodies sustainable winemaking and a focus on character-driven wines. Guests enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards and production philosophy, followed by a tasting that explores terroir nuances, grape varieties, and stylistic evolution over the years. This experience elevates the tour’s wine narrative beyond tasting, offering a deep dive into the culture and craft of Ege viticulture.

Dinner is served in the vineyard as the sun sets, featuring a seasonal, locally sourced menu paired expertly with the estate’s wines. This final evening creates a symbolic closure, connecting the grandeur of the ancient world with contemporary Ege winemaking.

From the cosmopolitan fabric of Izmir to the majesty of Metropolis and Ephesus, from the wonder of the Temple of Artemis to boutique estates and vineyard tables, the tour’s finale is an unparalleled journey of history, culture, and gastronomy as we return to our hotel.

DAY 5

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