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This week, we are wrapping up our Turkey trip recaps and Tamara fills us in on her visit to Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the lesser-known city of Izmir.
Episode Highlights
- Izmir sits on the Aegean Sea and Ephesus is a popular cruise port for cruises visiting Greece and Turkey.
- There are also a number of religious sites that attract religious travelers and pilgrimages.
- One site near Ephesus you can visit what is believed to be the last house that Mary, mother of Jesus, lived in before she died.
- Bodrum is more of a beach resort but Izmir is a city based on the sea.
- You can fly into Izmir, which is about 1.25 hours from Istanbul airport and the airport is about 20 minutes outside of the city.
- Izmir is a good home base for exploring the region in a hub and spoke manner.
- You should plan to stay three to four days in this region.
- 1 day in Ephesus
- 1 day in Izmir
- 1 day in Urla (fishing village, small artsy town, and wine route)
- Ephesus is a UNESCO Heritage site that has Ancient Greek and Roman ruins. The site is immense and there is so much that isn’t excavated. So much is very well preserved. The Library of Celsus is a highlight. It is worth paying extra to see the houses with mosaics and frescoes.
- It is recommended to visit Ephesus with a guide and you need at least two to three hours.
- There is a lot of walking so you need comfortable shoes and it can also get very hot so you want to go early or late and wear a hat and sunglasses.
- In the summer it stays open until 10 pm at night so you can visit while it is cooler.
- Selcuk is a cute town nearby where you can go for lunch.
- The Izmir Marriott is right on the waterfront and has a rooftop pool, restaurant, and nice rooms and location.
- In Izmir you can:
- Walk or bike along the promenade along the coastline
- Visit the Ancient Agora of Smyrna
- Spend an afternoon exploring the bazaar
- Should season is going to be better because the heat in the summer can be brutal
- Izmir is also known as a place to buy wedding dresses
- Read more about Tamara’s time in Izmir and Ephesus: https://we3travel.com/izmir-turkiye-3-day-itinerary/
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