Friday, March 23, 2007

IZMIR

IZMIR 38.40N 27.2E.




AVERAGE AIR TEMPERATURES Minimum - Maximum

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

6 14

7 15

7 18

12 20

16 24

20 29

22 32

22 32

19 28

16 24

11 18

8 14


With a population of nearly 3,000,000, Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey. It is the cultural center of the Aegean region, as well as being one of the main ports.

Once the ancient city of Smyrna, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, and though little is left of the original city, Izmir makes an ideal first leg of a circular tour taking in all seven churches.

Though not really a resort, Izmir does offer a glimpse of a typical modern Turkish city with the usual contrasts between everyday working districts to the sophisticated shopping areas in Alsancak. For real bargain hunters, there is not much that cannot be found, at bargain prices, in Konak, just a short taxi ride from downtown Alsancak.

Altitude Sea level.

Airport Izmir (ADB), 20Km from city center. Private transfer.

Resorts Cesme, Kusadasi, Bergama, Pamukkale.

Transport Taxi, Coach, Mini-Bus, Airport Service Bus, Rent-a-Car.

Local Sights
Kadifekale.
Asansor (Ancient Lift).
Balcova Thermal Baths.
Archeological Museum.
Ancient City of Smyrna.
Kordon.

Local Excursions
Selcuk: Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary.
Seven Churches of Revelation: Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Hierapolis, Ephesus.
Pamukkale: Hierapolis, Aphrodisias, Calcium Falls, Karahayit, Thermal Springs.
Priene and Miletos: Theater, Temple of Athena, Altar of Zeus, Byzantine Fortress, Temple of Apollo.

Overnight Excursions
Pamukkale/ Ephesus: Antique cities of Aphrodisias, Hierapolis and Ephesus, two days - one night.
Dalyan: Kaunos, Thermal Mud Baths, Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach), Lycean Rock Tombs, Dalyan Delta Boat Trip, two days - one night.
Assos: Troy, Alexandria Troya, two days - one night.