Our daily Izmir Smyrna tour from Aydin is a fully guided day tour that reveals how the ancient port of Smyrna grew into the lively Aegean city of Izmir. This daily excursion links Roman ruins, Ottoman markets and the best viewpoints of the bay in one relaxed, well-paced Izmir day trip, with an English-speaking guide and an air-conditioned vehicle throughout.
The day starts high above the city on Mount Pagus, where the Kadifekale fortress marks the spot chosen for the Hellenistic refounding of Smyrna after the age of Alexander the Great. Below lies the Agora, the old civic and commercial heart of the city; its arches and basement galleries were rebuilt in Roman times after a major earthquake in the 2nd century AD and remain among the best-preserved remains of ancient Smyrna.
From the ruins you step into Kemeralti, a maze of lanes where craftsmen, spice sellers and fishmongers have traded for centuries. Your guide leads you past the old synagogue street and the fish and vegetable stalls to Hisaronu Mosque, one of the most significant Ottoman mosques in the city, then on to Kizlaragasi Han, an 18th-century caravanserai now filled with handicraft and souvenir shops. A short walk brings you to Konak Square and its ornate Clock Tower, completed in 1901, before the day closes at the Historical Elevator, built in the early 20th century to connect the lower and upper neighbourhoods and still loved for its sweeping view.
Practical notes: this daily tour includes transfers from and back to your hotel or meeting point in Aydin and the entrance fees in the programme. Lunch is not included, so bring some cash for a meal or snacks in the bazaar, and wear comfortable shoes for the walking sections.
Your full day programme — click to see every stop.
Izmir & Ancient Smyrna Programme At 08:30 your guide and driver collect you from your hotel or an agreed meeting point in Aydin and you travel north to Izmir. The first stop is Mount Pagus, crowned by the Kadifekale citadel, where you look out across the city and the bay while hearing how ancient Smyrna was founded on these slopes. Descending into town, you visit the Agora, part of the ancient city, and walk among its columns and vaulted galleries. Next comes a walk through Kemeralti Bazaar, following the old synagogue street and the fish and vegetable market until you reach Hisaronu Mosque, where there is time for a short break. You continue to Kizlaragasi Han, an 18th-century inn whose courtyard shops sell local crafts and handmade souvenirs. A short stroll leads to Konak and the famous Clock Tower, with time to enjoy the square and the nearby seafront. A brief drive then takes you to the Historical Elevator for a final panorama over Izmir, after which you are driven back to your hotel in Aydin.
Aydin → Izmir Smyrna → Aydin Agora → Kemeralti → Clock Tower
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!