Izmir Disney Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

Known as Smyrna until 1930, Izmir is one of Turkey's largest cities. It is the unofficial capital of the Turkish Aegean area and one of the area's oldest settlements.

This busy port 210 mi/340 km southwest of Istanbul claims to be the birthplace of the Greek poet Homer, and it also has one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor (this one was rebuilt after a 1922 fire).

Visit the bazaar; the Kemeralti, Sadirvan and Hisar mosques; the 17th-century caravansary; the archaeological and ethnographical museums; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kadifekale (the "Velvet Castle" atop Mount Pagus, with a spectacular view).

For those seeking a more modern experience, the waterfront Kordon area and upscale Alsancak are the hub of the city's cafe culture and nightlife.

Location

Cruise ships dock at Alcansak, an industrial neighborhood just a 20-minute walk from Konak Square (shuttles and taxis are available at the terminal).

The passenger terminal is nothing special, although it offers shops, restaurants, a post office, tourist office, and all the usual facilities. There are talks of upgrades and expansion, but so far nothing has been decided.

In addition to buses, trains and a metro, a network of urban ferries criss-crosses the Gulf of Izmir, an affordable option for commuters and holiday-makers traveling between eight city quays.

When the upgrades are complete, the Port of Izmir will be able to handle 2 million passengers per year. Phone 90-232-463-1600. http://www.oib.gov.tr/portfoy/tcdd_izmir_port.htm.