You Are Here: Home Page Cruise-Destinations Mediterranean Turkey Izmir

Izmir

Formerly known as Smyrna, Izmir is located in Turkey’s Aegean province, which enjoys the finest climate in the country.

Mild year round climate and magnificent history

Formerly known as Smyrna, Izmir is located in Turkey’s Aegean province, which enjoys the finest climate in the country. Izmir, known as ‘the Belle’ thanks to its extremely mild year round climate.

Turkey’s third largest city and located in a region whose magnificent history has rendered it a key holiday destination. Lively and cosmopolitan, Izmir boasts scenic, palm-lined promenades that line a glittering bay, graceful avenues and attractive horizontal terraces that cloak the slopes of the surrounding mountains.

Izmir has a strong artistic heritage; the Museum of Art and Natural History holds artefacts from the 2nd Century BC.

Join us on one of our excursion packages and enjoy great deals on outings to some of the best attractions; the archaeological site of Ephesus, for example, is a complete ancient town that dates back to 1000 BC and is complete with amphitheatre, baths and temple. Or, if you’re in the mood for a spot of sun-lounging, our deluxe beach tour will be just the ticket – relax at the beach club and swim in azure waters or just soak up your surroundings from the comfort of your pre-booked recliner.

Families may like to visit the Culture Park, just northeast of Izmir, with its botanical gardens, amusement park and zoo.

So, leave your luxury MSC cruise ship and treat yourself to a day out; immerse yourself in the history of the region and return to the ship with not only wonderful memories for your vacation but a deeper understanding of the world’s ancient civilisations.

 		Cruise to Izmir - Turkey - Mediterranean - MSC Cruises

Directions


The port of Izmir is directly in the city. From the port you can walk or take a taxi to the main street, the “Kordon”. The passengers terminal offer many services, including cafes and bars.

Port average temperature

Izmir has a typical Mediterranean climate which is characterized by long, hot and dry summers; and mild to cool, rainy winters. The total precipitation for İzmir averages 706 mm per year; however, 77% of that falls during November through March. The rest of the precipitation falls during April through May and September through October. There is virtually no rainfall during the months of June, July and August.

The average maximum temperatures during the winter months vary between 12 and 14 °C. Although it's rare, snow can fall in İzmir in December, January and February staying for a period of hours rather than a whole day or more. The summer months from May to October usually brings average daytime temperatures of 30 °C or higher. On a number of occasions, temperatures as high as 46°C have been recorded in the city.

The temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.

IZMIRMonths
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high °C111215202530323228231712
Averagelow °C3461013172019161285
 IZM01 - CITY TOUR (approx. 4 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  A great chance to team culture with a spot of shopping, the excursion begins with a visit to the fascinating Izmir Museum of History and Art, which is located in the city’s Kültürpark and was established in the year 2004. The museum is split over three separate buildings, each of which is dedicated to showcasing a different kind of artefact found in Izmir or in the immediate vicinity, including treasures made of stone and ceramics from the 2nd century A.D.. After time to explore the museum, the tour continues by coach to Izmir’s fashionable district of Karsiyaka, the ideal spot to relax on one of the benches along the gorgeous waterfront. A boat will finally return you to Izmir port and your ship.

Price per person $61.00 Adults $43.00 Children

   


Reserve Now


 IZM02 - EPHESUS (approx. 5 hours 15 minutes) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Shopping  Best Seller  The ancient and once vibrant city of Ephesus, which had a population of more than 250,000 in its heyday, is now a gargantuan archaeological site that is situated an approx. 1-hour drive inland from Izmir. Ephesus was originally founded by the Ionians c. 1,000 B.C. and even then boasted features that modern society still appreciates to this day, for instance a huge theatre with absolutely perfect acoustics and a capacity to seat 25,000 people. Your guided tour around the complex will take you past the ancient baths, Hadrian’s Temple, the Library of Celsus, which was built by Tiberius Julius Aquila to commemorate his father, and the marble street where many of the shops were situated. The site provides a fascinating insight into a highly developed and sophisticated ancient civilisation. The tour also foresees some time visiting a handicraft shop and/or a leather shop before returning to the port. Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair as it involves long periods of walking.

Price per person $81.00 Adults $57.00 Children

   


Reserve Now


 IZM03 - ST. JOHN'S MONASTERY AND MARY'S HOUSE (approx. 5 hours 15 minutes) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  The house of the Virgin Mary is located in a quiet valley and it was only in 1892 that the building was recognized as a holy Christian site and then visited later by Pope Paul VI and John Paul II. The Virgin Mary had lived in this house for 46 years. Our tour continues at St. John's Monastery, the most famous Byzantine structure in Ephesus. The monastery was built by the emperor Justinian and queen Teodora in the VI century A.D. on the ruins of a small church which contained the Tomb of St. John who died in Ephesus in 100 A.D. Please note: the coach ride to the sites takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes each way; this tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair as long walking is involved. Only photos with no flash are allowed inside Mary’s House. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance.

Price per person $73.00 Adults $51.00 Children

   


Reserve Now


 IZM05 - EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE (approx. 5 hours 45 minutes) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Shopping  Best Seller  This excursion combines history and religion: visit the stunning archaeological site of Ephesus and visit the Odeon theatre built to hold 25.000 spectators and which still boasts excellent acoustics. You will also visit the Library of Celsus, built by Tiberio Giulio Aquila in commemoration of his father and see the Temple of Hadrian which contains some ancient bas-reliefs. Walk down the marble street which pays testament to the former importance of this ancient city of Asia Minor. The tour continues with the visit to Mary's House where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life. The tour also foresees some time visiting a handicraft shop and/or a leather shop before returning to the port. Please note: the coach ride to the sites takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes each way. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair as it involves long periods of walking. Only photos without flash are allowed inside Mary’s House. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance.

Price per person $85.00 Adults $60.00 Children

   


Reserve Now


 IZM09 - DE LUXE BEACH TOUR AT SHERATON HOTEL (approx. 5 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: easy  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  Limited Availability  Drink  Recommended for families  Treat yourself to a couple of hours of unadulterated beach time on this deluxe tour. After leaving the port, a 1.5-hour coach drive will take you from Izmir to Çesme, an exclusive seaside resort on the Turkish shores of the Aegean Sea. Your destination is equally exclusive: Çesme’s very own high-class Sheraton Hotel, one of the most prestigious establishments in the area. A welcoming drink will be served when you arrive, after which you can enjoy the hotel’s facilities, such as the outdoor swimming pool, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean or simply relax in the hot Turkish sun. Your tour concludes with your return to the port and your ship. Please note: this excursion operates from June until the end of September. Guides available only in English.

Price per person $93.00 Adults $65.00 Children

   


Reserve Now


The excursions in the program above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this program is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.