Hotel Pick-Up & Scenic Drive from Izmir

Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Izmir at your chosen time. Sit back and relax as you travel along the scenic Aegean coastline and fertile valleys that once nurtured some of the world’s earliest civilizations.
Your guide will introduce you to the history of Ionia, setting the stage for the day’s adventures through three of its most iconic cities: Priene, Miletus, and Didyma.

Priene – The Ancient City of Order

Your first stop is Priene, a well-preserved example of a Hellenistic city planned by Hippodamus, known as the father of urban planning.

Despite its modest size, Priene held immense cultural and political significance as the meeting place of the Ionian Confederacy at the Panionium Sanctuary.

Explore the highlights of the ancient city, including:

• The Temple of Athena Polias – Dedicated by Alexander the Great and designed by the famed architect Pythius.

• The Theater – A beautifully preserved structure offering a glimpse of ancient entertainment.

• The Agora and Bouleuterion – Once the bustling heart of civic life.

• The Temenos of Zeus Olympios – A sacred space dedicated to the king of the gods.

As you wander the marble streets, take in panoramic views of the Maeander River Valley, an awe-inspiring backdrop for your first encounter with ancient Ionia.

Miletus – Birthplace of Philosophy

Next, continue to Miletus, once a thriving port city and one of the most influential metropolises in the ancient world.
This was the home of great thinkers such as Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes, who laid the foundations of Western philosophy and science.

Visit the impressive remains of this grand city, including:

• The Great Theater of Miletus – One of the largest in Anatolia, seating over 15,000 spectators.

• The Council Chamber (Bouleuterion) – Where city leaders once debated civic matters.

• Roman Baths and Market Agora – Offering insight into the city’s commercial and social life.

• Ilyas Bey Mosque – A beautifully preserved 14th-century Islamic monument that reflects the continuity of civilizations on this site.

Your guide will share fascinating stories about the city’s rise and fall, its port’s gradual silting, and its enduring intellectual legacy.

Lunch at a Local Aegean Restaurant

After exploring Miletus, take a well-deserved break at a traditional local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy delicious Turkish and Aegean cuisine.
Savor regional flavors such as olive oil dishes, fresh salads, and grilled meats, all made with locally sourced ingredients.

Didyma – The Oracle of Apollo

After lunch, continue to Didyma, once the sacred sanctuary of Apollo, god of prophecy and light.
The centerpiece of the site is the Temple of Apollo, known as the Didymaion—one of the largest and most awe-inspiring temples of the ancient world.

Visitors in antiquity would walk the Sacred Way from Miletus to Didyma to consult the Oracle of Apollo, much like the one at Delphi.
Here you will see:

• The Temple of Apollo – With massive columns reaching 20 meters high, showcasing intricate Ionian design.

• The Oracle’s Chamber – Where ancient priests interpreted divine messages.

• Sacred Courtyards and Reliefs – Depicting mythological figures and religious ceremonies.

Your guide will bring these monumental ruins to life, explaining their architectural brilliance and spiritual significance.

Return to Izmir

After a day immersed in the wonders of ancient Ionia, relax on your return journey to Izmir.
Your guide will drop you off at your hotel, concluding your unforgettable Priene, Miletus & Didyma Private Day Tour.