Turkey's number three city after both Ankara and Istanbul, Izmir is home to one of the country's leading ports and is located within the Mediterranean basin. Izmir boasts an extraordinary history, spanning some 5,000 years, and has long been amongst the most cosmopolitan cities in Turkey, with many awesome archaeological sites relating to past Greek, Roman and Byzantine civilisations.

Surrounded by a series of scenic mountains, the Izmir of today is a modern and appealing tourist city, combining historical bazaars with more shops, such as those around Karsiyaka Pier and Konak Pier. The plentiful Turkish mosques add much character to the cityscape, while modern tourist information outlets are available on the central Gaziosmanpasa Bulvari and from a tourism booth conveniently sited next to the Clock Tower.