Overlooking sparkling azure waters and surrounded by undulating mountains, Izmir, Turkey is a city rich with history and culture. Here, bustling bazaars meet architectural icons including centuries-old religious sites and UNESCO listed wonders. 
Wander cobbled streets, browse the shops, or sample local delicacies in the city’s thriving restaurant scene. An MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, Izmir is a Turkish treasure just waiting to be discovered — a land with an alluring heritage and powder-soft beaches.


Select an unforgettable tour from a list of MSC Cruises excursions including:

• Virgin Mary House 
• St. John Church
• Ancient Ephesus


Explore the historic Catholic shrine, House of the Virgin Mary, on glorious Mt. Koressos. A popular pilgrimage site (with visits from several popes), the venue is home to an array of sacred attractions including a wishing well, baptismal pool, cobbled courtyard garden, and chapel.

The Anglican Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist is one of Izmir’s most beloved religious locales. Dating back to 1862, the interior boasts a collection of fine paintings, a kaleidoscopic domed ceiling, and a majestic marble altar.

Step back in time to ancient Greece with a visit to Ephesus. This iconic city, southwest of Izmir, was founded in the 10th century BC, and offers a wealth of classical attractions. Feast your eyes on sublime stone carvings, columned buildings, and a truly impressive open-air theatre. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus is celebrated for its Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.