Turkey · Archaeology

8-Hour Sardis Tour from Izmir with Ancient Lydia Highlights

8 Hours Round trip from State Rd 3487 Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit the Temple of Cybele and Diana, later converted into a church
02 Explore the beautiful reconstructed synagogue in Sardis
03 See the gymnasium complex combining a Greek institution with a Roman bath
04 Discover Sardis, the capital of ancient Lydia and a major religious centre

Travel to Sardis, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, on this guided tour from Izmir. Explore one of antiquity's important religious and cultural centres as you visit the Temple of Cybele and Diana, the reconstructed synagogue, and the remarkable gymnasium complex that blends Greek and Roman architectural traditions. The tour also includes time to see new excavation areas before returning to Izmir.

Continue to the gymnasium, the most important known example of a complex that combines the gymnasium, a Greek institution, with the Roman bath, creating a unique architectural and cultural embodiment.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Izmir, Sardis

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Izmir to Ancient Sardis and Back

Pick up from your hotel or airport and drive to Sardis, the capital of ancient Lydia. It was once an important centre for various religious groups.
Visit the Temple of Cybele and Diana, which later became a church.
Proceed to the beautiful synagogue in Sardis.
Continue to the gymnasium, the most important known example of a complex that combines the gymnasium, a Greek institution, with the Roman bath, creating a unique architectural and cultural embodiment.
Return to Izmir.

Drop off at your hotel, Izmir airport, or port.