Izmir, the Pearl of the Aegean as it is often called, is one of the oldest cities in the world. It was founded as long ago as 3000 B.C., and more recent excavations even indicate that the region was settled between 8000 to 10,000 years ago. At the same time Izmir - capital of the province that bears the same name - is today one of Turkey's most modern cities. And it is precisely this dichotomy that defines the charm of this metropolitan centre. The city where Homer the poet (of The Iliad and The Odyssey fame) is said to have once lived offers the visitor all the amenities of a modern Western city combined with the flair of the Orient. Book a seat on one of Condor's many budget flights and immerse yourself in the empire of a thousand and one nights. In addition to the sights from Izmir's over 5000 years of history, Cesme and Kusadasi are attractive nearby bathing destinations. The popular beach resorts can be easily reached from Adnan-Menderes Airport. But you can also combine a flight to Izmir with a trip to the nearby islands of Samos and Chios. Izmir is also home to several successful soccer clubs, so a flight there is also something to appeal to football fans. In any case, taking a budget flight on Condor will leave enough in the travel kitty for a stadium visit.
