Top 4 Itineraries in İzmir

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to İzmir.

If you only have a few days, İzmir weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in İzmir offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in İzmir are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into İzmir’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through İzmir offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Turkey's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in İzmir offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to İzmir truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that İzmir belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to İzmir are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in İzmir and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect İzmir itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in İzmir for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 4 itineraries will help you experience the best of İzmir without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to İzmir!

A scenic 12-day road trip through Balıkesir, Kuşadası, Pamukkale, Selçuk, and İznik is one of the best ways to experience Turkey. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 12-day itinerary means that İzmir can easily be combined with other top destinations in Turkey without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Balıkesir, Kuşadası, Pamukkale, Selçuk, and İznik by public transport, renting a car in Turkey opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 12 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Edremit

• Arrival city: Balıkesir
• Accommodation: hotel in Ayvalık, e.g., Nilufer Butik Otel
• Sightseeing: Sarımsaklı Plajı

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Edremit. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Akçay, Ayvalık, Beyoba, and Balıkesir

• Destinations: Akçay, Ayvalık, Beyoba, and Balıkesir
• Driving distance: 145.43 km, approx. 3 hours and 50 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Yalova, e.g., Lagun Castle
• Sightseeing: Aşıklar Tepesi, Cunda Merkez, Akçay Çıkışlı Turlar, Sütüven Şelalesi, and Kazdağı Millî Parkı

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Aşıklar Tepesi, Cunda Merkez, Akçay Çıkışlı Turlar, Sütüven Şelalesi, and Kazdağı Millî Parkı. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Akçay, Ayvalık, Beyoba, and Balıkesir, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Balıkesir and Balıkesir

• Destinations: Balıkesir and Balıkesir
• Driving distance: 284.7 km, approx. 3 hours and 49 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Istanbul, e.g., CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel
• Sightseeing: Değirmen Boğazı Natural Park, Atatürk Parkı, Balıkesir, Zagnos Pasha Mosque, and Oren Beach
• Recommended tour: Best of Istanbul: Private Guided Tour for 1, 2, or 3 Days

Spend the day exploring Değirmen Boğazı Natural Park, Atatürk Parkı, Balıkesir, Zagnos Pasha Mosque, and Oren Beach. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Istanbul.

Day 4: Experience Mudanya, Bursa, and Gölyazı

• Destinations: Mudanya, Bursa, and Gölyazı
• Driving distance: 146.65 km, approx. 2 hours and 51 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Eskişehir, e.g., Tasigo Hotel Eskisehir Bademlik Termal
• Sightseeing: Mudanya Armistice House, Green Tomb, Emir Sultan Mosque, and Ağlayan Çınar

Continue your journey through Mudanya, Bursa, and Gölyazı, where you can explore Mudanya Armistice House, Green Tomb, Emir Sultan Mosque, and Ağlayan Çınar. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in İznik

• Destinations: İznik
• Driving distance: 153.98 km, approx. 2 hours and 34 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Eskişehir, e.g., Tasigo Hotel Eskisehir Bademlik Termal
• Sightseeing: Lefke Gate, Iznik Castle, Iznik Turkish Islamic Arts Museum, Süleyman Paşa Madrasa, and Hagia Sophia Mosque

Drive through İznik, stopping to visit Lefke Gate, Iznik Castle, Iznik Turkish Islamic Arts Museum, Süleyman Paşa Madrasa, and Hagia Sophia Mosque. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Bursa

• Destinations: Bursa
• Driving distance: 74.14 km, approx. 2 hours and 8 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Eskişehir, e.g., Tasigo Hotel Eskisehir Bademlik Termal
• Sightseeing: Bursa Grand Mosque, Han Brass, Botanik Park, Koza Han, and Uludağ Sarıalan

Spend time discovering Bursa Grand Mosque, Han Brass, Botanik Park, Koza Han, and Uludağ Sarıalan, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Bursa and Osmangazi

• Destinations: Bursa and Osmangazi
• Driving distance: 301.82 km, approx. 3 hours and 18 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Eskişehir, e.g., Tasigo Hotel Eskisehir Bademlik Termal
• Sightseeing: İnkaya Historical Plane Tree, Karagoz Museum, Bursa City Museum, and Heykel

Explore İnkaya Historical Plane Tree, Karagoz Museum, Bursa City Museum, and Heykel at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Eskişehir.

Day 8: Explore Pamukkale and Denizli

• Destinations: Pamukkale and Denizli
• Driving distance: 242.1 km, approx. 4 hours and 12 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Denizli, e.g., Hotel Sahin
• Sightseeing: Travertines of Pamukkale, Laodicea Ancient City, Pamukkale South Gate, Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Çamlık Park, and Denizli Teleferik
• Recommended tour: Hierapolis & Pamukkale Tour

Continue your road trip through Pamukkale and Denizli, enjoying the flexibility to explore Travertines of Pamukkale, Laodicea Ancient City, Pamukkale South Gate, Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Çamlık Park, and Denizli Teleferik and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Denizli.

Day 9: Wander Through Kuşadası, Karabağlar, and Konak

• Destinations: Kuşadası, Karabağlar, and Konak
• Driving distance: 307.18 km, approx. 4 hours and 42 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Izmir, e.g., Izmir Marriott Hotel
• Sightseeing: Kemeraltı Bazaar, İzmir Historical Elevator Building, Ladies Beach, Ataturk Konak Square, and Clock Tower of İzmir
• Recommended tour: Ephesus Tour from Izmir With Buffet Lunch

Visit Kemeraltı Bazaar, İzmir Historical Elevator Building, Ladies Beach, Ataturk Konak Square, and Clock Tower of İzmir as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Izmir.

Day 10: Uncover Selçuk, Çeşme, and İzmir

• Destinations: Selçuk, Çeşme, and İzmir
• Driving distance: 333.01 km, approx. 4 hours and 2 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Izmir, e.g., Izmir Marriott Hotel
• Sightseeing: Library of Celsus, Alaçatı Çarşı, Cesme Castle, and Ephesus Archaeological Museum
• Recommended tour: Pamukkale Tour from Izmir

Continue your exploration of Library of Celsus, Alaçatı Çarşı, Cesme Castle, and Ephesus Archaeological Museum, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through Foça, İzmir, and İzmir

• Destinations: Foça, İzmir, and İzmir
• Driving distance: 230.1 km, approx. 3 hours and 46 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Ayvalık, e.g., Nilufer Butik Otel
• Sightseeing: Old Foca Coast, İnciraltı Kent Ormanı, Bostanlı Günbatımı Seyir Terası, and Izmir Wildlife Park

Take in the highlights of Old Foca Coast, İnciraltı Kent Ormanı, Bostanlı Günbatımı Seyir Terası, and Izmir Wildlife Park, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Ayvalık.

Day 12: Bid Farewell to Edremit

• Departure city: Ayvalık
• Driving distance: 49.62 km, approx. 51 minutes
• Sightseeing: Atatürk monument

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Edremit. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 2050 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond İzmir.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in İzmir for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 8-day city break in İzmir with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 8-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of İzmir without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in İzmir

Arrive in İzmir and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like İzmir Historical Elevator Building.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Balmumu Dükkan. Lokanta is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover İzmir's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in İzmir by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Konak Mosque, Ataturk Konak Square, Clock Tower of İzmir, and Izmir Archaeological and Ethnography Museum.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in İzmir. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of İzmir in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of İzmir

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. St. John's Cathedral and Ahmet Piriştina Kent Arşivi ve Müzesi are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in İzmir.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in İzmir. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Turkey!

Day 6: Connect With the Local Culture in İzmir

No İzmir itinerary is complete without learning something about the local culture. The large selection of cultural tours in İzmir has something for every traveler.

If you prefer sightseeing on your own, head out to explore Agora of Smyrna and Agora Ören Yeri, other popular attractions in İzmir.

End the day with a sunset walk and dinner around Agora of Smyrna.

Day 8: Savor Your Final Moments in İzmir

Spend your last few hours in İzmir soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from İzmir in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in İzmir, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go İzmir travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 4-day beach vacation in İzmir offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in İzmir:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Boyalik plaji II, Boyalik Plaji, and Cesme Termal Otel.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Biblos Resort Alacati for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Beach activities: Dive into beachside fun with options like sup-surfing and surfing, and more.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at Neşeli Balık, Kahve Evi, and Altıntabak İsmet Usta, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Rock Pub, The Muddy Waters, and Catch, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Alaçatı Çarşı, Cesme Castle, Alaçatı Değirmenleri, KÖSTEM ZEYTİNYAĞI MÜZESİ, Alaçatı Pazaryeri Camii, and Ayios Haralambos Church, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 4-day beach vacation itinerary in İzmir, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in İzmir

Arrive in İzmir, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 4 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Boyalik plaji II or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in İzmir.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Boyalik Plaji, a top beach in İzmir. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Alaçatı Pazaryeri Camii, Alaçatı Çarşı, and Alaçatı Değirmenleri for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 4: Say Farewell to İzmir

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in İzmir. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye. Then, choose from many convenient transfers in İzmir to make your departure easier.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in İzmir. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of İzmir's coastline.

A 5-day weekend getaway in İzmir offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned İzmir itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect İzmir weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in İzmir

Arrive in İzmir around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Arkas Art Center, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover İzmir’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in İzmir with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Ahmed Adnan Saygun Sanat Merkezi early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to İnciraltı Kent Ormanı, stopping by Güzelyali Park for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in İzmir and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of İzmir

No itinerary in İzmir is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Konak Mosque.
• Afternoon: Explore Kemeraltı Bazaar and Ataturk Konak Square, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in İzmir and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Turkey.

Day 5 - Depart from İzmir

Make the most of your last few hours in İzmir before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to İzmir. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable İzmir itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore İzmir, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in İzmir for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience İzmir in a way that feels truly unforgettable!