Aegean: Izmir, Ephesus & Bodrum · 8 days
8 days, 7 nights: Izmir (2N), Selçuk (Ephesus) (2N), Bodrum (3N). Best time to go: Best May–Jun and Sep–Oct.
Day 1: Arrive in Izmir
Izmir
- Konak Square & clock tower · 0.75 h
- Historic Elevator (Asansör) & Karataş · 1.5 h
Day 2: Explore Izmir
Izmir
- Kemeraltı bazaar & Kızlarağası Han · 2.5 h. One of the largest open bazaars in the country; stop for Turkish coffee in the han courtyard.
- Kordon seafront sunset & Alsancak · 2.5 h
- Agora of Smyrna · 1 h
Local tip: One of the largest open bazaars in the country; stop for Turkish coffee in the han courtyard.
Day 3: Izmir → Selçuk (Ephesus)
Selçuk (Ephesus) · Izmir to Selçuk (Ephesus), Train from Basmane or the airport ~1–1.5h
- Ephesus ancient city (Library of Celsus & Great Theatre) · 3 h. About €40. Arrive at opening and walk downhill from the upper gate before cruise groups arrive; little shade, carry water.
- Ephesus Terrace Houses · 1 h. Separate ticket inside Ephesus; covered Roman villas with mosaics and frescoes.
Local tip: About €40. Arrive at opening and walk downhill from the upper gate before cruise groups arrive; little shade, carry water.
Day 4: Explore Selçuk (Ephesus)
Selçuk (Ephesus)
- House of the Virgin Mary · 1 h. On a hill ~8 km from Ephesus with no public transport; combine with Ephesus by taxi or tour.
- Şirince village & fruit-wine tasting · 3 h. ~15 min by dolmuş from Selçuk; taste before buying the fruit wines.
- Temple of Artemis site · 0.5 h. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, now a single rebuilt column in a marshy field.
- Ephesus Archaeological Museum · 1.5 h
- Basilica of St John & Ayasuluk Fortress · 1.5 h
Local tip: On a hill ~8 km from Ephesus with no public transport; combine with Ephesus by taxi or tour.
Day 5: Selçuk (Ephesus) → Bodrum
Bodrum · Selçuk (Ephesus) to Bodrum, Bus or car ~3h
- Bodrum Castle & Museum of Underwater Archaeology · 2 h
- Bodrum windmills at sunset · 1 h
- Mausoleum at Halicarnassus site · 1 h. Another of the Seven Wonders; foundations and a small museum remain.
Local tip: Another of the Seven Wonders; foundations and a small museum remain.
Day 6: Bodrum peninsula day boat trip with swim stops
Bodrum
- Bodrum peninsula day boat trip with swim stops · 7 h. Wooden gulets leave the harbour around 10–11am and usually include lunch; Orak Island and Black Island are common stops.
Local tip: Wooden gulets leave the harbour around 10–11am and usually include lunch; Orak Island and Black Island are common stops.
Day 7: Explore Bodrum
Bodrum
- Bitez or Gümbet beach day · 4 h. Sunbeds are usually free with food and drink orders.
- Yalıkavak marina & Gümüşlük sunset dinner · 4 h. Gümüşlük's fish restaurants sit on the water; book a table for sunset in summer.
Local tip: Sunbeds are usually free with food and drink orders.
Day 8: Depart from Bodrum
Bodrum
- Ancient theatre of Halicarnassus · 0.75 h
Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.
Where to stay
- Izmir (2 nights): Alsancak. Lively bars and cafés a block from the Kordon seafront.
- Selçuk (Ephesus) (2 nights): Selçuk boutique hotels near the aqueduct. Walk to the Basilica of St John and the Saturday market.
- Bodrum (3 nights): Bitez / Gümbet. Beach hotels a short dolmuş ride from town; Bitez is calmer, Gümbet livelier.