Grab breakfast at Birmingham Airport (allow extra time for security); aim for an early flight so you arrive in Istanbul with an afternoon to explore. Check flight times and online check-in the day before.
Arrive Istanbul, transfer to your hotel on the European/Sultanahmet side and check in. Allow 1–1.5 hours for immigration and travel from IST or SAW airports. Useful to rest then head out for a light walk.
Walk to Hagia Sophia to see the exterior and enter if time permits — visiting hours typically start around 9:00am and close late afternoon/early evening; as it is an active mosque check prayer times which may affect access.
See the Blue Mosque from outside or enter if not closed for prayer (closed during 5 daily prayers). The Hippodrome plaza nearby gives context to historic Constantinople.
Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast spread (cheeses, olives, eggs, breads) — best to go early to avoid crowds. Most breakfast places open from around 8:00am.
Explore Topkapi Palace (imperial residence and treasury). Typical opening hours: c. 9:00am–5:00/6:00pm; allow 2–3 hours to see the main courtyards and Harem (Harem may have separate ticket).
Visit the Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar and stroll along the Galata Bridge area — good for views and a lively local atmosphere; vendors and small fish restaurants are open into the evening.
Take a short public or private Bosphorus cruise from Eminönü to see the city skyline at sunset; public ferries run into the evening, private cruises vary — typically 1–2 hours.
Climb (or take lift) Galata Tower for panoramic views (opening c.9:00am–7:00pm) then walk down Istiklal Avenue to feel lively modern Istanbul and see historic arcades.
Take a scenic ferry to the Asian side and have lunch at Çiya Sofrası (famed for Anatolian dishes). Ferries run frequently; leaving Istanbul by sea is a highlight.
Have a quick breakfast and head to the airport for a morning domestic flight to Izmir (flights around 1h15m). Domestic airports: IST or SAW — check which your flight uses.
Visit Konak Square and the iconic Clock Tower, then wander Kemeralti Bazaar for shops, tea houses and local crafts (bazaar hours typically 9:00am–7:00pm).
Early start — drive or join a guided tour to Ephesus (approx 1–1.5 hours). Ephesus opens around 8:00am; arriving early avoids the biggest crowds and hottest hours.
Explore the spectacular ruins (Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Marble Road). Entrance tends to be open from c.8:00am to 7:00pm in summer — allow 2–3 hours.
Breakfast on the Kordon then drive or take a coach to Çeşme/Alaçatı (approx 1–1.25 hours). Leave early to enjoy the beaches before the afternoon wind picks up.