Morning flight from Birmingham to Athens; aim for a flight that lands late morning to maximise your first day. Allow 2 hours check-in at BHX. Confirm flight and terminal beforehand.
Explore the Parthenon, Erechtheion and surrounding ruins atop the Acropolis; essential for history and city views. Site hours early September typically 8:00am–7:00pm; last entry about 30–60 minutes before close.
Modern museum housing finds from the Acropolis with great context and reliefs; open roughly 9:00am–8:00pm in summer, so late afternoon is ideal for fewer crowds.
Seasonal Greek dishes with a rooftop view of the Acropolis lit at night; reservations recommended. Open until late evening (usually 7:30pm–11:00pm onward).
Charming terrace café in Anafiotika area serving a light Greek breakfast and coffee; open from around 9:00am but earlier at neighbouring cafés. Relaxed way to start the day.
The best archaeological collection in Greece, showing prehistoric to classical artefacts; typical hours 9:00am–8:00pm (check seasonal hours), so arrive early to avoid crowds.
Sample mezze or a quick grilled fish at market stalls and tavernas; lively local atmosphere and excellent value. Market stalls are active from morning to mid-afternoon.
Take the funicular or walk up for panoramic sunset views over Athens and the Acropolis; funicular operates during daylight and evening hours (check local timetable).
Drive or take a half-day tour along the scenic Aegean coast to the Temple of Poseidon; site open typically 8:00am–7:00pm and ideal for sunset but also impressive daytime views. Tours last 4–5 hours.
If you prefer staying in Athens, do a guided food tour through Psyrri and Exarchia tasting olives, cheese, loukoumades and street eats; tours typically 3–4 hours and run mornings and afternoons.
If back in central Athens, Little Kook is a fun themed café in Psyrri (open from about 9:00am); alternatively a local taverna gives a quieter, authentic meal.
Direct flight around 1h15m; book a morning service to arrive in Izmir before midday for maximum first-day time. Airlines include Aegean/AnadoluJet/others — prices vary.
One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, featuring the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre; site hours in early September usually 8:00am–7:00pm — arrive early for cooler temperatures.
Enjoy regional dishes in Selçuk or try gözleme at a courtyard restaurant; relaxed town atmosphere good for lunch before visiting the museum or Şirince.
Charming hillside village known for fruit wines, handicrafts and narrow streets; lovely for an afternoon stroll and tasting local wines. Shops open mid-morning to evening.
Visit the Roman Agora ruins (Agora of Smyrna) and then the Archaeology Museum to learn about the region’s ancient heritage; museums usually open 9:00am–5:00pm.
Depart Izmir on a flight to Birmingham (likely with one stop such as Istanbul); book midday flights that arrive into Birmingham in the afternoon or evening. Check baggage allowance and connection times.