Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

8-Day Early-September Itinerary: 3 Nights in Barcelona + 4 Nights in İzmir — Flights from Birmingham

Viewed by 143 travelers

Day 1: Arrive & Explore

Barcelona, Spain on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Brunch & Cake (Gràcia/ Eixample)

Popular for creative breakfasts and cakes; great first stop after arrival for coffee and a filling brunch before sightseeing. Open typically 9:00am–6:00pm; confirm exact hours.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:30am

Gothic Quarter & Barcelona Cathedral

Wander narrow medieval streets, see the Cathedral exterior and charming plazas — an easy orientation walk through Barcelona’s oldest quarter. Cathedral sightseeing typically 10:00am–6:30pm (hours vary).
EUR9, 1h30m

12:30pm

La Boqueria Market — Lunch

Iconic market on La Rambla with fresh tapas counters and seafood stalls; ideal for a quick, vibrant lunch and fresh juices. Stalls usually open from 8:00am to around 8:00pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Stroll La Rambla & Passeig de Gràcia

Walk from La Rambla toward Passeig de Gràcia to see Gaudí façades (Casa Batlló and La Pedrera from outside) and soak up street life. Passeig shops open roughly 10:00am–8:00pm.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in + Siesta

Check into your hotel in Eixample or El Born and take a short rest after travel; most hotels offer check-in from 2:00pm onward.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Ciudad Condal (Tapas)

Reliable tapas restaurant popular with locals; great for trying multiple small plates. Open evenings roughly 7:00pm–11:30pm; expect a queue at peak times.
EUR28, 1h30m

Day 2: Gaudí & Montjuïc

Barcelona, Spain on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Federal Café

Good coffee and breakfast menu to fuel a busy day; popular with travellers and locals. Typical hours 8:00am–5:00pm but check branch times.
EUR12, 45m

9:00am

Park Güell (ticketed area)

Gaudí’s colourful park with panoramic city views — buy timed tickets in advance to avoid queues. Open approx 8:00am–8:00pm in September; timed entry recommended.
EUR12, 1h30m

11:30am

Sagrada Família (interior visit)

Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece — touring the interior is essential for first-time visitors; book a morning slot. Typical opening around 9:00am–6:30pm (check close-to-date hours).
EUR26, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch — La Paradeta (seafood self-service)

Casual seafood eatery where you choose fresh seafood to be cooked to order — fun and very Catalan. Most branches open lunchtime from 12:30pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Afternoon — Passeig de Montjuïc & Magic Fountain

Visit Montjuïc hill (cable car optional) for gardens, Olympic stadium and views; check Magic Fountain show schedule (evening shows often run from spring to autumn). Cable car and gardens open daytime; Magic Fountain times vary (usually evenings).
EUR10, 2h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Tapeo Born

Highly regarded tapas in El Born with creative dishes; reserve for evenings (typically open 7:30pm–11:30pm).
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 3: Day trip — Girona

Barcelona → Girona, Spain on September 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast + Train to Girona

Early breakfast at the hotel or a nearby cafe, then AVE/MD train from Barcelona Sants to Girona (approx 1h10–1h30). Trains start early; book tickets in advance.
EUR5, 1h30m

9:30am

Explore Girona Old Town & Cathedral

Medieval streets, the imposing cathedral and Game of Thrones filming locations — the cathedral museum usually open 10:00am–6:00pm. A delightful contrast to Barcelona.
EUR7, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — El Celler de Can Roca (or local bistro)

If you have a booking, dining at Can Roca is a special treat; otherwise choose a local bistro in the Jewish Quarter for Catalan dishes. Many restaurants open lunchtime 12:30pm–3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h15m

2:30pm

Arab Baths & Riverside Walk

Visit the atmospheric 12th-century baths and stroll along the Onyar river for the colourful houses; the baths open from around 10:00am–6:00pm.
EUR3, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return train to Barcelona

Catch an afternoon train back to Barcelona to arrive in time for dinner; trains run frequently but book ahead in September.
EUR10, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Local tapas near hotel

Relaxed last-night tapas in Barcelona; choose a neighbourhood favourite to avoid tourist traps. Typical closing times 11:00pm–12:00am.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 4: Travel to İzmir

Barcelona → İzmir, Turkey (Arrive evening) on September 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast + Airport Transfer

Early breakfast and transfer to Barcelona airport for your flight to İzmir; allow plenty of time for check-in and security. International recommended check-in 2–3 hours before departure.
EUR10, 1h0m

11:30am

Flight — BCN → ADB

Fly from Barcelona (BCN) to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB); some services are direct or via a connection — check your flight timing. Flight duration typically 3–4 hours direct; longer if connecting.
EUR120, 4h0m

6:00pm

Arrive İzmir & Check-in

Transfer to your hotel in Alsancak or Konak — a central location for evening walks along the Kordon. Airport transfer takes approx 30–40 minutes.
TRY250, 1h0m

7:30pm

Evening stroll — Kordon & Konak Clock Tower

Walk the Kordon seafront promenade and see the iconic Konak Clock Tower and Konak Square at sunset — an easy, atmospheric first evening in İzmir. Public promenade open 24/7.
TRY0, 1h0m

8:30pm

Dinner — Deniz Restaurant (seafood on Kordon)

Classic fresh fish and meze on the waterfront; popular with locals for a relaxed first-night meal. Most waterfront restaurants open from around 6:00pm to late evening.
TRY350, 1h30m

Day 5: Ephesus Day Trip

İzmir → Selçuk / Ephesus, Turkey on September 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & Depart for Ephesus (Selçuk)

Early breakfast and join a guided day trip or hire a car to Selçuk (approx 1h–1h15m drive) to make the most of the cooler morning hours. Tours depart from central İzmir; confirm pick-up times.
TRY0, 1h30m

9:00am

Ephesus Archaeological Site

One of the best-preserved Roman cities — highlights include the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and Odeon; arrive early to beat the heat and crowds. Open typically 8:00am–7:00pm in summer months.
TRY200, 2h30m

12:00pm

House of the Virgin Mary & Temple of Artemis (nearby)

Short visits to the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary (pilgrimage site) and the nearby Temple of Artemis ruins; opening hours often 8:00am–5:00pm for sites. Both are quick but meaningful stops.
TRY75, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Local restaurant in Selçuk (Ejder or similar)

Try regional Aegean dishes in Selçuk’s town centre; good chance to taste local olive-oil based cuisine and fresh produce. Restaurants lunch service typically 12:00pm–3:00pm.
TRY150, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to İzmir / Afternoon Rest

Drive back to İzmir for a relaxed late afternoon — enjoy hotel facilities or a short nap after a full day. Travel time approx 1–1.5 hours.
TRY0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Asansör area or Alsancak meyhane

Dine at a traditional meyhane (Turkish tavern) for meze and raki, or head to the Asansör neighbourhood for views and seafood. Many venues open evenings from around 7:00pm.
TRY300, 1h30m

Day 6: Çeşme & Alaçatı Day Trip

İzmir → Çeşme / Alaçatı, Turkey on September 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast & Depart for Çeşme

Breakfast then drive or take the coach to Çeşme (about 1–1.5 hours by car); a popular Aegean coast escape for beaches, wind and sun. Buses and shuttles depart from central İzmir; check schedules.
TRY50, 1h30m

10:30am

Relax at Alaçatı beaches / windsurfing spots

Alaçatı is famed for windsurfing and attractive stone streets — spend the morning on the sand or wandering boutique-lined lanes. Beaches and town are open daytime; water-sport centres operate from 9:00am onward.
TRY120, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Seafood by the marina or Alaçatı restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood or çöp şiş (small kebabs) in a relaxed seaside setting; many places run lunch service 12:00pm–3:00pm.
TRY200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Stroll Alaçatı Old Town & Windmills

Wander cobbled streets, boutique shops and see the iconic windmills — perfect for photos and shopping for local goods. Open-air area, available all day.
TRY0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to İzmir

Drive or take the coach back to İzmir and unwind before dinner; travel time approx 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic.
TRY50, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Kordon seafood or local kebab house

Choose a casual fish restaurant on the seafront or try regional kebabs — a relaxed final evening after two active days. Restaurants open till late evening.
TRY250, 1h30m

Day 7: Explore İzmir City

İzmir, Turkey on September 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — Local simit & çay spot

Grab a simit (sesame bagel) and strong Turkish tea at a local bakery to start the day like a local. Bakeries open early, often from 6:00am.
TRY20, 30m

9:30am

Agora Open Air Museum

Explore the ruins of ancient Smyrna’s agora in the city centre — a compact archaeological site giving insight into İzmir’s classical past. Typically open 8:00am–7:00pm in summer.
TRY75, 1h0m

11:00am

İzmir Archaeology & Ethnography Museums

Visit the museums to see artefacts from Ephesus and the Aegean region; check opening days (some close Mondays). Standard hours often 9:00am–5:00pm.
TRY100, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Kemeraltı Bazaar (local eateries)

Head into Kemeraltı Bazaar for a lively lunch among local restaurants and street-food stalls; bazaar shops typically open 9:00am–8:00pm though individual vendor hours vary.
TRY100, 1h0m

3:00pm

Asansör & Kadifekale views

Ride the historic Asansör elevator for great views and visit Kadifekale (Velvet Castle) viewpoint — Asansör cafe open daytime, Kadifekale open all day though access paths vary.
TRY40, 1h0m

6:00pm

Kültürpark stroll and souvenir shopping

Walk through Kültürpark or wander Alsancak for last-minute shopping and cafés before your final dinner in the city.
TRY0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Farewell Dinner — Topçu Balık or local meyhane

Choose a beloved local seafood restaurant or meyhane for a memorable final meal; book a waterfront table for sunset if possible. Most restaurants open from 7:00pm–11:00pm.
TRY350, 1h30m

Day 8: Return Home

İzmir → Birmingham, UK on September 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & Pack

Early breakfast and final packing; confirm airport transfer time with hotel reception. Hotels commonly serve breakfast from 7:00am.
TRY0, 45m

9:00am

Transfer to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)

Allow 40–60 minutes for transfer depending on rush hour and area; arrive at least 2 hours before international flights.
TRY250, 1h0m

12:00pm

Flight — ADB → BHX

Fly back to Birmingham; flight duration typically around 4 hours if direct. Check-in and boarding times as given on your ticket.
EUR120, 4h0m

4:00pm

Arrive Birmingham

Collect luggage and travel home from the airport — end of trip. Arrival times vary by flight schedule.
GBP0, 30m
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version