Collect bags and take the Leonardo Express or a pre-booked transfer into central Rome; check in or leave bags at hotel so you can start exploring. Expect around 30–60 minutes transfer time depending on traffic; allow time for check-in.
Casual, award-winning pizza al taglio by Gabriele Bonci; great for a quick, high-quality introduction to Roman pizza. Pizzarium is typically open midday (roughly 11:00–20:00) but can close earlier when sold out — go early or expect a short queue.
Walk around the iconic amphitheatre and, if you have a timed entry, explore the interior and arena level — book tickets in advance. The Colosseum and Roman Forum are usually open around 8:30am–7:00pm but times change seasonally; pre-booking avoids long queues.
Stroll through the Forum ruins and up to Palatine Hill for views over the city and the Forum; they typically share the Colosseum ticket and follow similar opening hours (until early evening).
Head to Trastevere for authentic Roman trattoria cooking—simple, seasonal dishes and lively atmosphere. Trattoria Da Enzo is popular so book or expect a wait; service usually from ~12:30–15:00 and 19:00–23:00.
Enjoy a relaxed walk along the river or pop into Piazza Navona for sculpted fountains and a night-time ambience; open public spaces are accessible any time though shops and cafés close earlier.
Pre-book your timed ticket for early entry to avoid long lines; the Museums are usually open 9:00am–6:00pm (closed some Sundays) and house the Sistine Chapel and vast collections. Allocate a minimum of 2–3 hours.
Classic Roman pizza and pasta in a bustling local spot close to tourist sights—perfect after a heavy museum morning. Open through lunch and dinner, usually midday–late.
Visit the vast basilica and, if fit, climb the dome for sweeping views over Vatican City and Rome; St Peter’s is typically open from early morning until early evening (07:00–18:00), while dome access has separate hours and fee.
Enjoy the atmosphere of the Steps and window-shop along Via Condotti; public space is always open though boutiques close by early evening (check shop hours).
Pick fresh pastries, coffee or market produce and soak up the morning market atmosphere; the market is typically busiest in the morning and winds down after early afternoon (market stalls ~07:00–13:00).
Visit the Pantheon (often open ~09:00–19:00; modest entrance fee when not a church service) then the nearby Trevi Fountain — both are emblematic and easy to combine by foot. Nighttime is especially beautiful but mornings have fewer crowds.
Use late morning to visit an extra museum (e.g., Capitoline Museums) or explore boutiques in the Centro Storico. Check individual museum hours (often 09:00–19:00) and book if needed.
Collect bags and check out or prepare for transfer to Rome airport the next morning; if you’re flying later tonight, leave hotel by recommended check-in times (2–3 hours before international flights).
Allow 2–3 hours before your international flight — factor in airport transfer time and security. Aim for morning flights for a full first day in Izmir (flight durations ~2.5–3 hours direct).
There are direct flights from Rome to Izmir; book early for best fares. Flight time is roughly 2.5–3 hours; arrival will be later same day local time (Turkey is 2 hours ahead of UK in September).
Take Havaş shuttle, metro or taxi to Alsancak/Kordon area; transfer typically 25–40 minutes depending on transport option. Check hotel check-in times and notify arrival if late.
Walk the Kordon seaside promenade at sunset, visit Konak Square and Izmir’s iconic Clock Tower; these outdoor public spaces are accessible any time. Great introduction to Izmir’s relaxed coastal vibe.
Try fresh Aegean fish or meze at a seaside restaurant; many Kordon restaurants open from early evening and stay open late. Reserve if you want a waterside table.
Take the İZBAN suburban train to Selçuk (approx 1h15m) or join a guided day tour for transfers and a guide. Trains and tours start early so you maximise your time at the site.
Explore one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean — open seasonally ~08:00–19:00 in summer. Allow 2–3 hours to see the Library, Terrace Houses and main thoroughfares; wear sun protection.
Short drive from Selçuk, Şirince is a pretty hillside village known for fruit wines and boutique shops — open all day with tastings available in many shops. Great for relaxed afternoon wandering.
Explore the historic market district for textiles, spices and local crafts; the bazaar merchants are usually active from morning through early evening. Don't miss the old Hisar Mosque and local shops.
Visit the ancient agora ruins (Agora of Smyrna) and the small but informative archaeology & history museums (museum hours typically ~09:00–17:00; check for Monday closures).
Climb or drive up to Kadifekale for panoramic views over Izmir and the bay; open-air site accessible any time though daylight hours recommended for safety and views.
Visit the historic Asansör elevator for sunset drinks and a charming view of the city—bars and cafés on Asansör terrace operate late afternoon into evening.
Choose a modern Aegean or meyhane-style restaurant for dinner—great seafood and vegetable-forward dishes are a highlight in İzmir. Dinner service commonly from 19:00–23:00.
Take a morning bus (≈1–1.5 hours) or a short drive to the chic seaside towns of Çeşme and Alaçatı—ideal for beaches, windmills and boutique streets. Morning travel avoids the afternoon crowds.
Enjoy a beach club or a relaxed seafood lunch on the bay—Çeşme has excellent Aegean seafood and scenic beaches. Beach clubs may charge an entrance fee for sunbeds; restaurants open widely midday.
Choose a special waterfront restaurant on the Kordon for a last Izmir dinner—try Aegean specialties and local wines. Most waterfront venues welcome diners from early evening and stay open late.
Allow 45–60 minutes for airport transfer depending on traffic; arrive at least 2 hours before international flights. Consider Havaş shuttle, taxi or private transfer.
Fly back to Birmingham; flight times vary so confirm your booking and check-in online. Flight duration is roughly 4 hours with possible connection depending on carrier.