Fantastic Day Trips Around Izmir: Explore Coastal Towns and Cultural Gems

Day 1: Coastal Villages

Izmir, Turkey on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mangerie

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a view of the İzmir Bay. Mangerie offers fresh Turkish pastries, eggs, and excellent coffee to fuel your day.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Şirince

Take a 1-hour scenic drive southeast to the hilltop village of Şirince, known for its preserved Ottoman architecture and fruit wines.
USD10 (transport), 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Şirince Village

Stroll through the narrow streets, visit local artisan shops, and sample fruit wines at Şirince Şarapçılık. The village is charming and photogenic.
Free to explore, wine tasting approx USD5, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Artemis Restaurant Şirince

Dine al fresco with traditional Aegean dishes made from local ingredients in a friendly family-run restaurant.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Urla Peninsula

Head west for about 50 minutes to Urla, a fishing town famous for its vineyards, olive oil, and contemporary art galleries.
USD15 (transport), 50m

3:00pm

Visit Urla Vineyards and Olive Groves

Tour the vineyards like Urla Şarapçılık for a wine tasting and stroll through the olive groves that make this region famous.
Wine tasting USD10, 2h0m

5:30pm

Return to Izmir

Drive back to Izmir city center to rest and refresh before dinner.
USD15 (transport), 40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Deniz Restaurant

Relish fresh seafood with a view of Kordon waterfront in Izmir. This spot is renowned for its grilled fish and mezes.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ancient Pergamon

Izmir to Bergama, Turkey on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Alsancak

Start the day with traditional Turkish breakfast including simit, olives, cheeses, and çay (tea) in Izmir’s Alsancak district.
USD10, 1h0m

8:30am

Depart for Pergamon (Bergama)

Drive 1.5 hours north to the ancient city of Pergamon, a major archaeological and historical site with incredible ruins.
USD20 (transport), 1h30m

10:00am

Visit the Acropolis of Pergamon

Explore the hilltop Acropolis with its well-preserved theater, temples, and the steepest ancient theater in the world. Open 8 AM - 7 PM.
USD12 entrance fee, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bergama Local Restaurant

Enjoy Kurdish-style lamb kebabs and fresh salads in a local eatery popular with visitors and locals alike.
USD15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Asclepion Healing Center

Tour the ancient medical center of Asclepion, known for its historic significance in healing arts.
USD8 entrance fee, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Izmir

Drive back to Izmir to relax after a full day of history and exploration.
USD20 (transport), 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Köfteci Yusuf

Try famous Turkish meatballs (köfte) at this well-known Izmir restaurant for a satisfying end to your day.
USD12, 1h0m
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