Discover, Relax & Explore Istanbul Izmir & Çeşme: A 10-Day Guide

Day 1-2: Istanbul

Settle in and get comfortable! Explore the Taksim Meydani area for a while and get acquainted with Tarlabsi boulevard. Having great walking shoes is a must, as you immerse yourself and discover what makes this city so special!

Day 2-6: Izmir

Izmir will be the home base for your travels. Feel free to explore this port city, as this is where your discovery begins!

Things to do:

Izmir

• Travertines of Pamukkale: This is a must-see natural wonder of the world! Bathe in the Cleopatra Antique Pools and see the ruins next to these mineral-rich pools.

• Site Éphèse: A Historical park of ancient times. There are plenty of artifacts to see and explore here, for example, the oldest library in the world, the Library of Celsus. Plan to stay for half a day.

Çeşme

• We found ourselves going back and forth between our excursions and this peninsula.

• Alaçatı çarşı: Really pretty, old and charming town to visit. Go before rush hour!

Beach Day (any day!)

• Delikli Koy: I absolutely loved this beach because of the shallow waters and the natural marine habitats below! Bring your snorkel glasses! Also, pack food and drinks before coming.

• Cesme Dodo Beach: This is an amazing, quiet cove complete with beach chairs to relax on and little fishes going about as you swim! Park at the Beach Club. There is an entrance fee, and, you guessed it: bring your snorkel glasses!

Day 7-9: Istanbul

This city is immensely big, dense and touches two continents: Europe and Asia. Focus on a small area for the time you have left. The city is equipped with street cars and taxis (take the street cars to get around).

TIP! To use the street cars, you must buy a ticket or rechargeable card. It's cash only!

Also take the Karaköy back and forth between the Taksim area and the waterfront. Use your rechargeable train card or purchase a ticket.

Places to See:

• Hagia Sophia Mosque: Go inside; the line moves rather quickly. I would refrain from wearing shorts.

Basilica Cistern

• Grand Bazar: This is a beautiful historic shopping ground with endless beautiful gifts to take back home.

Day Trips:

• Çeşme: Surfing and windsurf schools

• Bubi Sörf Okulu: ION CLUB Windsurf Beach, Alastair Surf

• Istanbul: Spa day

• Çukurcuma Hamamı: This is a traditional Hamman. You wear a bathing suit during your experience. It is the perfect way to rejuvenate and relax after crisscrossing the country. If I could, I would fly back just to go visit this place again!

Vineyards in Çeşme!

There are plenty of Vineyards to visit, but we found ourselves constantly going back to Urlice Vineyards.

• Urlice Vineyards: Yummy food and wine inside of a vineyard. This is a perfect place to unwind after a day at the beach! A warmed chocolate brownie pairs well with the wine and pizza that came before it!

Also, for your consideration:

• Urla Şarapçılık

• ÇAKIR Winery & Vineyards, ÇAKIR Şarapçılık & Bağcılık

• HUS Şarapçılık

• USCA Winery

Places to eat:

Tip: Wherever you go, try the vegetable samphire. It tastes incredible.

• Gula Urla: Outdoor dining seafood restaurant!

• Yengeç Restaurant: Fine dining on the pier.

• Rıhtım Restaurant: Fresh seafood and vegetables!

Istanbul

• Van Kahvaltı Evi: Great breakfast place for Turkish food. A “dipping” experience.

• MeatMoot Taksim Restaurant: Craving a unique BBQ experience? This is the spot!

• Reyhun Iranian Restaurant: It was our first time eating Iranian food and it was absolutely amazing! Try the saffron rice with traditional meat and vegetarian options. They had okra on the menu, so from that point on I was convinced that everything on the menu fit my flavor pallet. The sherbet dessert was delicious and the staff were very friendly and hospitable.