A trip to Turkey, between Istanbul and Izmir, Smyrna. Here's what to see in just five days of travel, with an internal flight and many low cost tips.
La Turkey it is an ancient and wonderful land. Each of its cities speaks of history and traditions and traces of the past are on every corner. Discover ours itinerary between Istanbul and Izmir, two of the most beautiful and important cities in Turkey. Duration of the itinerary: 5 days
How to reach us
Reach Istanbul with a low cost flight. There are several and with affordable prices. From Istanbul then just take a internal flight for Izmir.
What to see in Istanbul
The itinerary between Istanbul and Izmir will start right in Istanbul, city halfway between East and West, with a centuries-old charm and crossroads of different cultures. Dedicate the first 3 days of your trip to the city and set off to discover the most beautiful attractions of Istanbul.
One of the characteristics that make it unique is that it is the only city in the world to be divided between two continents: Europe and Asia. The border is marked by Bosphorus strait. You will find most of the attractions, monuments and mosques in the old part, called Blue.
The advice is to find a hotel or apartment in that area, so that you can easily walk around and easily reach all the beauties of Istanbul.
Start from Hagia Sophia, a typical example of a Byzantine church, and then visit the largest mosque in the city: the Blue Mosque. Don't miss the Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans and the Grand Bazaar, a giant covered market where most of the city's traffic takes place.
Here you will find everything: from clothes, to food to spices, to jewelry. Perfumes, colors and chatter will tell you about the true soul of Istanbul and the daily life of its people.
Do not miss the Basilica Cistern, an incredible cistern built by the Romans, whose underground colonnade will take you to a magical dimension. And to relax at the end of the day, the ideal is to indulge in a Turkish bath. Here you will find some tips on nice and not very touristy hammams.
Once you've explored Sultanahmet, treat yourself to a mini cruise on the Bosphorus to see the city from another perspective. In the evening, with the lights, it is even more enchanting.
Crossing the Galata bridge, under which you will find many restaurants of freshly caught fish, you will arrive at the newest part of the city. These are the neighborhoods of Galata e Beyoglu. Here you will notice a radical change of atmosphere: shops, shopping centers, modern buildings and many places to go out in the evening. Stroll along the pedestrian Istikali Caddesi and drop by Taksim Square, the modern heart of the city.
What to see in Izmir
After dedicating the first 3 days of your itinerary between Istanbul and Izmir to the most populous city in Turkey, you will reach the seductive city of Izmir with a flight of about 1 hour. In 2 days you can get an idea of the culture and folklore of this city.
Overlooking the Aegean Sea, Izmir (or even Smyrna) is a beautiful city to visit in all seasons, thanks to always mild climate.
The symbol of the city is the Clock tower, built in the early 900s. The square in which it is located, Konak square, has become somewhat the center of the city and here is also the monumental statue of Hasan Tashin, the Yali mosque, the Town Hall and the Government Building.
Then visit the oldest part, the Namazgah district, with the ancient ruins ofAgora of Izmir.
Not to be missed in Izmir is the Kemeralti market, the main trade center of the city. A real paradise for shoppers. Here there are about 15 shops, where you can buy practically anything. It is important to always be ready to negotiate the price.
Then treat yourself to a walk on the promenade of Alsancak, particularly charming and romantic when the sun is about to set. A long avenue of palm trees, with the sea to the side and many small bars where you can stop for a drink. A unique place to end the day in style.
