Izmir is one of the jewel's of the Mediterranean, and it is a great tourist destination. There's more than enough here to keep you occupied for a long time, including outdoor adventures, shopping, museums, and just exploring this beautiful coastal city. Located on the western tip of Turkey, Izmir is at the crossroads of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean culture, and a vacation here is the best way to soak it all in.

Day 1

Arrive in Izmir and find your hotel. If you fly in, you will probably go through Istanbul, but depending on where you're coming from you might come straight into Izmir. Other options to come into Izmir include the ferry from Istanbul, the train or a bus ride. Once you are in Izmir, start by exploring the area around your hotel. If you feel like heading out, go to the Alsancak district to find some of the city's best restaurants and bars.

Day 2

With your first full day you can begin to see the sights of Izmir. First stop is the Konak Square, where you will find Izmir's famous Clock Tower, built in 1901. After seeing the sights of the square it is an easy walk to the Kemeralti, Izmir's largest market and best place to shop.

Day 3

Get out and see some of the other sights of Izmir, including the Asansor, an elevator tower that offers a spectacular view of the city--particularly towards sunset, and the Saint Polycarp Church, the oldest Christian church in Izmir.

Day 4

Get out of the city to see some of the surrounding attractions. The nearby village of Cesme offers windsurfing for the adventurous traveler and sightseeing and relaxation for those not interested in water sports.

Day 5

Selcuk, a couple of hours away by bus, offers some of the regions best historical sights, including the remains of the ancient city of Ephesus. If you would rather keep your history closer to your hotel, check out some of Izmir's many museums, including the Archaeological Museum, the Ataturk Museum, the Selcuk Yasar Museum of Arts and the Museum of History and Art, to name just a few.

Day 6

Your last full day in Izmir should be spent pursuing whatever you find the most critical element of your vacation. For the shopper, head back down to the Kemeralti market to look for hand-made gifts and souvenirs. If you want to see all the sights there's plenty more to see, including remains of the Roman aqueducts and the marketplace of Smyrna, an ancient Greek city that occupied the space where Izmir now is.

Day 7

Get a bite to eat at one of Izmir's great cafes before heading home. In addition to the Alsancak area, the waterfront is a great place to find good food, including some great fresh seafood.