Spend the first day around the gulf and central waterfront. Move west on day two for Urla’s town centre and food culture, keeping vineyard or producer visits pre-arranged.
Use days three and four for Alaçatı, Çeşme and a beach or coastal village chosen for the season and wind. Avoid assuming that every beach is suitable every day.
Return slowly on day five, allowing time for a market, museum or final waterfront meal. A split stay between central İzmir and the peninsula reduces repeated driving.
Day one: the gulf
Begin in Konak, cross or return by ferry and let the waterfront establish İzmir’s maritime geography. This urban day also provides time to collect a transport card, adjust to the climate and confirm later reservations.
Day two: Urla town and producers
Explore Urla’s market area and choose one or two pre-arranged rural experiences. Vineyards and olive-oil producers may require appointments, particularly outside peak tourism periods. A long lunch is part of the route, not an inconvenience to be squeezed between tastings.
Day three: Alaçatı beyond the postcard
Walk early before the busiest hours, notice the historic stone houses and wind-shaped landscape, then visit a beach or cultural venue appropriate to the season. Summer traffic makes a central parking plan valuable.
Day four: Çeşme and the peninsula
Combine Çeşme Castle and waterfront with one coastal settlement rather than driving around the entire peninsula. Wind direction matters for swimming comfort, and beach access or facilities can change between seasons.
Day five: a slow return
Use the final day for a village, market or museum on the return route. Keep the plan light if you have an evening flight; peninsula traffic can be unpredictable on summer weekends.
Where to sleep and how to move
Two nights in central İzmir followed by two nights on the peninsula works well. A car or private driver helps outside the main towns, but central sightseeing is easier without parking. Confirm any alcohol tasting plan before choosing a self-drive itinerary.