The 8 most amazing road trips in Turkey for history and adventure

Jennifer Hattam

Jan 27, 2022 • 8 min read

A woman watching balloons in Cappadocia by a car

Road tripping through Cappadocia means dramatic scenes around every turn © Asia-Pacific Images Studio / Getty Images

With nearly 8000km (5000 miles) of coastline and endless expanses of countryside, from rugged mountains to rolling deserts, Turkey is prime road trip territory.

From the Mediterranean to the Black Sea, the country is crisscrossed by well-maintained highways, but you'll want to detour onto smaller roads to reach Turkey's wealth of archeological sites and scenic landscapes and to enjoy the local hospitality.

Turkey has many small regional airports, so most road trips can be driven point-to-point by rental car, connecting back to Istanbul by air when you're ready for your flight home.

Here are eight great road trips in Turkey to whet your appetite for adventure.

Thrace and the North Aegean: best road trip for wining and dining

Start – Istanbul; End – İzmir; Distance – 880km (547 miles)

You could barrel through this drive in a few days to hit its historic highlights: the battlefields of Gallipoli , the ruins of Troy and its impressive museum , the ancient acropolis of Bergama (Pergamum) and the grand classical city of Ephesus . But it’s better to take your time, savoring relaxed seaside towns, Aegean cuisine and local wineries along the way.

Break the long drive out of Istanbul with an overnight stop at the Barbare winery near Tekirdağ, which offers boutique accommodations amidst sprawling vineyards. Continuing west, most of the Gallipoli Peninsula is a national park, with lush forests and secluded beaches to explore, while Çanakkale across the water is a pleasantly vibrant city and the gateway to Troy.

South of Troy, board the car ferry to the idyllic island of Bozcaada, with its old Greek houses, gourmet restaurants, beaches and wineries. Heading on to Bergama, stop in the pretty towns of Foça or Ayvalık , then make for İzmir . As well as being the closest hub to Ephesus, Turkey’s third-largest city is a worthy destination in its own right, with a layered, Greek-influenced culture and cuisine.

Woman admiring the ruins of Ephesus on a sunny winter day, Izmir

The Lycian Coast: best road trip for stunning sea views

Start – Dalaman; End – Antalya; Distance – 337km (209 miles)

Despite the short distances, this Mediterranean journey is meant to be taken slowly, and the winding coastal road between Patara and Antalya will see to it that you don't rush past the sights. If the pretty beaches and coves along the route don’t tempt you into frequent stops and detours, the area’s many fascinating archeological ruins certainly will. 

Leaving Dalaman, take a lunch stop by the harbor in Göcek , then it’s onward to Fethiye , where you can book a day cruise on the sparkling bay, visit the ancient rock tombs towering above the city or hike to the abandoned Greek village of Kayaköy . Moving southeast, the drive to the long sandy beach at Patara is dotted with ancient sites, including hilltop Tlos , the ancient Lycian capital of Xanthos , the temples of Letoon and the isolated mountain splendor of tomb-studded Pinara .

Moving east, laidback Kaş is the kind of place you may never want to leave, with its sublime sea views and hip cafes, restaurants and cocktail bars. The rock tombs of Myra , the dramatic ruins and beach at Olympos, and romantic Phaselis are just a few of the reasons to linger en route to lively Antalya.

Historic Anatolia: best road trip for ancient history

Start – Ankara; End – Konya; Distance – 692km (430 miles)

A visit to the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara will set the stage for this journey into the past. After stops at the Turkish capital’s old citadel and the mausoleum of the country’s revered founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, it’s time to head out to Hattuşa , the capital of the ancient Hittite kingdom.

You could spend a few days or a week exploring the Cappadocia region to the south, famous for its fairy chimney rock formations, cave churches and underground cities, and the colorful hot-air balloons that take visitors soaring above it all. The towns of Göreme and Ürgüp both make for good bases, with plenty of hotels and restaurants to choose from.

Before reaching Konya , known for its Seljuk-era relics and Sufi heritage, stop at Çatalhöyük – excavations at this globally significant Neolithic settlement are providing insights into Turkey's earliest civilizations.

Whirling dervish under beams of sunlight in Konya

Southeastern Anatolia: best road trip for bazaars and museums

Start – Gaziantep; End – Gaziantep; Distance – 832km (517 miles)

The historic southeast of Anatolia is tangibly different from other parts of Turkey, with its culture and cuisine influenced by the region’s Kurdish and Arab populations. Start your explorations in famous Gaziantep , known for its kebabs and baklava, and for the beautifully displayed collection of Roman mosaics in the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum .

Rolling east, Şanlıurfa has its own fine archaeology museum and mosaics , as well as a colorful bazaar district and the nearby ruins of Göbeklitepe , one of the world’s most important Neolithic sites. Further east, by the Syrian border, picturesque Mardin has a museum-like old town, an atmospheric bazaar, and ancient Roman ruins and a Syrian Orthodox monastery .

Turning north, fascinating and sometimes troubled Diyarbakır is the most important Kurdish city in Turkey. From here, take the more northern route back to Gaziantep so you can overnight at one of the simple pansiyons (guesthouses) near the summit of Nemrut Dağı , topped by giant statues of ancient gods and heroes.

The Eastern Mountains: best road trip for wild nature

Start – Trabzon; End – Kars; Distance – 640km (398 miles)

This rugged drive requires good mountain-driving skills and shouldn’t be attempted in winter, but it rewards the adventurous traveler with dramatic landscapes, isolated villages and some truly unique sights. Starting from the vibrant coastal city of Trabzon , head into the mountains to reach the 4th-century Sumela Monastery , a reminder of the region’s rich Greek Orthodox heritage.

Old Armenian churches can be found around Gümüşhane, and farther on in Bayburt is the remote, one-of-a-kind Baksi Museum , devoted to contemporary and traditional arts. From underrated Erzurum , you can continue by car to Kars , a former Russian outpost with distinctive architecture. The nearby ruins of Ani , an ancient capital of Armenia before modern borders were drawn, have one of the most picturesque settings in Turkey.

As an interesting alternative to driving this last leg, return your hire car in Erzurum and buy a train ticket on the famous Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express) train to Kars, one of Turkey's most rewarding rail journeys. 

Women sunbathing on a seabed on the Turkish coast

Three Peninsulas: best road trip for leisurely seaside meandering

Start – Bodrum; End – Dalaman; Distance – 655km (407 miles)

The winding roads, scenic views and relaxed vibe of the three peninsulas that jut out from the Turkish coast where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean Sea – Bodrum, Datça, and Bozburun – encourage leisurely dawdling. The Bodrum peninsula is the most popular destination, with resort towns ranging from the glamorous to the bohemian.

Datça and Bozburun (near Marmaris ) are quieter, but both are drawing ever-larger numbers of city-weary Istanbulites. You may find that you fall in love with one peninsula and want to spend all of your time exploring its many coves and villages instead of making the full tour of all three. Riverfront Dalyan , which boasts one of the best beaches in Turkey, makes for a pleasant stopover before heading to the airport in Dalaman.

Phrygia and the Lake District: best road trip for off-the-beaten-path sights

Start – Eskişehir; End – Antalya; Distance – 556km (345 miles)

You could start this drive from Istanbul, but it’s more pleasant to take the fast train to Eskişehir , a pleasantly green riverfront city with many interesting things to do – be sure to visit the city's notable modern art museum before you hit the road. 

The ancient Phrygian civilization spread southwest from here through rock-carved valleys that you can explore today via the Phrygian Way trekking route. Continue through Kütahya, known for its Ottoman ceramics, to reach the stark hilltop castle for which the town of Afyonkarahisar is named.

South of the town of Afyon is Turkey’s forested Lake District , where you can eat fish by the water in Eğirdir or take a hike in the green surroundings of Lake Kovada National Park . After visiting the spectacular ruins of ancient Sagalassos , see some of the artifacts found at the site in the museum in Burdur, then cap off your trip with some beach time in Antalya.

Western Black Sea: best road trip for quaint Ottoman villages

Start – Istanbul; End – Samsun; Distance – 1516km (942 miles)

This long journey will give you a taste of the rugged western Black Sea coastline as well as the green, rural areas inland. Start by stretching your legs with a walk around Lake Sapanca and then tour through the charming small villages of Taraklı, Göynük and Mudurnu. Each has historic Ottoman homes in various states of repair, and Mudurnu has the best options for an overnight stay.

Lake Abant and the Yenice Forest are two beautiful natural spots en route to the pretty coastal resort of Amasra and its historic citadel . The lovingly restored Ottoman mansions of Safranbolu are another top attraction in this region, and the mighty rock fortress of Kastamonu is worth a stop on the way to the port town of Sinop. From here, dip back inland to mosque-studded Amasya and Tokat before ending your trip in coastal Samsun.

You may also like: Turkey is a country for all seasons – here are the best times to visit 12 unmissable things to do in Turkey The best places to visit in Turkey: from ancient sites to hot-air-balloon heights

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Travel, Food, Lifestyle

Ultimate South Coast Turkey Itinerary: 7-Day Road Trip

road trip turkey coast

Oh, Turkiye , how I love you. You have everything one needs for the ultimate vacation.

From busy Istanbul and its Ottoman period Hagia Sophia , Blue Mosque , and Topkapi Palace to the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ephesus. Let’s not forget the mysterious Cappadocia with its Goreme Open Air Museum and hot air balloons over Love Valley or Pamukkale with its eerie white terraces and sparkling teal waters.

And then there is the Turkish Riviera. For all the beach lovers who still want a touch of history and luxury.

Ultimate South Coast Turkey Itinerary Alanya castle walls

This South Coast Turkey itinerary is focused on the Turquoise Coast. Why? Because this is a trip you can do before peak season. Before the crowds and the hot weather.

This Turkish Riviera 7-day road trip itinerary is great while Winter and Summer are still fighting over the temperatures. As we traveled in early April it was the perfect road trip to follow the sun. 

Turkey road trip itinerary Mediterranean Sea

What is Turkey ‘s official name?

Turkey recently changed its name to Turkiye. You can find out why in a post I wrote recently by clicking this word -> Turkiye .

Is Turkey in the Middle East ?

Turkey is mainly in Asia, with a small part in Europe. Most consider it more of a Europe nation considering it’s a big football sports country and participates in the Euro League.

What is considered the Turkish Riviera ?

The Turkish Riviera  (Turkish: Türk Rivierası), also known as the Turquoise Coast , is an area of southwest Turkey encompassing the provinces of Antalya and Muğla.

Ultimate South Coast Turkey Itinerary - Kas beach

Is 7 days enough for a southern Turkey tour ?

In my opinion, 7 days is never enough for any trip, but it’s always a good start. 

How can I spend 7 days in Turkey ?

To see the whole country you may be tempted to start in Istanbul, follow the Black Sea, head to eastern Turkey Cappadocia , then onto the south coast.

But I would suggest you need much more than 7 days for that Turkey itinerary. Instead, keep your focus either on North-East Turkey or South-West Turkey .

South Coast Turkey road trip itinerary - couple

How many days in Turkey is enough?

I’ve spent 3 weeks at one stage, 5 days the next time, and it’s still not enough. But 7 days is a good starting point. Two weeks is even better!

Is 1 week enough for a Turkey itinerary ?

No. You can see here how many amazing places there are to visit in Turkey.

Are Turkish roads safe?

Turkish roads are very easy to drive. Highways have high speeds, but I never felt unsafe at all. Google maps works well and is accurate. We did get stuck behind herds of sheep twice, but that’s nothing patience can’t cure.

road trip turkey coast

What are Turkey bathrooms like?

I found gas station bathrooms to be much more clean than Australia. Most had automatic doors, flushes, and taps. Some even had plastic on the seat that you can rotate through for a fresh seat.

Best Turkey road trip snacks?

You’ll find plenty of gas stations in Turkey to stop to eat. Plus along the highways they have rustic traditional Turkish restaurants scattered with incredible views over the mountains.

We also loved bakery stops for a tahini pide or simit snack. Also you will find road side stalls. We picked up the freshest strawberries I ever tasted and a whole box full of delicious Turkish sweets that were as addictive as much as they were mouth watering.

road trip turkey coast

80 US cents for all this

What else should I pack for a road trip?

Other then snacks we had a back seat full of jackets and jumpers for inclement weather. We also road tripped with a travel towel , like this one from Amazon, for our multiple stops at the beach.

road trip turkey coast

If you are travelling with kids can I also recommend some car games and a great table or seat organiser to minimise mess and increase creativity. Other road trips I’ve carried everything from a set of drawers to a cooler bag for cold drinks. Consider how you best like to travel and be prepared.

Is there plenty of parking on a Turkey road trip?

Parking is fairly easy. Although we did get towed one day. It was in Bursa at the local hospital while waiting for our PCR. We missed the red cross on a hidden sign.

Other then that you will find like most countries certain parking lots like those at Pamukkale are paid, while nearly everywhere else is free.

Apparently in Pamukkale we parked somewhere we shouldn’t have… We are still scratching our head for where… But the fine was 200 TL, about 12 USD.

What will I find in this Turkey travel guide ?

Paragliding, all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, beaches, food, accommodation recommendations, timing. Anything you need to know for the ultimate South Coast Turkey road trip you’ll find here. Keep scrolling!

Where do I start?

Most people will fly on a Turkish Airline to Istanbul airport and start there. You can find a list of my 10 things to do in Istanbul in 24 hours here. It will give you a quick Istanbul itinerary to cross off your list before starting your Turquoise Coast itinerary.

Visit Hagia Sophia ( Hagia Sofia ), the Blue Mosque , Topkapi Place, Grand Bazaar , and Galata Tower , or take an Istanbul walking tour to see everything quickly and efficiently.

Might I also suggest an Istanbul food tour or eating the famous brunch at Ciragan Palace to get your tastebuds ready for the sensation that is Turkish food ?

road trip turkey coast

What do I do after Istanbul?

We headed for a quick visit to see family in Bursa and a day trip to Pamukkale and Cumalikizik.

What is Cumalikizik?

I am going to dedicate a whole post to this gorgeous old town . While not part of this Turkey itinerary you must visit!

road trip turkey coast

What is Pamukkale ?

I haven’t included much about Pamukkale in this Turkey itinerary either, as it’s closer to the North, but if you have the time I highly recommend visiting this part of Western Turkey . One of the best places in Turkey .

Ultimate South Coast Turkey Itinerary - Pammakule

What is Bursa?

Bursa is the fourth-most populous city in Turkey and is one of the industrial centers of the country. You can do Bursa on a day trip from Istanbul to see all its historic Ottoman period mosques and monuments or let me know when you’re there and I can hook you up with the in-laws! 😀

road trip turkey coast

Bursa is where our 7-day Turkey itinerary to the Turquoise Coast started. 

Note: We did 8 days including travel time back to Bursa. If starting in the Turkish Riviera you won’t need the extra travel days we did. 

Roughly 3,000 km (1,500 miles)

How do I get to the south coast of Turkey ?

To start your magical 7-day Turkey itinerary you’re going to need a car. I suggest renting one here .

If you prefer to fly you can fly to airports in Dalyan, Antalya, and many more.

But in my experience, Turkeys Turquoise Coast is best done by road trip , because the Coastal roads are just stunning.

7-Day South Coast Turkey itinerary

Bursa to marmaris – pamukkale, 591 km (367 miles) | 6-hour drive, activities: check pamukkale day tour prices here.

We left at 10 am and arrived at 8 pm, because we decided to spend a fair bit of time at Pamukkale. I won’t go into too much detail here, because your south coast Turkey road trip is likely to start in the South rather than in Bursa, but if you want to read more on Pamukkale you can do so here.

road trip turkey coast

We had a walk around Marmaris that evening, ate dinner at a local Turkish diner nearby, and hit the sack pretty early because we were exhausted from a long day.

Accommodation: Motto Premium Hotel & Spa Standard double room with breakfast | USD 65 | Check your dates here Quite pricey for a Turkish hotel, but overall clean and tidy. The buffet was not available, and breakfast was not explained to us, we kind of had to guess.

Marmaris – Gocek – Oludeniz – Kas

269 km (167 miles) | 4 1/2 hours, activities: check paragliding prices here.

We didn’t stick around long to discover Marmaris, because I got a great idea to go paragliding over one of the most spectacular spots in the world.

On the way to Oludeniz, we stopped briefly in Gocek, one of the most adorable towns and I wish we had more time there. But I had an appointment to get to.

Ultimate South Coast Turkey Itinerary - Gocek

I booked a 1200-meter takeoff from Mount Babadag through Reaction Paragliding for 2,600TL (AUD 260). The jump off the mountain was not as nerve-racking as the drive up.

It was a little chilly soaring over the Blue Lagoon , but I got so caught up in that view I barely noticed. Stunning. The watercolor, the wind rushing through my hair, the feeling of soaring and dipping and cruising as high as a bird.

Highly recommend.

road trip turkey coast

Upon landing, we had a brief look around Oludeniz before continuing onto Kas.

Kas turned out to be my favorite old town in our Turkey itinerary . We wandered through the small cobbled streets that night enjoying the seaside vibe and eating the most delish Turkish food at Tzatziki Meyhane. Quirky and great pide.

road trip turkey coast

We finished the night with burnt ice cream at Nur Patisserie.

Accommodation: Dusler Evim Double room with sea views & breakfast | USD 50 | Check your dates here My favorite hotel from our stay. Incredible views. Great value and exceptional rooftop breakfast. #gallery-9 { margin: auto; } #gallery-9 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-9 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-9 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Kas – Kekova – Kas

68 km (42 miles) | 1 1/2 hours, activities: check private boat tour prices here or a tourist boat tour here.

The day started with the most epic breakfast from our boutique hotel in Kas before we headed to Demre to catch our private Turkish boat tour of Kekova.

road trip turkey coast

Originally we looked at getting a boat with many other people, the benefit is it’s so much cheaper, but ultimately we decided against it because a private boat gave us the option of choosing where we wanted to go when we wanted to go and without fighting with others over the best sun lounge on the deck.

road trip turkey coast

The private boat was 1750TL (USD 101) including lunch, a BBQ our Captain prepared while on the boat with sides made by his wife.

road trip turkey coast

We got to visit the ancient ruins of the underground Lycian city. Swim, sunbake, and eat the day away. It was perfect.

 Ultimate South Coast Turkey Itinerary - Kekova ancient sunken city

After our day on the catamaran, we decided to head back to Kas because we had fallen in love with so much.

We wandered the cobbled streets again, this time enjoying manti at Kasik Manti Ev Yemekleri.

road trip turkey coast

Accommodation: Medusa Hotel Deluxe double room with sea view & buffet breakfast | USD 62 | Check your dates here Great location in the city. Spectacular views. Good buffet. Unfortunately, the beach was closed. #gallery-14 { margin: auto; } #gallery-14 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-14 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-14 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Kas – Myra – Demre – Antalya

189 km (117 miles) | 3 hours, activities:  check myra & st nic tour prices here.

The coastal drive here is stunning. And you must stop at Kaputaş Beach . Beautiful beach .

Ultimate South Coast Turkey Itinerary - Kas beach

We also made a pit stop in Demre to visit the ancient city of Myra and St Nicholas Church, home of Santa Claus.

Also, my favorite meal was eaten here at Kofteci Necati and cost us a total of USD 11! You must eat here.

road trip turkey coast

Myra was a complete surprise with its large amphitheater which used to sit 13,000 and the necropolis Lycian rock tombs. Ruins are completely my thing and I loved this stop, despite the beating sun.

Ultimate South Coast Turkey Itinerary - Myra Lycian

In Demre you will also find St Nicholas Church, home to Saint Nick himself. This ancient East Roman basilica church is said to hold the body of Santa Claus. Please don’t tell the kids.

road trip turkey coast

After our visit to Demre and Myra, we continued onto Antalya. And our first hotel disaster. It was a late arrival and an even later departure before we finally made home to the city.

Accommodation: Club Hotel Sera CANCELLED All-inclusive hotel. Changed our booked room. 3 out of 15 restaurants shut. Buffet food is old and lukewarm. Airconditioner had not been turned on for the summer, despite 28C in rooms. We decided to leave at 9 pm and found a smaller hotel. Accommodation: Bilem High Class Hotel Standard sea view double room with breakfast | USD 49 | Check your dates here So much better than the all-inclusive. Clean, quiet, aircon worked. Sea views. The only problem was the french fries included with breakfast. We also were not asked what we would like for breakfast, just given a plate of pre-made food.

Antalya – Alanya

133 km (83 miles) | 2 hours, activities: karain cave & alanya castle | check alanya tour prices here.

We weren’t keen to spend much time in Antalya after last night’s disaster hotel experience so we did a quick wander around the port and the city walls before heading to Alanya.

Turkey road trip itinerary

On the way to Alanya, we did a stop at Karain Cave on Turkey ‘s Mediterranean coast . Imagine if you will that this cave has been inhabited for more than 25,000 years. The Egyptian pyramids are only 5,000 years old.

It’s a fairly hard climb up the mountain via stairs, but one with plenty of stops.. The cave is self-discovery, and listen out for bats!

road trip turkey coast

In Alanya, we visited an ancient castle at sunset with the best views of all of Alanya before we spent the rest of the evening relaxing and enjoying a proper all-inclusive resort.

Alanya is the best castle I visited while in Turkey. Absolutely stunning.

Ultimate South Coast Turkey Itinerary - Alanya Castle

The castle was built in 1221. There are 83 towers, 140 and nearly 400 cisterns. It was built on the remains of ancient fortifications, from the Byzantine and Roman periods and rises 250 meters above the sea.

road trip turkey coast

Accommodation: Haydarpasha Palace All-inclusive king room | USD 105 | Check your dates here Fantastic. Plenty of choices for places to eat. Water slides for kids. Indoor heated pool. Lots of activities. You will need a car to get into Alanya, but it’s walking distance to the beach and some small local stores.  #gallery-22 { margin: auto; } #gallery-22 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-22 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-22 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */  

Alanya – Dalyan

384 km (239 miles) | 6 hours, activities: check dalyan king tomb tour prices here.

From here we thought we would head to Cappadocia , but discovering the temperatures were under -2C we decided to stay in the Turkish Riviera and head back towards Bodrum.

Dalyan was a huge surprise for us. The old town is small enough to cover on foot and it has the sweetest vibes.

The real surprise was the delightful view from our hotel of the Lycian tombs. The impressive ancient Lycian tombs are a major tourist highlight on the banks of the Dalyan River.

road trip turkey coast

The temple tombs or King tombs are the remnants of the Kaunos necropolis that once had over 170 rock-cut graves. The tombs mostly date back to mid 4th century BC.

We ate dinner over looking the tombs and again soaked in the sight for breakfast the next day. I couldn’t stop staring. I wouldn’t mind being buried there.

Ultimate South Coast Turkey Itinerary - King Tombs

Accommodation: Dalyan Yagmur Otel Standard double room with Turkish breakfast | USD 42 | Check your dates here A basic room, but an incredible location. Breakfast served on the decking over the ancient ruins was spectacular. Owner is very nice. We could walk into the town center. Loved it so much we paid for Ahmet’s parent to holiday there after Turkish Ramadan . 

Dalyan – Bodrum

197 km (122 miles) | 3, activities: check mud bath tour prices here.

After our delicious Turkish breakfast on the shores of the Dalyan River, we drove straight to the car ferry to cut across the river instead of driving around. It was a only 2 USD.

Ultimate South Coast Turkey Itinerary - ferry crossing

On the other side, we headed straight to one of the main attractions of this region of southwest Turkey . The Thermal Springs and natural Mud Baths of Sultaniye Spa.

Here I covered myself in warm mud, let it dry in the cool April weather, and then washed it off as fast as I could under cold showers. Rejuvenating.

road trip turkey coast

After the mud baths, we continued onto Bodrum. We spent the evening walking the streets of this bigger version of Kas, shopping, and finding a small local Turkish restaurant for dinner.

Ultimate South Coast Turkey Itinerary - bodrum

We also enjoyed a cocktail on the water while watching the sunset behind Bodrum Castle . Celebrating the last night of our Turkey trip .

road trip turkey coast

Accommodation: Ena Boutique Hotel Standard double with buffet breakfast | USD 65 | | Check your dates here Gorgeous hotel in a great location. Able to walk to central Bodrum. Spectacular buffet breakfast on the rooftop. #gallery-26 { margin: auto; } #gallery-26 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-26 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-26 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */  

Bodrum – Bursa

564 km (350 miles) | 6 hours, activities: bodrum castle & halicarnassus | do a bodrum city highlights walking tour.

The final day. You could do this day also on Day 7, but I cheated and took an extra travel day.

Today we had a huge drive back to Bursa. But before we headed off we decided to visit two of the major attractions in Bodrum, Bodrum Castle , and Halicarnassus, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world!

If I had to choose one castle it would be Alanya, I enjoyed that so much more. But Bodrum is still covered in fascinating history. This castle was built in 1402. It’s a 5th century citadel built by Christian knights and houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

road trip turkey coast

What impressed me though was our visit to Halicarnassus. The Mausoleum built there is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is so impressive that the word ‘mausoleum’ is now used for many monumental tombs.

All that’s left is ruins, but it’s still a pretty special feeling standing in history that old.

Ultimate South Coast Turkey Itinerary - Halicarnassus

After Bodrum, we hit the road. Our Turkish road trip  over and our south coast Turkey itinerary  complete.

Explore With Erin Wrap Up

I can’t wait to head back to the Turkish Riviera and see even more. If I had to pick Kas and Dalyan are my favorite. I am already plotting how I can get back and see even more, because like I said at the beginning a 7 day Turkey itinerary is never enough.

Do you have suggestions on spots I may have missed? Let me know in the comments below.

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road trip turkey coast

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road trip turkey coast

Hi Erin, we are heading to Turkey this year, your website super helpful. Can you tell me who you used for your day sailing trip out of Kas?

road trip turkey coast

Congratulations, I am so excited for you. We will be there in May! We used Kekova Sailing – tell him we sent you!

road trip turkey coast

I’m fascinated by your insights into Turkey’s hidden gems. Can’t wait for your upcoming travel articles!

Thanks heaps 🙂

road trip turkey coast

Hi Erin, so glad I found your Turkiye Riviera roadtrip blog post! I have a 1 week window end of May to visit this country with my man. We’re flying into IST and leaving out of Athens one week later (Sunday to Sunday) so after reading your experience here’s my thoughts on itinerary… what do you think and what would you change?

• Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul Sunday afternoon: explore city for dinner, rooftops, and staying beautiful Soho house hotel. • Day 2: Turkish breakfast of course then hammam later. City sights. Dinner & drinks. • Day 3: Thinking we fly to Dalaman airport to rent a car there? Drive to oludeniz for a beach day then to Kas as our home base? Days 3-6: Kas with a private boat tour one day, maybe paragliding in Oludeniz another. Day 7: Departure day 🙁 leave car in [last city stop] and fly to Athens and keep flying.

This itinerary depends on where is best to ditch the car and fly to Athens once we’re down south. I know there’s 3 airports down there but not sure where we should “end up.” Would be nice to have a few more days to visit a greek island nearby and leave from there. Any advice would be so helpful.

Hi Jennifer, Sounds like you. know what you want to do, which is a great start. Antalya airport is too far, scratch that one My recommendation would be Dalaman on Bodrum. Kas would definitely be my idea of a home base, with a Kekova boat tour. If you have time make a stop in Gocek, it’s stunning and I wish I had more time there. It’s always cheaper to pickup and drop off at same location, so if you start in Dalaman, end there, although you will most likely have to fly to Istanbul to get to Greece. You can also get to a few Greek islands from Turkiye so consider staying at one overnight for example Castellorizo is a Greek island 20 minutes from Kas. There is also a ferry between Rhodes and Fethiye, so if you leave the car in Oludenix, head to Rhodes and then to Athens all by ferry instead of by flight. So many options!

Did you read my post on what to do in Istanbul, you should be able to cover most of that with 1. 5 days.

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road trip turkey coast

The Gap Decaders

Road Trip in Turkey: 20 Incredible Places to Visit

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

Turkey is a one-of-a-kind country, with a foot in both Europe and Asia. Its dramatic mountains, seemingly infinite grassy steppe and beautiful turquoise coastlines make Turkey a diverse place to road trip, where long stretches of sweeping roads cut through the rich history, vibrant towns and incredible landscapes.

Home to some of the kindest and most generous people we have ever met, a road trip in Turkey will reward you with long-lasting friendships, unforgettable experiences and incredible historical sites.

We spent twelve weeks road tripping in Turkey and were lucky enough to visit all four corners of this fantastic country. But, Turkey is vast and even with a three month road trip itinerary, we weren’t able to get around all of it! We asked our favourite bloggers to tell us about the best places they have visited in Turkey.

road trip un turkey

When to Visit Turkey

You can road trip Turkey any time of the year as there are seven distinct geographic weather and climatic regions, meaning you can always find the right weather for your Turkish trip.

For winter sun head for the Mediterranean coast and Antalya, which is warmer and drier than the overcast Aegean coast. Temperatures can get to around 20° celsius (68° fahrenheit) between November and March, warm enough for the beach, but it will be cold at night. Much of the rest of Turkey will be properly cold and wet, and lots of places seeing snow.

In summer, parts of Turkey regularly push past 40° celsius (104° fahrenheit), with little change between day and night temperatures. If you love the heat and want to travel during July and August, head for the mountains for a bit of respite, ramp up the aircon and remember the suncream!

The absolute best times to travel by car around Turkey are spring and autumn. These shoulder months of late March and April and late September through October offer fewer extremes of weather, fewer visitors and quieter roads and attractions.

In spring, wildflowers carpet the interior and the countryside wakes up as warmer weather beckons. In autumn, the bounty of the harvest means roasting chestnuts in town centres, wine harvests and colourful forests.

Cappadocia in the snow with hot air balloons flying above

Building a Turkey Itinerary

Turkey is a huge country – it’s a 20-plus hour drive from Istanbul in the west to Van in the far east. If you wanted to drive a circular route around the whole country, it would take around 70 hours, and that’s not even touching the interior!

Unless you have a few months for your trip and are happy to drive for many hours in a stretch, we would suggest visiting one area where a cluster of attractions and must-see places can be grouped together to create a route and itinerary. We have organised our go-to destinations by region – Aegean; Black Sea; Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, Marmara, Mediterranean and Southeast Anatolia.

Consider one-way rental car drop-off, as the ideal route will be linear to make the most of your time and help you see as much of Turkey as possible. If you want to experience the true diversity of Turkey, domestic flights will take you to all the far-flung corners of the country, or you could be really adventurous and get a sleeper train between them.

Planning your car rental in Turkey? Find out all you need to know about hiring a car and driving in Turkey . You’ll want to read this before you go!

Turkey Road Trip Map

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Is this your first time visiting Turkey? Get all the information you need in our Turkey Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Aegean Region

Explored by Sean of The Turkey Traveler

When it comes to places to visit in Turkey, there is perhaps nothing more well-rounded than the city of Izmir. Located on the Aegean coast, Izmir is a vibrant and beautiful city full of history, culture, and stunning scenery. Right off the bat, its location means that you are close to beautiful beaches and turquoise waters. 

The city also boasts amazing historical sites such as the Agora of Smyrna, an ancient market square dating back to Greeks in the 4th century BC, and Kadifekale, an ancient fortress dating back to Alexander the Great with stunning views of the city.

However, Izmir’s biggest attractions lie beyond the city. Because of its location, Izmir is commonly used as the base to explore the archaeological ruins of Ephesus and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pamukkale-Hierapolis. The Turkish road network allows visitors to go  from Izmir to Pamukkale  and Ephesus very easily, with a drive of around three hours.

For food lovers, Izmir has a plethora of delicious options ranging from traditional Turkish cuisine to seafood freshly caught from the nearby Aegean sea. Be sure to try the famous İzmir köfte , a type of meatball unique to the region.

When you are visiting Izmir, don’t miss the electrifying nightlife. Because of the big university student population, Izmir has something for everyone. Head to Alscancak for trendy bars and nightclubs and Konak Square for more low-key options. 

Shopping is also a must in Izmir with bustling bazaars such as Kemeraltı offering everything from hand-woven carpets to local spices and herbs.

The city of Izmir with sea front roads

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts and road trip songs for the journey!

Explored by Christine of Live Love Run Travel

Pamukkale is one of the places Turkey is famous for . Known for the sparkling blue travertines, Pamukkale is full of relaxing experiences and historical sites to enjoy on a Turkish road trip.

If you visit Pamukkale, a visit to the Pamukkale travertines is a must. However, if you are there in the summer, expect crowds. Arrive early or just before they close for fewer people, and you can also walk down to the middle pools where you will find smaller crowds.

Be careful though – the surface, especially near the top, is slippery. To protect the surface shoes and socks are not allowed, so bring a bag to carry them. Make sure to stay inside the areas where people are permitted, as they are trying to allow some of the natural pools to recover and bleach back out.

You can also swim in Cleopatra’s Antique Pool where the ruins of a temple near the pool collapsed into it during an earthquake back in the 7th century. This has an additional fee after entering the historical area, but it’s a good spot to cool off on a hot day.

If you are wanting to see some still-standing ruins, make sure to walk through the ruins of Hierapolis. You can find the well-preserved theater, Byzantine Gate, and other ruins and partially preserved buildings. Another option is to relax at one of the nearby hotels. Many offer extensive spa services and have thermal pools of their own.

Don’t miss a stop in Pamukkale when planning a Turkey road trip adventure. It is worth the stop as a day trip or a longer stay to relax and enjoy the history of the area.

The pools of Pamukkale with forests in the distance

What about staying connected in Turkey? In our detailed guide to SIM cards in Turkey , we share how to get a tourist SIM, the best eSIMs for Turkey and how to get a Turkey SIM card before you even get there!

Black Sea Region

Explored by Soumya of Stories by Soumya

One of the best places to visit in Turkey is the beautiful Ottoman city of Safranbolu. Located in northern Turkey, in the region surrounding the Black Sea, Safranbolu is a UNESCO site and a hidden gem waiting to be explored. 

Safranbolu is best known for its well-preserved timbered houses dating back to the Ottoman era. They display exquisite Ottoman architecture that is hard to find in other parts of Turkey. Walk through the old quarter and marvel at these timber-framed mansions. You can also visit some of them for a small fee, such as the Kaymakamlar Museum, or spend a night in one of the many Ottoman-mansion-turned-hotels.

There are plenty of other interesting things to do in Safranbolu such as visiting the Koprulu Mehmet Pasa Mosque, exploring the displays at the Kent Museum, getting scrubbed in the Cinci Hammam, and having some coffee at the Cinci Han Hotel, housed in an old caravanserai. Do not forget to head to the old bazaars and pick up some quaint  Turkish souvenirs  such as engraved metalwork, leather products, and Safranbolu lokum , a type of Turkish Delight.

As you move on from Safranbolu, be sure to head to the nearby Bulak Caves (filled with stalactites and stalagmites) and the Incekaya Aqueduct, one of the last remnants of the Byzantine Empire. 

The Ottoman houses of Safranbolu

Sumela Monastery

Explored by Roxanne of Far Away Worlds

Situated in the Altindere National Park in northeastern Turkey,  Sumela Monastery  is one of those places that seem to have come straight out of a fairytale. The monastery is tucked into forested mountains and perched at the foot of a sheer cliff, overlooking valleys, rivers and mountains.

Reaching the monastery is only possible by taking a shuttle in the national park and the route is twisting with sudden turns. The path through the forest is steep, culminating at the foot of a narrow flight of stairs, with the remains of an ancient aqueduct visible on the side of a cliff. Simply arriving at the monastery is an adventure in itself.

Built in the 4th century, the monastery is close to 1,600 years old and one of the oldest Greek Orthodox monasteries in the world. The Rock Church is the main attraction at the site and the oldest part of the monastery complex. Believed to have housed an icon of the Virgin Mary, the church was carved into the cave by two Athenian monks. Both the interior and exterior walls are covered with frescoes, dating from different time periods, although they have been significantly damaged through the years. 

After seeing the church, visitors can explore more of the complex including the smaller chapels, kitchens, library and holy water fountain. The large aqueduct at the entrance is also impressive and many of its arches have been restored. And, of course, the magnificent views from the monastery are also a highlight of the visit. 

Close up of the houses and caves of Sumela Monastery

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Turkey . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices and excellent service.

Central Anatolia Region

Explored by Claire of Europe in Winter

Ankara is Turkey’s capital city, but it’s nearly always overshadowed by the country’s largest and much more famous metropolis, Istanbul. 

While Istanbul is definitely a place to rave about, that doesn’t mean Ankara should be completely forgotten on your road trip. 

The city was only declared the capital of Turkey in 1923, but its history dates back millenniums. While doesn’t have quite the same allure as Istanbul, there are a good few museums here, along with plenty of cafes, excellent places to try Turkish food, and hammams. 

Must-sees include the Ataturk Museum, which is a huge complex that celebrates the founder of modern Turkey, Ankara Castle which dates back to the 7th century and was expanded by the Ottomans, and the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilisations which is an exhibition of archaeology throughout the centuries. 

It’s also worth visiting the Haci Bayram Mosque, which is the most impressive in Ankara. While it’s not as famous as the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, it’s still well worth a look!

If you’re tired after a busy day of exploring, soak in the Karacabey Bath which is a Turkish bathhouse in the centre of town. For dinner, Turkish restaurants line almost every street, or opt for a vegan kebab at Vegankara or visit Triyle Restaurant for incredible seafood. 

If you’re visiting Ankara in winter , be mindful that it can be very chilly – while Turkey seems like it will be warm year-round, this isn’t the case on the Anatolian plateau! However, pretty much all of the attractions I’ve listed are visitable year-round. 

Ankara and Kocatepe Mosque at night

Explored by Phil & Izzy of The Gap Decaders

Undoubtedly Turkey’s most famous and most visited tourist destination, Cappadocia is a fascinating place where fairytale landscapes meet underground cities and lively towns, and the skies fill with hot air balloons at dawn every day.

It’s easy to spend a week or so exploring this unique place in the heartland of Turkey, which is like nowhere else on earth. Sitting on a high plateau over 1000 meters in altitude and pierced by dramatic volcanic peaks, Cappadocia is not one single place but a region of towns and valleys.

Goreme is probably the best-known town in Cappadocia and is home to the Goreme Open Air Museum with its rock chimneys and the magnificent Dark Church. You’ll also find a plethora of rock-hewn hotel rooms and cave suites, restaurants and tour companies that offer balloon flights, horse trekking and quad bike tours. Nearby are the famous Love Valley, home to phallic rock formations and Rose Valley, lined with glorious pink and red rocks.

East of Goreme is Urgup, a slightly more upmarket town with gorgeous hotels and eateries. To the south are the famous underground cities of Kaymakli, Mazi and Derinkuyu.

One of the best ways to explore is to get out in your car early one morning. The whole area around Goreme is crisscrossed with tracks where you can find a spot to watch the dawn balloon spectacular, which is even better from the ground.

motorhome Turkey

An economic powerhouse in central Turkey, conservative Konya is the home of the whirling dervishes and protector of Seljuk culture.

One of the oldest urban centres in the world, you should visit Konya for the ancient mosques and hammams hidden amongst the maze of alleys in the old town, and the wide avenues of the new town, lined with shiny architecture and coffee shops.

For many, the main reason for the visit is the Mevlana Museum, the former lodge of the whirling dervishes and one of the largest pilgrimage centres in Turkey. Visit on a Saturday if you can, when the sema ceremony, the ritual dance of the dervishes wearing the traditional costume of tall felt hats and white gowns with long skirts, is performed in the Mevlana Culture Centre. Be prepared for a high-energy experience like no other!

Whorling derviches dancing in traditional costume

Planning a motorhome tour of Turkey? A new continent with customs so different from our own can be challenging to negotiate. We’ll take you through all the stages of planning your Turkish motorhome adventure , from kitting out your van, understanding legalities and getting there, to how to camp and budget for your trip.

Eastern Anatolia Region

Like Mount Ararat, the arid and dusty slopes of Ani once belonged to Armenia. The country’s ancient capital of political, economic, cultural and architectural importance was home to 100,000 people at the beginning of the second millennium and rivalled Constantinople in power.

Much of Ani was toppled by an earthquake in 1319 and in 1336, the mostly Armenian citizens were forced to leave, and so began the decline of a once great Silk Road trading hub which had borne witness to 23 civilizations and dynasties throughout the centuries.

Today Ani is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an absolute must-see if you’re in eastern Turkey. As you walk under the great arch, your first view is of undulating hills covered in sun-scorched grass, dotted with great buildings silhouetted on the skyline.

Impressive volcanic basalt fortified walls encircle the ruins of numerous churches, mosques and caravanserais which sit on the edge of the Arpacay Gorge. From Seljuk geometric wall patterns to frescoes and intricate carvings, the influences of Christian and Muslim religious traditions are evident as you step back in time and wander this fascinating site.

RELATED POST: Ani Turkey: How to Explore the Ancient City

Church of Surp Stephanos at Ani

Mount Ararat

The fabled Mount Ararat (Agri Dagi) is a snow-capped and dormant volcano in the extreme east of the country, which overlooks the point at which the frontiers of Turkey, Iran, and Armenia meet. It consists of two major volcanic cones – Greater Ararat with an elevation of 5,137m and Little Ararat with an elevation of 3,896m.

Ararat is traditionally associated with the mountain where Noah’s Ark came to rest and is sacred to the Armenians, who believe themselves to be the first race of humans to appear in the world after the flood. Legend says the ark is still on the summit, but God decided that no one should be able to look upon it it, although several explorers have claimed to

Not only is Ararat majestic to gaze upon and photograph, but it’s also an epic hike too. There are a number of trekking companies in Turkey that offer organised guided treks and equipment. It’s a standard four day trek to the top, with the biggest challenge being altitude, so you’ll need a little time beforehand to acclimatize.

the road to snow topped Mount Ararat

Nemrut Dagi

No image can do justice to this mysterious mountain and its sweeping dusty and windswept surroundings. Deep in the Taurus mountains, this breathtaking place is one of Turkey’s visitor behemoths and absolutely warrants the drive to get there – which is pretty spectacular in its own right!

Sitting at 2106m above sea level, the peak of Mount Nemrut is topped by the curious gravel-covered burial cone of Antiochus I, which in turn is surrounded by astonishing statues of Antiochus and the gods which are perfectly placed to welcome sunrise and sunset.

It’s relatively easy to drive almost to the peak, between April and October, when the mountains are free of snow. You must park and walk the final few kilometres uphill (around 30 minutes) to reach the east terrace for sunrise, or the west terrace for sunset. You can of course visit at any time of the day, and it will likely be much more peaceful, but seeing the sunrise and that special light on the amazing statues is a pretty special experience.

RELATED POST: Mount Nemrut Turkey: How to Explore the Mystical Mountain

Nemrut Dagi statues at sunrise

Marmara Region

Explored by Iris of Mind of a Hitchhiker

One often overlooked part of Turkey is the region of Thrace on the Balkan Peninsula. The most interesting city in that area is Edirne, pushed up against the Greek and Bulgarian borders. This makes Edirne a tricky destination to squeeze into an all-Turkish itinerary , but perfect for a road trip combo with other Balkan countries.

But the importance of this city to Turkey’s history is more important than its location lets on; it used to be the capital of the Ottoman Empire for more than eighty years before the Ottomans conquered Constantinople. Some of the most revered Ottoman architects of yore built their final masterpieces in Edirne, such as Mimar Sinan’s Selimiye Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Across the river is the Complex of Sultan Bayezid II, which was one of the first teaching hospitals where they treated people with physical and mental ailments for nearly 400 years. This museum is the only one of its kind in Turkey, which together with its excellent exhibition makes it listed for future UNESCO status.

Edirne is also known for the oldest continuous sporting event in the world: the annual Edirne Kırkpınar oil wrestling competition in June and July. Edirne is simply a lovely city at the crossroads of different cultures and times, which makes the municipal agenda for folkloric celebrations always full. 

If local specialities are of interest, try out Edirne liver ( ciğeri ) or try a regional fermented millet drink called velimeşe boza . For more modern flavors and being surrounded by the young university crowd, try a local brew at Trokya Craft Beer Taproom in the pedestrianized city center. There are plenty of restaurants suitable for both vegetarians and omnivores for everyone to have a great time.

Mosque at Erdine with 4 minarets

Explored by Bella of Passport and Pixels

While Turkey is most famous for dramatic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and legendary ancient sites, lovers of history shouldn’t miss another famous – but much more modern – historic site: Gallipoli. 

The Gallipoli Peninsula lies on the south coast of the European part of Turkey, on the Aegean Sea. It forms one side of the Dardanelles Strait, and on the other side of this important waterway is the northwestern tip of Anatolia (Asian Turkey). 

Because this is such a strategically important bit of land, it was the site of a major battle in 1915, during the First World War. In an attempt to invade Turkey and capture Istanbul from the Ottomans, the Allies, including many Australians and New Zealanders (known collectively as Anzacs), launched an attack on the Gallipoli Peninsula. It was a disaster – around 46,000 people died, and after eight months of fighting the Allies were forced to withdraw.

Today the Gallipoli Peninsula is a moving historic site covering over 33,000 hectares and is home to numerous battlefields, memorials and graveyards. Key places to visit include Anzac Cove, where the soldiers first landed on 15 th  April 1915; the Anzac Commemorative Site; the Lone Pine Memorial, which stands on the site of some of the fiercest fighting of the campaign; and the Nek, a narrow ridge of land that was the site of another decisive battle.

Take a tour and learn the heart-wrenching stories behind the monuments and the moving tales of hardship, heroism, camaraderie and resilience that took place in this beautiful landscape.

After you’ve visited Gallipoli, a short ferry ride across the Dardanelles will bring you to the colourful port town of Çanakkale, and from there it’s easy to also visit the  ruins of Troy , the site of the legendary Trojan War. Visiting both is a great way to take in two of Turkey’s most important historic sites – one modern, one ancient.

Ferry going to Gallipoli peninsula

Turkey’s most famous city is full of layered history, fabulous architecture and rich experiences. Because of its vibrant Turkish culture that extends to both European and Asian continents, spending a few days in Istanbul   as you road trip east is a wonderful experience.

Your first day in Istanbul should include visiting the iconic sights of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque and Galata Tower. Leave yourself enough time to really explore each place, and the interminable security queues before you even get in!

The simply breathtaking Topkapi Palace, the wonderful Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar should also be on your list, and you might want to take a walking tour to cover these Istanbul sights and work out what else to see along the way.

Head up to Pierre Loti Hill, where you can enjoy the ultimate panoramic view of the Golden Horn, a major urban waterway and the primary inlet of the Bosphorus. Look on a map and you can see the waterway is shaped like a horn, and so-called because of the riches that were made here.

After your panoramic view, take a Bosphorus cruise to really appreciate the Ottoman architecture of bygone days and find out just how busy this important stretch of water is, or head to Tarihi Hocapaşa Lokantaları street for a taste of real homecooked Turkish comfort food. You should leave a tip in Turkey , especially in places like this where the authentic Turkish food is such good value for money.

Road trips from Istanbul along the Aegean coast or to Pamukkale and Cappadocia are easily organised, and you can also get domestic flights from here to many other Turkish airports if the drive is just too far.

Hagia Sofia Istanbul Turkey

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Mediterranean region.

Explored by Giorgy of G-Extreme Travel

Antalya is an often overlooked Mediterranean hotspot that boasts some of the best beaches and most impressive landmarks. Located in Southern Turkey, it is sometimes deemed the country’s crown jewel, and it’s not hard to see why – Antalya has a much more laid-back vibe than other Turkish cities, like chaotic Istanbul.

Plus, it offers visitors that irresistible coastal Mediterranean city appeal. So if you’re looking for a road trip spot with plenty to see and do, Antalya should be at the top of your list!

There are numerous tourist attractions and historical sites scattered throughout Antalya that are definitely worth visiting. Some of these include the ancient ruins of Aspendos, Phaselis, Myra, and Alanya’s red tower and castle. Kekova sunken ruins are another popular spot that should not be missed.

In addition to its many historical sites, Antalya also boasts a number of water parks, museums, green spaces, and the famous Aquarium. For those looking for a more adrenaline-pumping activity, there is also the option to take a cable car ride up to Mount Tahtali. And of course, no visit to Antalya would be complete without exploring the old town of Kaleici with its quaint collection of Ottoman houses, old mosques, domineering clock tower, and landmark Hadrian’s gate.

So if you’re looking for more than just a beach vacation, Antalya is the perfect road trip destination for you. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.

Ancient ruins in Turkey

Explored by Michelle of Moyer Memoirs

Any road trip around Turkey should include a stop in Fethiye which is located on the Turquoise Coast, so called because of its stunning colour. Fethiye is a beautiful and unique tourist town on the Turkish Riviera with marinas that cater to international tourists and cruise ships. 

The number one attraction in Fethiye is Oludeniz Beach because of its crystal clear water and beautiful sandy beach. Its name means Dead Sea, because of the calm water, making it perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling.

The Blue Lagoon is a separate beach at Oludeniz that is protected by a small strip of land. It is a popular destination for paddleboarders and kayaks since the water is so motionless.

Oludeniz Beach is also known for its great paragliding. Each day dozens of paragliders take off from high on the Babadag mountain and glide to the beach below. It is a great sight to see all the colorful paragliders dotting the blue sky as they float to the sandy beach below.

Make time for a trip across the turquoise sea from Fethiye to the Butterfly Valley on the ancient Lycian Way. You can only get there by boat, making the valley a haven for the hundreds of butterflies species that thrive there. The preservation area is also home to a waterfall that cascades from the 350m high canyon wall to become a gentle river, watering the native chaste trees which are the butterflies’ natural habitat.

Saklikent National Park is another popular place to visit from Fethiye. The park was established in the 1990s and is just a quick drive from the center of Fethiye. The Saklikent Gorge is one of the largest canyons in Europe and the deepest canyon in Turkey. The hiking trails and boardwalks lead right through the canyon and directly to the flowing water in the gorge where there is easy access to the cool water, leading right into some of the beautiful waterfalls.

Boats and marina in Fethiye

Want to find out more about planning a road trip? In our detailed guide to road trip planning we cover every aspect of planning your perfect road trip, from dream to destination, and everything in between!

Southeast Anatolia Region

Explored by Arabela of The Spicy Travel Girl

Diyarbakir may not be your typical tourist destination but it sure is one of the best off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Turkey. Located in the heart of Mesopotamia, also known as the Fertile Crescent, Diyarbakir has been home to human civilization for aeons, dating back as far as the Stone Age.

Since then, Diyarbakir has been part of countless empires, including the Persian and Roman Empires. This diverse history has left its unique traces in the city, which can be seen at historical sites such as the Roman-era city walls, which encircle the old town at a circumference of about six kilometres uninterruptedly and offer amazing views of the riverside grasslands.

It also resulted in a diverse religious history: Diyarbakir had long been an important center of Christianity, and was a see of both the Syriac Orthodox Church and the Armenian Church, until the Muslim Conquest of the Levant.

This left Diyarbakir with various Christian monasteries and churches as well as mosques. Most of the historic structures in the city are constructed with black basalt, including the unique-looking Great Mosque in the city centre. The black-and-white patterns created by the use of this stone give the old town a picturesque appearance resembling a chessboard.

However, ancient history is not the only thing Diyarbakir has to offer. The perhaps most interesting aspect of the city is its contemporary culture: Diyarbakir is Turkey’s largest Kurdish-majority city and is unofficially referred to as the ‘capital of Kurdistan’.

The Kurds are an Iranic ethnic group native to the region with a language and culture distinct from Turkish. Visitors can gain an authentic insight into Kurdish culture while visiting the bustling bazaar of the old town, sampling local street snacks and admiring handicrafts. Furthermore, the Kurds are a very hospitable people and visitors are guaranteed to be warmly welcomed in this less touristy city. 

Ancient stone archway

Explored by Anwar of Beyond my Door

Known as the gastronomic capital of Turkey, Gaziantep has an incredible history of food and culture. The city is known in Turkey as the birthplace of baklava, a delicious sweet filo pastry, honey and nut treat. The baklava here is better than anywhere else in Turkey. Actually, all the baklava manufacturers in Turkey claim origin from Gaziantep and have multiple outposts in the city. 

Beyond that, the city has great cuisine including some of the best kabobs (like kebab) in the city. Be sure to check out İmam Çağdaş, one of the best restaurants in the city for Kabobs. 

For those looking for history, the city has an incredible fortress that looms over the city. Also, there are several famous museums including the Zeugma Mosaic Museum which houses the famous ‘gypsy girl’ mosaic that often dons various Turkish travel advertisements. The mosaic was found in nearby Zeugma which is also accessible for those wishing to travel outside the city.

The old town of the city houses many markets that visitors can wander through, including the spice market as well as the metal market. Here tourists can pick up local copper and tin products for home decoration or housewares. 

Gaziantep is also a jumping-off point for many parts of Southeastern Turkey. Easy roads between the city and places such as Sanliurfa, Mount Nemrut and Mardin make it a good hub to fly into for road trip exploration of this area of the country.

Mosque with minaret half submerged in water

The UNESCO old town of Mardin lies on a rocky hill near the Tigris River that rises steeply over the flat plains of ancient Mesopotamia. This Silk Road city is known for its beige colored limestone Artuqid architecture and is a heady and exotic experience of sights and sounds, which feels both Turkish and Persian.

The top of Mardin’s ridge is occupied by the city’s historic citadel, and below that is the gorgeous Zinciriye Medresesi, a 14th-century educational and spiritual complex and mosque built in the Persian ornamental style. The complex enjoys spectacular views over the lush green Mesopotamian plains below the town, as far as the eye can see to the Syrian border.

The labyrinthine alleys of the old town are lined with eateries, bazaars, boutique hotels and shops, and the colourful spices, fruit and vegetables and local crafts for sale tell the historic story of the city. It’s easy to spend a day exploring before stopping to try some of the local dishes which blend flavours of the regions – expect lamb, hummus, olives and yoghurt-based dishes scattered with jewel-like pomegranate seeds and fresh mint.

Mardin makes a great base for exploring the region and is within easy driving distance of both Göbeklitepe and Karahan Tepe, prehistoric archaeological sites home to the world’s oldest known megaliths and obelisks, where recent finds are challenging what is known about the earliest societies in the world.

Minaret overlooking green and yellow fields

Explored by Chris of Amateur Traveler

While many visitors to Turkey get to the cities in the west like  Istanbul , few get to some of the great sites in eastern Turkey. The city of Şanlıurfa in eastern Turkey is a fascinating city. If you travel from west to east in Turkey, the country significantly changes when you get to Şanlıurfa.

The demographics of Şanlıurfa are significantly different from the nearby city of Gaziantep. Instead of Turks, the city is mostly composed of Arabs, Turkmen and Kurds. People in Arab dress are suddenly much more common as if you had entered a new country. 

The city has a couple of particularly important sites. Outside of town is the neolithic site of Göbekli Tepe. This UNESCO World Heritage site is over 10,000 years old and contains some of the oldest known megaliths. 

More significant to Turks is the site in the center of the city of Sanliurfa which Turks claim is the birthplace of the patriarch Abraham. The city has also been associated with the story of Job from the Bible. For this reason, the city is known as the ‘city of the prophets’. The Mevlid-i Halil Mosque and the Pool of Abraham are must-see sites. Inside the courtyard of the mosque is a cave that is held to be the birthplace of Abraham.

Legend has it that the local ruler Nimrod had Abraham thrown into a fire to execute him but that God turned the fire into fish. The Poll of Abraham is supposed to be the site of that event. Now you can rent a row boat and enjoy the lake without any threat of immolation.

road trip turkey coast

Turkey Essentials

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Turkey.

  • Search for affordable flights to Turkey with Skyscanner
  • Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Turkey with Booking.com
  • Best for rental cars in Turkey >> Localrent.com an aggregator of local car rental companies
  • Get highly rated, reliable and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
  • Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

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Live Love Run Travel

The Perfect Road Trip Through Turkey: A 6 Day Itinerary

By: Author Christine Wheeler

Posted on Published: July 13, 2019  - Last updated: June 2, 2021

Taking a road trip in Turkey ended up being a wonderful decision. At first, I was nervous about driving in Turkey. After arriving back home in the U.S., I found myself regularly wishing that driving here was as smooth as driving in Turkey.

If you’re considering a trip to Turkey, a road trip is a great option to see the country on your own schedule and see more of the beautiful countryside. Our six day itinerary for Turkey took us on a road trip from Isbanbul to Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia.

This itinerary adjusts easily to fit your own schedule or to add or take out any stops. Some places we wished that we stayed longer. Others we felt like we planned it perfectly. Overall, our Turkey road trip was one of our favorite trips so far , and we would highly suggest it to anyone considering doing the same.

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. When you purchase from these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Table of Contents

Driving in Turkey

When we first decided on a road trip in Turkey, I was nervous. We have driven in a few countries other than the U.S. including Iceland , New Zealand, France, and Portugal . However, the news in the U.S. does not always portray Turkey in a positive light. Other than Iceland with its lack of traffic, Turkey is my favorite country to drive in so far.

The Best Parts of Driving in Turkey

In the U.S., slow traffic is supposed to stay to the right. The left lanes are supposed to be used primarily for passing. Traffic backs up when a slower driver decides to ride it out in the passing lanes. People get on an Interstate, get in the passing lane and stay there the entire drive until they need to exit.

In Turkey, people actually follow the rules about passing lanes. Throughout our hours of driving in Turkey, we never experienced traffic or delays other than in Istanbul. The traffic flowed smoothly, and people quickly moved out of your way if they were in the wrong lane. There are signs everywhere reminding drivers which lane to be in based on how and what they are driving.

Hagia Sophia

This overall made for an enjoyable experience. We saw how well this worked when everyone followed the rules. If someone stayed in a passing lane for too long, they quickly moved over when they saw you coming up behind them. As we learned the rules, other drivers were kind and not honking or yelling at us to get out of the way.

Driving in Turkey also gives you the freedom to make your own itinerary for your trip. You are not held to bus schedules or airport schedules (or time just sitting in the airport). We enjoyed having a car in each place we visited as well. We did not have to find a driver or wait for a taxi or bus to come by. Instead, we jumped in the car and went where we wanted and when we wanted.

The entryway into one of the best hotels in Cappadocia.

What to Watch Out for When Driving in Turkey

Despite everything we loved about driving in Turkey, there are a few things to watch out for and think about before driving in Turkey. We felt safe the entire time we were in Turkey. However, we found that driving in Istanbul was not our best idea. We also ended up stopped at a checkpoint for a little bit too.

Driving in Istanbul

Our first day of driving in Turkey was not so positive. We stayed in a hotel outside of the main tourist areas and close to the airport after arriving in Turkey late the night before. We decided to drive into the city instead of taking public transportation or taking a taxi since we already had a car. The concierge at the hotel suggested otherwise, and we should have listened.

There is not much parking near the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Some of the roads in the area are one lane and one way roads. In trying to find parking, we ended up all turned around in the one way streets.

There were not many signs telling you which way to go. We found out we were going the wrong way on the streets whenever someone turned down and came towards us. We backed down more streets than I care to admit. Everyone was kind, but it made for a stressful start to the trip.

Once we found our way out of the maze, we found a hotel and asked if we could pay to park there. The hotel was kind and let us park outside for a few hours for free. When we returned to Crowne Plaza Istanbul – Old City , we ended up eating there so that we did not just take advantage of their kindness. If we return to Istanbul, we would love to stay at this beautiful hotel with how kind they were to us!

Walking down the streets of Istanbul near the Blue Mosque.

Getting Stopped at a Checkpoint in Turkey

On our drive from Istanbul to Ephesus at the start of our trip, we drove up to a checkpoint. We passed several more checkpoints throughout our trip, but this was one of the first ones. This time the officer told us to stop. The other times the officer waved us through.

As you drive up to the checkpoint, the officer indicates if you need to pull over or not. This officer indicated for us to pull off into an area on the side of the road. We saw a few other cars already stopped with everything pulled out of the car.

While we had nothing to hide, we were not looking forward to having to unload everything and wait for it all to be searched. It was also a little nerve-wracking because we did not know the language and did not know what to expect.

Cappadocia Cave Suites, one of the best and most Instagrammable hotels in Cappadocia.

As the officer approached the car once we pulled over, he asked for our passports and my husband’s driver’s license. I grabbed our backpack with those things in it and started going through them. This is where our story differs from others.

My husband is in law enforcement. Cops in the U.S. tend to travel with patches from their department to trade with others. We always take some on our trips to give away or trade. As I dug into the pocket with our passports, driver’s licenses, and international driver’s licenses, I saw the patches sitting right next to them.

I pulled out everything and proceeded to hand the documents to the officer. I also held out a patch and pointed at my husband and said, “Police.” He had been kind and professional before, but he stopped and asked my husband if it was true in limited English.

Through simple English, we managed to communicate and show the officer his law enforcement ID. He sent us on our way without searching anything. Before we left, we gave him the patch and told him to keep it. As we drove away, we saw him excitedly showing it off to his fellow officers.

Thanks to this, we did not end up having to go through the full search. In all of the other checkpoints, the officers simply waved us through.

Often times, if they see you are a tourist, they will also end up dismissing you without searching. At most checkpoints, it seemed to be mostly locals and not tourists pulled over. It is something to be aware of though.

Pamukkale's thermal pools, the Pamukkale Travertine, early in the morning.

Things to Know Before Your Turkey Road Trip

Before we left the U.S., we made sure to have an International Driver’s License. All that it does is translate your license for you.

We always go through AAA and find the process relatively easy. You fill out the application that can be found here , take it to an AAA office with two passport photos and your valid driver’s license, and then pay them the fee (currently $20) for the license. You can also do it by mail if you can’t make it by one of their locations.

Once you are driving in Turkey, a common sight is flashing lights that appear from a distance to be a cop. When you get closer, you find it out is just a light on a pole. Sometimes there was a wooden cutout of a police car there to make it look more realistic. The main purpose appears to be to slow people down.

The exterior of the Hagia Sophia.

However, traffic cameras are popular throughout Turkey. Some of the flashing lights might be combined with the cameras. These primarily help with monitoring speeding and running red lights.

There are usually signs before you get to the camera. Sometimes it is a sign on the side of the road with a picture of a camera and TEDES under it. Sometimes they just paint TEDES on the road. Keep an eye out for these, especially if you tend to have a lead foot.

With a WiFi rental, driving in Turkey was easy. The maps loaded easily on our phones and told us exactly where to go.

If you use an iPhone, we found that Google Maps worked better than the native Apple Maps program most of the time in Turkey. Sometimes the Apple Maps program was off in terms of where it told us to go. Google Maps tended to show you exactly which lane to be in and gave us no problems in navigation.

One of the large doors at the Hagia Sophia.

When to Take a Road Trip in Turkey

Our Turkey road trip took place in June. June seemed to be a perfect time for taking a road trip in Turkey, but I doubt there is a bad time for one. Traffic in the major cities will always be a problem.

Some of the areas are more crowded in July and August during peak tourist season. It does snow in Turkey, so make sure you are comfortable driving in snowy conditions if you visit in winter.

Driving from Istanbul to Cappadocia

Cappadocia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey thanks in part to its popularity on Instagram with the hot air balloons and stunning landscape. While we opted to drive to Cappadocia, there are other options as well.

You can fly to two different airports near Cappadocia. Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) is about an hour away, and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) is about 40 minutes away. Both have daily flights from Istanbul that are reasonably priced. Even if you fly to Cappadocia, a rental car is a good idea once you are there to get around.

Watching the hot air balloons at sunrise in Cappadocia from Cappadocia Cave Suites.

We originally planned to fly to Cappadocia and then drive from Cappadocia to Pamukkale, Ephesus, and back to Istanbul. Then we decided to do the opposite and drive from Istanbul to Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia before flying back to Istanbul. In the end, we drove the entire loop.

While the drive from Istanbul to Cappadocia is a long one at about 7 hours, we realized that by the time we drove to the airport about an hour away, waited for the flight, flew to Istanbul, dealt with getting our bags and taking a taxi, we could just make the drive. Plus, this saved us the one way rental fee, the cost of flights and the taxi fee from the airport in Istanbul to a hotel.

In addition to flying and driving from Istanbul to Cappadocia, you can also take a bus or go by train to Kayseri before catching a bus to Goreme. While there are a lot of good options, driving gives you more freedom to see what you want and when you want.

One of Cappadocia's best cave hotels - Cappadocia Cave Suites.

A Turkey Road Trip Itinerary

We only had six days in Turkey total. If you can spend more time in Turkey, even if you just to do this route, I would suggest closer to 10 days at least. We made the most of our time and hit the ground running though. This itinerary is easy to adjust to your own schedule and includes suggestions on where to add time if you have extra days to spend in Turkey.

Day 1: Istanbul

While technically we were in Istanbul for two days, we arrived from Iceland via Paris very late on the first day. By the time we gathered our bags, got our rental car, and drove to the hotel, it was already past 2 a.m.

After being up early to leave Iceland, spending the day exploring Paris, and then flying to Istanbul, we went straight to our hotel to sleep. We woke up after some good sleep ready to see as much as we could for our one day in Istanbul. If you have more time to spend in Istanbul, here are more activities in Istanbul to fill up your itinerary.

We only had a day in Istanbul, but my friend Charlotte from Charlie’s Wanderings has a 3 day guide with the best things to do in Istanbul here .

The view of the Hagia Sophia from inside the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

What to Do in Istanbul

Because of our limited time, we wanted to see the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque the most. By the time we woke up, packed our bags and checked out of the hotel, we lost a good chunk of the day. We ate lunch on the way into Istanbul in a little shopping center and went to a grocery store to buy snacks for the road trip.

After our issues with getting lost and finding parking near the city center mentioned earlier, we finally parked and started walking the right way in the mid-afternoon. We went to Sultan Ahmed Mosque or the Blue Mosque first. Crowds filled the area around the Blue Mosque. With the crowds and knowing that Hagia Sophia closed first, we left to see Hagia Sophia and then returned later.

The chandeliers inside of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

HAGIA SOPHIA

Thank goodness we went to the Hagia Sophia when we did. The Hagia Sophia closes at 7 p.m., but the last entry is at 6 p.m. We arrived at 5:58 p.m. This actually worked out well because it was empty.

Go either right when it opens or just before it closes for picture purposes. Once inside, we started upstairs and then wandered downstairs. The building is beautiful even with all the construction going on inside.

If you visit late in the evening, make sure to go upstairs first. They closed the upstairs part by about 6:30 to start moving people towards the doors. By 6:45, they also asked people to start leaving downstairs. If you want more time, make sure to get there earlier than we did.

Being there at closing meant we had almost the whole place to ourselves. The security guards were mostly kind in asking people to leave, and one stopped to take a picture for us since no one else was around.

A woman inside of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul admiring the chandeliers.

BLUE MOSQUE

After leaving the Hagia Sophia, we went back to the Blue Mosque. The park between the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque filled with people waiting in the park to enjoy iftar. The atmosphere was quiet for how many people were in the park area.

Make sure to bring our own head covering as a female visiting the Blue Mosque. They rent out head coverings during certain hours of the day. We visited after it closed. We watched many women turned away at the gate for not being dressed appropriately or having a head covering. Because I brought my own, we walked right in.

Looking through one of the gates at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

People filled the courtyard area. Because it was a time of prayer, we opted not to go inside. I did not want to be disrespectful or go inside just to look around or take pictures during the prayer time. We planned to come back on our last day in Istanbul at the end of the trip anyways.

That ended up not working out so well either. We got up early to go on the last morning of our trip, but we did not realize it was the end of Ramadan. The streets were crowded in the early morning.

We found ourselves among the crowds as we made our way to the Blue Mosque. Upon realizing what was happening, we again opted not to go in and look around. We did not want to interrupt or do something to offend the worshipers.

The courtyard of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

Where to Stay in Istanbul

Because we stayed in Istanbul at the beginning and end of our trip, we ended up staying in two different hotels. We also interacted with the staff and enjoyed a meal at the Crowne Plaza Istanbul – Old City . If we return one day, we would love to stay there after how kind and helpful their staff was and how beautiful the hotel was.

Our first night, we stayed at WOW Istanbul Hotel . The beautifully designed hotel is just a few minutes from the Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Because we arrived so late at night, it was perfect for us.

While we did not have time to enjoy them, the hotel has a fitness center and indoor pool. Located about 25 minutes away from the main tourist sites, you can use public transportation to get in to the core of the city or take a taxi.

Inside the lobby of the WOW Hotel in Istanbul.

On our last night in Istanbul at the end of the trip, we stayed in the Antis Hotel . If you want to stay near the main attractions and travel on foot in Istanbul, this hotel is perfect.

Located less than half a mile (less than 800 meters) from the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, walking to them is easy with lots of restaurants and shops along the way. The Grand Bazaar is less than a mile (1600 meters) away as well. From the rooftop restaurant, you can enjoy the view of the Blue Mosque.

Our room looked out over the city with a view of the water as well. The room was clean and the staff friendly and helpful. While the streets were narrow, it was not as bad as our first day driving in Istanbul. Because it is on the outskirts of the smaller streets, we could quickly access the main roads.

We highly recommend any of these three hotels if you are staying in Istanbul, but if you want more options, you can search for a wider variety of hotels in Istanbul here .

The view of Istanbul from Antis Hotel at sunrise

Day 1 & 2: Istanbul to Ephesus

After enjoying a quick bite to eat, we hit the road that evening to start making our way to Ephesus. The drive from Istanbul to Ephesus takes about five and a half hours (320 miles or 515 km).

We originally hoped to stay up late and make the drive all at once. We wanted to be able to see the ruins of Ephesus in the morning before the crowds. However, after about three hours on the road, we realized we needed to stop. We were both too tired to continue driving.

We found Onhann Hotel on our way and stopped there for the night. While we did not stay long, the hotel was beautiful and the breakfast was a perfect start for our day. The next morning we continued our last two and a half hours to get to Selcuk and Ephesus.

The drive is mostly on interstates with little to no traffic. On the first part of the drive, darkness kept us from seeing much. On the second part of the drive, we enjoyed the scenery around us. I found myself thinking multiple times about how Turkey was much prettier than I even imagined.

The Library of Celsus in Ephesus at sunset.

Day 2: Ephesus

Once we arrived in Ephesus, finding food was our first order of business. We ate outside near the ruins at Agora Restaurant and enjoyed relaxing while we ate. Our next stop was the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Finally, we made it to the ruins of the Biblical city of Ephesus around 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. (find our full one day guide to Ephesus here ).

We only stayed at the ruins until closing (actually a little after since there was an event that night). The highlight of the ruins is the Library of Celsus. The ruins are impressive and extensive. You stroll along the main streets of the old city with main stops including the two theaters and the area where the rich lived.

The Library of Celsus in Ephesus.

With only an afternoon in Ephesus and a few hours in the ruins, we felt like that was a good amount of time. However, there are other things to see in this area if you have time to spare. For example, the house that legend says Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived until her death is near the ruins.

Ephesus is also a popular day trip from the cruise port and beach holiday destination of Kusadasi. If you are looking to extend your road trip to make an extra stop and want to enjoy Turkey’s beaches, this is one place you could add extra time and an extra stop. Keep in mind that the tours from Kusadasi keep the ruins full during the middle of the day.

If you plan to stay overnight in Ephesus instead of along the road like we did, there are many options much closer to the ruins and in nearby Selcuk as well. If you plan to take a side trip out to Kusadasi, there are a myriad of hotel options including many along the water.

The Temple of Artemis in Selcus, Turkey, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Day 2: Ephesus to Pamukkale

The drive from Ephesus to Pamukkale is much shorter than the drive from Istanbul to Ephesus. The drive only takes about two and a half hours (122 miles or 196 km). Once we finished at the ruins and grabbed dinner, we decided to go ahead and make the drive to Pamukkale that night.

If you want to skip Ephesus and drive straight from Istanbul to Pamukkale, that is an option as well. From Istanbul, it is about a six hour drive to Pamukkale. If you need to stop along the way, Onhann Hotel is still on this path as well.

The thermal pools of the Pamukkale Travertines, the thermal pools in Pamukkale, Turkey

Day 3: Pamukkale

Pamukkale went on my bucket list in high school. We arrived late at night and spent the night at Richmond Pamukkale Thermal , located about 10 minutes from Pamukkale’s famous thermal pools. The hotel was amazing.

For $75, our room at the hotel included dinner and breakfast. They also upgraded us to a suite with a huge balcony just because they had one available (no, they did not know about my blog or Instagram ).

We arrived late in the evening, and dinner ended before we arrived. However, they sent us two plates of food to our room when we asked if it ended already. The service at this hotel was top-notch, and we really enjoyed our stay here.

While we did not need long at the thermal pools, if you need some down time to relax on your Turkey road trip, spend a few nights at the Richmond Pamukkale Thermal or another nearby hotel with a thermal pool.

Our hotel had their own thermal pool and regular pool for swimming and relaxing. When crowds fill the thermal pools of Pamukkale, head back and relax without the crowds at the hotel. The food provided for breakfast and dinner were delicious. We really enjoyed our stay here and can’t say enough good things about this hotel.

The balcony and view from Richmond Pamukkale Hotel.

As for the thermal pools, they are beautiful, but there are definitely some expectation versus reality moments there. Check out this blog post for a full review of our time in Pamukkale including what to really expect.

Make sure to go early or stay late if you want to avoid the crowds. It is a popular spot for tours which makes it crowded most of the day. There are several entrances to Pamukkale, and the pools that are less crowded are the ones closest to the bottom of the hill and the town entrance.

We opted not to stay at the thermal pools for long despite their beauty. We left by 10 a.m. as the crowds continued to pour in.

Entrance to the ruins of Hierapolis come with your entry ticket, and there is an option to swim in Cleopatra’s pool for an extra fee. Even with those activities, one day in Pamukkale is enough unless you want a relaxing spa vacation in one of the nearby hotels.

The thermal pools of Pamukkale near opening.

Day 3: Pamukkale to Cappadocia

We also left the thermal pools early to start our drive from Pamukkale to Cappadocia. The drive takes almost seven hours (380 miles or 610 km).

With a longer drive ahead of us, we opted to hit the road and try to make it to Cappadocia for sunset. While it is a longer drive, it is a pleasant drive with views to enjoy along the way. Once again, we experienced no traffic on the drive between the two.

If you are staying in Cappadocia and wanting to see Pamukkale, plan to stay overnight. Because the drive from Cappadocia to Pamukkale takes seven hours and the thermal pools take at least an hour or so minimum, plan to spend the night in Pamukkale. Really, if you are driving all that way, you won’t want to just see the pools and then leave again.

While I loved the thermal pools, driving fourteen hours round-trip just to see them is a bit much. It makes sense to stop and see them if you are taking a road trip. Don’t do a day trip from Cappadocia to Pamukkale unless you are doing a tour or can take turns driving.

Trying to make it there and back in a day means you miss out on really enjoying Pamukkale. Spending the night gives you more time to enjoy the thermal pools and Hierapolis ruins.

Watching a hot air balloon sunrise in Cappadocia.

Day 4 & 5: Cappadocia

Cappadocia is just as beautiful and amazing as it looks. From the fairy chimneys to the cave churches to the hot air balloons, Cappadocia is magical . We got to our hotel just after sunset the first night and made it an early night to be up for the famous Cappadocia hot air balloon sunrise the next morning.

On our first morning, we woke up a couple of hours before sunrise to get ready and make sure we did not miss the balloons. Our hotel, Cappadocia Cave Suites , had multiple viewing areas all perfect for pictures. The best part? We had it all to ourselves for almost the entire sunrise.

While many of the Instagram famous hotels have similar views, you also fight for your turn to get the shot. We had no problems like this at Cappadocia Cave Suites and loved our stay there.

Cappadocia Cave Suites, a cave hotel in Goreme, Turkey.

After sunrise, we went to see the Goreme Open Air Museum and Pasabagi (Fairy Chimney Valley). The Goreme Open Air Museum is full of cave churches, some with the original frescoes still inside. Pasabagi is Instafamous for the photo opportunity near the naturally occurring arch there. Both are perfect Instagram photo spots in Cappadocia .

It really helps to have a car in Cappadocia. While most of the main sites are within a mile or two of town, the weather in summer is warm. There are tours and taxis, but we loved the freedom of just getting in the car and going to see the sites on our own schedule.

Renting a car gave us the freedom to visit locations when we wanted. Plus, if a tour came through at the same time, we just waited until they left a few minutes later with no pressure.

Pasabagi or Fairy Chimney Valley in Cappadocia, one of the most Instagrammable places in Cappadocia.

For sunset that first day, we drove out to Panoramic View Point. Once again, renting a car paid off. We saw the crowded parking lot at the view point and opted to turn back. Further down the road, there are several roads less traveled. We opted for one of those and enjoyed a spectacular sunset that turned the hills around us pink.

Our next morning in Cappadocia started just as early with a trip up the hill to Sunset Point. Despite the name, it is actually perfect for sunrise and a free place to watch the balloons. While the view is amazing, we loved Cappadocia Cave Suites so much that we ended up heading back there early to watch the rest of the sunrise balloon flights.

Rose Valley in Cappadocia.

Our last stop before heading back from Cappadocia to Istanbul was a place I looked for the entire time. I saw it on Instagram before we went and loved the look of the landscape there. Each person I asked was not sure of the location.

We decided to drive around some and find something similar. We went to the area where the hot air balloons take flight and realized it was the spot I wanted. The exact directions and what to put in your map app to get there are on this post . From there, it was time to head out.

While I loved our time in Cappadocia, I wish we had more time. I probably could wake up every morning to the hot air balloon sunrises for the rest of my life. Ideally though, just one more day would have probably been enough.

If you have three full days to spend in Cappadocia, take the time and spent it in town and exploring the surrounding areas. If you enjoy hiking, there are plenty of trails in the area. I would love to go back one day to do some hiking there.

For everything you need to know about Instagrammable spots in Cappadocia, where to stay, and what not to miss, check out our full Cappadocia 3 day itinerary here .

Looking out over Cappadocia Cave Suites and nearby cave hotels in Goreme, Turkey

Day 5 & 6: Cappadocia to Istanbul & One Last Night in Istanbul

In the late morning, we started our drive back to Istanbul. The drive from Cappadocia to Istanbul takes a little over 7 hours (457 miles or 735 km). While you go through Ankara, we still experienced very little traffic until we got close to Istanbul. By driving this loop instead of flying back, we saw much more of the beautiful countryside.

While we hoped to be back in Istanbul in time to experience the Grand Bazaar, it closed about 5 minutes after we arrived. We ate at a street cafe on the way back to the Antis Hotel and enjoyed wandering the streets until sunset. The next morning we went to the Blue Mosque again to beat the crowds. Instead we found it crowded before sunrise to celebrate the end of Ramadan.

Istanbul is another area to spend more time. We had a total of one day and one evening to see Istanbul, and that was not enough. If we go back one day, I plan to spend at least two to three full days in Istanbul to see more of what the city has to offer.

One of Istanbul's cafes near the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

Why Visit Turkey?

Turkey is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and so much to offer in terms of travel destinations. Even my high expectations thanks to social media did not diminish the beauty of the country. If you are considering a road trip through Turkey, do it.

If you had not considered it before, put it on your bucket list and go. We hope to return to experience more of Turkey one day.

For more Turkey travel tips, check out our guides for one day in Ephesus , one day at the Pamukkale travertines , and three days in Cappadocia .

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Wednesday 13th of September 2023

Thanks for this extremely helpful guide - we're planning a road trip through Turkey with our family (4 kids) and your tips are so appreciated. Quick question - what rental car company did you use? We've read some really bad reviews of some of the lesser known rentals that seem to be much cheaper but don't want any hassle. Wondered if you had any wisdom to share? Thanks again - beautiful pics!!

Christine Wheeler

Monday 18th of September 2023

I can't remember who we used now, but it was a US based company. We've had bad luck with all of them lately adding fees afterwards, but when we call and argue it, they remove it. I hope you have a wonderful time!

Flash Contact

Monday 24th of April 2023

I can't wait to visit Turkey. Your trip sounds great, especially the driving tips and suggestions. It's a pity the girl with the pretty blonde hair didn't face the camera.

Saturday 25th of February 2023

How did you handle car insurance?

Sunday 26th of February 2023

We use a Chase Sapphire Reserve to pay for car rentals and decline insurance through the rental company to use the card insurance.

Saturday 17th of September 2022

Thank you. This is super helpful.

My wife and I are planning to do almost the same road trip in Dec. I think you said it snows in Dec. Do any of these sites be problematic for a road trip?

Sunday 18th of September 2022

There isn't usually much snow in Turkey in December, so I think you would be fine still then. These are all using popular and larger roads, so you aren't going too far off the beaten path where snow is more likely to be an issue.

Saturday 30th of April 2022

Great guide instructions. Thank you.

road trip turkey coast

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A Turkey Road Trip On The Gorgeous Aegean Coast

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Inspired by my own 4-day Turkey Road Trip that I took in August 2020, this post outlines a suggested itinerary for a week-long self-drive route up the North Aegean Coast from Izmir to Istanbul.

I also discuss the practicalities of hiring a car and driving in Turkey – and there’s a serious warning at the bottom so don’t miss that! If you’re thinking about renting a car in Turkey and looking for advice about places to visit on your road trip, then read on…

Contents (click to view)

I’m very lucky that in my job as a documentary producer/director I get to visit some incredible places. And one of the wonderful countries I’ve had the pleasure of filming in recently is Turkey.

I and a colleague spent 10 days filming two archaeology programmes for Discovery Science Channel, one at Gordion , near Ankara, and the second at Hierapolis/Pamukkale, which is not too far from Izmir in the west of Turkey. We worked two weeks straight without a break and at the end of the shoot we were given three days off, so we rented a car and took a short road trip from Izmir up the Aegean Coast and back to Istanbul for our flight home.

TV crew filming on location at Midas City

Planning our Turkey trip

When I tried to plan this mini adventure, I couldn’t find much advice online about where to visit and stay during a short Turkey road trip. Fortunately, I had our amazing local fixer on call, and she helped us map out a fantastic itinerary that took in all the best places on Turkey’s stunning North Aegean coastline. So now I’m paying it forward and sharing that advice with you.

We only had four days which really wasn’t long enough to properly enjoy all the places we visited. So the itinerary below is not exactly what we did, but it’s what I would do now if I could take the trip again with a bit more time. Hopefully you’ll find it helpful when it comes to planning your own Turkey road trip along the Aegean coast.

A Turkey Road Trip up the Aegean Coast

Day One: Fly to Izmir, drive to Hierapolis / Pamukkale

We began our adventures at the stunning archaeological site of Hierapolis/Pamukkale, where we had spent the last five days filming. I’ll write a separate post about that soon, so do subscribe by email if you don’t want to miss it!

If you’d like to find out more about my TV work, why not check out my Unhelpful Guides

Hierapolis is an ancient Greco-Roman city, once famous for its mineral hot springs and an eerie temple where priests performed animal sacrifices to Pluto, the god of the underworld. The same mineral springs that fuelled the Roman spa industry here also formed spectacular travertine limestone terraces (the Pamukkale) that gleam in the Turkish sun. It’s one of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks , and despite sometimes getting quite crowded, is definitely worth a visit.

The travertine terraces at Pamukkale are not to be missed on any Turkey trip

I’m going to go ahead and assume you won’t magically be starting your journey in Hierapolis at the end of a filming trip as we did. So you’re going to need to get there. The quickest way is to fly to Izmir, pick up your rental car, and drive the three hours to Hierapolis.

If you don’t want to go to Hierapolis and are only interested in the coastal part of this itinerary, then your best bet is to fly to Izmir and pick up the route from Day 3.

A Turkey Road Trip up the Aegean Coast: the theatre at Hierapolis

Where to stay in Pamukkale

We stayed in the Adempira Spa Hotel , a brand new 5* hotel with a spa and an absolutely fabulous outdoor pool which I sadly did not have nearly as much time to take advantage of as I would have liked. The rooms were stylish and clean and the prices incredibly reasonable compared with other similar hotels in the area.

My only complaint was that due to Covid-19 the restaurant buffet was closed and the food wasn’t actually that good, so I recommend you head into Pamukkale village for all your meals instead.

A Turkey Road Trip up the Aegean Coast: Adempira Spa Hotel

Where to eat in Pamukkale

Most of the restaurants in Pamukkale village serve the same identikit tourist fare of steak and chips, kofte or kebabs. It’s perfectly edible but hardly fine dining, so you may want to drive the 30 minutes to Denizli for a more varied range of options.

However, we did manage to find what is probably the one decent restaurant in Pamukkale Village, a Chinese place called Asian Kitchen Landscape Restaurant , where the portions were huge, the food all freshly-cooked and absolutely delicious, and staff were friendly and spoke perfect English. We liked it so much we ate there three nights in a row!  

A Turkey Road Trip up the Aegean Coast: travertine terraces at Pamukkale

Day Two: Hierapolis/Pamukkale

Today is your chance to explore Hierapolis/Pamukkale. The site is divided into two areas: the Pamukkale, which are the white travertine terraces you’ll see in all the photographs, and Hierapolis, the Roman city.

It’s a unique and wonderful place, though the travertine areas can get quite busy with tour groups. But almost no one visits Hierapolis, so if you want to avoid the tourists, don’t linger too long at the Pamukkale and instead head straight for the city.

A Turkey Road Trip up the Aegean Coast: The Martyrium of Philip the Apostle at Hierapolis

The main things to see are the amphitheatre (one of the best-preserved in the Roman world), the many hundreds of tombs in the necropolis, the main street with its arched gateway, the Sanctuary of Apollo, and the Plutonium, a shrine to Pluto where priests made animal sacrifices (though this was closed to the public when we visited – we had special access for filming).

It’s also worth making the trek up to the top of the hill to see the tomb and Martyrium of Philip the Apostle with amazing views over the site.

The Plutonium at Hierapolis

It’s a huge site and walking around it in the hot sun can be a challenge. There are buses and golf buggies available to rent, but if you plan to walk make sure you take a hat, suncream and plenty of water!

The amphitheatre at Hierapolis

Read more: The Best Ancient Ruins in Turkey

Day Three: Lake Bafa and Şirince

On day three of your Turkey Road Trip, hop back in the car and drive the three hours back to the coast to Lake Bafa in time for lunch. Lake Bafa used to be a gulf of the Aegean Sea until the entrance silted up; it’s now a nature reserve and bird sanctuary where you can go walking or take boat trips.

A Turkey Road Trip up the Aegean Coast: Lake Bafa

We stopped for lunch at Selenes Pension , a cute guesthouse with rooms, a pool and a terrace restaurant overlooking the lake. We ate delicious fresh fish with chips and a selection of Turkish mezze and salads.

If you can spare the time, in the afternoon you could take a boat trip on Lake Bafa (the staff at Selenes can organise this for you), or if the weather is not too hot, you can do a three-hour hike to see rock tombs and prehistoric cave paintings.

Have lunch at Selenes Pension on Lake Bafa during your road trip around Turkey

We didn’t have time, so instead we decided to put on our bathing suits and swim out to the tiny island that’s less than 100 m offshore. It’s home to a ruined Byzantine fortress and about 10 goats who were quite friendly but alarmingly curious. The water was warm, pretty shallow, and full of slimy seaweed which was a bit gross, but it was totally worth it for a mini adventure exploring the ruins in the sunshine. We had the place completely to ourselves, though sadly because we swam there I don’t have any photos.

Ruined Byzantine fortress just offshore in Lake Bafa

From Lake Bafa it’s about another 1.5 hours to drive to Şirince (pronounced Sheer-IN-jay), where you’ll stay the night.

Şirince is a gorgeous little former Greek hilltop village about 15 minutes from the town of Selçuk, which is home to the famous archaeological site of Ephesus. The village itself is full of cute cobbled streets, bars and cafes, as well as shops selling ice cream and locally-produced fruit wine and olive oil. Have a stroll and then find a place to watch the sunset with a glass of wine or a cold beer after your long day.

Şirince village is a great place to stay on a Turkey Road Trip

Where to stay in Şirince

We stayed in the Terrace Houses , a group of three charming houses that have been beautifully restored by British-Turkish couple Charlotte and Ömer Samli. Each house is atmospheric and unique, packed full of vintage design and historic objects that really make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The houses are tucked away at the top of the hillside, from where you can enjoy breakfast or drinks on the terrace overlooking the picturesque view before strolling down to explore the village itself.

The terrace at Terrace Houses, Sirince

Where to eat in Şirince

At Charlotte and Ömer’s recommendation we ate at the nearby Sedir Restaurant , where we enjoyed a selection of delicious vegetarian mezze followed by the house speciality, Manti, which is a traditional Turkish dish a bit like ravioli or tiny dumplings stuffed with lamb or beef mince and covered with a yoghurty sauce.

A Turkey Road Trip On The Gorgeous Aegean Coast

Day Four: Ephesus

Day four of your Turkey Road Trip is your chance to visit one of the jewels in Turkey’s crown: the ancient city of Ephesus, which is just 15 minutes’ drive from Şirince.

The famous library at Ephesus

Ephesus was once the capital of Roman Asia Minor. It’s one of the largest archaeological sites in Turkey and was home of the Temple of Artemis, one of the fabled seven wonders of the ancient world. It’s a huge site and you can easily spend a full day there, but it’s best to get there early or stay late to avoid the worst of the heat and the crowds.

At the end of a hot day exploring the ruins, return to Şirince for another night in this charming village.

Ephesus is a must-see on any Turkey Road Trip

Day Five: Ayvalík and Cunda with a stop at Pergamon (Bergama)

Enjoy another breakfast on the terrace or wander into Şirince village to buy souvenirs and olive oil, and then get back in the car for Day Five of your road trip. It’ll take you three hours to drive north up the coast to Cunda (pronounced CHOON-dar), a charming island just across the water from the town of Ayvalík and connected to the mainland by a road bridge.

The pretty streets of Cunda Island, near Ayvalík

If you’re keen on archaeological sites and happy to leave early, along the way you could stop at Pergamon, which is about an hour south of Ayvalík (pronounced EYE-vall-ook). Pergamon (also known as Bergama) was the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon during 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. It was home to of the largest libraries of the world and the city became a healing and arts centre. Key sights to see here now include the acropolis which contains the huge marble-columned Temple of Trajan, the impressively steep Hellenistic theatre, and the Temple of Dionysus.

The Temple of Trajan at Pergamon

Once you arrive in Cunda, check into your hotel and then head out to explore this cute island town.

Cunda Island, also called Alibey Island, used to be a Greek colony and is now a quiet and charming seaside resort with a harbour, pretty old town full of narrow streets filled with colourful historic stone houses, and a small town centre with cafes and shops. It’s a lovely place to stroll around taking photos before stopping for an ice cream or a cold drink. Don’t miss Evliyazade olive oil shop near the main square for some of the freshest, grassiest and cheapest olive oil you’ll ever buy.  

Posing for photos in Cunda, Turkey

The island has several beaches – most are small and stony but still worth a visit because the views are beautiful and the water is some of the clearest you’ll find anywhere in the world. Many of the beaches are private or belong to the nearby hotels, so it’s a good idea to book in advance if you want to guarantee access and a sun lounger without having to travel too far. You can also take boat trips around the bay or watch the sunset from the nearby hilltop of Şeytan Sofrası (Devil’s Feast).

Cunda is full of crumbly old buildings and pretty back streets

Where to stay in Cunda

We stayed at Cunda Fora hotel, which is situated in the old town about a ten-minute stroll from the waterfront. The hotel has large, smartly-decorated rooms and a restaurant terrace where you can enjoy a breakfast of eggs, with Turkish cheese, olives and bread overlooking a sea view. If beaches are your thing then another option would be to stay at Cunda Sobe hotel which has its own private beach area – so you won’t need to book or travel at all.

Cunda Fora hotel, Ayvalík , Turkey

Where to eat in Cunda

In the evening we headed down to the harbour for dinner at Teo’s Restaurant , which is located right on the waterfront with tables on a wooden jetty over the water. We sat looking out to sea with the lights of the town reflecting off the glimmering surface, eating freshly-caught fish and a huge selection of Turkish mezze, and it was so perfect that we ended up staying till 2 am when the staff closed the restaurant around us!

Cunda waterfront. There are a handful of restaurants on the promenade just in the back of the shot

Day Six: The Aegean Coast and Assos

On Day Six of your Turkey Road Trip it’s time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, maybe go for another stroll around Cunda, and then get back in the car and drive about two hours northwest up the coast to Assos.

After about an hour, take the left hand turn off the main road at Küçükkuyu and follow the coast road the rest of the way as it winds up and down past tiny beaches and bays that sparkle in the sunshine.

Beach at Assos, Aegean coast Turkey

Lunch at Kozluyali Beach

Stop for lunch at Kozluyali Beach , a cute glamping resort featuring posh fixed tents with their own private bathrooms, a shady garden dotted with hammocks and sunbeds, an outdoor restaurant where we ate excellent burgers, and a small stony beach with sun loungers and the clearest water I’ve ever had the pleasure of swimming in.

Spend the afternoon here relaxing, swimming, and enjoying a few cold beers, and then you can either stay the night here or get back in the car and drive the 15 minutes further to Assos.

The restaurant at Kozluyali Beach on the Turkey Aegean coast

Assos is another small but historic hilltop town with narrow winding streets filled with picturesque stone houses and glorious views out over the plains below. The town of Assos sits on an acropolis above the fishing village of Behramkale which is about a 20 minute walk downhill. At the very top of the hill is the ancient archaeological site of Assos which features a ruined Temple of Athena and stunning views over the bay. It’s a great place to watch the sunset before heading back down to the town for dinner and drinks on the last night of your Turkey Road Trip.

The main street in Assos old town in a great place to stop on your trip to Turkey

If you have a bit more time you could drive an hour north of Assos and check out the ruins of Troy , the real city that the epic story of the Trojan War is based on. It’s well worth popping in for an hour if you’re passing by.

Where to stay in Assos

We stayed at Idasos Tasodalar , a charming boutique hotel in Assos old town just a ten minute walk downhill from the temple. The hotel features clean rooms around a pretty courtyard filled with colourful corners to sit in and plenty of friendly cats! Another highly recommended option is Assos 3 Oda just across the street, which has beautiful rooms and amazing views over the valley.

The pretty courtyard at Idasos Tasodalar in Assos where we stayed on our road trip in Turkey

Where to eat in Assos

We had dinner at Mavi Kapi Kafé , also in Assos old town just a short walk from the hotel. This tiny restaurant serves just a few local Turkish dishes including various mezze and meat and fish of the day in an outdoor courtyard tucked away off the main street.

Turkish mezze at Mavi Kapi Kafe, Assos

Day Seven: Back to Istanbul

For us, the last day of our Turkey Road Trip involved driving the six hours all the way back to Istanbul in time for a late afternoon flight. If you have more time, you could break up the journey at one of the towns halfway along the route, or spend a couple of nights in Istanbul and explore the city for a day or two before heading home.

The blue mosque in Istanbul should definitely be on your Turkey trip itinerary

Things to do in Istanbul

Istanbul is a vibrant, buzzing city with absolutely masses to see and do. From legendary Istanbul landmarks like Hagia Sofia or the Blue Mosque, to bars and clubs, to eating at some of Istanbul’s amazing restaurants, to watching the sunset over the Bosphorus, to browsing the many bazaars and boutiques, you definitely won’t struggle to find things to do in Istanbul .

Hagia Sofia, Istanbul

The Best Road Trip in Turkey: Practicalities

Car rental and exploring turkey by car.

It’s very easy to rent a car in Turkey . Just go to your normal favourite car rental comparison site , put in your dates and the type of car you want, add any extras, and job done. We booked a Renault Clio through Avis for four days in August and it cost £340.

Driving in Turkey is safe and easy. The roads are good and pretty well signposted, though I would always recommend buying a local SIM and using Google Maps to navigate.

There are plenty of petrol stations and roadside restaurants, the vast majority of which have toilets far cleaner than anything you get in the UK. You do get traffic jams around the major cities, but apart from when we passed Izmir we had very little trouble with traffic or crazy drivers, and the whole experience was very easy. Apart from one thing…

Be careful when driving in Turkey and make sure you check your hire car properly

A warning about driving in Turkey!

On the second day of our trip, as we were driving from Şirince to Cunda at about 80 mph on the motorway, a tyre warning light suddenly came on, and moments later, our back right tyre exploded, tearing a hole in the bumper.

My colleague, who was driving, managed to bring the car to a stop safely and fortunately no one was hurt. It turns out the tyre had ‘delaminated’, which means the tread separated from the inner part of the tyre. This can happen when you have a tyre in poor condition being driven on hot roads.

Tyre showing delamination - something to watch out for when travelling round Turkey by car

Fortunately, we were able to get help at a nearby Shell petrol station, where we put the spare tyre on and then drove carefully back to Izmir to swap the car before continuing our journey.

It was all relatively painless, until I got home and found that Avis had charged another £360 to my credit card for the privilege of a high-speed tyre blowout that could have caused a fatal accident, and four hours out of our day sorting it out. At the time of writing, I’m still trying to get an explanation and my money back. I will certainly never be renting a car with Avis again.

So be warned. Check your tyres carefully when picking up the car, and if you have any concerns, don’t ignore them!

My favourite travel tools and brands

To help you organise your trip, here’s a short list of some of the brands and tools I use over and over again when I’m planning my travels. You can see more on my Travel Resources page.

  • Booking.com : A huge range of hotels to choose from, often with free cancellation. If you book hotels regularly you can earn discounts. I’m on Genius Level 3 which gets me 20% off!
  • Expedia : Another great place to find hotels and Expedia also sell flights , car hire, and loads more all in one place.
  • Skyscanner : The only place I ever go to search for flights and compare prices.
  • Flight Centre : Booking a more complicated route? Let Flight Centre organise it for you (and deal with the drama when something goes wrong).
  • Airalo: Say goodbye to ridiculous mobile roaming charges. Did you know you can now buy an e-SIM , install it in your phone before you leave home, and then use data abroad at local prices? Game changer.
  • TourRadar: If you prefer group travel and organised tours, TourRadar has a huge range of fantastic tours from respected operators. They’re very helpful and have 4.5 stars on TrustPilot.
  • Viator: Part of the TripAdvisor brand, Viator is another great place to search for group adventures and day trips.
  • GetYourGuide: A great place to find local tours and day trips in your destination.
  • Wex Photo Video: The UK’s best camera gear store. Quote my name – Bella Falk – to get £20 off your first purchase.
  • Ellis Brigham: Looking for good quality backpacks, travel clothes and other gear? Ellis Brigham is where I buy almost all of mine.
  • Rentalcars.com: Part of the Booking.com family and the world’s largest online car rental service, with 24/7 customer service.
  • World Nomads Travel Insurance: I never ever travel without travel insurance and nor should you!

Where to next?

If you’d like to find out more about my filming adventures, here are few posts you might enjoy:

  • An Unhelpful Guide to… Herculaneum
  • An Unhelpful Guide to… New York & The Rockaways
  • Gordion in Turkey: City of King Midas and the Golden Touch
  • Hunting for the Legendary Ruins of Troy, And How to Visit

Or why not try a couple of other recent posts?

  • Palma De Mallorca: The Surprisingly Perfect City Break Destination
  • Visiting the Skomer Island Puffins in Wales
  • Rio Dulce Guatemala: Is The ‘Sweet River’ Worth It?
  • A Neilson Activity Holidays Review – Messini Beach Club in Greece
  • Cyprus in Spring: 10 Reasons Why It’s The Best Time To Visit

Liked this Turkey Trip Post?

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A Turkey Road Trip up the Aegean Coast

Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.

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The Ruins Of Troy Turkey: How To Visit Homer's Ancient City

The Ruins Of Troy Turkey: How To Visit Homer’s Ancient City

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A Weekend In Palma de Mallorca: The Perfect City Break

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The Most Beautiful Road Trips to Take in Turkey

Butterfly Valley is a must-visit for beach-lovers in Turkey

With a diverse landscape that stretches from the sea to the mountains, not to mention a slew of historic ruins littered throughout, Turkey is a great place to explore by car. We’ve selected some of the best car trips you can take in this varied, dazzling country.

Interested in visiting Turkey but not sure where to start with planning your itinerary? Consider joining Culture Trip’s specially curated small-group Turkey adventure , which includes visits to Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ankara and numerous other fantastic destinations.

The Aegean Coastline

Probably one of the most beautiful road trips in Turkey, the Aegean coastline is stunning in every season, but in summer there’s the added bonus of stopping off at one of the many coves for a refreshing dip. Explore the small villages, historic ruins, and beaches that dot the entirety of the Turkish coastline. Start in Izmir and continue south to visit former Greek islands like Cunda, Bozcaada and Gökçeada. You can also decide to drive north along the coast and visit Kuşadası, Bodrum (as well as Ephesus) Datça, Marmaris and Fethiye. We recommend breaking these trips into a few days, stopping at every island or town for a day or two to really enjoy each destination.

Bodrum, with its handsome harbour, has long been a magnet for tourism

The road from Antalya to Fethiye is a big favourite thanks to the stunning turquoise-coloured coastline. You can either do this trip on its own or make it part of a larger Aegean coast road trip. However, definitely make sure to stop by the Butterfly Valley, one of the area’s most beautiful beaches wedged between two mountains with white sands and clear blue waters. Another great beach is located in Çıralı, where you can also visit the ruins of the Lycian town of Olympos.

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Butterfly Valley is one of Turkey’s best small beaches

Antalya to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, with its dramatic landscape of fairy chimneys that seem to unveil themselves out of nowhere, is a breathtaking sight. Having a car in Cappadocia is beneficial since a lot of the sights, such as the underground cities, are well outside the main regional city of Göreme. From Antalya to Cappadocia, watch the landscape change from dark blue beach to mysterious mountains, a profound and somewhat surreal experience.

Cappadocia’s so-called fairy chimneys are a unique sight

Istanbul to Ephesus

Seeing Istanbul is an essential experience when it comes to visiting Turkey, so starting your road trip after spending a few days in the endearingly chaotic Turkish capital is a great way to start your vacation. The trip from Istanbul to Ephesus takes around seven hours and you’ll love how the landscape shifts from bustling urbanity to calming nature. Make sure to make a stop in Şirince before you begin exploring the historical wonders of Selçuk and Ephesus.

Ephesus is one of Turkey’s key ancient sites

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Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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The Best of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast Itinerary (2 Weeks)

This post may contain affiliate links. This just means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you for helping them promote their product or service. I don’t endorse any services I don’t personally use or recommend.

Kas. Olympos. Antalya. Fethiye. These are the romantic Turkish cities scattered along the Mediterranean Coast. Or the Southwest coast aka Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Popular with resort travelers, but often missed by budget travelers who instead hit Istanbul and Cappadocia . But you can spend a week or two beach-hopping and hiking along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast with this 2-week itinerary on a budget quite easily. And it was actually my favorite part of our 6-week visit to Turkey.

How to Spend 2 Weeks on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

We started our journey through Turkey by flying into the small resort town of Antalya . Most tourists in search of cheap flights, however, fly into Istanbul. No matter where your Turkish adventure begins this itinerary can be done in a loop. I’ll share the route from Istanbul as your starting point since that will be most helpful for the majority of people.

Also, this route can obviously be extended to allow for more time at each destination. But this is an itinerary for travelers tight on time who want to know what the minimum amount of time required to see the “western” half of Turkey is.

Istanbul (2 days)

Unlike every other blogger in the world it seems, when I first arrived in Istanbul I hated it. But after a few sunny days and scouting out the best neighborhoods, I too fell for the city. The more time here you can spend the more you’ll enjoy it. Istanbul has lots of “must-see” attractions but I found them to be overcrowded, expensive, and generally a disappointment. Check out my full guide to the best things to do in Istanbul for my favorite food + cafe recommendations.

Mosque in Istanbul.

Istanbul to Ankara: Book the high-speed YRT Train at least 4-days in advance. This is why it can be beneficial to give yourself more time in Istanbul. The train costs about $8 and takes 4.5 hours vs a bus which costs nearly $18 and takes 9 hours. A little planning ahead helps a lot here.

Ankara (1 day)

Many people skip Ankara entirely. If you don’t plan to add Cappadocia to your itinerary then I recommend skipping Ankara and continuing on to Antalya. This extra day could be used for Istanbul eating instead.

But if you are curious about the cultural (and political) capital of Turkey I’ve got some food + lodging recommendations for you.

Where to Eat + Sleep in Ankara

Ankara is a concrete city. Few hostels, guesthouses, and even fewer “typical” tourist attractions indicate that the city is not a common stopover for foreign tourists. What it lacks in stuff to do + see, it makes up for with great food.

Minthat Hotel. Actually spelled Otel.

One of the only budget-friendly options in the city. Your room will overlook one of the most impressive mosques in the area as well. This also means front row seating for the call to prayer at 4:30 AM.

Inn 14 Hostel is another great option if you’re okay with bunks.

WARNING! Booking.com does NOT work when you are inside Turkey. This is a huge bummer and has to do with the Turkish government’s ongoing feud with the company. This means that unless you have a VPN (super easy to get an app) you won’t be able to book on the website. I recommend booking as much as you can before you arrive in Turkey. Or just use a VPN and keep your flexibility.

Uludag Kebapçisi

If you only eat one meal in Ankara make it this one. Don’t be put off by the starched white tablecloths and the fact that it’s inside what appears to be a fancy hotel. The prices are very cheap. They only offer a handful of dishes (despite the bulky menu they give you) but that’s fine because what you want is the Iskender. Sometimes called Iskender Kebap. It’s not on the menu but it’s their specialty. Thinly sliced meat laid over crispy pita croutons topped with tomato sauce + then drenched in several sticks worth of melted butter poured onto your plate tableside.

Urfali Haci Memet

This was a busy local restaurant that also specialized in Kebap. Super cheap, tasty, and you get unlimited tea with your meal.

This cafe is at the top of the hill overlooking all of Ankara and has one of the best Turkish breakfasts (with real coffee) in all of Turkey. It’s in a super touristy part of town, but don’t be fooled it’s worth eating for sure.

The real reason we ended up in Ankara was the Iranian Embassy. Picking up our visa documents for Evan’s solo venture to Iran. You can read about his time in the world’s most difficult country to enter (with an American Passport) here.

Ankara to Antalya or Cappadocia: Both cities have bus connections in Ankara. For Cappadocia, you’ll want to go to the town of Göreme (where the balloons are) + where you’ll likely stay.

Add On: Cappadocia (4 days)

I have a full guide covering all the things you need to know about the Cappadocia region including why you should stay for no less than 4 days. Especially if you plan on flying in one of the hot air balloons. Even though this is technically not on Turkey’s turquoise coast, this is a great add-on for a 3-week tour of Turkey.

Hot air balloons flying over cappadocia.

Cappadocia to Antalya: You can also take a bus directly from Göreme to Antalya. You’re not even off track.

Antalya (1 day)

Turkish people know this small city as a popular resort destination. I found it to be a lovely relaxing stopover (with again, some great local eats) with a beautiful seaside boardwalk for strolling + a European vibe you don’t find in most other places in Turkey.

Here is our full guide to the best eats in Antalya.

I also recommend picnicking at the pier, exploring the streets of the old town, checking out the nearby Düden waterfall, or taking an extra day to visit the Güver Canyon on a rafting tour. We stayed at Lily Boutique Guesthouse where the host was able to give us all the best recommendations for the city.

Antalya waterfalls views.

Antalya to Olympos: This is an easy bus journey. About 1.5 hours and you’ll be dropped at the side of the road to wait for the little minivan or Dolmus that will take you the rest of the way to your hotel near Olympos beach.

Olympos (1 day)

Every country seems to have one remote town that the hippy community takes over. Olympos is that place. Huge rocky karsts (popular with rock climbers) jut from the green mountains and this small community set on a river sits between them. But what makes Olympos unique is that it’s also seaside. Pressed against the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea with ancient Lycian ruins practically on the pebbly beach. In high season, Olympos is filled with trekkers (from the Lycian Way) and party backpackers. But during the shoulder months of Spring + Fall, it’s the perfect place to unwind.

View from the castle overlooking olympos beach.

What to do with one day in Olympos.

  • Stay at Mercan Pension. Cheap, comfortable, cabin-style lodging very near the beach. It also includes breakfast + dinner buffets.
  • Olympos Beach. It costs $6 but it’s an absolute must-see. Great for a swim in warm weather too.
  • The Lycian Ruins. Especially in Spring while wildflowers erupt through the broken stone it’s a sight to see. Your entrance fee to the ruins is included in your ticket to the beach.
  • Climb the ancient church. There is a heavily vegetated trail to the top of the beachside church. This vantage point offers the best view of the beach.
  • Walk the coastline. Not toward the other seaside town but along the trail to the right of the beach. You can find it on maps.me and discover your own little hidden bays to relax in.
  • Enjoy Gozleme at one of the family-run stalls near the beach ticket office. Since nearly all lodging takes care of breakfast and dinner you only have to fend for yourself during lunch.
  • This is also a great town to try beginner rock climbing.

Olympos to Kas: Catch a dolmus (around 9 AM) in Olympos to the top of the hill and wait for a bus to Kas. This is only another hour or so away.

Kas (1-2 days)

Kas is filled with jewel-colored waters, sunken cities, and is very popular with wealthy resort tourists. We didn’t stop and stay in Kas and definitely regret it. Since it’s such a beachy destination it’s best during the end of spring through summer months.

Here’s what I wouldn’t miss.

  • Kayaking the Sunken City.
  • Visiting Kaputas Beach (we actually did do this).

A bright blue beach from above on Turkey's Turquoise Coast

By the way, it’s pronounced “ cahsh “. This region of Turkey’s turquoise coast is also very well suited to a road trip and seeing all the isolated roadside beaches + vistas, we wished we had our own rental car to drive from Antalya to Fethiye.

Kas to Fethiye: Bus time again. About an hour and a half. Unless you were smart and rented a car for this portion of the journey.

Fethiye (1 day)

Fethiye is a far larger city than it feels initially. Large boats moored in the marina, crumbling mossy Petra-like ruins overlooking the city carved into the cliffside. Almost all travelers who linger here are planning to embark on the Lycian Way. Or they won’t stay long.

You must visit the Ancient city of Telmessos. Those massive carved ruins I mentioned before. It’s under a $1 to visit them close up. But unless you visit for sunset when the hillside they sit on offers the best view of the city, you might as well just admire them from anywhere in the old town region.

Ancient Lycian ruins in Turkey's Turquoise Coast

Kayakoy ghost town is also well worth an afternoon. This entire 10,000-person hillside village was forcibly abandoned when Turkey “swapped” citizens with Greece after the war. The Christians who inhabited the town were moved to Greece + a large number of Muslim residents of Greece were sent to Turkey. It was supposed to help both countries create a sort of national identity. But due to differences in lifestyle the Muslims (farmers) couldn’t utilize the rocky landscape and left the town abandoned. Where it still sits crumbling into the countryside.

I chose to stay at Sakura Hostel in Fethiye + found the dorms to be super cheap, right in the heart of old town, and they were able to help us plan for the Lycian Way.

Fethiye to Lycian Way: After preparing for your multi-day hike let’s get you to the trailhead. You have three potential starting points. The top of Butterfly Valley, the bottom of Butterfly Valley, or the town of Oludeniz. The town of Oludeniz and the top of Butterfly Valley are both reachable via small local buses. It takes either 15 or 25 minutes depending on the end destination. The bottom of Butterfly Valley (my recommended start point) is accessible only via boat from Oludeniz pier. Take the bus to Oludeniz and then the boat.

Lycian Way (3 days)

The Lycian Way is one of the most underrated and least known things to do on Turkey’s turquoise coast. If you are at all a fan of the outdoors or hiking you have to at least hike the route for a day or two. The trail in its entirety is more than 3 weeks long stretching from Fethiye to Antalya. You’ll need to shoulder a pack filled with sleeping materials including a tent & several days’ worth of food at a time (at the very least). Most travelers simply aren’t equipped for that kind of adventure unless it was planned far in advance.

View of the beach from above.

Fortunately, you don’t have to do the trail in its entirety to relish the Lycian Way experience.

You can leave the majority of your stuff in Fethiye (securely at a hostel like Sakura Hostel ). & then either rent a tent or rely on guesthouses in each of the stops mentioned above.

What you Need to Know About Hiking the Lycian Way

  • Best time to hike? No crowds: April-May, Best Swimming Weather: June-July
  • Guesthouses typically won’t have a book online option + you will have to rely on walk-up.
  • During the April- early May trekking months, there are FAR fewer amenities and guesthouses open on the trail. Pack more snacks + consider renting a tent to bring on your own. We did it without a tent but options were limited and much more expensive than usual.
  • In places like Kabak + Butterfly Valley, you can rent a tent from the guesthouses nearby as well for a budget-friendly lodging option.
  • Bring lots of water. The trails are pretty exposed and involve a lot of elevation change in some parts.
  • Maps.me is your best friend for this trail. They even have some incredible wild camp spots marked for travelers.

What’s my recommended route for typical travelers?

(3 Nights) Begin at the Bottom of Butterfly Valley

Night One: Top of Butterfly Valley

Night Two: Kabak

Night Three: Alinca (via Paradise Beach)

Optional Night 4: Gavuragili or take the bus back to Fethiye.

If you really short on time you can try this 2-night alternative.

Begin at the Bottom of Butterfly Valley

Night Two: Kabak (hike out + back to Paradise Beach)

Whatever you don’t skip Paradise Beach. All of the coastline is incredible but this area is particularly beautiful.

End of Lycian Way: Now it’s time to nab a bus back to Fethiye where you left your stuff and continue onto Pamukkale or Selçuk. This could be another great time to add a rest day so you can shower and not just jump straight onto another bus.

Add on: Pamukkale (1 day)

I think that the mineral pools of Pamukkale get a little too much hype in my opinion. Even in peak season, they aren’t the crystalline mineral blue pools you’ve seen on Instagram. & the town is incredibly small. You definitely won’t need more than a single day.

Woman with hot sir balloons behind her standing by a pool of water. Turkey's Turquoise Coast

The bus from Fethiye was stunning and my favorite part of choosing to visit Pamukkale. That and the delicious traditional Turkish food at Heira Cafe . Make a reservation as soon as you arrive to ensure they can accommodate you for dinner. The cafe is actually reservation only after COVID.

Pammukale to Selçuk: Another set of buses. You’ll take the shared minibus back to Denizli and from there a larger bus to Izmir and then another quick minibus to Selçuk. I’m sure you could also find a direct tourist shuttle but you’ll pay far more. This chunk of transport will take the better part of a full day. Keep this in mind.

Sulçuk + Ephesus (1 day)

When I was told Sulçuk was a popular port for cruises in the area, I almost canceled our visit. But Evan is a history nerd and wouldn’t let us leave without seeing Ephesus firsthand. Which turned out to be the best decision.

Woman standing in front of the roman ruins. Turkey's Turquoise Coast

This little town is anything but your typical touristy cruise port. Set around a lovely park rimmed with citrus trees, Selçuk is also one of the largest stork nesting sights in the world. The storks migrate up from Egypt + if you visit in the Spring you’ll catch them laying eggs in thier nests here. As far as actual sights to see, other than simply savoring the small-town life, it’s pretty much just Ephesus. Okay, that’s not entirely true. There’s tons of history in the area but it’s up to you how deep you want to dive into ruins + biblical caves. This is a quick list of all the things you could stay and see in Selçuk.

  • The sprawling city of Ephesus. $9 entry fee. Incredibly preserved + you can walk from town.
  • Cave of the Seven Sleepers. A cave where 7 men who claimed to have slept for hundreds of years to avoid religious prosecution were buried.
  • Church of the Virgin Mary.
  • Caves where John the Baptist + the Virgin Mary were supposedly buried. Really not big on religious history so this kind of attraction isn’t really my thing.
  • Selçuk Castle. It’s in the middle of town. You’ll definitely see it even if you don’t go inside.
  • Temple of Artemis. One of the original ancient wonders of the world. Now, it’s pretty much nothing but still interesting to know where it was.

Where to Stay in Selçuk

We stayed at Boomerang Hostel + Guesthouse.

It was a *good* experience. It was one of the only “cheap” options we could find in the city. But the breakfast was ok + the dorm room is one massive room with 12-single beds in the basement of the building. Not the most ideal situation but fine for a night or two.

Where to Eat in Selçuk

Amazon cafe..

Definitely one of my favorite meals I ate in Turkey. Despite the odd name, this little restaurant is unassumingly inside an old house right across from the site of the Temple of Artemis. They make a handful of mezze dishes each night and a few local specialties. This isn’t a cheap meal. Unless you want to just split a mezze which you totally could because portions are huge. But it is a traditional meal. Where dishes are lovingly prepared and done correctly.

Selçuk Pidecisi

Great pide (like a Turkish version of Pizza) for lunch.

Carpouza Cafe Cheap Wine + Beer

I can’t speak for the food here but sitting outside in the sunshine drinking $1.50 glasses of wine + cheap beer is the best way to spend an afternoon. Go before sunset because they do run out of wine.

Sencan Restaurant St. John

This place has some great kebap + you can even get the flaming Kurdish Kebap here. Even though it isn’t technically on the menu.

Selçuk to Istanbul: This chunk of the route can be done in various ways. Most of them are quite painful. The most common…an overnight bus. 12 or so hours for about $17 pp. The buses in Turkey are very comfortable considering. Another option for those who hate the overnight bus is a train + ferry combo. You can hop on a train (or bus) to the port cities of Bursa or Bandirma. From there the public ferry is only a few dollars and offers a scenic journey across the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul. It only departs twice per day, however. 7 AM + 6 PM. They might increase the frequency after COVID. Check the official website for details.

Istanbul (1 day)

Welcome back to Istanbul. You’re two or three weeks in the country have come to an end and you’ll begin to realize now just how little of the country you’ve covered. If you have the time add a few more days in this city to really dive into the food scene. Again just check out my quick guide to the best food + cafes in Istanbul. There’s a reason the city is so beloved by digital nomads.

Map of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast (2 Weeks Itinerary)

This itinerary is just enough to give you a taste of Turkey. The rural villages of the far East are still on our list for exploring and offer a completely different side to the country. Any questions about planning your Turkish itinerary? Feel free to leave a comment or shoot me a message on Instagram.

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road trip turkey coast

Further Reading...

road trip turkey coast

Your Big Fat Guide to Budget Travel in Istanbul (Food, Maps, + More)

road trip turkey coast

Best Places to Eat in Antalya, Turkey

road trip turkey coast

16 Things You NEED to Know Before You Visit Cappadocia, Turkey

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Geena Truman | Travel Blogger

The Road Trip Guy

Find The Best Road Trips Around The world!

My Road Trip in Turkey – The Sights, Sounds, And Best of Turkey

road trip in turkey bodrum

Table of Contents

There is no better way to experience a country than on a road trip and if Turkey is among the countries you plan on visiting, you will be pleased to know that there is much to see.

There are many routes that can be taken, but if you want to see the best of the best in Turkey, I have the route for you.

Your road trip journey will begin and end in Antalya. You will then wind around south through the coast and along the way, be privileged to see the best coastal areas along with some wonderful mountain landscapes as well. Here we go, enjoy.

Road Trip Map Turkey

road trip in turkey

Arriving in Antalya

When you begin your journey on your road trip in Turkey, you will come to realize that Antalya is not a city that you can simply pass through.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofGMFbrWK6M

It is actually the largest city on the Mediterranean coast in Turkey. Antalya is an outdoor mecca mixed with rich history and active outdoor activities. One of the most iconic areas to visit while in Antalya is the Perge Ancient City.

History buffs will love the fact that these ancient ruins depict an unfiltered view of life in an ancient Roman city. A walk through Perge is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

If you would rather spend your days enjoying the outdoors with high energy activities, Antalya is the perfect place. The Koprulu Canyon is where all the outdoor action is. They have activities to suit any outdoor enthusiast.

Provided that the weather is warm enough during your trip, you can explore the canyon on a white-water rafting trip. The adventures can go up to 8 hours on a guided tour through all the canyon has to offer and you will be able to take away memories that will last a lifetime.

Click Here To Find The Latest Deals & Best Prices for Hotels, Campings and Apartments in Antalya!

Best Tours in Antalya

Renting a car in antalya – turkey.

Renting a car in Turkey is not that difficult. You will need a valid Turkish or EU driver’s license. If you are from the USA or Canada you will need to show a international driver’s license. Prices range from 20 Euro per day to 50 Euro per day depending on the season and the type of car you wish to hire. 

Because the roads are not always the best I recommend to take an extra insurance for your tires. 

Click Here To Find The Best Deals & Prices For Renting a Car in Antalya!

Beautiful Fethiye – A hidden gem!

A short ride south will take you to Fethiye. This area of the country is another part where you are able to see rich history in the ancient ruins of Tios. If you happen to be traveling with the family, Selale Yaka Park is the perfect stop.

Even in the hottest of weather, the park is kept cool by the large trees and the waterfalls that run throughout. The park is full of more than just hiking experiences with many group activities planned throughout the year, so be sure to check the park itinerary before arriving to take full advantage of all the park has to offer.

Fethiye is a coastal city in Turkey, so you can enjoy all that the beach has to offer as well. If you happen to need a rest before continuing on your road trip, you are sure to find it here.

Allow the enticing nature of the waves wafting against the shore to wake you in the morning. The Seaside Residence Hotel is a particularly popular option for the weary traveler.

Click Here To Find The Latest Deals & Best Prices for Hotels, Campings and Apartments in Fethiye!

turkey fethiye

Tours in Fethiye

Relaxing in marmaris.

Once you have rested for a while in Fethiye, a short ride on Ulusal Egemenlik Cd will take you on your way to Marmaris.

Since this is a coastal journey, you can be prepared to see a lot of the coast line, but let me assure you that you will never tire of seeing the breathtaking coast line during your road trip in Turkey.

Once you arrive in Marmaris, take some time at the Marmaris Marina to take in some shopping or even charter a boat for some time out on the water. Where most places charge a premium price for boat service it is relatively inexpensive in Marmaris, so be sure to inquire about rates while at the marina.

Click Here To Find The Latest Deals & Best Prices for Hotels, Campings and Apartments in Marmaris!

Exploring Marmaris will allow you to see many ancient ruins and museums as well, but it is home to one of the area’s most favored attractions.

The dancing fountains are perfectly placed directly in the center of the city and can be quite an attraction on any day. The fountains are beautiful no matter if you see them during the day or rather at night, so be sure to stop and have a look.

Around the fountains, you will find more shopping, restaurants, and bars, therefore it is a great spot for larger groups because there is something for everyone.

Turkey Dalyan

Tours in Marmaris

Experience the turkish culture in bodrum.

You may not want to leave Marmaris, but there is far too much too see in this spectacularly beautiful country and the next leg of your journey will take you to the city of Bodrum.

This part of Turkey has many attractions to keep everyone interested, but if you are mad about architecture and in particularly castles, you will not want to miss the Castle of St. Peter. This centuries old castle has not gone to ruin like many others have.

It is a wonderfully preserved piece of history and there is quite a lot to see. The tour will take approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on how fast you walk, but all of your efforts will be worth it when you find yourself in the legendary underwater museum.

Click Here To Find The Latest Deals & Best Prices for Hotels, Campings and Apartments in Bodrum!

You may also hear about Rabbit Island when you come to visit this area. It is important to note that Rabbit Island does exist, but is now closed to the public due to some archeological finds on the island, but if you are willing to go a bit deeper, you can have a great experience.

Mindos Wall is over a thousand years old and is the traditional way out to Rabbit Island, but snorkeling along the wall will enable you to see the ruins beneath the surface of the water.

You may no longer get to see the rabbits, but there are plenty of attractions around the island.

Tours in Bodrum

Final destination: izmir.

The next leg of your journey will force you to leave the coast, but you will be well rewarded with mountain views that are truly spectacular.

It will also take you to an area of the country that is full of ancient structures, animals, and some amazing natural sites.

All this and more await you as you take the drive north from Bodrum. Cevre Yolu is the road that will take you to this magical land and one place that you will not want to miss out on seeing, especially if you are traveling with children, is the Izmir Wildlife Park. You are able to get up close to the animals and see more different species than you have likely ever seen before.

Click Here To Find The Latest Deals & Best Prices for Hotels, Campings and Apartments in Izmir!

Once you have had your fill of animals, you may feel the need to soak in a bit of the local history. St. Mary’s House is a particularly excellent place to explore for the history buff.

These ruins may old, but no less beautiful. This area is also known for being an art lover’s mecca so be sure to take some art at the Arkas Art Cetner. This center offers free admission, so it is the perfect way to spend a little time if your road trip in Turkey has a little rain along the journey.

Tours in Izmir

Final words.

Turkey is a beautiful country full of awesome sites that should not be missed. Take your time while on your road trip to ensure that you see all that you need to see and take all the pictures to remember your trip for years to come.

The best trips are those we take with our friends and family with the road rolling beneath our wheels. Happy driving!

Izmir Turkey

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A memorable day road trip in Turkey : Istanbul & driving along the Aegean coast

A road trip in Turkey is truly the stuff of dreams. The best part about planning a short road trip in Turkey is that you can get everything from mouth-watering food and amazing beaches to ancient historical sites and bustling cities, all in one road trip! This itinerary will take you from Istanbul to Izmir to Pamukkale to Sirince to Bodrum to Antalya – it can easily be covered in 7-10 days but if you have longer, there are endless places where you can spend a week or two travelling slowly and enjoying that Turkish beach life.

A road trip along the Aegean Coast of Turkey is a wonderful way to explore the stunning landscapes, historical sites, and delicious cuisine of the region. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your road trip, including information about the best things to eat and the most beautiful beaches:

We hope you’ll find everything you need to plan a road trip in Turkey in this article. If you have any questions leave them below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can

road trip turkey coast

Flying into Istanbul and renting a car

No matter where you’re coming from, chances are you will fly straight into the busy capital of Turkey. You can easily compare prices here and rent a car in Turkey here . If you’re planning to spend a few days in Istanbul, then we would recommend renting the car on the day you’re supposed to leave Istanbul. This is because of 2 reasons – firstly, Istanbul is quite crowded and driving can be a hassle! Secondly, public transport is quite good in Istanbul. So a car isn’t necessary to explore the city.

MSC Preziosa review ports

Days 1: Check into your hotel in Istanbul

Like any other big city, it is easy to spend weeks exploring Istanbul. But if you’re on a schedule, then we would recommend spending at least 2 days in Istanbul. Istanbul is a vibrant and historical city that straddles two continents. This makes it a captivating destination for travellers. There are endless hotels for all budgets in Istanbul but since your road trip in the Turkish countryside will feature many modest and extremely-affordable hotels, we would recommend splurging on a luxurious hotel when you’re in Istanbul.

If you love amazing views or you’re celebrating a special occasion, then we would recommend Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet. Located steps away from Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet boasts stunning panoramic views of these architectural wonders. It also has a gorgeous rooftop bar, which offers amazing views of the city. If you want next-level opulence, consider Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul , a luxurious hotel housed within a restored Ottoman palace on the shores of the Bosphorus. The hotel’s rooms offer great views of the waterway and the Asian shore. Finally, if you want a truly centrally-located hotel, close to everything, then InterContinental Istanbul , located in Taksim Square, is also a great option.

Days 2-3 Explore Istanbul

Istanbul is a city with an extremely rich history and an abundance of iconic landmarks. We suggest exploring at least some of these places in your 48 hours in Istanbul

  • Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Start your day early with a visit to the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. Admire its stunning blue tiles, impressive domes, and six towering minarets. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and to experience a sense of tranquility in this beautiful architectural marvel – this is usually the first stop for most visitors in Istanbul
  • Hagia Sophia: Right across from the Blue Mosque is the Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral and mosque that now serves as a museum. Marvel at its massive dome and intricate mosaics, which represent the blending of Christian and Islamic art.
  • Basilica Cistern: Just a short walk from the Hagia Sophia, visit the Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir that once supplied water to the city. Explore the eerie atmosphere and admire the rows of ancient columns and the famous Medusa heads.
  • Topkapi Palace: Head to the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Explore the opulent rooms, lush gardens, and impressive collections of artefacts, including treasures, jewellery, and weapons.
  • Lunch at a Local Eatery: Enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch at a local eatery. Try traditional dishes like kebabs, mezzes (appetisers), or a hearty bowl of Turkish lentil soup.
  • Grand Bazaar: After lunch, make your way to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Get lost in its labyrinthine alleys filled with shops selling everything from spices and textiles to jewellery and souvenirs. Make sure you bargain with the friendly shopkeepers to get the best deals.
  • Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): Located near the Galata Bridge, the Spice Bazaar is a sensory delight with its aromatic spices, dried fruits, nuts, and Turkish delight. Stock up on some unique flavours to take home.
  • Bosphorus Cruise: Treat yourself to a relaxing Bosphorus cruise. This boat tour allows you to see Istanbul from a different perspective, sailing between Europe and Asia and passing by picturesque waterfront mansions, palaces, and historic sites.
  • Galata Tower: If you don’t mind a bit of exercise, climb to the top of the Galata Tower to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset. This medieval stone tower offers a perfect vantage point to witness the golden hues cast over Istanbul’s skyline.
  • Dinner with a View: Head to a rooftop restaurant or a waterfront eatery for dinner and enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the glittering lights of the city or the serene waters of the Bosphorus.
  • Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue: After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along Istiklal Avenue, a bustling pedestrian street filled with shops, cafes, and street performers. The vibrant atmosphere here captures the essence of Istanbul’s modern energy
  • Enjoy the nightlife or a Turkish Night Show: You can spend your evenings exploring Istanbul’s vibrant night life or if you want a more traditional evening, then there are several entertaining Turkish Night Shows, where you can watch traditional dance performances like the energetic belly dancing and the enchanting whirling dervishes.

These are a few places everyone explores in Istanbul. If you’re still not tired of exploring or simply enjoy going offbeat, then here are a few unconventional suggestions of things to see and do in Istanbul

1. Explore the Princes’ Islands: Escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul by taking a ferry to the Princes’ Islands. This cluster of small islands in the Sea of Marmara offers a serene and car-free environment. Rent a bicycle or even a horse-drawn carriage to explore the charming streets lined with historic wooden houses and lush gardens. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking views, and don’t miss sampling the islands’ famous seafood and delectable desserts.

2. Visit the Miniaturk: Step into a tiny world at Miniaturk, a theme park featuring over 100 miniature models of famous Turkish landmarks and historical sites. Wander through this fascinating outdoor exhibit, which showcases Turkey’s rich heritage, and marvel at the attention to detail in the scaled-down replicas of palaces, mosques, and ancient ruins. This is a good stop, especially if you’re with kids!

3. Uncover Street Art in Kadikoy: If you enjoy street art and hipster districts, head to the vibrant neighbourhood of Kadikoy on the Asian side of Istanbul. The colourful murals and graffiti adorning the walls offer insights into the city’s contemporary culture and creativity. You can also join a street art tour to learn about the artists behind the masterpieces and the stories they tell through their art.

4. Turkish Coffee Fortune Telling: Experience a fascinating aspect of Turkish culture by partaking in a traditional Turkish coffee fortune-telling session. Many cafes and restaurants in Istanbul offer this ancient practice where a skilled fortune teller interprets the patterns left by the coffee grounds in your cup. It’s a fun and insightful way to gain a glimpse into your future and the meanings hidden in the symbols.

5. Wander through the Chora Church: While the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque draw most of the attention, the Chora Church (Kariye Museum) is also quite the gem. It houses unique frescoes and mosaics that depict religious scenes with incredible artistry and detail. Stepping into the Chora Church is like stepping back in time to the golden age of Byzantine art and architecture.

6. Take a Ferry to Anadolu Kavağı: Escape the city’s urban hustle by taking a leisurely ferry ride to Anadolu Kavağı, a charming fishing village at the northern end of the Bosphorus. Hike up to the Yoros Castle, an ancient fortress with panoramic views of the strait, and enjoy a traditional seafood meal at one of the village’s waterfront restaurants. If you’re doing the rest of this road trip, you can skip this as you will see many similar villages on the rest of this road trip 🙂

7. Visit the Istanbul Toy Museum: If you’re travelling with kids, the Istanbul Toy Museum is a delightful and quirky attraction, housing an extensive collection of toys from various eras and countries. It is also a nostalgic place for adults as you rediscover toys from the past.

9. Sufi Music and Whirling Dervishes: Experience the spiritual side of Istanbul by attending a Sufi music and whirling dervishes performance. The mesmerising ritual provides a unique insight into the city’s religious heritage. It is truly a spell-binding experience – highly recommended!

10. Hammam Experience at a Local Bathhouse: Instead of visiting the well-known touristy bathhouses, seek out a local hammam for a more authentic and affordable experience. Enjoy a traditional scrub and massage in a centuries-old setting, indulging in a rejuvenating and culturally rich spa experience.

We hope these few days in Istanbul will provide an introduction to Turkish culture, people, and food. Once you’ve had your fill of the city and experienced everything from the Grand Bazaar to mystical Sufi performances it is time to get your amazing week long road trip in Turkey started. Rent your car and get ready to leave Istanbul and drive almost 5 hours to Izmir

Our love affair with Turkey

Day 4 – Drive to Izmir

Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest city and the perfect pit-stop on your road trip in Turkey. We suggest spending 2 days here. First check into your accommodation – make sure the hotel offers parking. A couple of great options are Zeniva Hotel and Ramada Suites . You can also opt for a gorgeous beach-facing and affordable apartment such as this one in the neighbouring Cesme if you enjoy self-catering accommodation.

Izmir is a lively city – make sure you visit the Konak Square and see the iconic Clock Tower, a symbol of the city. Stroll along the Kordon Promenade, a scenic waterfront area with beautiful views of the Aegean Sea. Don’t forget to try traditional Izmir cuisine at a local restaurant. Especially Kumru, a popular sandwich filled with sucuk (spiced Turkish sausage) and cheese. You can also try some delicious Izmir Kofte , spiced meatballs unique to the region. Even if you’re vegetarian or vegan, you will find several restaurants catering to you in Izmir.

Our love affair with Turkey

Days 5 & 6 – Explore Cesme & Alacati

You can easily continue to stay in Izmir and take a day trip to Cesme , a pretty seaside town in Turkey. Cesme is known for its stunning beaches and thermal baths, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen and your swimsuits.

Explore Cesme Castle, spend a lazy day at Cesme Beach, a long and sandy stretch offering crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. If it is too crowded, you can always drive along the coast to a quieter stretch of beach as well. Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant by the harbour. You must try some grilled Aegean fish or a plate of fresh seafood mezze if you enjoy local flavours.

You can devote an entire day to Alacati or combine it with your drive to Cesme to Alacati, a charming town famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and vibrant local market. Explore Alacati’s quaint streets, art galleries, and boutique shops. Indulge in a traditional Turkish breakfast known as Kahvalti at a local café. The spread typically includes olives, cheeses, jams, honey, and freshly baked bread – truly one of the yummiest breakfasts in the world!

road trip turkey coast

Day 7 – Head to Pamukkale and Hierapolis

After a couple of relaxed days at the beaches of Turkey, it is time to head inland to Pamukkale and Hierapolis, located in southwestern Turkey. This is where natural wonders merge with ancient history. This unique UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit destination for travellers even though it has recently started to get really crowded thanks to some viral social media posts. Hotels in Pamukkale aren’t the best but Herakles Thermal Hotel and Pam Thermal Hotel both make for a good base to explore the area

Pamukkale, which translates to “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its surreal landscape. This geological marvel consists of terraces of white mineral-rich travertine, formed by the flow of thermal waters cascading down the hillside. The result is a series of milky-white, calcium-rich pools that resemble cotton cascades, creating a magical and otherworldly sight. Pamukkale’s thermal waters are also believed to have healing properties. So it provides, not just an aesthetic experience but a unique and therapeutic one

Adjacent to Pamukkale lies Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city. Hierapolis was established to take advantage of the thermal waters of Pamukkale for their therapeutic benefits. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of Hierapolis, including the stunning grand theater, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman bathhouses, and the necropolis. One of the most fascinating features of Hierapolis is the ancient pool known as the Cleopatra Pool, believed to have been frequented by the Egyptian queen herself. The warm, mineral-rich waters still invite visitors for a relaxing swim amid the historical ruins.

The stark contrast of the dazzling white terraces against the backdrop of historical ruins makes this site an extraordinary and picturesque experience.

Day 8 Sirince

road trip turkey coast

Day 9 – Drive to Bodrum via Lake Bafa

As you check out from a couple of quiet days in Sirince, it is time to drive to the party capital of the Aegean Coast – Bodrum. Make sure you drive via Lake Bafa Natural Reserve – take a quick pitstop for a picnic or some photos – and drive onto Bodrum. Akkan Hotel is a good option as it offers scenic views. You can also opt for a gorgeous beach-facing apartment such as this one if you’re travelling with family or friends.

Spend the day exploring Bodrum’s beautiful beaches. Bitez Beach and Gumbet Beach are great options for relaxing and swimming. Bodrum Castle is an impressive medieval fortress overlooking the harbour. It also offers some nice photography opportunities. You can also visit the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, located in Bodrum.

In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner at one of Bodrum’s seaside restaurants, paired with a glass of Turkish Raki. Or try some traditional Turkish kebabs or Lahmacun, a thin and crispy Turkish pizza – so good! But make sure you aren’t too full because Bodrum really comes alive at night. You can go partying or dancing at one of the many places in town.

If you enjoy scenic spots or photography, do drive from Bodrum to Datca one day . Datca is a tranquil and scenic peninsula with beautiful bays and crystal-clear waters. Relax at one of the serene beaches in Datca, such as Aktur Beach or Palamutbuku Beach.

Our love affair with Turkey

Day 10 Ending your road trip in Turkey and more suggestions

This ends a spectacular road trip in Turkey. If you have some more days in Turkey, then you can drive onto Antalya and explore even more of the Aegean Coast. You can also drop your car in Bodrum for a small surcharge and fly to another Turkish hotspot Cappadocia .

If not, it is now time to drive back to Istanbul and drop your car at Istanbul Airport before catching a flight back home. No matter what you do, you will end this trip with amazing memories of countless scenic drives, little villages, Turkish culture, and the delicious flavours of Aegean cuisine

Our love affair with Turkey

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7 thoughts on “ a memorable day road trip in turkey : istanbul & driving along the aegean coast ”.

Thank you for the detailed guide, it’s very helpful 🙂 The links for stay recommendations in Sirince and Bodrum are not opening. Can you please share the same. Thanks much 🙂

Hey so glad you found this itinerary for a road trip in Turkey helpful. will cross-check links now 🙂

your itinerary on turkey road trip is fabulous.what about cappadocia? is it worth to be included.?

Yes for sure – we can’t wait to go back

Hi Bruised Passport, Cappadocia isn’t covered in this itinerary. Any update on that?

Hi Savi, Your post is really helpful. I just wanna know, whether April end can be considered to plan this trip and also am planning to plan this trip with my parents who are Senior citizens. Also if any reliable contact number can be shared of rent a car from Istanbul.

Hey Nancy – yes April end is good even though there are some grey/cold days sometimes! Best to check a price comparison website and book with a reputable rental such as Avis, SixT etc

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Turkish Roads

A Complete Guide to a Road Trip in Turkey

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I was a bit apprehensive towards doing a big road trip in Turkey.  It’s a country I’ve not really travelled much, and it’s a country that doesn’t speak English.  So, I’d be lying if I said there was no stress to planning the trip.  However, it didn’t take me long to realize that most of my stresses were fairly unfounded.  In fact, I would put Turkey right up there with other great road trip countries like Iceland , The US, and South Africa.  The roads are good, the views are beautiful, and the people are fantastic.

Where to Go

Planning where to go, in a country that you know very little about can be a little bit overwhelming.  I searched out some places, and then tied it all together.  Below was my itinerary for Turkey, and it worked out really great.

  • Istanbul :  You don’t need to start in Istanbul , but it makes most sense to.  You can also fly into other places like Antalya if you prefer to be in that area.  But, Istanbul is such a great city, you’ll definitely want a couple days here.
  • Cappadocia : I made the long drive to Cappadocia from Istanbul.  It took me an entire day and there’s not all too much to see in between.  You can also fly here, but the drive is nice, and it makes sense to get your longest day out of the way at the start.  You probably need 2-3 full days here in Cappadocia, depending on how much hiking you want to do.
  • Antalya : From Cappadocia, I crossed south to Antalya.  The city is beautiful, and definitely worth a couple days of your time.
  • Cirali : This beautiful little beach was a great stop.  On the way here you can stop at the Phaselis Ruins and hidden beach.  Then, just outside of town you can hike down the beach to the Olympos Ruins.  If you’re around the right time of year, this is also a breeding beach for sea turtles.  You’ll likely only need 1 or 2 nights here, depending on how much beach time you want.
  • Oludeniz : This was my favourite beach destination in Turkey.  On the way here from Cirali, be sure to make a stop at the Myra Ruins.  Also, the drive along the coast here alone is amazing.  In Oludeniz, drive up Babadag Mountain, visit the Butterfly Valley, and spend some time chilling on the beach in the Lagoon.  I spent 4 days here which was perfect.
  • Pamukkale : Another must-see in Turkey.  I spent 2 nights here.  I think that’s more than enough time.  Spend an entire day exploring the geological site, ancient pool, and the ruins.
  • Cesme : Maybe my least favourite destination in Turkey, and you might be better off going to nearby Alacati instead.  On the way here from Pamukkale, you should stop at the Efes Ruins which are some of the most impressive in Turkey.
  • Istanbul : Then, it’s a long drive back to Istanbul.  It might be worth it to find another place to stop on the way to break up the long drive.

Ruins near pamukkale

Where to Stay?

One of the great things about travelling Turkey at the moment is there’s a really wide variety of accommodation options.  In almost every destination you can find five star hotels, hostels, camping, and everything else in between.  It really can suit anyone’s budget.

Personally, I think that the best value of accommodation in Turkey is likely found by staying at 3 star hotels and guesthouses.  I stayed at plenty of boutique hotels along the way, as well, and feel like I got great value.

road trip turkey coast

This, for example, is my favourite hotel in Istanbul .  It’s right next to The Blue Mosque, and has a rooftop view of it.  I mean, you really can’t get a better location in the city.

In Cappadocia, there are so many really cool places to stay.  I recommend staying in Goreme.  There’s a good mix of hotels, and some of them are really special.  In fact, there are actually hotels and guesthouses built right into the caves.

Where to Get Your Car?

I partnered up with Auto Europe Rental Car for this road trip in Turkey, and I’m glad I did.  They made things really easy, and their system makes sure you find the best price on a car.  There are a lot of rental car agents at Ataturk Airport, but I’d highly recommend sorting out your rental car before you arrive so you’re not left with any surprises or struggles when you arrive. If you book on the AutoEurope.com system, you won’t have to do any price scouting, you’ll just need to plug in your dates and go.

Ruins in Antalya

What Type of Car Should I Get?

When’s the Best Time to Visit Turkey?

Right now, Turkey is struggling a bit with tourism.  Conflict with Russia, and the global worry of terrorism has brought tourism down a lot this year.  So, there’s not going to be that same massive high season in the summer.  Still, I’d recommend the spring.  It’s a bit rainier in April/May, but the weather is warm enough for the beach, and you’ll not have to contend with a lot of other tourists.  Also, hotel rooms will be very inciting.

Antalya Beach

What Happens in Case of an Accident?

If you get into an accident in Turkey, it’s required by law that you call the police.  So, do that and you’ll fill out a police accident report.  If you’re insured by your rental car company, it wont be an issue.  So, be sure to get the insurance.  It seems like the accident laws in Turkey come down to whom hit who, rather than who made the mistake.  So, do take note of that.  In a country like Turkey, I always recommend getting the proper insurance, it will save you a lot of stress.

What About Insurance?

I actually have an American Express card that covers my insurance on all rental cars – as long as I book the car with the card.  So, check with your credit card to see if that’s something that you’re covered for.

And, if you don’t have personal travel insurance you should definitely have it to cover you in case of theft or personal accident.  Personally, I recommend World Nomads.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Getting Fuel

Fuel is the least of your concerns on a road trip in Turkey.  I was blown away by the number of gas stations along the road.  It seemed like every 500m there was one.  I never stressed about getting fuel, no matter where I was in the country.  And, the gas stations are pretty fantastic. Most of them have a little market, and restaurant as well.

Do I Need GPS?

I’d say yes.  But, I got around not having a GPS by using cell data.  Upon arrival at Ataturk airport I went to the Turkcell stand and got a SIM card with 10GB worth of cell phone data, and then just used google maps GPS to get around.  It was really easy, and I don’t think I could have gotten around without it.  You can add a GPS system from your rental car company, but the costs are pretty high ( like $8usd a day ), so you’re better off just getting data on your phone.

How Much Distance Can I cover in a Day?

Most of the roads in Turkey are very good, and it’s easy to cover a lot of distance in a day.  It is worth noting, though, that lots of their highways spend a lot of time in urban areas where there are traffic lights and places you need to slow down.  So, you can’t always be driving 120 km/h.

I would say that if you’re willing to drive a lot, 600-700km in one day is a lot, but do-able.  I’d say that for the most part you can average 90-100 km per/hour in Turkey, so keep that in mind.

What are the Costs of Travel in Turkey?

  • Price of Fuel in Turkey :  When I travelled Turkey in April 2016, the price of unleaded gasoline was 1.35 Euros per liter.  I had a car that ran on diesel and the price was a little less at 1.05 Euros per liter.   The price varies a bit depending on the location, but those were about the averages.
  • Price of Hotels in Turkey : Again, tourism is low right now in Turkey, so when I was there the price of accommodation was very low.  I stayed in nice hotels the whole way and spent about 20-30 Euros a night.  I’m guessing that when tourism is up again, those numbers would be closer to 50-70 Euros a night.  There are, however, lots of cheap options like hostels and guesthouses even in the high season.
  • Price of Food in Turkey : I was a bit surprised about the price of food in Turkey.  I found it a bit expensive.  The average meal was about 15-25 Lira, which is about 6-10 Euros.

Turtle on the road

Recommendations for Safe Driving in Turkey

Just some quick tips for driving in Turkey:

  • Shoulder check : Drivers in Turkey can come out of nowhere. Sometimes, to beat traffic they’ll try to squeeze through where they shouldn’t. So, even if it seems like a silly thing to do, shoulder check constantly before every movement you make.
  • People don’t stay in the lines : Drivers don’t stay between the lines, especially rounding corners.  So, be conscious of that.  And, there are a lot of distracted drivers on cell phones. If people are driving out of the lines, don’t be afraid to hit the horn to let them know you’re about to pass.
  • Don’t get reckless : It’s easy in Turkey to fall in the trap of driving as fast as some of the locals do, but that’s just not smart. You don’t know the roads, so drive within the limits.
  • Speed traps : There are lots of photo radar speed traps and speed cameras on the roads in Turkey.  They are pretty easy to spot though, but just be on the lookout of them.
  • Police checkpoints : At the entrance to basically every town there is a police checkpoint right now. Usually, they just wave you through.  But, be on the lookout for them, and be sure to drive through them really slowly.
  • Slow moving vehicles : Even on the big highways which have a speed limit of 120 km per/h you’ll run into slow moving vehicles in Turkey.  They stay to the sides, but sometimes they seem like they come out of nowhere, and often just dart into the highway from seemingly nowhere.  So, keep an eye out for them.

What’s Next on the Travel Photography Blog?

I’ve got a couple more articles from Turkey, and then I’m off to the US for a bit as I am joining the inaugural trip to the Dominican Republic with Fathom Travel.  Stay Tuned, and don’t forget to check out my Vlog over on YouTube for daily content as well!

Hi Brenden, I am a fellow Canadian and am planning to road trip Turkey this summer. This is a great article but I was wondering if I could get some further details from you. I know this is not related to your photography blog, but if you had the time I’d just email you some questions.

Hey I’m also a Canadian and I live in Istanbul. on the off chance that you haven’t made it to Turkey yet and still have any questions let me know!

Hi Brenden,

How long did the whole trip take you?

It’s a tortoise on the road, not a turtle. They live in the sea!

You have a blog?!? I’ve been following your vlog for a while now trying to improve my travel photography skills but had no idea you had a blog as well! I’ve been travel blogging/guide writing here in Turkey for over a year now and honestly if you ever come back again let me know I’d love to meet up with you. I’m a Canadian but I speak Turkish if you need a translator

Yup, I’ve actually had this blog since long before I was a photographer. I think it must nearly be 9 years now!

wow, I had no idea! Well thanks for the great vlogs, its been a super helpful tool in my picking up photography!

Hi, I plan to go next year winter. I would like to know how much you spend on the gasoline for the whole trip? Thanks a lot.

Is it possible to do a road trip in December when the country is snowing? Please let me know.

Yes, no issues.

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14 Day Turkey itinerary

The most exciting way to explore this beautiful destination, in my opinion, is by doing a road trip in Turkey. You can stop anywhere and enjoy the landscapes on the road between the places of the planned itinerary. 

Turkey   is the ideal country for such a trip. It offers a variety of relief, cultures, traditions, and views that will cut your breath away.

   With mountain peaks of over 3000 meters, big lakes, limestone terraces filled with emerald-shaded waters, fairy chimneys in the charming Cappadocia , and cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, Turkey has everything you can wish for.

 You need at least a month to travel from North to South and East to West. So my road trip applies to those who want to see only a significant part of this beautiful country. 

Fourteen days full of adrenaline, joy, unique places to see, and things to know about Turkey .

What I use every time I travel:

  • To book hotels: Booking.com
  • To book tours:  GetYourGuide.com

PIN IT FOR LATER

A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

Map of the best Turkey Itinerary: 

turkey itinerary

Map of the Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

14-Day Turkey itinerary

Day 1: istanbul | turkey road trip .

    I recommend starting your 2 week Turkey itinerary with at least one day in Istanbul , the largest city in Turkey and the most diverse in all respects.

Take advantage of the fact that Turkish Airlines fly to Turkey from almost all over the world and start your Turkish adventure in the only city in the world situated on two continents.

Stay in Sultanahmet if you want to be closer to the history of the former Constantinople or in Taksim if you are more attracted to the bustle and fun.

    You must start your first day with a strong coffee at the traditional restaurant Hafiz Mustafa.

For a boost of energy, enjoy some baklava, a pudding, lokum (Turkish delight), and some halva, revani or kunefe.

The choice is yours. Further, explore the streets, which are full of charm and authenticity.

Colors, joy, hookahs, friendly cats, hanging plants, souvenirs, palm trees, curious eyes, trams, hurried drivers, ambulant sellers, and flavors.

Check out these fantastic tours in Istanbul ⇓

That’s what you will find on Istanbul’s narrow and tilted streets. Also, on the first day of your 14 day Turkey itinerary, you should go to Sultanahmet Square, the place with the most visited mosques.

Relax and admire the remaining monuments as proof of the glorious past.

    Don’t miss the chance to admire Istanbul from above in the evening. The sunsets and the Bosphorus are more beautiful from a rooftop bar. Fortunately, you have plenty of choices.

The city has dozens of such restaurants, and you must choose the table with the best view.

If you want to save money, you should buy this Istanbul Welcome Card , which gives you access to many museums in the city without waiting in line and includes public transport.

⇒ Also, read 21 Best things to do in Istanbul.

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View over the Bosphorus and the Galata Tower | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

Day 2: ISTANBUL | Turkey road trip itinerary

 Istanbul has some of the most beautiful and famous mosques in the world. The longest queues are at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia , the former Christian cathedral.

No, I’m not trying to advise you to give up on visiting them for this reason, but on the contrary.

Although you must be patient, these 2 mosques cannot be missing from your 14-day Turkey itinerary. You can visit both on tour with a local guide for a better experience.

Patience is the key to visiting the spectacular interior of both.

Across the street from Hagia Sophia, underground, you will discover Cistern Basilica , another attraction you shouldn’t miss.

The tank was used to supply the Imperial Palace and several surrounding buildings with water, and it looks stunning.

As you are already in the area on the same day, you should go to Gulhane Park.

Besides being Istanbul’s oldest park, it is also an excellent opportunity to escape the crowds and retreat to a much quieter and greener place.

You can’t visit the metropolis of Turkey and not enjoy the delicacies in the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar.

Fortunately, they are located next to each other, and you can easily explore them on the same day.

⇒ Find all: hotels in Istanbul. 

Turkey best itinerary | turkey road trip map | roadtrip turkey | road trip turkey | turkey road trip itinerary

Turkish sweets | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

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The Blue Mosque | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Day 3: ISTANBUL | 14 Days in Turkey

 I wanted to see a miniature Turkey on the third day of my Turkey itinerary. The perfect place to do this is Miniaturk Park , a miniature park. Surprisingly, huh??

134 miniatures, to be more specific. They are all related to the country’s history and are all made at a 1:25 scale.

The details are amazingly well done, and they correspond exactly to reality.

It is a great way to carefully study the architecture of the country’s most important monuments and buildings.

Here you will even find even a mini Ataturk Airport and a mini-stadium.

You will spend some hours in the park, so for the rest of the day you can choose to relax somewhere on a terrace or in the Galata Tower.

Check out these amazing tours in Istanbul ⇓

Turkey best itinerary | turkey road trip map | roadtrip turkey | road trip turkey | turkey road trip itinerary

Miniaturk | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Day 4: ISTANBUL

  You can’t leave Istanbul until you have admired it from a different perspective. The Bosphorus.

Whether you choose a sunset cruise with dinner included or take the ferry to the Princes Islands or the Asian side, you must ride on the Bosphorus waves. This is one of the best-rated tours of Princes Island .

 The next on the list is the Ortakoy Mosque. Although its interior is splendid, I don’t recommend visiting it on the inside, but rather admiring it from the outside. 

From my perspective, the Ortakoy Mosque is  the most Instagrammable place in Istanbul , especially as the background stands at the Bosphorus Bridge.

 On the same bank of the Bosphorus, 2 km to the left, is Dolmabahce Palace , the most beautiful building in Istanbul, in my opinion. 

⇒ Book your Dolmahahce Palace tour

Don’t settle only to admire the tall, white, well-decorated fences, but visit the inside as well. You will discover some exquisite rooms.

  Later, go to Istanbul’s Times Square, Taksim. Busy Istiklal street, the famous red tram, the great shops, the chic cafes, and the street shows will fascinate you.

Best Hotels in Istanbul: 

  • budget:  Taksim Terrace Hotel   – located in the heart of the city and with a sensational panorama of the Bosphorus, room service, delicious breakfast
  • mid-range:  Saba Sultan Hotel – located in the mosque area, beautiful view, rooms with unique design, free parking, delicious breakfast
  • luxury:  Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul – situated in the mosque area, splendid view, ultra-modern rooms, bar, wifi, room service, restaurant

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Bosphorus | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

Turkey best itinerary | turkey road trip map | roadtrip turkey | road trip turkey | turkey road trip itinerary

Ortakoy Mosque | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Day 5: from ISTANBUL to CAPPADOCIA | 14 Days in Turkey

  Distance: 8 hours by car

Day 5 of your 14 Day Turkey itinerary includes a road trip of at least 8 hours from Istanbul to Cappadocia.

There are not many stops to make, but you will cross Ankara, the capital of Turkey, and you will reach Lake Tuz, one of the largest salt lakes in the world.

 It is so salty that the water was utterly absorbed in the area where we stopped, and we could only see the salt. As evidence, check the picture below.

 You will arrive in Cappadocia very late in the evening, so there is only time for dinner and checking in to the hotel.

Cappadocia has plenty of gorgeous hotels with authentic décor styles. 

I stayed at the  Sofa Hotel and  probably would still stay there next time as well.

READ MORE: 12 Most Beautiful places to visit in Turkey

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Lake Tuz | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Day 6: CAPPADOCIA | Road trip Turkey

  As I told you in the article about the hot air balloon , I recommend choosing this activity on your first day of staying in Cappadocia.

That’s because it might be canceled if the weather conditions are bad.

Therefore, you need time to postpone. There is a lot to say about the ride, but I have already done it in a previous article so I won’t insist.

If you are decided to take this tour, here is one of the best-rated ones .

The flight ends before lunchtime. So you have enough time to explore the city of Goreme and discover many other Cappadocia areas. You can do this on your own or on an organized tour .

Optionally, I suggest you visit Avanos, the neighboring city famous for handmade ceramic products.

   Hotels in Cappadocia:

  • budget:  Adelya Cave Hotel   – free parking, free wifi, delicious breakfast
  • mid-range:  Design Cappadocia Hotel   – Free wifi, free parking, delicious breakfast, good location
  • luxury:  Museum Hotel   – pool, spa, bar, fabulous breakfast

Check out these amazing tours in Cappadocia ⇓

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Galerie Ikman in Goreme, Cappadocia | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

Turkey best itinerary

View over Goreme in Cappadocia | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Day 7: from CAPPADOCIA to PAMUKKALE

 Distance: 8 hours by car

 During the morning, you can still spend hours discovering these fairy-tale realms’ beauties. Until your next visit, you will miss them for sure.

For example, you can make a stop on your way to Pamukkale , at Uchisar, and from the Salkim Tepesi viewpoint.

The road to Pamukkale does not have many places to stop.

However, if you want to take a little break, Lake Edrigil can be an excellent option. Eight hours of continuous driving are not very light, so a little rest is welcome.

   Hotels in Pamukkale:

  • budget:  Sunrise Aya Hotel – swimming pool, room service, free parking, bar, superb breakfast
  • mid-range:  Venus Suite Hotel   – pool, room service, restaurant, fabulous breakfast
  • luxury:   Doğa Thermal Health & Spa   – 2 swimming pools, restaurant, fitness center, spa, delicious breakfast, bar

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Cappadocia | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

Turkey best itinerary

Day 8: PAMUKKALE and from PAMUKKALE to ANTALYA | Turkey road trip

Pamukkale means cotton castle, a metaphor very suitable to describe the extraordinary appearance of the travertines.

What are they? Some limestone terraces formed natural thermal pools.

Due to the immaculate white, you will initially feel that it is ice or salt. It is a unique place in the world but very visited.

The queue can be extremely long, especially in the hot season, so I recommend getting here early in the morning.

There is not much to see in Pamukkale except for the limestone terraces, Cleopatra’s pool, and the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis.

For this reason, you can visit everything in the first part of the day, then head to the following destination: Antalya, especially since the distance is not very big.

     Distance: 3 hours by car

Pamukkale Turkey

Day 9: ANTALYA | Turkey road trip

Antalya is reasonably considered to be the capital of the Turkish Riviera.

Therefore, it is time to combine fun with relaxation during your two days here. Neither are the landscapes to be ignored.

In the background of the Mediterranean Sea, the Taurus Mountains create a gorgeous picture, perfect for admiring when you relax on the beach.

On the first day, go and explore the streets of the old town, Kaleiçi, where you can also see the ruins of Emperor Hadrian’s gate.

Walk inside Karaalioglu Park, play with dozens of kittens living there, and descend into the harbor.

A bohemian and very colorful place where you can have your lunch.

Given that you are in Turkey, one of the countries with the most varied range of sweets, don’t miss a visit to the bazaar.

You don’t need to buy anything because the vendors here are more friendly and generous than elsewhere in Turkey and will serve you pieces of Turkish delights for free. Of course, they were supplemented by cold mango tea.

Best tours in Antalya:

  • Old City, Duden Waterfalls & Cable Car Tour
  • Olympos Cable Car Ticket
  • Perge, Side, Aspendos & Waterfalls Guided Tour
  • Full Day Scuba Diving Tour with Lunch
  • Suluada Bays Boat Trip with Lunch
  • Fire of Anatolia Dance Show

⇒ Find all: hotels in Antalya. 

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Antalya | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

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Antalya | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

Day 10: ANTALYA | Road trip in Turkey

 Antalya has it all, so you can’t miss the waterfalls. River Duden is generous and offers us two waterfalls, a mere 17 kilometers long. Upper Duden Falls and Lower Duden Falls.

One is located in a park in northern Antalya, and the other has a direct fall into the Mediterranean Sea. Both are spectacular.

I have two recommendations for the second part of the day.

Relaxation at the beach, whether you choose Lara, the finer sand, whether you prefer Konyaaltı, the spectacular scenery, or a ride with the Tünektepe Teleferic at an altitude of 605 meters above Antalya.

For just 15 Turkish lire, you get an amazing 360-degree view.

    Hotels in Antalya:

  • budget:   ATICI HOTEL   – free Wifi, free parking, bar, delicious breakfast 
  • mid-range:   Atalante Hotel   – 2 swimming pools, access to the beach, free Wifi, free parking, excellent breakfast, access to the beach
  • luxury:  Lara Barut Collection   – 3 swimming pools, spa, fitness center, beach access, bar, superb breakfast

Turkey best itinerary | turkey road trip map | roadtrip turkey | road trip turkey | turkey road trip itinerary

Duden Waterfall, Antalya | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Day 11 – From ANTALYA to BODRUM | 14 Days in Turkey

Distance: 5 hours 30 min by car

 The most beautiful and busy day of the 14 day Turkish itinerary was the road trip from Antalya to Bodrum.

The route is full of surprises and more and more beautiful discoveries. The first stop was in the town of Kaş, the charming seafront town.

What conquered me? The narrow and cobbled streets, flowers set in cute little pots, kittens waiting to be cuddled, arches of vineyards inviting you into a magical world, colorful doors and windows, smiling people, and the continuous holiday atmosphere.

The next stop, just 30 minutes from Kaş, is Kaputas beach, a paradise place.

The location between two cliffs and the water in the gorgeous turquoise shades can not leave you indifferent.

Park the car along the road, lower the wooden stairs to the beach, and enjoy at least two hours, probably the most beautiful beach in Turkey.

Approximately 50 minutes further north, you will reach the Saklikent National Park, a true hidden gem, literally and figuratively.

Although you will not have much time to enjoy it, it is worth venturing through the 300-meter High Gorge.

Space is so narrow that you will feel as if you are suffocating. It is also worth mentioning that you will have to cross the Xanthos River’s ice-cold water to reach the Canyon.

Floating terraces are decorated with traditional Turkish pillows at the entrance—the ideal place to relax with a hookah.

I feel I did not have enough time to enjoy all these stops between Antalya and Bodrum fully. So if you add an extra day to the 2-week Turkey itinerary, it would be perfect.

Turkey best itinerary

Kas | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Day 12: BODRUM | Turkey road trip

    Bodrum looks much like Santorini, the Greek island with white houses perched on the rocky cliffs. Because that’s exactly how it looks if you replace the rocks with hills.

It is a spectacular city, both during the day and after the darkness.

The day is ideal for excursions on the coast to explore the old center, port and souvenir shops, or the nearby Greek islands.

In the evening, the resort is changed completely. The fun is in full swing, and the music echoes from all corners.

    Nearby is the village of Gumusluk, with the most picturesque restaurants I have seen. You can cross the water on foot to get to Rabbit Island.

As the name calls it, the island is populated with cute rabbits.

⇒ Book your boat tour with lunch in Bodrum

     Hotels in Bodrum:

  • budget:  Bodrum Sade Pension – beach access, fabulous breakfast
  • mid-range:  The Marmara Bodrum – Adult Only  – swimming pool, spa, wellness center, private beach
  • luxury:  Root Redrock Yalıkavak   – 2 swimming pools, spa, fitness, beach access, bar, private beach

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Bodrum | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Turkey best itinerary

Bodrum | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

Day 13: From Bodrum to ISTANBUL | Roadtrip Turkey

Distance: 9 hours by car

    The distance between Bodrum and Istanbul is so big, especially if you drive by car, so you do not have much time to stop anywhere.

However, you can add Kusadasi if you want to include a top resort in the itinerary.

In translation, the island of birds, Kusadasi, is a vibrant city located on the Aegean Sea, with stretched beaches and palm trees.

Turkey best itinerary

Kusadasi | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

Day 14: Back to ISTANBUL | Turkey road trip itinerary

 The last day in Istanbul is a perfect opportunity to taste the city’s flavor at a much slower pace.

Since your Turkey road trip is about to end, you can now relax and enjoy more.

My suggestions include a quiet walk along the Bosphorus, a quick snack under the Galata Bridge made up of the famous sandwich with fish, and a place decorated in a traditional style where you can smoke a hookah. Unless you have other plans.

Turkey best itinerary

Istanbul | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

When to visit Turkey – The best time to visit Turkey

  Since it’s a vast country, about 3 times bigger than Romania, the climate differs slightly from region to region, so it’s hard to tell the best time to visit Turkey.

If you follow precisely this 14 day Turkey itinerary, the most acceptable months in terms of temperatures are May – June and September – October.

But also the summer months are a good option if you do not mind the excessive heat and the big wave of tourists.

Therefore, the best time to visit Turkey, I think, is the end of Spring beginning of Autumn.

road trip in Turkey

How much it costs to make a Turkey road trip?

 Turkey is not a very expensive country since the Turkish lira has dropped quite a bit. Prices are acceptable in terms of food, accommodation, and transportation.

Renting the car for a 14 Day Turkey itinerary costs around 400 Euros, and the fuel revolves around the sum of 6.5 Turkish lire (≅ 1 €). A 3-star hotel night stay starts at 40 € with breakfast, and a meal in town can vary enormously, depending on where you choose to eat.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

Turkey is generally safe; you have little reason to be afraid. Especially the cities and tourist places are safe, considering that the locals are used to tourists.

Of course, you must be as careful as you would be in any other unfamiliar area. But there are no reasons for concern.

I recommend you use known platforms to order a taxi or book a hotel room or a tour. I have the utmost confidence in Booking and GetYourGuide , and I always recommend them.

Hi ! Thanks for this article, so inspiring ! My question: is it dangerous to drive there ? Especially in south where there are a lot of mountains ?

Thank you and welcome! Nope, it didn’t seem dangerous to me at all. Is quite beautiful to road trip in that area 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, I really enjoyed reading this page! Quick question: any suggestions for a road trip with a focus on historical sites, like Roman or Ottoman ruins? I really love my history! Thanks!

Would it be possible to do this road trip in December when it snows througout the country?

I wouldn’t know what to tell you because I was there in the summer. Probably yes, only the temperatures will be much lower.

Is it safe to do this road trip for a single woman?

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Road Trip Ideas for Turkey’s Black Sea Coast

14th May 2018

A road trip along Turkey’s Black Sea coast will showcase the best Ottoman history this ancient country can offer.

Driving from Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, the ancient heart of the Ottoman Empire to Safranbolu will be an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking a driving holiday in Turkey.

The drive from Istanbul to Safranbolu via Turkey’s Black Sea Coast will take 2-3 days of comfortable driving, taking in some stunning scenery in the north of the country.

Turkey ‘s Black Sea coast is not as well-known as its southern coast for two reasons: it is a little colder up here and the south coast has more Greek and Roman ruins .

Turkey Black Sea Coast Road Trip

The water is also cooler all year round so it is mostly Turkish tourists that visit this part of Turkey. However, Turkey’s silk road is up north along with many pretty medieval Turkish towns.

So, if you are looking for places to visit in Turkey during a road trip, you should not skip this part as the north of Turkey is full of potential.

Read this article to find out about the following places:

  • Sile , two hours from Istanbul
  • Akcakoca , a Black Sea coastal resort
  • Amasra , a medieval Ottoman town
  • Inebolu, a modern seaside resort
  • Kastamonu, a medieval Ottoman market town
  • Safranbolu, a Silk Road market town

Historic Places Along Turkey’s Silk Road

There are plenty of ancient cities along Turkey’s Silk Road , and in this post I will give you an itinerary of the places to visit in Turkey during a road trip.

The drive from Istanbul to the Georgian border is one of the most scenic drives in the world, taking in Amasra, Samsun, Kastamonu, Safranbolu and of course the biggest city of Turkey: Istanbul.

I only managed to drive as far as Inebolu because I only had four days for my return journey from Istanbul. From Inebolu I turned south towards Kastamonu and Safranbolu and back to Istanbul.

Nonetheless, there were plenty of places to visit in Turkey along this shorter stretch of the road, much of it steeped in history. Whereas the south coast is filled mostly with ancient Roman and Greek history, up here in the north of Turkey you will find out about the country’s Ottoman past.

Turkey's North Coast

Driving Along Turkey’s Black Sea Coast

I picked up the car at Istanbul airport late in the evening and parked up in Sultanahmet where I was staying. Parking was surprisingly easy, most hotels have private or street parking.

I set off on the road trip early in the morning but with Istanbul’s notorious traffic jams it took almost three hours to get out of the city.

My first stop after Istanbul was Sile. Sile is a nice peaceful town on the Black Sea coast with some historic ruins. Today it is a district of Istanbul but it took nearly two hours driving to get here even from the outskirts of the city. 

There has been a fishing village here since 700 BC and a lighthouse since the Ottoman period . Today, Şile is a beach resort for people from Istanbul. It has a nice atmosphere, without the expense of travelling to the Mediterranean Sea.

Driving on towards Akcakoca I decided to take the narrow roads and drive along the seashore. It proved a bad decision because it was full of sheep and other animals slowing me down.

Tip: use the main, wider road if there is one, otherwise you might risk missing the really exciting places due to lack of time.

Mosque in Kastamonu, Turkey

Because of taking the narrow roads, it was already dark and I was very tired by the time I arrived in Akcakoca. While still in Istanbul the call to prayer at the Blue Mosque woke me at around 4AM so I was exhausted and I just wanted to sleep.

Turkey’s Modern Silk Road Corridor

Akcakoca is part of what the government calls the Silk Road Corridor. What the government is doing is upgrading the road, rail, electricity and other infrastructure in the region. They are also building a huge motorway and a gas pipe link between Russia and Turkey .

These were all along my route which was quite interesting to see. The problem is the quality of the road work is very shoddy and the first torrential rain washed the brand new road away!

Amasra Bay View from Black Sea Coast

It was terrible – watch the video below to see for yourself. Given that it is a freshly built road, it is just beggars belief that it caved in less than a year after opening.

Akçakoca attracts local and foreign tourists with its sea, sand, fishing port and various fish species. It is famous for its religious architecture, mountain strawberries, chestnut honey and hazelnut, as well as the healing beaches that run along the coast for kilometers.

There were plenty of hotels to choose from but not many had the front lights on. I picked one which was a high-rise and had some cars in the car park.

May is still the low season and turned out the owners were keen to get just about anyone in to stay. The night cost only £30 and when I accidentally flashed my press pass looking for my ID they even offered free dinner!

Amasra: One Of The Best Places To Visit In Turkey!

Amasra is an ancient Greek city , turned Ottoman hot-spot and now tourist resort. The town is so old it was even mentioned by Homer in the Iliad. The town continued to prosper due to its location as a port on the Black Sea.

Ships arriving from the Mediterranean and sailing on to Greek colonies in the North of the Black Sea stopped here. It continued to be important in the Roman times where Traian, the emperor featured it on some gold coins.

Following a giant leap in time we arrive in 1453 when the Ottoman’s captured Constantinople and the Byzantine empire fell.

Amasra Old Town in Turkey

The Greeks that still lived in Amasra fortified the city and built the still remaining christian church. The city fell under Turkish rule soon after the fall of Constantinople and began flourishing again as a port city.

It managed to keep its Greek heritage well into the 20th century when the population exchanges meant millions of Greeks had to leave the country.

The city is absolutely beautiful even today with structures dating back hundreds of years. It has a couple of nice minarets and bridges as well as some nice fish restaurants.

The only downside is that the rubbish dump is right next to the tourist car park and the sea, so on stormy days the trash is washed right into the sea. If that’s not enough, the rubbish heap welcomes all the tourists, which is not a very welcoming sight.

Inebolu – A Traditional Turkish Beach Town

Inebolu is another coastal town along the road. It was here where I spent my second night in the B&B of a Turkish family. If you don’t like making plans, it is easy to just turn up and ask for a room.

In the low season there will be plenty of rooms but in the high season I imagine one needs to book in advance.

Inebolu is a typical Black Sea port town with many fine examples of traditional domestic architecture. Like most Black Sea coastal towns, it has Greek routes. Its original name was Ionopolis and served as port town for Greek merchants.

kastamonu to istanbul

The Silk Road through Safranbolu in Turkey is the historic caravan trail through leading from Iran, India and China to Europe. It allowed Safranbolu to trade and prosper and enabled people of different religions to come into contact over millennia.

The journeys and conquests of Alexander the Great probably created the Silk Road. The next step in the development of the road was when the Romans developed a liking for silk. 

The Byzantines took this to the next level and finally the Seljuk Turks did even better. They improved roads and built hundreds of beautiful caravan-serais to encourage trade with the east.

Kastamonu, a Turkish Market Town

According to the UNESCO , the silk road follows this direction in the north: Trabzon, Amasya, Kastamonu , Izmit, Istanbul and Edirne. On my way back to Istanbul I stopped at Kastamonu and Safranbolu, two of the most amazing places on the Silk Road.

Kastamonu Houses

Kastamonu is another ancient town in the former Turkish empire. The first record of the local castle is from the 11th century when Isaac I Komnenos, Byzantine Emperor ordered its construction in 1057.

The fortress’ name was Castra Komnenon. The town and the surrounding area developed into a rich agricultural region, also serving as a stopping station for the caravans. The old town has some very pretty houses and winding roads up and down the various hills.

Birdseye View Over Kastamonu in Turkey

The city is also home to a major market where the villagers bring their fresh produce on a daily basis. I was there on a Friday and it seemed to be a big market day. The market covers several streets and has two major multi-story halls.

At the center are the old fashioned restaurants where I had the most amazing meat-filled bread. Everyone seemed very friendly and if you stop at a stall to buy something, they will invited you in for a cup of tea.

I spent quite a few hours in the town, first walking around the historic district then up to the castle. I had lunch at the market hall then headed out to Safranbolu. If you would like to read more about Kastamonu, please click this link.

Safranbolu On Turkey’s Silk Road

The road to Safranbolu is a four lane highway from Kastamonu, so it was quite easy to get there. Safranbolu is a UNESCO world heritage site. The entire town has been preserved as it was 600 years ago!

Kastamonu Market Stall

I was quite fascinated to see the old houses and streets, as well as the blacksmiths, ice cream makers and saffron sellers.

Part of the town is the medieval industrial district with carpenters, blacksmiths and tailors lining the streets. At the center of town was the original historic caravanserai.

The walls of the building were at least two meters thick and it had only one gate. At the center courtyard was the original water fountain and stairs going up to the higher levels.

Stepping through the door really felt like a step back in time. They were playing original Turkish music and staff dressed up in historic dresses.

Once I checked in and parked the car I went for a long walk around town. It doesn’t matter which way you start, it is all preserved and just looks fabulous.

Related: read my review of the Hotel Mercure Taksim in Istanbul City Center

The UNESCO site says this about the town: “Safranbolu was an important caravan station on the main East–West trade route from the 13th century until the advent of the railway.

Medieval Streets in Safranbolu, Turkey

The Old Mosque, Old Bath and Süleyman Pasha Medrese originate from 1322. During its apogee in the 17th century, Safranbolu’s architecture influenced urban development throughout much of the Ottoman Empire.”

The city has three districts: Çukur, the market place area of the inner city,  the area of Kıranköy, and Bağlar. Walking around the entire city takes a good day and is well worth a visit.

The Blacksmith At Safranbolu

My favourite part of town was the blacksmith shop and the ice cream stall. The blacksmith allowed me to make my hands dirty and help him out in his hard work. Watch the video below to see me create a huge nail.

Dressed Up In Medieval Garb

After the hard work I stopped off at the ice cream stall where they sold ice cream made using original recipes from hundreds of years ago. It tasted absolutely delicious.

The Gypsy Wedding and the Turkish Bath

I was there on a Saturday and it happened to be a gypsy wedding in one of the houses. When I walked past and looked what was going on they invited me inside. At the end of the video below you can see what the wedding was like. They were very friendly people and invited me for dinner which was great.

After the impromptu dinner I headed back to the caravanserai and then to the bath. The bath house originates from the 14th century and is simply breathtaking. As soon as you walk in history will surround you.

The Carvanserai in Safranbolu, Turkey

Nothing at all has changed in the building in over 700 years and locals still use it as their ancestors did. I spent a couple of hours in the steam room, sauna, cold room and even got a massage, then went back to sleep.

The drive to Istanbul should have been an easy one, but I didn’t realize I needed a motorway ticket to exit. I also had no idea how to register, so unfortunately I received a fine afterwards. Make sure to tell the letting agency that you are planning to use the motorways and buy the appropriate ticket before you enter.

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3 Weeks in Turkey Road Trip Itinerary

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Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to the products we earnestly love and recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, we might make a teeny-weeny commission if you click on the link and decide to buy something. The money will be used to sustain this little cozy blog we call our virtual home.

Are you planning a road trip in Turkey (Türkiye) that dives deeper than the usual tourist trails, letting you truly get into the soul of the country? Look no further! Welcome to your go-to 3 weeks in Turkey road trip itinerary that leaves no stone unturned! From iconic places like Istanbul and Cappadocia to hidden gems like Ayvalik and Alacati, this all-inclusive guide lets you live and breathe Turkey in all its glory.

Short on time in Turkey? Dive into our specially crafted 7-day Turkey itinerary . It’s tailored to ensure you experience the best of Turkey’s wonders in a week.

Why You Can Trust This Itinerary: My Turkish Love Affair

After multiple trips to this bewitching land, I’ve completely fallen head over heels for Turkey—its rich history, vibrant culture , delectable traditional food , and unparalleled beauty.

PS: And it’s not just me; see how Turkey stands out in our feature on the world’s most visited destinations to understand its global charm.

But what truly deepened my love affair with the country was a recent month-long road trip that I undertook with my family. We wandered off the beaten path, discovering hidden hamlets, savoring home-cooked meals, and forming connections that you won’t find in any guidebook.

The trip let me immerse into the very soul of Turkey. And it’s this comprehensive, heartfelt experience that I’ve poured into creating this 3-week itinerary for you.

Covering bustling bazaars, beautiful landscapes, famous tourist spots as well as hidden gems, I tried this itinerary to sum up the essence of Turkey. It’s a distillation of love, experience, and extensive local knowledge.

So, if you’ve been yearning for a Turkish adventure that’s equal parts iconic and intimate, you’ve come to the right place.

And you know something? My love affair with Turkey is far from over. It keeps calling me back, so I’ll be updating this itinerary whenever I explore new places and revisit old ones.

One thing is certain, you’ll always have the latest tips and updates for your own Turkey trip.

So, here’s a distillation of love, experience, and extensive local knowledge in the form of this article for you.

Editor’s Note: This itinerary is jam-packed, kinda like one of those overstuffed Turkish sandwiches you can’t wait to sink your teeth into. I have a serious case of FOMO, and yes, I make my family sprint like we’re in an ‘Amazing Race’ episode to get the most out of every destination. If your idea of traveling involves more lounging and less rushing (no judgment!), this itinerary is quite flexible. Whether you’re a slow traveler who loves immersing in each place or someone who wants to see it all, you can easily tailor this itinerary to your own pace and interests. And if you need help tweak it to fit your style, just let me know—I’m here to help!

3 Weeks in Turkey Road Trip Itinerary: A Road Map (Route)

3 weeks in turkey road trip itinerary route map

Looking for reliable & affordable car hire in Turkey?

We trust and recommend Local Rent which promises transparency, security, convenience, personal touch, and incredible savings.

3 Weeks in Turkey Travel Itinerary: An Interactive Map

You must check out this interactive Turkey map before you move ahead with the Turkey travel itinerary.

Wondering what those colorful pins and stars are all about? Well, those purple pins mark your ‘home bases’—the fantastic spots where you’ll be spending the night or the major destinations on your road map.

And those twinkling purple stars? They’re the amazing pit stops, detours, and day trips sprinkled between your main stops.

It’s like a treasure map, but instead of classic blue location markers, we’ve got vibrant markers to be your personal compass 🙂

Three Weeks in Turkey Itinerary: An Outline

A Quick Note on Itinerary Structure: In my itineraries, I always start with ‘Day 0,’ which marks your arrival in the country. I don’t count this as a full day of exploration because flight arrivals can be unpredictable. Similarly, I’ve ended this itinerary with ‘Day 22,’ which is solely your day to fly back home. I don’t include these ‘bookend’ days in the core itinerary because they’re not days where you’ll be actively exploring. But feel free to turn them into mini-adventures if your flight times allow!

A Detailed 3 Week Turkey Itinerary

Here’s a comprehensive and the best Turkey itinerary for 3 weeks that’s designed to explore the best this country has to offer!

Just a quick heads-up: I’ve provided distances and estimated driving times between destinations to help guide your road journey. However, remember that actual travel times can vary based on traffic, your chosen route and any detours or pit stops you might make along the way.

Day 0: Arrive in Istanbul | Day at Leisure | Overnight in Istanbul

istanbul international airport

Welcome to Turkey!

As your plane touches down in Istanbul, you’re not just landing in a city—you’re landing in a world where two continents collide.

So, what’s the Day 0 game plan for you?

It’s better to have no set agenda for today, take this time to recharge; settle into your hotel, and shake off that jet lag, trust me, you’re going to need all the energy you can muster for the adventures ahead.

If you’re feeling peppy, enjoy a sunset stroll by the Bosphorus or savor your first cup of Turkish tea with a view —a perfect ‘formal introduction,’ if you will.

A Quick Tip: Istanbul has two major airports—Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side, and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. Neither is a quick jaunt from the city center, so do yourself a favor and pre-book a private airport transfer . It’ll save you a world of hassle, and you’ll arrive at your hotel feeling like the VIP you are. Oh, and speaking of hotels, do try to pick one smack dab in the middle of the city like Sultanahmet or Beyoglu—it’ll make your life (and your wallet) much happier. And if you can snag one with a view , even better! That view might just be the perfect finishing touch to your Istanbul trip.

Where to Stay in Istanbul

• AJWA Sultanahmet • Four Seasons • White House • Hotel Miniature – Ottoman Mansion , Boutique Saint Sophia • The Galata Istanbul Hotel MGallery

Attention! While crafting your Turkish trip, remember that Booking.com isn’t accessible in Turkey due to local guidelines. To sidestep any hiccups, secure your stay in advance or opt for platforms like Hotels.com or Agoda.com . A bit of prep now promises a hassle-free journey later!

Day 1: Explore Classic Istanbul | Overnight in Istanbul

hagia sophia ayasofya sultanahmet istanbul 3 weeks in turkey itinerary

It’s time to paint the town—or in this case, the district—of Fatih red!

Today, you’re diving into the city’s beating heart— Fatih District , a place where history literally speaks to you from every corner.

This is where the iconic Sultanahmet area resides, along with the ever-so-quaint Fener and Balat neighborhoods.

Slip on those comfy walking shoes because we’re covering a lot of ground!

As you step out, you’ll immediately notice the air is different here – like flipping through an ancient, beautifully illustrated manuscript. Sultanahmet is the soul of Istanbul, and every cobblestone and spire here has a tale to tell.

Start your morning with a visit to the Blue Mosque ; its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles are a sight to behold.

Next, make your way to Hagia Sophia , a masterpiece that has stood as a church, a mosque, and now a museum.

These two are the Sinatra and De Niro of Istanbul’s skyline—absolutely iconic!

While you’re in the neighborhood, don’t forget the Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern , each a marvel in its own right.

And, don’t overlook the Grand Bazaar —It’s like stepping into Aladdin’s cave, minus the genie, but filled with spices, rugs, and twinkling lamps.

While the big names deserve your attention, take time to explore the less-celebrated, yet equally charming, nooks like Sogukcesme Street . You know you’re somewhere special when even the streets have a floral theme, each named after a flower.

Now, here’s a pro tip : Don’t just trudge from landmark to landmark. Take a break at Hafiz Mustafa , one of the most storied cafes in all of Europe .

Try their Turkish delight or baklava, paired with a cup of steaming Turkish coffee, a combo as iconic as the landmarks you’ve just visited. And remember, Turkey’s coffee culture is among the finest globally , turning each sip into a celebration of tradition.

In the afternoon, wander off to Fener and Balat. The pastel-colored houses here are more than just Instagram material; they’re windows into Istanbul’s rich, multi-layered past. Tread slowly through the narrow streets, especially, like Merdivenli Yokus and Kiremit .

As you stroll, you might unexpectedly find yourself in front of an ancient Greek school , come across a tucked-away Jewish synagogue , or even discover a snug café renowned for its out-of-this-world Turkish coffee.

If you’re seeking a coffee experience that’s less ‘touristy’ and more authentic, make a beeline for Velvet Cafe .

Wrap up your day at a local Meze bar. The Turkish tapas and a glass of Raki are the perfect end to an unforgettable first day in Istanbul. Recommended spots to enjoy this culinary adventure include Balat Meze , Agora , and Cibalikapi Balikcisi Halic .

A little insider secret for those traveling with kids —meze bars aren’t all about late-night revelry. Seek out the ones with a laid-back atmosphere to make sure even the youngest family members have a blast. Just steer clear of the livelier joints that might be less suitable for little ears and eyes.

Alternatively, you can consider dining at Old Balat Cafe & Kitchen which offers a variety of local delights in a setting that’s just dripping with culture and history.

After a scrumptious meal, take a stroll along the Golden Horn for some lovely bay views. It’s the perfect backdrop to reminisce about your incredible day in this timeless city .

Traveler’s Note: If you have some spare time, you can also visit the stunning Suleymaniye Mosque and the aromatic Spice Bazaar , also known as the Egyptian Bazaar . It’s a good idea to fit them in as you move from Sultanahmet to Fener and Balat.

Day 2: Explore the New European Side of Istanbul | Overnight in Istanbul

street istiklal avenue istanbul

If you’ve cottoned onto the rhythm of the city by now, you’ll be more than ready for the magical carousel of experiences I’ve got lined up for today.

And trust me on this, it’s a day that you’ll absolutely want to write home about.

Today, explore the lively Beyoglu District in Istanbul, a place buzzing with modern culture, art, and delicious food.

Start your day with the gastronomic wonder that is Van Kahvalti Evi . Located in the lively district of Cihangir , this breakfast spot feels like a morning carnival of flavors that hail from the eastern Van region. Dive into an array of cheeses, olives, and clotted cream, all lovingly accompanied by that liquid gold—Turkish tea.

Next, head to Istiklal Avenue , the heart of the city, where old and new Istanbul meet. This bustling street is full of music, historic sites, and shops.

Continue to Taksim Square , known for its vibrant atmosphere and as a spot for various events and daily life in Istanbul.

Don’t miss Galata Tower next, where climbing up offers a stunning 360-degree view of the city, showcasing its rich history and present-day buzz.

As you ascend, prepare for a jaw-dropping 360-degree view that unfolds Istanbul’s ever-changing storyline. It’s a visual feast you’ll want to savor.

Finish in the artistic neighborhood of Karakoy . Wander through streets adorned with street art, check out the Kamondo Stairs , visit Salt Galata , and see the famous hanging umbrellas . Karakoy is a feast for the eyes and the soul.

umbrella street karakoy istanbul

But the pièce de résistance awaits you at the Galata Bridge during twilight. As the sun lazily dips into the Golden Horn, find yourself a prime spot on the bridge and watch the sky change into bright shades of orange, pink, and purple, lighting up the water beautifully.

Finally, hop aboard a Bosphorus dinner cruise . As you glide along the strait that ties two continents together, admire Istanbul’s iconic skyline bathed in the soft glow of dusk, feel a gentle sea breeze playing with your hair, relish live music and performances, and enjoy a sumptuous feast!

If the idea of a dinner cruise doesn’t excite you, perhaps a more spiritual experience does. The Sema Ceremony , performed by the Whirling Dervishes is a deeply spiritual, ritualistic dance that originated with the Mevlevi Order founded by the 13th-century Persian poet, Rumi. You can witness this ceremony at the Sirkeci Train Station , Hodjapasha Dance Theater , or the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum

To further optimize your experience, check out our detailed guide on how to spend two perfect days in Istanbul .

Day 3: Explore the Hidden Charms of the New European Side of Istanbul | Overnight in Istanbul

historic wooden ottoman mansions arnavutkoy besiktas istanbul turkey road trip itinerary

Today, explore Istanbul’s European side, focusing on the unique areas of Arnavutkoy and Ortakoy in the Besiktas District, and maybe even Cihangir and Cukurcuma in the Beyoglu District.

These neighborhoods blend modern culture with traditional touches and beautiful coastlines, offering a different experience from the usual tourist spots in Istanbul.

Start in Arnavutkoy, in the Besiktas District, known for its beautiful old wooden houses and trendy cafés. This area feels like a walk-through history but with a modern twist.

Then, head to the heart of Besiktas, where old and new Istanbul meet. Beyond the famous Dolmabahce Palace , you’ll find lively markets, quaint tea gardens, and a love for football that brings the community together, especially during local matches.

dolmabahce palace besiktas istanbul turkey itinerary 21 days

While here, check out Sinan Pasha Mosque , an Ottoman marvel famous for its Iznik tiles, Tomb of Barbarossa , the mausoleum of a legendary pirate turned admiral, Neo-Baroque Ortakoy Mosque , perched right on the edge of the Bosphorus, and Yildiz Park , the green haven within bustling Besiktas, and of course, Dolmabahce Palace, an imperial splendor showing Turkey’s rich history.

When in Ortakoy, don’t miss out on trying the delicious kumpir , the Turkish version of a loaded baked potato, sold by street vendors in the area.

Now, over to Cihangir and Cukurcuma. These neighborhoods are the epitome of Istanbul’s bohemian chic.

Moving on to Cihangir and Cukurcuma, you’ll find Istanbul’s artsy side. Cukurcuma is perfect for antique lovers and is home to the unique Museum of Innocence . Cihangir is great for wandering its maze-like streets, enjoying the European vibe, watching people, and enjoying top-notch Turkish coffee. Don’t miss Cihangir Park Stairs , famed for their Insta-perfect views. And if caffeine is your thing, you’ll swear by Norm Coffee .

End your day with a visit to one of Istanbul’s historic hammams for a traditional Turkish bath.

When it comes to choosing a hamam in Istanbul, you’re really spoiled for choices. For those seeking an authentic experience without a heavy hit to the wallet, Aga Hamami is your go-to. Operational since 1454, it’s one of the oldest in the city. Right next to our Airbnb, I experienced traditional Turkish wellness at Aga, it felt like discovering an oasis of calm in the middle of life’s chaos.

Another one is Cagaloglu Hamam , a place believed to be so enchanting it made its way to a ‘1,000 Places to See Before You Die’ list by the New York Times . Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami and Suleymaniye Hamami are other popular hammams in the city.

Check out our tailored 3 Days in Istanbul itinerary for deeper insights!

Day 4: Explore the Asian Side of Istanbul | Overnight in Istanbul

bahariye street kadikoy istanbul

How about swapping continents without even leaving the city? Yes, only in Istanbul can you have breakfast in Europe and lunch in Asia.

Day 4 is all about soaking in the flavors, sights, and sounds of Istanbul’s Asian side, which, dare I say, is the city’s best-kept secret!

Here, you’ll traverse through three iconic districts— Kadikoy , Uskudar , and Kuzguncuk —each a character of its own in the sprawling narrative of Istanbul.

Think of Kadikoy as Istanbul’s artsy, hipster cousin who moved to the Asian side to get away from the family drama but still comes over for Sunday dinner.

If Beyoglu is the life of the party, Kadikoy is the one chilling in the corner, serving up Turkish pizza and stuffed mussels with a side of cool.

It’s where indie meets Anatolian in a blend so seamless you’ll forget you’re in a city that straddles two continents.

When you’re not lost in the labyrinth of its fish and produce market, you’ll find yourself strolling along the Moda neighborhood’s scenic shores, overlooking the Sea of Marmara, with Sultanahmet’s iconic skyline stealing glances from across the waters.

In short, Kadikoy is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the laid-back side of Istanbul.

Moving on to Uskudar, it’s one of those unique Istanbul districts that manages to stand apart while still encapsulating the city’s fascinatingly complex character holding onto its individuality.

nevmekan sahil  uskudar istanbul

A bit away from the urban hustle, It’s a hub of art, spirituality, and community, all the while offering tranquil spaces like Nevmekan Sahil where you can take a breather from your explorations.

You’d also find an array of Ottoman-era mosques like Sakirin Mosque , Mihrimah Sultan Mosque , and Shemsi Pasha Mosque , each an architectural marvel.

Strolling along the Uskudar Coast Walkway on the Asian banks of the Bosphorus feels like a pause in time.

Each sunset here seems like a personal love letter from Istanbul herself. Add to that the iconic silhouette of the Maiden’s Tower against the dreamy hues of dusk, and the experience becomes priceless.

And then there’s Kuzguncuk, the neighborhood that feels like a warm hug. It’s like walking through a real-life Pinterest board, filled with inspiration at every turn.

kuzguncuk bostani uskudar istanbul

As you set your foot, you’re immediately wrapped in a sort of nostalgic embrace—the cobblestone streets, colorful medley of quaint wooden houses, floral balconies, and antique shops welcome you like a long-lost friend.

Kuzguncuk has an old soul, and it’s evident in its architecture; from the elegantly aging buildings to the hidden gardens that bloom defiantly through cracks in the concrete.

The community here is a fascinating blend of cultures. Once a melting pot of Greeks, Armenians, and Jews, it still retains a delightful diversity.

Here, a synagogue, a church, and a mosque can all be neighbors. The air seems to hum with the tunes of heartwarming camaraderie and historical bonds.

Icadiye , Perihan Abla , and Uryanizade Streets intersect in what can only be described as a mini-melting pot of Istanbul’s diverse religious and cultural mosaic.

Walking down these streets is like flipping through the pages of a living history book, where every turn of the corner reveals a new chapter.

The vivid traditional wooden chardak houses are one of the defining features of Kuzguncuk, giving the neighborhood its postcard-perfect allure.

You’ll find these colorful, often multi-storied wooden houses predominantly along Perihan Abla Street (Named after a popular Turkish TV show from the ’80s) and its adjacent lanes.

These beautiful houses, known as Kuzguncuk Evleri are the living soul of the neighborhood, serving as a visual display that narrates the area’s rich past.

Kuzguncuk is not only about consuming; it’s also about creating. The local art scene thrives in nooks and crannies. Tiny galleries and craft shops hold the dreams and imaginations of locals who express themselves through canvas and clay. You never know, you might stumble upon an impromptu art show or a spontaneous musical performance.

The art galleries are sprinkled mostly around Icadiye Avenue , forming the creative heartbeat of this idyllic neighborhood.

The avenue serves as a cultural promenade, lined with charming art galleries and a performing arts center that encircles the Kuzguncuk Bostani , a green oasis in this urban retreat.

What better way to end your day than taking a leisurely walk to Kuzguncuk Pier , especially during sunset? The view of the Bosphorus, set aflame by the descending sun, is like a painting no artist could fully capture.

Roadmap Recommendation: if you’re intrigued by history and architecture, and experiencing a city that has a distinct vibe compared to the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, a day trip (or longer) to Edirne is a fantastic choice! Just a couple of hours away, this historical gem is brimming with architectural wonders like the Selimiye Mosque and intriguing traditions such as the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival . So, stretch your Istanbul stay and let Edirne surprise you!

Day 5: Istanbul to Canakkale via Bursa | Explore Canakkale & Troy | Overnight in Canakkale

Distance 🛣️ 320 kilometers (200 miles) Driving Time 🚗 4.5 hours

historic grand bazaar bursa turkey in three weeks itinerary

Finally, It’s time to hit the road and swap the bustling lanes of Istanbul for the scenic routes of Turkey! It’s going to be a rollercoaster of experiences.

Arrange a pick up of your rental car as soon as the sun ascends to make the most of your time. You’ll set off towards Canakkale while making a pit stop in Bursa , a city that once was a major stop on the ancient Silk Road.

In Bursa, you’ve got a tight window of 2-3 hours, so let’s make it count. Head straight for the Grand Bazaar . Here, you can lose yourself in a labyrinth of spices, textiles, and ceramics.

Don’t forget to grab a quick but delicious Iskender kebab , Bursa’s gift to the culinary world, at one of the local eateries.

If you’re more into architecture and history, a brief visit to the Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) is a must. Its Seljuk-style design and dramatic interior offer a quick but enriching historical immersion.

As I was leaving Bursa after just three hours, I felt like I’d only skimmed the surface of a love letter without ever really diving into its heartfelt lines. It’s a city that calls for a weekend to truly savor its depth and layers.

Next up, you’re back on the road to Canakkale, a charming town that wears its history like a badge of honor.

You can’t visit Canakkale without delving into the nearby ancient city of Troy , famed for the Trojan Horse and epic battles.

replica trojan horse troy canakkale

The archaeological site offers a glimpse into various layers of civilizations built upon each other.

Pose next to the replica of the Trojan Horse , and let your imagination run wild thinking of Achilles and Hector’s legendary duel.

Canakkale itself is a hub of culture, war history, and some jaw-dropping natural landscapes.

The Gallipoli Peninsula should be on your list, especially if you’re keen on World War I history. The memorials and the rugged landscapes tell tales of bravery and loss.

Alexandria Troas and Rhapsodos Mozaik are other intriguing treasures in Chanakkale.

Where to Stay in Canakkale

• Hotel Des Etrangers – Special Category • Set Özer Hotel

Day 6: Canakkale to Ayvalik | Explore Ayvalik | Overnight in Ayvalik

Distance 🛣️ 220 kilometers (137 miles) Driving Time 🚗 3 hours

temple of athena behramkale assos canakkale

Rev up early and bid adieu to Canakkale’s timeworn charm as you set course for Ayvalik’s coastal allure.

Your first pitstop could be the nearby villages like Behramkale aka Assos , not only for a whiff of village life but also to check out the Temple of Athena for some spellbinding views.

Back on the road, the vistas of the Aegean Sea serve as a constant companion, teasing what’s to come in Ayvalik.

Now, about Ayvalik . The moment you enter this town, it’s like walking into a watercolor painting.

The harmonious blend of Aegean and Ottoman architecture is sure to catch your eye. And if you’re a foodie, you’re in for a treat!

Ayvalik is renowned for its olive oil, so don’t forget to sample some tapenade or even purchase a bottle as a delicious memento.

If you’re itching for some sea and sand, head over to Sarimsakli Beach . It’s the kind of place where you can let the sea wash over your toes while you plan your dinner from one of the many seafood eateries that line the promenade.

Or, if you’re more into history, you could opt for a quick visit to the Devil’s Table , or Seytan Sofrasi, a hilltop viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas and has a rich mythology to boot.

As darkness descends, Ayvalik’s harbor area bursts into life. Fishermen bring in the day’s catch, alfresco diners take their pick from an array of delectable offerings, and you—well, you can sip some local wine, perhaps a glass of Urla Vourla , and reflect on yet another incredible day in Turkey.

Stay overnight in one of the charming guesthouses or boutique hotels to fully soak in Ayvalik’s unique blend of natural beauty and local culture.

Where to Stay in Ayvalik

• Hanole Guest House • Orchis Hotel • Gule Cunda • Ajlan Hotel Cunda

Day 7: Ayvalik to Alacati | Stop by Pergamon | Explore Alacati | Overnight in Alacati

Distance 🛣️ 250 kilometers (155 miles) Driving Time 🚗 3 hours

pergamon bergama izmir

Say so long to Ayvalik and hello to Alacati as you hit the road, eager for the day’s new thrills.

But before you immerse yourself in Alacati’s ethereal charm, make sure you swing by Pergamon —an ancient city that’s an archaeological goldmine.

The site offers you the grandeur of its Acropolis, an amphitheater that once resonated with the philosophies of the ancients, and the Asclepion, an ancient healing center. It’s like walking through a vivid dream of antiquity.

Then, hit the road again because Alacati awaits.

As you roll into town, the stone houses adorned with cascading bougainvillea beckon, inviting you into a world where cobblestone streets lead to artisan boutiques and charming windmills keep watch over the town.

Alacati offers an irresistible blend of Greek charm and Turkish allure that’s hard to put your finger on but easy to fall in love with.

While in Alacati , make it a point to visit the local bazaar; the sensory overload of spices, fabrics, and local crafts is intoxicating.

Dine al fresco at one of the stylish eateries that serve everything from succulent seafood to delectable mezes.

As the evening sets in, why not explore Alacati’s vibrant nightlife? Quaint cafes transition into bustling bars, where you can sip on fine wines or exotic cocktails, capturing the essence of the town.

Where to Stay in Alacati

• Alavya • Incirliev • Maison d’Azur Alacatı • Puka Otel • Biblos Resort Alacati

Day 8: Alacati to Selcuk | Explore Selcuk | Overnight in Selcuk

Distance 🛣️ 150 kilometers (93 miles) Driving Time 🚗 2 hours

temple of artemis ephesus selcuk 3 weeeks in turkey road trip itinerary

Your next stop is Selcuk, a place where history doesn’t just live in dusty books but stands tall in ancient ruins and resonates in bustling markets.

As you pull away from Alacati’s cobblestone charm, let the anticipation build; today you’re tracing the very steps of emperors and philosophers!

If you’re feeling peckish on the drive, make sure to stop for a classic Turkish simit from a roadside vendor. Think of it as a chewy, sesame-crusted foretaste of the feasts of culture and history awaiting you.

Arriving in Selcuk, you’ve got an array of options. Ephesus is the crown jewel, of course—its marble streets and grand amphitheater practically hum with tales from antiquity.

You’ll be visiting Ephesus tomorrow. Why? This world-famous archaeological site is best enjoyed with the morning dew still fresh on the millennia-old stones, free from the bustling crowds.

Also, visiting the Ephesus Archaeological Museum makes more sense after you’ve explored the ancient city, so that’s also reserved for tomorrow. Trust me, the museum hits differently after you’ve roamed the ruins.

For today, use the extra time to become acquainted with Selcuk—perhaps a leisurely stroll through its charming streets stopping by the likes of Ayasuluk Fortress and the Isa Bey Mosque or a quick visit to St. John’s Basilica to whet your historical appetite.

Make sure to visit the House of the Virgin Mary , a pilgrimage site shrouded in serenity, and the Temple of Artemis , one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

A little off the beaten track, but very much worth the detour, is the quaint village of Sirince . Its cobbled lanes and wine-scented air promise a delightful interlude.

As the day winds down, perhaps with a glass of local wine, know that Selcuk is not a one-hit-wonder. Save some energy for the ancient city of Ephesus and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, but that’s for tomorrow.

Tomorrow, you’ll be walking through Ephesus’s ancient marble streets as the first rays of the sun hit, practically having the place to yourself.

You’ll experience Ephesus in a way most only wish they could, devoid of bustling crowds, leaving you to imagine you’ve traveled back in time.

Now that’s what I call setting the stage for a monumental morning!

Where to Stay in Selcuk

• Amazon Petite Palace • Hotel Mary’s House • Celsus Boutique Hotel • in Ephesus Hotel and Art Galery

Day 9: Explore Ephesus & the Ephesus Archaeological Museum| Ephesus to Fethiye | Explore Fethiye | Overnight in Fethiye

Distance 🛣️ 290 kilometers (180 miles) Driving Time 🚗 4 hours

library of celsus ephesus ancient city selcuk izmir

Head to Ephesus as the gates swing open. Wander through the Library of Celsus and imagine scholars of yore in deep debate, hear your footsteps echo in the Grand Theater , and feel history come alive.

And don’t miss the Terraced Houses , offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of Ephesus’s elite residents, adorned with intricate mosaics and frescoes that hint at the grandeur of the past.

Situated near Ephesus is the mysterious Grotto of the Seven Sleepers , steeped in legends that span cultures.

Just when you think you’ve soaked in all the Ephesus magic, it’s time for Act II: the Ephesus Archaeological Museum .

Visiting the museum after roaming the marble-clad streets of Ephesus is like getting a backstage pass to history, where artifacts and exhibits offer deeper context and meaning to everything you’ve just witnessed.

But hang on to your hats; the day is far from over. Bid Ephesus goodbye and make your way to Fethiye, a jewel of the Turkish Riviera.

Forget about time travel; now you’re about to be swept off your feet by Turkey’s coastal charm.

paspatur old town fethiye turkey itinerary

Wander through Fethiye’s enchanting old town , where cobblestone streets are lined with quaint shops, lively cafes, and hidden courtyards that seem almost frozen in time.

But it’s not just the streets that hold history; glance upwards and you’ll find the Amyntas Rock Tombs , or Lycian Rock Tombs as they’re also known.

These ancient marvels are carved into the cliffs, serving as a lasting tribute to the Lycians who once called this region home.

If history tickles your fancy, the Fethiye Museum is a pocket-sized but enriching experience, offering you snippets of the region’s cultural fabric. Yep, everything from Lycian to Byzantine and Ottoman eras!

Worked up an appetite, have you? Make your way to the Fish Market , where the day’s catch awaits. Pick your favorite fish and watch as nearby restaurants transform it into a scrumptious meal, complete with all the Turkish meze fixings!

For a tranquil end to your day, head to Calis Beach to witness a sunset that’ll make you question whether you’re still on Earth or have been transported to a celestial wonderland.

Where to Stay in Fethiye or Oludeniz

• Harbour suites • Körfez Suites • The Pearl Ölüdeniz

Day 10: Explore Oludeniz | Overnight in Fethiye

Distance 🛣️ 20 kilometers (12 miles) Driving Time 🚗 30 minutes

oludeniz beach fethiye mugla

A slice of Turkish Riviera heaven, Oludeniz is where the Mediterranean caresses the Aegean and the sky plays footsie with the sea!

Oludeniz Beach is a must, not just because of its postcard-perfect iconic blue lagoon but also because it’s one of the world’s top spots for paragliding.

It isn’t every day that you get a chance to soar through the air from Babadag Mountain over one of the world’s most stunning coastlines.

If you aren’t an adrenaline junkie, you can easily drive up to the mountain’s summit to enjoy the spectacular views.

Or you can indulge in swimming or paddleboarding to enjoy the calm, shallow waters of the lagoon.

If you’re craving more beach action, head over to the less touristy Kidrak Beach . Here you get the same crystal-clear water without the crowds, and it’s only a short dolmuş (local minibus) ride away from the lagoon.

Or you can choose to take a boat trip to the Blue Cave , a natural wonder known for its ethereal, radiant blue hue.

lycian way trail oludeniz fethiye

Creme-de-la-creme of Turkish hiking —Lycian Way Trail starts here! It’s a long-distance trail that meanders over 540 km along Turkey’s southwestern coast, connecting Fethiye in the west with Antalya in the east.

The trail is a beauty overload of turquoise coastlines, hidden beaches, and ancient ruins.

The best part is that you don’t have to do the whole thing to get the vibe.

The Oludeniz to Kayakoy section is a segment of the Lycian Way that packs a punch without knocking you out. Perfect for a 2 to 3-hour jaunt, this slice of the trail lets you dip your toes in the Lycian Way experience.

It’s just about 8 km and isn’t too grueling, but it still serves up jaw-dropping vistas, ancient ruins, and that delicious sense of “Whoa, I’m walking through history here!”

This shorter section will take you from the dreamy lagoon of Oludeniz, up and through pine-laden hills, and down into the evocative Ghost Town of Kayakoy .

As you trek, every turn offers something awesome—a cliffside view here, a hidden alcove there, and the ever-present aura of history that lingers like your favorite perfume.

Saunter through the Ghost Town of Kayakoy – an abandoned Greek village with its tumble-down stone houses is an eerie yet fascinating walk through history.

As you’re there, the backdrop of the Taurus Mountains is just begging for a photo session, so don’t forget your camera.

If you’re not hiking, you can wander into the forest just a bit for a nature-breath moment.

Butterfly Valley is a hidden Eden here you won’t want to miss. Only reachable by boat or an adventurous hike, this sanctuary is a playground for a colorful array of butterflies.

Also, here, waterfalls cascade and unique plants flourish, all coming together to create a slice of paradise.

A little further from Butterfly Valley, Kabak Bay offers pristine beaches and the serene ambiance of the Mediterranean. Great for a brief relaxation or even a swim!

The beachfront is dotted with restaurants that serve everything from international cuisine to classic Turkish dishes like kebabs, mezes, and the freshest seafood.

So, don’t miss out on relishing a cup of Turkish tea, deeply rooted in one of the world’s most cherished tea cultures . Or, let a chilled Efes beer be your companion as you witness the sun’s graceful descent. Both experiences are quintessentially Turkish and unforgettable.

Day 11: Fethiye to Kalkan | Stop by Pinara Antique City, the Ancient City of Xanthos, & Patara | Overnight in Kalkan

Distance 🛣️ 90 kilometers (55 miles) Driving Time 🚗 1.5 hours

pinara antique city fethiye mugla

Get those wheels rolling towards Kalkan!

Your first stop is Pinara Antique City . Let the ruins whisper secrets of a bygone era as you explore this less-visited gem. It’s a kind of hush-hush spot that feels like your own discovery, away from the buzz of the tourist tracks.

Just when you think you’ve had your fill of historical wonder, the Ancient City of Xanthos awaits. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a history buff’s dream with its ancient tombs and ruins, blending Lycian and Roman vibes.

Letoon , located just a stone’s throw away from Xanthos, is a UNESCO-listed sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Leto. Exploring its ruins, from temples to theaters, gives you a feel of the ancient spiritual vibe of the Lycians.

PS: As you’re running on a tight schedule, you might have to choose between Pinara Antique City and the Ancient City of Xanthos. Both are spectacular in their own right, so it really boils down to what you’re in the mood for. Pinara is your go-to if you’re looking for a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience. On the other hand, Xanthos packs a heavier historical punch with its UNESCO World Heritage status. Whichever you choose, know that you’re diving into layers upon layers of history and culture, perfect for time-traveling without the need for a DeLorean!

A little further down the road, Patara rolls out its sandy welcome mat. Besides boasting one of the longest beaches in Turkey , Patara also offers ruins that are just begging to be explored.

From an ancient amphitheater to a crumbling lighthouse, it’s another layer of Turkey’s multifaceted charm.

patara beach kas antalya

Just before you reach Kalkan, there’s a tiny yet utterly gorgeous bay with turquoise waters, sandwiched between cliffs – Kaputas Beach it is! It’s a great spot for a refreshing swim.

As the day winds down, arrive in Kalkan, a picturesque harbor town that’s the very definition of ‘cozy.’

charming coastal town of kalkan kas antalya

With its white-washed buildings, cobblestone streets, and a marina that’s lit up like a constellation at night, Kalkan is the perfect spot to pause.

Where to Stay in Kalkan

• Old Trading House • Kalkan’da Merkezde Haftalık Kiralık Daire • True Blue Boutique Hotel Kalkan • Elixir Hotel • The White House Kalkan

Day 12: Kalkan to Kas | Explore Kas | Kas to Pamukkale | Overnight in Pamukkale

Distance 🛣️ Kalkan to Kas: 32 kilometers (20 miles) & Kas to Pamukkale : 290 kilometers (180 miles) Driving Time 🚗 1 hour & 4 hours

antalya kalkan kas mystery beach restaurant

Driving from Kalkan to Kas was a total highlight for me, and it’s easy to see why.

It’s the kind of drive daydreams are made of. Imagine coastal roads that curve like a calligrapher’s flourish with the Mediterranean sparkling like a sea of sapphires beside you.

To say I loved it to the core would be an understatement; it’s an experience that found its way into the nooks and crannies of my wanderlust-filled heart.

The trip is relatively short, giving you ample time to soak up the laid-back vibes of Kas upon arrival.

charming streets of kas antalya

Kas is your quintessential Mediterranean paradise. Think cobblestone streets that wind around quirky art shops, inviting you to pick up a souvenir or two.

Its laid-back marina is a call to marine adventure, be it scuba diving to ancient ruins or kayaking in the crystal-clear waters.

if you’re in for a little bit of island life, Meis Island aka Kastellorizo or Castellorizo or Megisti, is just a stone’s throw away—well, more like a 20-minute ferry ride. This tiny Greek island is worth the detour for a quick dose of another culture.

meis island kastellorizo castellorizo megisti greece from kas turkey

Whether you’re exploring the ruins of a Byzantine fortress or simply taking in the island’s candy-colored houses, you’ll get a sweet slice of international travel without ever going too far. Make sure you’ve got that visa sorted along with your Turkish one.

After soaking in the laid-back vibes of Kas, hit the road to Pamukkale . Why the rush, you ask? Well, let me spill some hard-earned wisdom: getting to Pamukkale early is non-negotiable.

Last time, I made the rookie mistake of arriving late, and, let me tell you, my pictures were basically a Where’s Waldo of random tourists.

So, to make the most of those iconic thermal springs and travertine terraces, book an overnight stay and get there before the sun comes up.

Now, I’ve got to be real with you—Pamukkale might not live up to those heavily-filtered Instagram posts. It’s beautiful, sure, but don’t expect to find paradise on Earth.

However, it’s still one of Turkey’s top sights, and the allure is strong enough that you’ll likely want to see it for yourself.

Just remember, the early bird not only gets the worm but also the best photo ops!

Roadmap Recommendation: Situated near the town of Demre on Turkey’s southern coast, Theimussa, and Ancient Myra ruins beckon history buffs with their tales from bygone eras. If you’re keen on veering off the typical tourist trail, consider weaving these sites into your journey. You might opt to bypass the often-crowded Pamukkale or extend your stay in the charming town of Kas. No matter what you choose, these lesser-visited gems promise a deep dive into Turkey’s rich panorama of history.

Where to Stay in Pamukkale

• Pamukkale Whiteheaven Suite Hotel • Pamukkale Melrose Viewpoint Suites • Anya Resort Hotel

Day 13: Explore Pamukkale | Explore Laodikeia & Aphrodisias | Pamukkale to Antalya | Overnight in Antalya

Distance 🛣️ 235 kilometers (146 miles) Driving Time 🚗 3.5 hours

pamukkale hot springs denizli

Start your day with Pamukkale’s cotton-like terraces—trust me, you’ll want to see them glisten in the morning light before the crowds arrive.

Snap those photos, soak in the hot springs if you like, and let the place grow on you a little.

Immerse yourself, perhaps quite literally, by taking a dip in the hot springs or the famed Cleopatra’s Pool .

Let the history of the adjoining ancient city of Hierapolis envelop you, with its theaters and age-old ruins whispering tales from the past.

And not too far from here, near modern-day Denizli, lies the ancient city of Laodikeia , another evidence of the region’s rich history.

But don’t linger too long; you’ve got another gem waiting— Aphrodisias !

aphrodisias aydin

Now, if you’re a history buff or even a casual fan of ancient civilizations, Aphrodisias will be a welcome addition.

Imagine walking through an ancient city dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite, with remarkably well-preserved ruins.

Once you’ve had your fill of antiquity for the day, cruise down to Antalya.

The drive itself is a treat, with a landscape that makes you want to pull over every five minutes for a photo.

On-the-Go Advice: Do keep an eye on the time, as there’s much to see in Pamukkale and its neighboring sites, and you wouldn’t want to rush the experience at either site!

Where to Stay in Antalya

• Hotel Lykia Old Town Antalya • Eski Masal Hotel – Special Class • Arkk Homes

Day 14: Explore Antalya | Overnight in Antalya

lower duden falls antalya

Today, you’ll explore another jewel of the Turkish Riviera – Antalya !

Kick things off with a trip to Duden Falls . The cascading water against the dramatic cliffs offers the perfect start to your day.

There are two cascades, Lower and Upper Duden Falls , each with its own unique charm! Trust me, you’ll want to set aside some time for both because they offer distinctly different experiences that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Next, stroll through Hadrian’s Gate . This triumphal arch was built for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, and it feels like stepping back in time.

Then head to Yivliminare Mosque , a striking example of Seljuk architecture with its towering minaret that can’t be missed.

You’ll also want to explore Antalya Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower), another charming historic site that adds a unique flavor to the city’s skyline.

antalya old town

But your Antalya adventure wouldn’t be complete without wandering through Kaleici Old Town . With its cobblestone streets, historic homes, and little shops, it’s the heart and soul of Antalya.

Still, got some pep in your step? Well, Antalya’s beaches are not to be missed. Whether it’s Konyaalti or Lara Beach , both offer a different vibe and are perfect for a lazy afternoon or a splashy adventure.

Finally, hop on a boat tour that takes you around Antalya’s stunning coastline. Imagine turquoise waters, mysterious caves, and maybe—if you’re lucky—a dolphin or two!

Oh, Sand Sculpture Park , also known as Sandland, is another not-to-be-missed attraction in Antalya.

From historical figures to iconic landmarks and mythical creatures, larger-than-life intricate sculptures that look like they’ve been carved from stone, actually made entirely of sand are genuinely jaw-dropping.

Roadmap Recommendation: For those with a passion for history or with some extra days up their sleeves, the region around Antalya is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Beyond the city’s shimmering coastline lies the majestic ruins of Termessos , curled up within the scenic expanse of Güllük Dagi National Park . Plus, Aspendos and Perge , each with their unique tales and splendid architecture, beckon you for a deeper dive into Turkey’s rich past. In addition, consider a day jaunt to Side , renowned for its majestic ancient city ruins. And while you’re in the vicinity, treat yourself to the refreshing sights of Manavgat Waterfall —a natural spectacle that’s the perfect cherry on your historical adventure cake. And that’s not all! Hidden between the pine forests and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, the ancient Lycian city of Phaselis is an absolute gem. So, while Antalya might dazzle with its beaches and resorts, the echoes of ancient civilizations around it are equally irresistible for the curious traveler.

Day 15: Antalya to Konya | Stop by Beysehir | Explore Konya | Overnight in Konya

Distance 🛣️ 270 kilometers (167 miles) Driving Time 🚗 3.5 hours

three islands observation terrace  beysehir konya

Fill up that gas tank, double-check your road trip playlist, and, fasten your seat belts because you’ll swap the coastal charm of Antalya for the mystic allure of Konya .

Now, as you’re driving, there’s this hidden gem called Beysehir that you’ve gotta check out.

Imagine an idyllic lake (Lake Beysehir), one of Turkey’s largest, surrounded by rustic beauty—perfect for those stretching breaks or maybe even a picnic.

Dating back to the 13th century and boasting some of the best wooden architecture you’ll see in Turkey, the Esrefoglu Mosque is worth your time here.

Once you’ve soaked in Beysehir’s serenity, it’s time to head to Konya, the hub of whirling dervishes and spiritual wisdom.

It’s where the poet Rumi found his final resting place, so you can expect a vibe that’s as contemplative as it is captivating.

mevlana museum konya

Visit the Mevlana Museum to dive into the life and works of Rumi himself, or get lost in the labyrinth of history at the Konya Ethnography Museum .

Alaeddin Mosque , built in the 12th century, isn’t just a piece of history—it’s the oldest mosque in the city.

This architectural marvel beckons not just for its religious significance, but also for its astounding workmanship that has stood the test of time

Adjacent to the mosque is the equally enchanting Alaeddin Hill Park , where you can catch your breath and soak in panoramic views of Konya.

Aziziye Mosque and Selimiye Mosque are other prominent mosques in the city!

The KonyaNuma Panorama Museum is an unsung hero of the city’s tourist attractions.

Its stunning panoramic display recounts the history of the region in a way that’s like jumping straight into a time machine.

From spices to textiles, the Bedesten Bazaar is a one-stop shop for all things Turkish.

Ince Minareli Medrese , now serving as the Museum of Stone and Wood Art is a haven for those who love intricate stonework and wooden carvings.

It offers a peek into the incredible craftsmanship that shaped Turkey’s history.

If you can, carve out some time for a peaceful retreat situated just on the outskirts of Konya, the Kyoto Japanese Park , a symbol of warm ties between Konya and its sister city Kyoto.

End your day with some local cuisine—Konya’s famous for its etli ekmek , a kind of Turkish pizza, and oh boy, it’s delish! We tried it at Celal Bey Etli Ekmek .

A trip to Konya promises a rich, fulfilling taste of Turkey’s spiritual, historical, and cultural fabric.

Pro Travel Insight: If you’re visiting in December, make sure you plan around the annual Mevlana Festival aka the Whirling Dervish Festival or Rumi Festival, which celebrates Rumi’s life and teachings.

Where to Stay in Konya

• Hich Hotel Konya • Araf Hotel • Hilton Garden Inn Konya

Day 16: Day Trip to Catalhoyuk | Overnight in Konya

Distance 🛣️ 40 kilometers (24 miles) Driving Time 🚗 1 hour

catalhoyuk konya cumra turkey travel itinerary

It’s time to go back—way back—to one of the world’s first urban centers, Catalhoyuk.

Situated just about an hour away from Konya, this UNESCO World Heritage site, hailing from circa 7500 BC, transports you directly into the heart of the Neolithic era!

Walking through the complex of mud-brick houses, tightly packed together like a honeycomb is intriguing.

There weren’t any streets; people moved about by walking on the roofs and entering their homes through openings in the ceiling.

You’ll see vibrant frescoes that have defied the ages, their colors still popping as if painted yesterday, and the archaeological digs that make you feel like a hands-on explorer.

The site has its own museum, so you can get the lowdown on the discoveries and the ongoing excavations.

After soaking in this prehistoric wonder, you’ll head back to Konya for another cozy night.

Don’t forget to take a last leisurely stroll through the city to revisit your favorite spots or discover new hidden gems.

PS: If you find yourself in Konya on a Saturday, you absolutely must attend the Whirling Dervish Ceremony aka Sema Ceremony at the Mevlana Cultural Center . Revered as the most genuine reflection of the Sufi tradition, it holds special significance in Konya, where Rumi himself lived and preached. Typically kicking off around 7 PM, you’d be wise to check the schedule or book in advance, ensuring this profound experience has a spot on your itinerary.

Day 17: Konya to Cappadocia | Explore Sultanhani Caravanserai, Ihlara Valley, and the Underground Cities of Derinkuyu & Kaymakli on the way | Overnight in Cappadocia

Distance 🛣️ 240 kilometers (149 miles) Driving Time 🚗 3 hours

historic sultanhani caravanserai aksaray

Cappadocia — you must have been counting the days until you could finally explore this surreal dreamscape of hot air balloons and fairy chimneys.

As you drive into this dreamy land, you’ll realize why it’s been the star player in your travel daydreams.

Today’s drive from Konya to Cappadocia is a masterstroke of trip planning.

You’ll get to explore some of Cappadocia’s must-see gems in the southern region before you’ve even ‘officially’ arrived, saving you a day’s worth of adventures and hassle.

Your first destination is Sultanhani Caravanserai (a bit of a detour), a medieval “motel” that once welcomed weary Silk Road travelers. It’s like a castle plucked right out of a history book!

Next up, delve into Ihlara Valley , it’s this magnificent gorge cut from the earth by the Melendiz River.

You’re surrounded by sheer cliffs and a leafy canopy overhead as you walk alongside the river.

The valley is also studded with rock-cut churches from the Byzantine period, so it’s a beautiful walk through history amid nature.

Conveniently located at the end of the valley, Selime Cathedral is another gem here.

selime cathedral ihlara valley cappadocia

One of the largest religious buildings in Cappadocia, there are multiple levels of chambers interconnected with staircases, and they’re all dug into a single mountain.

Should you find yourself with a spare moment and a thirst for something less trodden, think about making a detour to Narli Gol. This captivating crater lake promises to sprinkle a touch of natural wonder into your journey.

Now, onto the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli . These multi-level labyrinths were carved into the volcanic rock and could house thousands. And we’re not just talking about living quarters. These cities had everything from stables to churches to wine cellars.

PS: Realistically, you’ll likely have time for just one of these subterranean marvels, either Derinkuyu or Kaymakli. So, how to choose? If you’re all about delving into the deepest and the most intricate of underground networks, head to Derinkuyu. But if dodging the crowds sounds like a dream and you still want a jaw-dropping underground experience, then Kaymakli is calling your name.

Where to Stay in Cappadocia

• Sultan Cave Suites • Mithra Cave Hotel • Kelebek Special Cave Hotel & Spa • Fairyland Cave Hotel • Yunak Evleri • Taskonaklar • Mira Cappadocia Hotel

Day 18: Explore Northern Cappadocia | Overnight in Cappadocia

sunrise hot air balloon flight in cappadocia

Today begins with a sunrise hot air balloon adventure over Cappadocia !

Before daybreak, you’re in the sky, soaring over landscapes that shimmer in the morning glow, their fairy chimneys casting captivating shadows.

Pinch yourself, because this isn’t a dream!

Once back on solid ground, you’ll delve into the Goreme Open Air Museum .

Think of it as an ancient cave-art exhibit, boasting churches carved into the rocks and age-old murals.

From there, you’ll ascend Uchisar Castle . The panoramic vistas from this point will leave you speechless, with Cappadocia stretching out like an artist’s masterpiece.

viewpoint uchisar castle cappadocia

Continuing the visual treat, Esentepe Panoramic Viewpoint is up next, offering photo ops that’ll be the envy of all back home.

Then, journey to Ortahisar Castle , where the rock formations tell tales of epochs gone by. It’s like wandering through an age-old fortress.

Your next stop is Pasabag Valley , where nature’s whims have created mushroom-capped fairy chimneys that seem otherworldly.

pasabag monks valley in urgup town of cappadacia turkey turkiye

Zelve Open Air Museum awaits next, presenting its distinct cave-city charm, with tunnels and ancient homes whispering stories of early Christian settlers.

Concluding the day, you’ll roam Devrent Valley , a.k.a the Imaginary Valley. Let your imagination run wild, spotting shapes in the rock formations, and crafting tales of your own.

Pro Travel Insight: Book your Cappadocia hot air balloon ride ahead of time to guarantee a place among the clouds. It’s a good idea to allocate an extra day or two in Cappadocia since the weather can sometimes ground balloon flights. It’s all about ensuring you don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure.

Day 19: Explore Other Gems of Northern Cappadocia | Overnight in Cappadocia

rose valley cappadocia

Another beautiful day in Cappadocia!

You’ll begin your day with a sunrise hike in the Red and Rose Valley .

Lace up those hiking boots and step into an atmosphere where red, pink, and even peach hues are the backdrop to your morning.

The trail comes alive with the first light, and you’ll feel like you’re walking through a watercolor painting. It’s a trek through nature’s art gallery!

Not everyone’s up for an early morning trek, and that’s totally cool! If hiking feels like a chore, don’t worry—Cappadocia has another magical experience up its sleeve for you.

Instead of the sunrise hike, how about catching and capturing the sight of hot air balloons as they fill the sky, turning it into a colorful fusion?

You can catch the sight of the hot air balloons from the comfort of your hotel balcony if you’re lucky enough to have that view.

Or, you can join one of the local tours specifically designed to get you the best vantage points. Either way, you’re in for a visual treat that’s pure Cappadocia!

Head back to your hotel to freshen up and have a hearty breakfast.

avanos town cappadocia turkey

With the sun now high in the sky, your next stop is Avanos , a charming little town known for its pottery.

Gear up to channel your inner creativity as you give the potter’s wheel a whirl. It’s less about the final piece and more about the thrill of crafting something uniquely yours.

And hey, maybe you’ll discover a hidden talent!

traditional pottery ceramics avanos cappadocia shopping

What’s a visit to Cappadocia without a little shopping spree , right? Whether it’s a hand-woven Turkish rug that you can’t resist or a vibrant piece of local artwork, the bazaars and boutiques will give you the perfect souvenirs to take home. It’s retail therapy but with a unique Turkish twist!

As the day begins to draw to a close, you’ve got choices for how to relish your last Cappadocian sunset.

For the thrill-seekers, an ATV tour offers an adrenaline-pumping way to chase the setting sun across the rugged landscape.

Feel the wind in your hair and the dust on your boots as you rumble through valleys and over hills, stopping just in time to capture that perfect sunset snap.

sunset at red valley in nevsehir cappadocia goreme national park

But if you’re yearning for a quieter moment, perhaps a sunset from the Red Valley is more your speed.

Here, the setting sun plays its final act, casting golden rays on the crimson cliffs and bathing everything in an ethereal glow.

You’ll be left wondering if sunsets have always been this beautiful, or if Cappadocia has cast its spell on you.

Day 20: Cappadocia to Ankara | Explore Ankara | Overnight in Ankara

Distance 🛣️ 300 kilometers (186 miles) Driving Time 🚗 3.5 hours

ankara old town market

We’re almost at the end of this epic journey.

Today, we’ll bid adieu to the whimsical world of Cappadocia and set our sights on Ankara, Turkey’s bustling capital.

Don’t be fooled by its modern facade; Ankara has layers of history waiting to be peeled back.

Ankara’s got a variety of activities, for a one-day itinerary, you’ll have to be choosy to make the most of your time.

I’d definitely suggest starting your day with a visit to Anitkabir , the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Exploring the monument is a profound experience that offers a glimpse into the soul of modern Turkey.

After that deep historical dive, head to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations .

Even if you’re not a history buff, the stories these ancient artifacts tell are mesmerizing. It’s like a crash course in Anatolian history, delivered in the form of stunning relics and exhibits.

Hungry yet? Find a local eatery to experience the city’s culinary delights. Ankara’s got a vibrant food scene that caters to all palates.

Then, make your way to Ankara Castle . The view from the top is gobsmackingly beautiful and the perfect spot for those classic holiday selfies!

After the castle, if you have the energy and the inclination, you might want to take a brief stroll in the old quarter , just to feel the city’s pulse.

Wrapping up your day, I’d recommend a visit to Kocatepe Mosque if you’re in the mood for some spiritual tranquility.

Or if you’re into something more modern, head to Atakule Observation Deck for a panoramic view of the cityscape as the sun begins to set.

Roadmap Recommendation: If you can squeeze an extra day into your itinerary, consider a detour to Hattusha , the ancient Hittite capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This archaeological gem is a rich dive into ancient Anatolia, conveniently located en route from Cappadocia to Ankara.

Where to Stay in Ankara

• The Wings Hotels Neva Palas • The Ankara Hotel • Gordion Hotel – Special Class

Day 21: Ankara to Safranbolu | Overnight in Safranbolu

Distance 🛣️ 230 kilometers (142 miles) Driving Time 🚗 2.5 hours

ottoman houses safranbolu turkey road trip itinerary 3 weeks

The grand finale of your road trip takes you to Safranbolu, where cobblestone streets, Ottoman-style houses, and the aroma of saffron wafting through the air take you back in time.

The drive from Ankara to Safranbolu is a breeze, offering glimpses of Turkey’s varied landscapes.

Once you arrive, the first thing you’ll want to do is simply stroll around to soak in the atmosphere. Trust me, it’s intoxicating.

The old bazaars are a shopper’s paradise with local crafts, Turkish delights, and, of course, saffron. Safranbolu isn’t merely a feast for the eyes; it’s a historic gem that wears its UNESCO World Heritage Site badge with pride.

Dive deeper into its captivating past by visiting the Safranbolu City History Museum , a must-see for every history enthusiast. The Kaymakamlar House , a beautifully restored Ottoman mansion, is another must-see. It gives you an intimate look at Ottoman domestic life that’s fascinating and Instagram-worthy at the same time.

As the sun sets, consider heading to Hidirlik Hill for a panoramic view of this magical town. You’ll want to bring your camera for this one—think of it as the universe’s parting gift for your amazing 21-day Turkish adventure.

Where to Stay in Safranbolu

• Safranbolu Seyi̇r Konak Otel • Gulevi Safranbolu • Efe Guest House • Mehves Hanim Konagi

Day 22: Safranbolu to Istanbul | Fly Back Home

Distance 🛣️ 400 kilometers (248 miles) Driving Time 🚗 5 hours

istanbul road trip in turkey itinerary

While it’s bittersweet, there’s no better way to wrap up your epic Turkish escapade than by heading back to where it all began—vibrant Istanbul. The drive from Safranbolu to Istanbul is like the closing credits to your Turkish movie, giving you one last chance to reflect on the unforgettable moments you’ve collected along the way.

Once in Istanbul, if time allows before your flight, I’d say give yourself one last treat. Maybe that’s a final spin around the Spice Bazaar for some Turkish delights or spices to bring back home. Or perhaps it’s sipping on a strong Turkish coffee at a café overlooking the Bosphorus, reliving the highlights in your mind one last time.

And then it’s off to the airport, your bags heavier with souvenirs and your heart lighter with memories. So drive up, hand over the keys of your rental car, and cruise through security with that breezy confidence of a trip well-taken.

As you board the plane, don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your next Turkish adventure. Because let’s face it, once you’ve had a taste of this country, saying goodbye is just temporary see you later.

Note: We recommend you buy Museum Pass Türkiye . For just 3500 TL, it gives you access to over 300 museums and sites for 15 days, ensuring hassle-free entries and enriching experiences.

Your Turkey Road Trip Checklist: What You Need to Know

🚗 In Turkey, the steering wheel’s on the left, but the road action happens on the right. 🚦As for speed limits, they usually range from 50 km/h (31 mph) in city centers to 90 km/h (56 mph) on two-lane roads, and up to 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways. But always keep an eye out for posted speed limit signs, as these vary with fast fluctuations. Keep up with the pace but play safe. 📜 Don’t forget your passport, visa (if needed), car insurance, and International Driving Permit. A handy digital backup on your phone is a smart move. 🚘 Make sure your rental is not just confirmed, but also meets your travel needs. Check for unlimited mileage and whether a GPS is included. If not, either rent one or use your smartphone. 💳 Make sure your rental car has the HGS system activated or get it sorted before hitting those highways. The HGS (Highway Go System) you mentioned is a good start. It’s a fast-track payment method for tolls that comes with some rental cars, and it’s pretty much a lifesaver when you’re navigating Turkey’s toll roads. No fumbling for coins or waiting in long queues, just drive right through! 🚙 Need a car? Localrent.com has your back with top-tier service without burning a hole in your pocket. 📱 Stay in the loop with a local SIM card. Perfect for GPS and, let’s be honest, those essential social media updates. 🎒 A first-aid kit, bottled water, some non-perishable snacks, and a basic toolkit for the car. You hope you’ll never need it, but better safe than stranded. 🎶 Download your favorite playlists, audiobooks, or podcasts for the drive. Turkey’s landscapes are stunning, but a good road trip playlist makes it even better. Tune into local radio stations or download some Turkish music for the full experience. Trust me, driving through Turkey while listening to Tarkan or Sertab Erener is a whole mood. 🗺️ Yes, it’s the 21st century, but having a paper map and a printed copy of your itinerary can be lifesavers in areas with spotty reception. 🚗 In Turkey, drivers can be a bit more aggressive than what you might be used to. Tailgating is common, but try to keep your cool and stick to your lane. 🅿️ Parking in big cities can be a brain-teaser. Plan ahead or use handy apps. 🚌 Navigating through bustling cities like Istanbul and Antalya can be a maze of its own. So, for the urban leg of your adventure, it might be smarter to rely on the well-connected public transportation systems or guided tours these cities offer. 🏨 Having your stays pre-booked not only gives you peace of mind but also guarantees you the best spots to rest your head. Look for places with flexible cancellation policies. 🅿️ Double-check that your hotel offers parking because, after a day of exploring, the last thing you want is to circle around hunting for a parking spot. 🚙 Make sure you know what kind of fuel your rental uses. ‘Benzin’ is petrol, and ‘Motorin’ is diesel. You don’t want to mix those up. Also, always know where your next gas station will be, especially if you’re venturing into more rural areas. 📡 Speaking of remote, your phone might not get service everywhere. It might be a good idea to download offline maps to keep you on the right track. 🚓 Know the emergency numbers, just in case—155 for police, 112 for medical emergencies. 💵 ATMs are widely available, but it’s always good to have some Turkish Lira on hand for places that don’t accept cards. You’d need cash for spontaneous purchases like local crafts or fresh fruits at roadside stalls. 🎧 Load up your smartphone with some audioguides or podcasts about the places you’re visiting. It’ll make those ancient ruins and scenic vistas even more memorable. 🌍 Last but not least, be prepared for unexpected detours—literal and metaphorical. They often make the best stories.

Beyond Our 3-Week Turkey Itinerary: Exploring the Diverse and Unexplored Turkish Regions

Our 3-week itinerary beautifully uncovers the gems of the Aegean , Central Anatolia , Marmara , Mediterranean , and the Black Sea regions. But there’s more to Turkey’s rich patchwork!

The Southeastern Anatolia Region is home to the awe-inspiring Mount Nemrut with its colossal stone heads, Gaziantep , a haven for gastronomy lovers, and the historic cities of Diyarbakir , with its imposing city walls and the historic Dicle Bridge over the Tigris River, and Sirnak , with iconic Cudi Mountain nearby.

It also boasts the historic charm of places like Gobekli Tepe , the world’s oldest temple, and the honey-colored stone streets of Mardin .

However, it’s vital to be careful when you travel. Places like Gaziantep and Sanliurfa are usually safe for tourists, but areas close to Diyarbakir and Sirnak, near the Syrian border, might not be as safe. Always look up the latest travel advice.

The Northeastern Region aka the Black Sea Region is lush and charms with hidden monasteries with cities like Trabzon , Samsun , Rize , Artvin , Sinop , and Amasya (I’ve included a stop at Safranbolu, a gem that defines the essence of the Northeastern Region) while the Eastern Anatolia Region introduces you to sites like Erzurum , Van , Malatya , Kars and the haunting beauty of the ancient city of Ani .

As you explore what our itinerary suggests, keep in mind that Turkey has many more hidden gems. Maybe you can check them out on another visit!

And there you have it—a whirlwind, yet deeply immersive, three weeks exploring the patchwork of landscapes, cultures, and experiences that only Turkey can offer.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey through Turkey as much as I’ve enjoyed crafting it for you. It’s a country that’s close to my heart, and I hope it’s found a place in yours as well.

This three weeks in Turkey itinerary is more than just a checklist; it’s your ticket to countless memories and stories you’ll be telling for years to come.

So here’s to your next adventure—may your travel bug never be fully satisfied and may your passport get those much-deserved stamps. Until next time, happy trails!

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Istanbul - Activities & Things to do

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1. the aegean coastline.

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2. The Lycian Way

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The Lycian Way – Wikipedia

3. Istanbul to Ephesus

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Istanbul – Flickr

4. Thrace and the North Aegean

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5. Three peninsulas

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6. Water Paths of Macedonia and Thrace

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7. Antalya to Cappadocia

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Cappadocia – Unsplash

8. Historic Anatolia

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9. Western Black Sea

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10. Eskisehir to Han

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Road Trip EuroGuide

10-Day Turkey Itinerary: Cappadocia, Ephesus, & Pammukale

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Only have about 2 weeks and want to go somewhere exotic? This 10-Day Turkey itinerary is just what the wandering spirit is looking for.

I just spent 2 months exploring Turkey , from the bucket list tourist attractions like Cappadocia’s Hot Air Balloons ( totally worth it !) to the hidden gem tiny coastal towns along the Mediterranean.

So here’s the gist of the trip, with a ton more details below. Just know that this Turkey itinerary is not one of those 5 things a-day checklist guides that will leave you exhausted after your trip. Because slow travel (even on a structured schedule) is what I’m all about.

  • 3 Days – Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons
  • 2 Days – Izmir Beaches & Nightlife
  • 1 Day – Ephesus Ancient Ruins
  • 1 Day – Pammukale Hot Springs
  • 3 Days – Istanbul Bucketlist & Food

10 Day Turkey Itinerary is exactly what the doctor ordered when you want to go exotic on a budget.

Table of Contents

Before You Go, A Few Essentials

Here are a few resources that served me well in Turkey, and here’s my advice that goes along with them.

Travel Insurance for Turkey Check Prices with SafetyWing

Accommodations in Turkey Check Booking.com for Boutique Hotels

Guided Tours in Turkey Check the Day Trips on Viator

Rental Car in Turkey Check Discover Cars for the Best Deals

✔️ PRO TIP: While I rented a car because I made a whole month-long road trip through Turkey, I don’t recommend getting one for this 10-day itinerary because public transportation (flights and taxis) will be fine for this route. Moreover, most of the day tours and trips I recommend include transportation.

10-Day Turkey Itinerary

My itinerary for 10 days in Turkey focuses on some of the top (and my favorite) things to do beyond the famous attractions . I like to travel slower, doing one big iconic thing a day while focusing primarily on history, food, and wine experience most of the time.

It is also logistically thought out to maximize your transit time

Travel Planning Services

Day 1: Fly to Cappadocia

You’re likely going to land in Istanbul, and because Cappadocia is way out in the middle of Turkey, I start the itinerary with the furthest place we want to hit and slowly bring us back to Istanbul by Day 8. It’s the most efficient regarding travel time and cost, plus it’s a wow start to the trip!

The theme of that first day will be about getting your butt to Cappadocia, settling into your lodging, getting a local dinner and wine, and relaxing because Days 2 and 3 are about hot air balloons at dawn and hiking through the chimney desserts of some of the more weird natural landscapes of Turkey.

Logistically, from Istanbul, you’ll want to coordinate and grab a local flight to Cappadocia – Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines have multiple daily routes and should not be too expensive. There are 2 airports around the Cappadocia areas that are both great landing spots:

  • Nevsehir Kapadokia Airport
  • Kayseri Erkilet Airport

Cappadocia is a key part of this 10 day Turkey itinerary.

Where to Stay in Cappadocia

The best little town to stay in for easy access to everything is called Goreme. It is a town specifically set up for tourism; it is where all the action is, it is also where all the tours start, and where the balloons launch, and a short taxi ride away from any of the airports.

While I normally don’t recommend staying in the middle of tourist central, this is one of those times where the convenience outweighs everything, especially if you don’t have a car. Plus, it’s a cute town, especially the higher up the hill you get for lodging.

📍 Your Budget Option: Stone House Cave Hotel – If you’ve made it this far, you might as well stay in a cave hotel; it’s THE thing to do. This is my recommendation for the best bang for your buck!

📍 Your Luxury Option: Cappadocia Cave Suites – Another cave hotel, but fancier! That said, while there are many luxury options in Goreme, some even more highly-priced than these suites, I found this one to be just the right amount of boogie without overdoing it on the pomp. Plus, the rooms are so so quaint!

Day 2 – 3: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons & Hikes

These 2 days are about Hot Air Balloons at dawn, hiking mid-day, and afternoon sunsets at this little spot I found overlooking the iconic Red Valley.

➡️ Butterfly Hot Air Balloons  ⬅️ This balloon company is known to fly the highest compared to other companies. I flew with them, and I highly recommend it!

In Cappadocia with the Hot Air Balloons at dawn.

I cannot stress enough booking your Hot Air Balloon ride ahead of time for 2 reasons:

  • They will book out, especially in the high summer season
  • The weather/wind may not be great one day, so they push your balloon flight to the following day.

This is also why I have this itinerary set up to stay 2 days in Cappadocia, in case your luck with the wind is not good on the first day. If, for whatever reason, you can’t fly, wake up before dawn and find a rooftop or hill you can walk to so you can see the balloons launch as the sun rises. This in itself is a magical experience, I promise.

After your Balloon Ride, have yourself a traditional Turkish Breakfast at your hotel (or out in town) and see if the day is good for hiking.

✔️ PRO TIP: There are 2 main hiking tours in Cappadocia – The Red Tour and The Green Tour. I’ve done both, and while both are great, I recommend buying the guided Green Tour and doing the Red Tour on your own using AllTrails.

My favorite hikes on my own using my AllTrails App were:

  • Goreme, Love & White Valley, and Uchisar Castle (rating: easy)
  • Rose & Red Valley (basically the Red Tour, rating: easy)

Sunset overlooking Red Valley is amazing, and here is a little gem of a spot to watch the sun go down over the dessert of Cappadocia. Either time your hike accordingly or grab a taxi from town to the location.

Hiking as part of Cappadocia Green Tour.

Day 4 -5: Fly to Izmir & Enjoy The City

This is a travel day, and I recommend booking a local flight from Cappadocia to Izmir. I’ll be honest, I didn’t know anything about this city before I landed in Turkey, but it was a pleasant surprise and a wonderful jumping city to some of the historic ruins that are on the itinerary.

A bit of context, Izmir is one of the oldest cities in the world, and it’s filled with a fascinating history – think Greeks invading the Turks, Turks invading the Greeks, back and forth for centuries. Not only is the city fairly modern because it’s had to be rebuilt a couple of times, but it’s also known for its friendly and laid-back people, making it a popular city for Turkish and foreigners alike.

My favorite things to check out in and around the city:

  • KEY Museum – old cars and motorcycles museum, and surprisingly cool!
  • Ataturk Museum – all about the first President and how Turkey became a Republic. This is a fantastic one for people looking to get an introduction to Turkish history & politics.
  • Urla Bagevi Vinyard – a little outside of Izmir, but a taxi should do the trick. Great hidden gem spot for a long lunch or dinner. Locally recommended. Plus the little town of Urla is magical!
  • Isabey Bagevy Vinyard – also a quick little trip from the city center and a nice little afternoon gem of a location for dinner. The white wines from this vineyard are especially tasty!

Where to Stay in and around Izmir

As this will be the home base for Days 4-8, choose how and where you want to spend your time before flying to Istanbul for the last few days of the trip.

📍 Your Budget Option: Izmir Marriot Hotel – I stayed here, and I recommend it for 2 reasons, the absolutely stunning location on the seaside of Izmir and the rooftop pool and bar/DJ that makes it an ideal sunset-watching hot spot for a young, hip and party forward vibe.

📍 Your Luxury Option: Vintage Urla Boutique Hotel – This little boutique hotel is a bit outside of Izmir next to the vineyard I mentioned above and is an absolute hidden gem and shift from Cappadocia’s desserts or Izmir’s big city life. Welcome to the rolling hills of Turkey and that famous Turkish hospitality and luxury treatment! If you’re looking for a more relaxed next couple of days while you travel, this is it.

Day 6: Day Trip to Ephesus

Another highlight of this 10-day Turkey itinerary is Ephesus – holy crap, get ready to step back in time to Jesus and Cleopatra!

An iconic stop on the 10 day turkey itinerary was Ephesus.

Located in Izmir province on the West Coast, the ancient city of Ephesus served as a huge port from 600 BC to 1200 AD and still has a special allure for travelers today due to its well-preserved remnants of temples, statues and, quite frankly, its place in history.

➡️ This is the Small Group Ephesus Day Trip I did from Izmir!

When you book the tour, your guide will share very real stories about famous historical figures, such as Julius Caesar and John the Apostle, who once walked these sacred grounds.

I was blown away when part of the tour (and I think this was a special thing our guide did) was to visit Mother Mary’s house, where she lived for a decade of her life. I can tell you, this was a special treat and made the day so much more special!

Day 7: Day Trip to Pammukale

Another day, another day trip, this time to the Instagram-worthy town of Pammukale.

➡️ Here’s the Pamukkale Day Trip you’ll want to reserve!

One of the country’s main attractions, this natural wonder is an ancient thermal spa with hot springs and terraced cliffs of mineral-rich travertine. It’s an incredible sight for people looking for something unusual – and get ready to take some stunning pictures!

The hot springs of Pamukkale are iconic in Turkey.

What’s more, like most spectacular places in Turkey, it also has a rich history – leftover ruins from the Lycian and Roman periods give it a unique flavor, so don’t skip out on any of the ruins while you’re splashing about.

Day 8: Fly to Istanbul

You’ll want to fly from Izmir to Istanbul for the last few days of our trip.

To help ground you, Istanbul sits perched atop two different continents, straddling the boundary between Europe and Asia in Turkey. Many have been charmed by its grandeur and history, including me, so I save the best for last!

Cheers to an amazing time in Turkey.

Where to Stay in Istanbul

Istanbul is split into 2 areas by the Bosphorous Strait: the European side and the Asian side. While each area has its flare, I recommend staying on the Europe side in the Beyoglu or Karakoy neighborhoods, as this is where a lot of the attractions and nightlife are happening.

📍 Your Budget Option World House Boutique Hotel – Right in Beyoglu with a clear view of Galata tower, this little gem is cozy and just the right amount of boogie while not breaking the bank – especially when you see how gorgeous the rooms are!

📍 Your Luxury Option: Ecole St. Pierre Hotel – I had a wonderful night on the veranda learning about the history of this Catholic school for boys turned boutique hotel, and let me say, the drinks and the service are both top-notch. Not only is the location stellar, being right next to Galata Tower and a few other great Istanbul attractions, but when you walk into the hotel, it feels like you’re walking into a green, serene oasis!

Day 9-10: Istanbul

Historically, Istanbul was once a major Roman and Byzantine Empires stronghold. Today, it is one of the largest cities in Europe, boasting impressive architectural wonders that tell stories of its past glory.

Steeped in culture and tradition, travelers who wander its many bustling streets are sure to experience both the old-world magic and the buzz of the modern-day hustle and bustle the city is known for.

Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Istanbul:

  • Go on this small group to the   Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar Tour
  • I also did this  Istanbul Walking Tour ,  which dived into more of the history!
  • This   Turkish Bath Experience   in a 600-year-old bathhouse in Istanbul blew my mind!
  • Grab  Skip the Line Tickets for the Basilica Cistern, one of the coolest ‘churches’ I’ve seen – maybe ever! 
  • See the Whirling Dervishes – Grab Tickets Here,   but set your expectations that this is not a show; rather, you are watching a 1-hour religious ceremony!
  • Learn about the Ottomans by taking a walk around and inside Topkapi Palace .
  • Take an afternoon trip across the Bosphorous to Prince’s Island (a short ferry ride away)

The spice markets of Istanbul, Turkey.

✔️ PRO TIP: For more inspiration on ideas for a Turkey road trip , check out the article – literally Turkey is your oyster!

Getting Around Turkey

Turkey is a super large country. Luckily, it also has a great transport system of roads and airport hubs, good service throughout the country, which helps with navigation, and fairly easy public transportation options and routes.

Public Transportation

Public transportation is a great way to get around, especially if you are here for only a week or two.

Flying is the most popular option for getting to and from big cities in Turkey because it saves time. Driving from Istanbul/Izmir to Cappadocia takes about 7 hours, but a flight is about 1.5 hours. Additionally, tons of local airports offer fairly inexpensive flights between big cities.

✔️ PRO TIP: I used Turkish Airlines, but there is also a budget-friendly company called Pegasus.

Not the best mode of transportation, but an option to consider on your 10 day turkey trip!

Buses are also an option; they’re usually the cheapest way to get around, so this is the best option for the most budget-conscious traveler – but also slow .

You can get tickets the day of at the bus stations in any town you are in and to be fair, they are quite wonderful! The bus company I recommend is Anadolu, and it is clean and comfortable and offers great drink and snack service onboard.

Public Transportation Terms in Turkish:

  • Otogar – Bus Station
  • Otobüs – Bus
  • Dolmuş – Local minibusses that run on set routes
  • Tren istasyonu – Train Station
  • Tren – Train
  • Kaç para? – How much?
  • Taksi – Taxi
  • Bilet gişesi – Ticket Office

Tours for Day Trips

Tours are a great way to explore the main attractions in Turkey without renting a car because most tours include transportation. This is especially great when you are in Izmir or another big city, but you are looking to see ancient ruins and historical sites that tend to be a bit further – think 1-hour drive.

FAQ: 10 Days In Turkey

I had a lot of questions before heading to Turkey because it was the first time I was heading east. So naturally, I asked my Turkish friends all about the what, when, and how much of things. Here are a few of the insights I gleaned.

Are 10 days enough in Turkey?

While 10 days may seem like a decent amount of time to explore any country, the truth is that it’s barely enough to scratch the surface of Turkey.

For example, part of our itinerary is to visit Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, and you’ll want at least two days to take in the city, the little hidden gem wineries, and the towns around as well. And that doesn’t include time for day trips to areas such as nearby Kusadasi on the Mediterranean —you would need extra days for that.

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey!

So if you have 10 days in Turkey and you’re interested in getting an authentic experience of its many attractions, consider focusing your time on what’s most important to you. Ten days can still be enough time for an unforgettable journey! And if you stick to my above itinerary, you won’t be disappointed.

What can you see in Turkey in 10 Days?

A few surprising highlights from these 10 days in Turkey go beyond the tourist attractions. See if this is what you’re hoping to get out of your trip:

  • Watching hot air balloons floating over Cappadocia’s weirdly phallic rock formations at dawn is otherworldly. Going up in one of those hot air balloons to see the sunrise is one of my favorite memories – a genuine bucket list item for any human!
  • Exploring Turkish food outside of kebaps is a culinary adventure worthy of an Anthony Bourdain show. I’ll point out a few of my favorite dishes below, but borek and pomegranate anything is high on the list.
  • You think you know ancient ruins until you discover that Mother Mary from the Bible did live near Ephesus, and you let it sink in that you are in a country that watched Christianity being born . It’s oddly calming to walk the same streets and look at the same forests as Jesus and his mother did.
  • Istanbul is more impressive, wild, and full of a particular joy of living than you think , especially when you go beyond the tourist attractions and into the bazaars. This is where the best Turkish teas, games of tabla, and street snacks are found.

Turkish food is bar none, some of the best in the world.

Is Turkey a cheap country to visit?

Yes, Turkey is a prime country for budget travelers looking for an adventure without the expense.

Accommodation can be found at incredibly low prices, including breakfast and small attentions like tea/coffee and sometimes even an in-house Turkish bath.

Food is also super varied (a foodie haven) and can cost less than $10 per meal, depending on where you eat.

Traveling from one city to another via public transportation is also very economical, making it easy to get around without spending too much money.

Travel Tip: if you want to blow it out of the water and have a boogie adventure, this is also the country of the Ottoman Sultans – service and luxury is their middle name! You’ll still be spending less than you would in any European country for more value.

What is the average budget for 10 Days in Turkey?

I was in Turkey all of September and October, which is already considered shoulder season, getting close to the off-season in the winter. Here are my average daily spends:

  • Lodging : $60-70 a night (cute AirBB or boutique hotels in popular areas)
  • Food : $20-30 a day (Turkish breakfasts, Lokantas or “local street food,” and nice restaurants included)
  • Public Transport: $10 a day max (some airport taxi transfers will be closer to $30-40 a ride)
  • Airfare : $60-100 (Local flights inside Turkey)

When is the best time to go to Turkey?

Every season has its benefits. Summertime is popular for the Turkish Riviera and boating around the Turkish coast.

I prefer fall, when the cities of Istanbul and Izmir cool down to where you’re not sweating your heart out, it’s still warm and pleasant outside, and the tourists have mostly gone back home.

I visited and loved Turkey in September and October – this is when I recommend you go too!

On a boat somewhere in a little cove in Turkey - because it's one of those things you have to do once in your life!

What is the cheapest month to go to Turkey?

The cheapest time to go is usually from November to April. You can find hugely discounted prices on airfare, accommodations, and attractions during this time.

Additionally, the winter tends to be quieter than the summer, when more tourists flock to the country. Summer season is also super hot in the major cities, so be mindful of many people and tons of heat.

I made this particular trip in October, and it was sunny and beautiful from Istanbul to Cappadocia.

Although it will be colder starting in November, the off-season is perfect for those looking for a Turkey adventure with lots of savings – all you need is a light jacket and a nice thick Turkish scarf!

Is Turkey safe to travel to?

Yes. Despite the past decades’ political turmoil and bombings, my travel partners and I always felt safe on our road trips, out at night, and while traveling to remote villages to scope out the rural beaches.

I do encourage everyone to be vigilant while traveling, to dress respectfully for the country you are visiting, and to be careful in large, busy markets due to petty theft. But otherwise, travel freely – Turkey is just as safe as the rest of Europe.

Should I get Travel Insurance?

Yes, especially if you’re about to embark on a road trip.

I’m not worried for safety reasons but rather unexpected food poisoning or a random cold that doesn’t want to go away. Because your country’s insurance won’t cover you abroad, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially since travel insurance is so cheap.

I use and recommend ➡️ Safety Wing Travel Insurance ⬅️

Conclusion: 10-Day Turkey Itinerary

Exploring Turkey by taking a 10-day trip around some of its most iconic sites is an excellent way to absorb this exciting country. The itinerary I set out has you doing the following things:

  • Visiting Cappadocia and exploring the incredible underground cities and dawn from a hot air balloon.
  • Swimming in the hot springs of Pamukkale with its incredibly white terraces made out of travertine.
  • Walking through the same streets as Mother Mary from the Bible, John the Apostle, and Cleopatra in the ancient town of Ephesus
  • Cruising the Bosphorus Strait and admiring the amazing architecture of Istanbul
  • Visiting one of Istanbul’s grand mosques and the famous Hagia Sophia

In a nutshell, Turkey is one of the most underrated and naturally, historically, and culturally beautiful countries I’ve been to yet, and that’s saying a lot!

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Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

  • International

March 27, 2024 - Baltimore Key Bridge collapse

By Kathleen Magramo , Antoinette Radford, Alisha Ebrahimji , Maureen Chowdhury , Elise Hammond , Tori B. Powell and Aditi Sangal , CNN

Here's what you should know about the Key Bridge collapse

From CNN staff

A Marine Emergency Team boat passes the wreckage of the Dali cargo vessel in Baltimore on Tuesday.

Officials recovered the bodies of two construction workers who were on Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge when it collapsed early Tuesday morning after a 984-foot-long cargo ship collided into a pillar.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called the collapse Wednesday " a global crisis ."

"The national economy and the world's economy depends on the Port of Baltimore. The port handles more cars and more farm equipment than any other port in the country," Moore said.

Here's what you should know:

  • The victims: The six people who are presumed dead were from Mexico Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, according to Col. Roland L. Butler Jr, the superintendent of Maryland State Police. Two bodies were recovered and have been identified as Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes from Mexico and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera from Guatemala. The two workers were filling potholes on the bridge and were later found trapped in a red pickup truck in about 25 feet of water, Butler said. The FBI is handling notifying the victims' families, Butler said.
  • Recovery efforts: Authorities are pausing search efforts for the four other workers who are presumed dead, because additional vehicles are encased in concrete and other debris, making it unsafe for divers, Butler said. Once salvage operations clear the debris, divers will search for more remains, he said.
  • The investigation: The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the fatal incident, according to the agency's chair Jennifer Homendy. During a Wednesday news conference, Homendy said there were 21 crew members and two pilots on board the Dali cargo ship when it crashed into the bridge. She also said a senior NTSB hazmat investigator identified 56 containers of hazardous material, and that some containers are in the water. The agency received six hours of voyage data from the ship and the investigation could take 12 to 24 months to complete, Homendy said. She emphasized that NTSB will not analyze information collected or provide conclusions while on scene of the collapse.
  • Looking forward: Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said rebuilding the bridge will not be "quick or easy" but that it will get done. He said there are four main focus points ahead: reopening the port, dealing with supply chain issues until its reopening, rebuilding the bridge and dealing with traffic issues until the bridge is rebuilt. Biden  pledged the full support  of the federal government in the response and recovery efforts. His administration has already conveyed a sense of urgency to open up federal funding to remove debris and ultimately rebuild the bridge. Maryland has submitted a request to the Biden administration for emergency relief funds "to assist in our work going forward," Moore said Wednesday.

It's almost impossible to place people on the bow of ship due to the unstable structure, fire official says

 From CNN's Sarah Engel

Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace said Wednesday that the cargo ship's bridge structure and containers at the bow remain unstable.

"It's going to be very difficult, if not impossible, and very dangerous, to place people on the bow of that boat right now," Wallace told CNN's Kaitlan Collins.

"Naturally, we're still very cognizant of the fact that there are hazardous materials on board the vessel itself," Wallace said, alluding to the National Transportation Safety Board saying earlier that 56 containers were carrying hazardous materials.

Wallace said his team is relying heavily on aerial recognizance, including drones. "That's the only way we're able to see in," he said.  

He added that the aerial surveillance has "been able to really assure us right now we have no [chemical] reactions on board." 

"It's just utter devastation," NTSB chief says of the bridge collapse site

From CNN's Aditi Sangal

Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, called the site of the Key Bridge collapse "devastating."

"It's pretty devastating, certainly, seeing not just what's going on with the cargo containers, but just looking at what was a bridge span — three bridge spans that is pretty much gone. It's just utter devastation," she said at Wednesday evening's news briefing.

She added that she is thinking of families who lost loved ones and those who are waiting to reunite with their lived ones.

NTSB interviewed the Dali's captain and some other crew members today, agency chief says

The National Transportation Safety Board has interviewed the ship's captain, his mate, the chief engineer and one other engineer today, according to Chair Jennifer Homendy.

The two pilots on board the Dali at the time of collision will be interviewed tomorrow, she added.

Cargo ship's voyage data recorder is basic when compared to an airplane's, NTSB chair says

From CNN's Tori B. Powell

The voyage data recorder on the cargo ship Dali was a "newer model" but is considered basic when compared to that on an airplane, according to National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy.

"But it is very basic compared to say, a flight data recorder, where we would have 1,000 parameters," she said at a news conference on Wednesday.

The NTSB chief investigator Marcel Muise added:

"It's not a ship-wide system recorder, so most of the sensors that are being recorded are from the bridge. So things like GPS, the audio, rudder feedback, rudder commands are recorded on there. But not engineering, the temperature of each cylinder, power distribution sensors."

There were no tug boats with Dali at the time of the collision. That's normal, NTSB chief says

People look at the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge while visiting Fort McHenry in Baltimore on Wednesday.

There were no tugs with Dali when the cargo vessel collided with Baltimore's Key Bridge, which is normal protocol, according to National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy.

Remember: At 01:26:39 on Tuesday, Dali's pilot made a general very high frequency (VHF) radio call for tugs in the vicinity to assist, the NTSB investigator Marcel Muise had said.

"The tugs help the vessel leave the dock, leave the port and get into the main ship channel. And then they leave. Once it's on its way, it's a straight shot through the channel. So there are no tugs with the vessel at the time. So they were calling for tugs," she said.

NTSB chair says she saw some containers that were carrying hazardous materials in the water

National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said she did see some of the 56 containers that were carrying hazardous materials in the water.

When asked how many

When asked how many containers of hazardous materials were in the water, Homendy said:

"I did see some containers in the water, and some breached significantly on the vessel itself," she said. "I don't have an exact number, but it's something that we can provide in an update."

Homendy said that a preliminary report should be out in two to four weeks.

This post has been updated with more quotes from Homendy.

Bridge did not have any redundancy, unlike the preferred method for building bridges today, NTSB chair says

Baltimore's Key Bridge did not have any redundancy, which is included in the preferred method of building bridges in the present day, according to National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy.

"The bridge is a fracture critical," she explained. "What that means is if a member fails that would likely cause a portion of, or the entire bridge, to collapse, there's no redundancy. The preferred method for building bridges today is that there is redundancy built in, whether that's transmitting loads to another member or some sort of structural redundancy. This bridge did not have redundancy," Homendy said.

There are 17,468 fracture critical bridges in the United States out of 615,000 bridges total, she said, citing the Federal Highway Administration.

The NTSB investigator in charge of the bridge collapse investigation provides a timeline of crash

Cargo ship Dali is seen after running into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Marcel Muise, the National Transportation Safety Board investigator in charge, provided the following timeline of events as provided by the recovered voyage data recorder (VDR).

  • Approximately 12:39 a.m. ET: The ship departed from Seagirt Marine Terminal.
  • By 1:07: The ship had entered the Fort McHenry Channel.
  • 01:24:59:  Numerous audible alarms were recorded on the ship's bridge audio. About the same time, VDR sensor data ceased recording. The VDR audio continued to record using the redundant power source, Muise said.
  • 01:26:02:  VDR resumed recording sensor data and during this time, steering commands and rudder orders were recorded on the audio.
  • 01:26:39 : The ship's pilot made a general very high frequency (VHF) radio call for tugs in the vicinity to assist. About to this time, Muise said, the pilot association dispatcher phoned the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) duty officer regarding the blackout.
  • Around 01:27:04: The pilot ordered the Dali to drop the port anchor and ordered additional steering commands.
  • Around 01:27:25: The pilot issued a radio call over the VHF radio, reporting that the Dali had lost all power and was approaching the bridge. Around this time, the MDTA data shows the following also occurred: Their duty officer radioed two of their units that were already on scene due to construction on the bridge — one on each side of the bridge — and ordered them to close traffic on the bridge. All lanes were then shut down by MDTA.
  • Around 01:29: The ship's speed over ground was recorded at just under 8 miles per hour. From this moment on approximately 1:29:33, the VDR audio recorded sounds consistent with the collision of the bridge. Additionally, around this time, MDTA dash cameras show the bridge lights extinguishing.
  • 01:29:39: The pilot reported the bridge down over the VFH radio to the Coast Guard.

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Port of Baltimore suspends ship traffic after bridge collapse: What it means for travel

Travel is being impacted by Tuesday’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse along Interstate 695 in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Drivers were immediately directed to take alternate routes through the city, following the early morning incident. What’s less clear is what the bridge collapse may mean for upcoming cruises in and out of Baltimore.

“Vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice,” the Port of Baltimore posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Live Updates: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship hits it; construction crew missing

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., whose district includes the bridge and the port, called the collapse an “unthinkable horror” and said he had spoken with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the White House. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“They are responding with all of the assets at their disposal,” he said in a statement. “Our prayers right now are for the missing individuals and victims of this tragedy. We thank God for the effective service of our first responders.”

Here’s what we know.

Which cruises go to Baltimore?

Several major cruise lines serve Baltimore. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Key Bridge that occurred last night and extend our support and heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” CLIA spokesperson Anne Madison said in an emailed statement. “We join everyone in extending our thanks and appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers in Baltimore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other professionals who are working with one goal in mind—to save lives. We are closely following this situation.”

Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas has a roundtrip itinerary scheduled to depart Baltimore on April 12, according to the cruise line’s website. “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and extend our heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” a spokesperson for the line said in an email. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings.”

Carnival’s website shows Carnival Pride and Carnival Legend also have sailings into or out of Baltimore set for April. 

Carnival Legend will temporarily move operations to Norfolk, Virginia.

The ship's current cruise, which left for a planned round-trip sailing from Baltimore on March 24, will end in Norfolk on Sunday. Passengers will then receive free bus rides to Baltimore. The vessel's next cruise will sail round-trip from Norfolk later that day.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Carnival president Christine Duffy said in a statement. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

The cruise line has not yet shared plans for Carnival Pride. Carnival's parent company, Carnival Corp., said the temporary change in homeport is estimated to have an impact of up to $10 million on adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income this year, according to a news release .

Was your cruise itinerary changed?: What to do next

American Cruise Lines has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website.

“We will monitor the situation and make adjustments to future cruises if needed, but at the present time our schedules remain unaffected, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the immediate situation and rescue efforts underway,” an American Cruise Lines spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t appear to have any Baltimore sailings until September on Norwegian Sky . The line will stay in contact with the port and share any changes with passengers and travel partners, according to a spokesperson.

"In the meantime, we wish the city of Baltimore strength during this very unfortunate event," they said in an email.

Alternate routes for the Baltimore bridge

Most drivers can take Interstate 95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or Interstate 895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) to avoid the collapsed bridge. However Maryland Transportation Authority notes there are some exceptions .

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13-feet and 6-inches high or 8-feet wide may not use the 1-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14-feet and 6-inches high or 11-feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel. 

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

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