Turkey Road Trip

Experience the best of Turkey on the Turkey Road Trip. Start your journey in the city of Istanbul and explore all the way to the Mediterranean coast. This 21-day road trip covers a distance of 3858 km, taking you through some of the most historic sites, landscapes and beaches in Turkey. Your journey begins in Alaplı, a coastal town with stunning views of the Black Sea, followed by a stop in Ankara, the country’s capital. From there, you'll visit Göreme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the ancient city of Konya. Continue your journey to Eğirdir, a beautiful lake town, and then to Finike, a hidden gem of the Mediterranean coast. Finally, take a break in Bodrum, a bustling beach town with some of the best nightlife in the country. Along the way, you'll experience the best of Turkey's culture, history and landscapes. The roads are in good condition and the trip is suitable for every driver. Plus, you can manage the trip with a fair budget. The best time to take the Turkey Road Trip is from April to October. So, grab your keys and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Istanbul is an enchanting city, located on the Bosporus strait between Europe and Asia. This vibrant city is the perfect starting point for the "Turkey Road Trip", as it is full of history, culture and attractions to explore. Begin your journey at the iconic Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been a church, a mosque and a museum over the centuries. From there, take a stroll through the Grand Bazaar and explore the vibrant stalls of spices, carpets, jewelry and more. Then, head to Sultanahmet Park to appreciate the magnificence of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome. For those traveling by air, Istanbul Ataturk International Airport (IST) is the closest international airport offering car rentals. Once you have your car, the best way to explore Istanbul is by driving along the coast of the Bosporus, admiring the stunning views of the city skyline. No matter how you choose to explore Istanbul, you'll be sure to experience its captivating culture and beauty. Make sure to leave some time for shopping, as Istanbul is full of unique souvenirs to take home with you. So, start your "Turkey Road Trip" here and enjoy the adventure!

Embark on a road trip from Istanbul to Alaplı and explore the wonders of the Turkish countryside! This journey of 339 km will take less than 5 hours and is the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of Turkey. Along the route, you will come across some of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Great Mosque of Divriği, the Historic Areas of Istanbul, and the Nemrut Dağı. As you drive through the countryside, you will come across some of the most beautiful landscapes in Turkey. From the rolling hills of the Anatolian Plateau to the lush forests of the Black Sea Region, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of this land. You will also have the chance to explore the historic towns of Amasya and Tokat, both of which are home to some of the most beautiful mosques and monuments in the country. At the end of your journey, you will arrive in Alaplı, a charming town located on the Black Sea coast. Here, you can take a stroll along the beach, visit the local markets, and explore the nearby villages. To ensure that you make the most of your journey, be sure to check the “Itinerary” of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. So, get ready for an unforgettable journey from Istanbul to Alaplı!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Alaplı to Safranbolu? This 239 km journey will take you less than 4 hours, and you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in Turkey. Start your journey in Alaplı and make sure to visit the Alaplı Castle, a must-see attraction. After that, hit the road and make your way to Zonguldak, where you can explore the Zonguldak Castle and the Zonguldak Museum of Archaeology. Continue your journey and you will arrive in Safranbolu, where you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Old Town and the Ottoman Houses. Make sure to visit the Clock Tower, the Ottoman Caravanserai, and the Traditional Turkish Baths as well. Along the way, you can also take a break and explore some of the local restaurants and cafes. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an amazing journey from Alaplı to Safranbolu!

Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Safranbolu to Ankara? This 234 km journey will take you less than 3 hours and will show you some of the most interesting places in these two cities. In Safranbolu, you can visit the Old Town, an architectural heritage site, and the Ottoman houses. Don’t forget to visit the Cinci Han, a caravanserai built in the 17th century. On your way to Ankara, you can stop in Eskisehir, a city full of parks and interesting museums. Don’t forget to visit the Ataturk Museum, the Archeology Museum and the Eskisehir Toy Museum. In Ankara, you can visit the Anitkabir, the mausoleum of the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is also a must-see, as it houses artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to the Ottoman Empire. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling road trip from Ankara to Kayseri? This 324 km journey will take you fewer than 4 hours to complete. In Ankara, you can explore the Anitkabir mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. You can also visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which houses a great collection of artifacts from the Neolithic era. As you drive through the beautiful landscape of Central Anatolia, you can make a stop in Yozgat to visit the Yerköprü Monument, a memorial to the victims of a tragic train accident in 2004. On the way to Kayseri, you can also visit the Sorgun Forest, a great spot for nature lovers. Once you reach Kayseri, you can explore the historic Ulu Mosque, the oldest mosque in the city. You can also visit the Kayseri Castle, which offers stunning views of the city. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

Are you ready for an adventurous road trip from Kayseri to Göreme? This 72km journey takes less than an hour and is full of picturesque landscapes, making it an unforgettable experience. Along the way, you will get to witness some of the UNESCO Heritage sites, so make sure to keep your camera ready! During this stage, you will also get to visit some of the most interesting places, such as the Kayseri Castle and the Kaleici Mosque in Kayseri, and the Göreme National Park and the Göreme Open Air Museum in Göreme. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. So, buckle up and get ready for an amazing road trip experience!

Are you ready for a fascinating road trip from Göreme to Konya? This 235 km journey through Turkey will take you fewer than three hours to complete, but you will find plenty of interesting sites to explore along the way. Start your journey in Göreme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a few minutes to explore the rock-hewn churches and other historical sites. Then, continue on to the underground city of Derinkuyu, where you can explore the remains of an ancient city. Next, you'll reach the city of Aksaray, where you can explore the ruins of a Seljuk palace and the old city walls. From there, you'll travel through the stunning Ihlara Valley, where you can explore the many churches and monasteries carved into the rock walls. Finally, you'll arrive in Konya, where you can explore the Mevlana Museum, the tomb of the Sufi mystic Rumi, and the ruins of the Seljuk palace. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey from Göreme to Konya!

Are you ready to hit the road? Then get ready for a fantastic road trip from Konya to Eğirdir! This stage of your tour will cover 237km in fewer than 3 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the amazing attractions along the way. Start your journey in Konya, the ancient capital of the Seljuk Empire, and explore the Mevlana Museum, the Alaeddin Mosque, and the Ince Minareli Medrese. Don’t forget to try the traditional Konya cuisine! Next, head to Akşehir, a city of culture and history, and visit the historic mosque and the Kıraathanesi. Continue your journey and make a stop in Beyşehir, a beautiful city surrounded by a lake. Here you can visit the Beyşehir Castle, the Beyşehir Mosque, and the Beyşehir Museum. Finally, arrive in Eğirdir, a city known for its beautiful lake and mountains. Here you can visit the Eğirdir Castle, the Lake Eğirdir National Park, and the Çamlık Monument. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Eğirdir to Denizli, through Pamukkale? This 233 km journey will take you fewer than 3 hours and you will be mesmerized by the picturesque landscapes along the way. You will be able to admire some UNESCO Heritage sites as well. Pamukkale is a must-see destination with its white travertine terraces, thermal pools and ancient ruins. Denizli has a lot to offer as well, with its hot springs, archaeological sites and historical monuments. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos to remember your journey! More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start your journey!

Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Denizli to Antalya. This stage of your tour will take you through some of the most beautiful and interesting places in Turkey. Along the way, you'll be able to explore the ruins of the ancient city of Laodicea, enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pamukkale travertines, and take a dip in the thermal waters of the Hierapolis thermal baths. The distance between Denizli and Antalya is 223 km and it will take you just under 3 hours to get there. So make sure you bring snacks, drinks, and your favorite tunes for the ride. Once you arrive in Antalya, you can explore the Old Town, visit Kaleiçi, the city's old harbor, and take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands. Take your time to enjoy the amazing sights and sounds of this journey. Don't forget to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a great trip!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip stage from Antalya to Finike? This 118km route takes less than two hours of driving and will take you through some of the most beautiful places in Turkey. Start your journey in Antalya, a major city on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Here you can explore the old harbour, the old city and the Hadrian's Gate. Continue your journey to Kemer, a town located in the mountains of the Turkish Riviera. Here you can find many outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain biking and rafting. Finally, your journey ends in Finike, a small coastal town. Here you can take a boat trip to the nearby islands and enjoy the sea breeze and the stunning views. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

Start your road trip in Finike, Turkey, located on the Mediterranean coast, and explore 189 km of stunning coastline, leading you to Kaş, one of the most beautiful towns of the country. Enjoy the views of the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the picturesque landscape of the Taurus Mountains. Visit the ancient ruins of the city of Olympos, located just outside of Kaş, and explore the Lycian tombs of the ancient city of Myra, located near Demre. Continue your adventure and drive to Fethiye, the pearl of the Mediterranean, located on the south-west coast of Turkey. This town is known for its stunning beaches and its rich cultural heritage. Visit the ancient city of Telmessos and the Lycian Rock Tombs, carved into the cliffs of the city. Take a boat trip to the 12 islands, located off the coast of Fethiye, and explore the stunning nature and unique wildlife of the area. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. With a driving time of fewer than 5 hours, this is the perfect road trip for those looking to explore the stunning beauty of the Turkish coast.

Embark on a thrilling road trip from Fethiye to Bodrum, a journey of 239 km that will take you fewer than 4 hours. Start your journey in Fethiye, an enchanting seaside town with a rich history and beautiful beaches. Visit the ancient ruins of Telmessos Theatre and the Lycian Rock Tombs, then take a boat trip to the stunning Butterfly Valley and Oludeniz Beach. Continue your journey to Bodrum, a vibrant coastal town full of nightlife, beaches, and historical sites. Visit the ancient Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Castle of St. Peter. Don't forget to take a stroll through the winding cobblestone streets of the old town and take in the local atmosphere. This is just one of the stages of an unforgettable road trip, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Are you ready for an unforgettable journey? Start your road trip in Bodrum and enjoy the beautiful views of the Aegean Sea. The first part of the journey will take you to Milas, a city full of old mosques, churches, and traditional Turkish houses. Don't forget to visit the ancient city of Labraunda, where you can explore the ruins of the Temple of Zeus. On the way to Ephesus, you can admire the stunning scenery of the Gediz River. Once you reach Ephesus, you will be amazed by its ancient ruins, including the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus. Make sure to take a few photos of the beautiful amphitheatre. Last but not least, you will arrive in Kuşadası, the final destination of this stage. Here, you can explore the ancient city of Miletus and the Temple of Apollo. The distance of this stage is 174 km and the driving time is fewer than 7 hours. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Are you ready to explore the beautiful Aegean coast of Turkey? Then let's start our road trip from Kuşadası to Ayvalık. This 255 km journey will take you less than 4 hours, so you will have plenty of time to explore the most interesting places along the way. First stop is Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey. Make sure to visit the Agora of Smyrna, the ancient market place, and the Kadifekale Castle, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city. The next stop is Ayvalık, a charming coastal town. Here you can admire the Ottoman-style houses, stroll around the colorful market, and visit the Ayvalık Islands. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great trip!

Welcome to the road trip stage from Ayvalık to Çanakkale! This stage of your journey will take you 182 km in less than 3 hours, passing through some of the most interesting places in Turkey. Starting in Ayvalık, you will find the Ayvalık Olive Oil Museum, where you can learn about the history of olive oil production in the region, and the Ayvalık Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from the Bronze Age. The next stop is Bergama, where you can visit the Pergamon Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Red Basilica, a temple dedicated to the Egyptian god Serapis. After that, you will reach the city of Assos. Here you will find the ancient Temple of Athena, a Hellenistic-era temple, and the Assos Castle, a fortress built by the Knights of Rhodes in the 15th century. Continuing on your journey, you will reach the city of Çanakkale, where you can visit the ancient city of Troy, the legendary site of the Trojan War, and the Gallipoli Battlefields, where the Allies fought the Ottoman Empire during World War I. This is just a short overview of the attractions you will find along this road trip stage. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Embark on an exciting road trip from Çanakkale to Bursa! This 342 km journey will take you less than 5 hours and you will get to explore some of the most remarkable historical sites of Turkey! Your first stop should be the ancient city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Çanakkale. Here, you can explore the ruins of the city and get a glimpse of the Trojan War. The next stop is the city of Bursa. Here, you can visit the Green Mosque, one of the most impressive Ottoman mosques, and the Grand Mosque, the first Friday mosque in the city. You can also explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest markets in Turkey. Along the way, you will get to explore the ruins of the ancient cities of Pergamon and Assos, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Bursa to Istanbul? This 223 km journey will take you less than 3 hours, and it's packed with amazing sights. Start your trip in Bursa, the former Ottoman capital, and visit the beautiful Ulu Cami, the Grand Mosque, and the Green Mosque. Then head to Iznik, the site of the famous Iznik tiles, and take a stroll through the old city. As you continue your journey, you'll pass through the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Yıldırım and Cumalıkızık. When you arrive in Istanbul, don't miss the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. Along the way, you can also find plenty of accommodation, restaurants, and campsites. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of Turkey! For more information, check out the Itinerary of this stage.

Istanbul, the city of Turkey, is the final destination of the “Turkey Road Trip”. The city is a major cultural, historical and economic hub, making it a must-see destination on any traveler’s list. The city is home to a number of attractions and is the perfect place to explore the history and culture of Turkey. The most iconic attractions of Istanbul are the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace. The Hagia Sophia is a former Greek Orthodox church which was converted to a mosque in the 15th century. It is now a museum and is considered one of the world’s most important monuments. The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the most famous mosques in the world and is a must-see for its beautiful architecture and intricate details. The Grand Bazaar is a huge, historic market located in the center of Istanbul and is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It is a great place to shop for souvenirs and get a feel for the city. Topkapi Palace is a former Ottoman palace which was home to the sultans and their families. It is now a museum and is a great place to explore the Ottoman Empire’s history and culture. For those traveling by air, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the closest international airport to the city. It is well connected to other major cities in Turkey and across the world. Istanbul is the perfect place to end the “Turkey Road Trip”. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions and is a great place to explore the culture and history of Turkey.

We hope that the presented road trip idea has become a superb inspiration for your future holidays.
The itinerary we’ve suggested can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original attractions.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a bunch of things to bear in mind to turn your adventure into pleasure. The following road rules will surely become useful for all holidaymakers considering car rental or camper rental.
When sightseeing around Turkey, you should remember about the local road regulations. Alcohol is best to be avoided at all when Turkey is your road trip destination. Tourists ought to remember that the allowed blood alcohol level is low and amounts to only 0.5‰. In order to avoid a speeding fine, it is best to never exceed 50km/h, which is the maximum allowed speed when driving around the urban areas. If you are aiming for non-build-up areas, you should keep in mind that the maximum allowed speed is 90km/h. When travelling on motorways, you can travel at the permissible speed of 120km/h. In order to stay safe, we recommend equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and driving with your headlights on at daytime.
The majority of drivers wonder about the costs of the whole tour. Well, depending on the budget option that you’re interested in, the money that you have to spend on your holiday expenses will vary. A wide range of budget possibilities is described below.
If you go for the cheapest option, you need to spend the maximum of 500 EUR on fuel to cover the planned 18 stages. Travel expenses connected with economy hotels will cost up to roughly 1,111 EUR. Holidayers who want to benefit from this option will spend roughly 1,008 EUR on food and restaurants. If you also aim for the economy car hire option, you will pay around 945 EUR. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the costs of the road trip from around 2,619 EUR to roughly 3,564 EUR.
Holidayers who seek greater comfort and the standard option should be prepared to pay the maximum of 675 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the trip. Cost amounting to 1,661 EUR can be expected by all drivers who are searching for standard hotels. Drivers may expect that the standard option in terms of restaurants and food will cost approximately 1,512 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire vehicle should expect a cost of roughly 1,512 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 5,360 EUR for travellers who would like to try vehicle hire and 3,848 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
Tourists who are considering the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium option. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 7,826 EUR for drivers who are considering car hire and 3,848 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of around 2,268 EUR. When it comes to the top standard configuration of the tour, the cost of the fuel needed to cover all stages around Turkey is approximately 913 EUR. You should expect to pay around 2,629 EUR for overnight stays and 2,016 EUR for restaurants and food if you are searching for the top standard of services during your adventure.
Our adventure will also be excellent for all camper enthusiasts, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. When it comes to this means of transport, the expenses may amount to roughly 4,725 EUR. You have to spend the maximum of 1,013 EUR to cover the planned mileage of the tour in a camper. Drivers who will go for camper rental should expect to pay approximately 1,155 EUR for overnight stays and around 1,008 EUR for expenses connected with food.
All of the details connected with costs can be checked in the section Road Trip Costs.
The period between April and June is great to explore the part of Turkey showed in our Turkey Road Trip. There are multiple exciting adventures that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip opportunities. The great diversity of ideas will definitely live up to the expectations of the most demanding drivers.