5-Day Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Ayvalık to Bursa and Manisa and surrounding area

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Turkey. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Ayvalık, Akçay, and Balıkesir. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bursa. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Ayvalık is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views! Start at Cunda Merkez, an up-and-coming public square that is worthwhile a visit in the town. Nearby, you’ll find Oren Beach, enchanting visitors with its mesmerizing appeal. Continue your exploration at Akçay Çıkışlı Turlar. This boardwalk is one of the town’s most locally appreciated spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Ayvalık at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Atatürk Parkı, Balıkesir. After exploring the park, head to the frequently visited Değirmen Boğazı Natural Park.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bursa, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bursa. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Kitap Evi Otel, a highly-rated dining destination in Bursa. If you're eager to try something different, consider Tabipler Lokali, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Abidin Usta. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bursa this evening.

Continue your lively evening at My Pub, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Cemil ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Turkey.

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Bursa. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Manisa, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Bursa, featuring family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and historic treasures. Start at Heykel, a frequently visited public square in the city. Then, head to Koza Han and soak in the ambiance of this photogenic market.

There are many interesting places to see in Bursa, and when you are ready for more, go to Bursa Grand Mosque. This is one of the city’s most locally renowned historic spots of interest. After exploring the mosque, visit the underrated Han Brass. Not far away, you'll also find İnkaya Historical Plane Tree. This historical landmark is an instagrammable highlight in Bursa.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Manisa. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Manisa. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Litany, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Efendi Restoran is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Dergah Cafe&Bar Ocakbaşı Restoran. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Manisa tonight.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Turkey!

On day 4 of your road trip in Turkey, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Izmir, Foça, and Çandarlı. In the evening, you’ll end up in Ayvalık, where you will stay for 1 night.

Manisa is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include an observation deck, a zoo, a beach, a castle and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the underrated Bostanlı Günbatımı Seyir Terası and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, İzmir Wildlife Park, an instagrammable zoo that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Old Foca Coast, one of the city’s most interesting spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the up-and-coming Çandarlı Castle.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Ayvalık. Ayvalık offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Ayvalık. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Dine in style at Ayvalik Pasali Corba, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Orchis boutique hotel boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Sofia Ayvalık. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Ayvalık.

Keep the evening going at Kraft Ayvalık, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Shelby Pub, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Orman Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Head back to your accommodation in Ayvalık and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Turkey!