9-Day Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Samsun to Ankara and Goreme

Wake up to day 2 of your extraordinary road trip in Turkey. With 1 night left in Samsun, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Samsun, including an archeological site, an art gallery, a pier, a park, a museum, a historic ship and much more! Start your adventure at Amisos Hill. This curiosity-inducing archeological site is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Of Art Center located in Samsun for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Tütün Pier. Its enchanting features will captivate you. After the pier, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Atatürk Parkı. Visitors usually appreciate the eye-catching features of this park. Next up is Samsun Kent Müzesi, a highly recommended museum. For a change of pace, head to Bandırma Ferry. As one of the most locally renowned attractions in Samsun, this historic ship is the perfect place to end your self-guided sightseeing tour.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Samsun.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Samsun's best restaurants.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Sisman Borekci, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Batıpark Karadeniz Balık Restaurant offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Turkey!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you will explore Altındağ, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Ankara. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Samsun, including a park, a museum, and a mosque. Start your day at 50th Year Park. This instagrammable park is a worthwhile place to see in Samsun. Then, wander over to Ulucanlar Prison Museum. If heritage-rich sites excite you, this museum will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Haci Bayram Mosque. This culturally significant mosque is a favorite among visitors.

Samsun offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Independence Park is a popular spot in the town that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the park, don’t forget to check out the photogenic Tacettin Sultan Mosque. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this underrated mosque.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Ankara's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Livorno Pub, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Filikos Restoran is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at New York Pizza Delivery Anıttepe. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Ankara tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Muddy Waters, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Nil Rock Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Always Rock Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Turkey!

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Çankaya has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Ankara by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the town.

Start your day with a visit to Kuğulu Park. This interesting park is a must-visit in the town. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Anıtkabir, which may be one of the most historic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Ankara on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Cermodern Stage, a frequently visited art gallery in the town. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Ankara Painting And Sculpture Museum and Museum Of Anatolian Civilizations. End your day with a visit to Ankara Castle, a notable castle that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Turkey is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Ankara's best restaurants.

Don’t miss out on dining at MARTI RESTAURANT, a top-rated dining destination in Ankara. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Golden Pavilion Museum, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Afganistan Sofrası. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Ankara this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at On An On Rock Cafe. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to London Pub, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Nefes Bar // Bi' Nefes Özgürlük provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

On day 5 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 Uçhisar, Urgup, Nevşehir, and Goreme. In the evening, you’ll end up in Goreme, where you will stay for 3 nights.

Discover a day packed with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views in Ankara. Begin your sightseeing with Uchisar Castle. This well-known castle is one of the top attractions in the village. Proceed to Twin Fairy Chimneys, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Ankara, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Goreme Historical National Park. This captivating national park is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Dark Church, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

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

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Orient, a top-rated dining spot in Goreme. If you're in the mood for something new, try Kapadokya Kebapzade, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Göreme Kaya Otel. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Goreme.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Kuytu Köşe Nargile Cafe & Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Red Red Wine House is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Turkey!

On day 6 of your road trip in Turkey, you’ll start and end your day in Goreme, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the village. Since you will return to Goreme for 2 nights more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Derinkuyu to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Goreme. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await! Derinkuyu Underground City is the perfect place to start. This cave system is one of the most captivating places to visit in Goreme. Next, head to Üzümlü Kilise, an up-and-coming church, known for its respected features.

Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Goreme and your accommodation.

As you explore more of Goreme, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at THE HANGOUT, a popular restaurant in Goreme. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Goreme at Turkish Ravioli Restaurant, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Gurme kebab restaurant. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Goreme tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting M&m after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city.

Say good night to Goreme and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Turkey!

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Goreme, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate village. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Kayseri. You still have 1 night left in Goreme.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Goreme allows for both. Start by heading to Kayseri Castle. This locally renowned castle provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Archeological Museum, an instagrammable museum, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Cumhuriyet Meydanı, an underrated public square. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the underrated Kayseri Clock Tower. Not far away from the monument, you will find the photogenic Sahabiye Madrasa, perfect for a quick visit. Round off your day at Kurşunlu Parkı, another gem in Goreme with picturesque features to discover.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Goreme.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Sedef, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Topdeck Cave is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Omurca Art Cave. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Goreme tonight.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Turkey!