10-Day Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Gaziantep to Haliliye, Mardin, Bağlar, Pınarbaşı, and Goreme and surrounding area

On day 2 of your road trip in Turkey, you’ll start and end your day in Gaziantep, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Gaziantep, there’s no need to rush. Experience Gaziantep, Şahinbey, and Şehitkamil to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Whether you decide to explore Gaziantep on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Zoo is an ideal stop early in the day. This increasingly popular zoo is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Independence Mosque, which may be one of the most stunning places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Gaziantep 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 Kendirli Gazi Cultural Center, an intriguing cultural center in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Gaziantep Archeology Museum and Pisirici Mescidi Ve Kasteli. End your day with a visit to Zeugma Mosaics Museum, a well-known museum that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Gaziantep. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Bayazhan Butik Hotel & Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Gaziantep. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Gaziantep at Sakıp Usta Paça&Beyran&Kebap, 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 Kahveci Fayat Usta. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Gaziantep tonight.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Turkey.

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Eyyübiye and Şanlıurfa. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Haliliye, where you'll spend 1 night.

Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This photogenic museum is sure to impress. Next on your list is Şanlıurfa Castle, another must-visit landmark and up-and-coming castle renowned for its historic features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Gaziantep by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Rizvaniye Camii. This grand mosque is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Gaziantep experience. We also recommend visiting Mevlid-i Halilulrahman Mağarası, an often recommended cave. Nearby, you'll also find Göbekli Tepe, ready to add charm to your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Haliliye. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at LİVVA RESTAURANT ŞANLIURFA, a top-rated dining spot in Haliliye. If you're in the mood for something new, try Çulcuoğlu Baklava&Restaurant, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Köşk Ocakbaşı. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Haliliye.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Turkey!

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Turkey includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Acar, Mardin, and Eskikale. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Mardin, where you'll spend 1 night.

Kasımiye Madrasah makes a great addition to your morning plans. This worthwhile monument is a culturally significant place to see in Haliliye. Continue your discovery at Mardin Evleri, a visually striking historical landmark with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Haliliye, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this village so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Mor Hananyo Monastery. This curiosity-inducing monastery offers an instagrammable encounter with Haliliye. Next, make your way to Mardin Museum to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Zinciriye Medresesi, a worthwhile monument that’s sure to impress. If you’re up for more, end your self-guided sightseeing tour at Cumhuriyet Meydanı, an up-and-coming public square in the village. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Haliliye.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Mardin's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Mardin.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Turkey!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Diyarbakir and Sur. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Bağlar, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Diyarbakir Castle brings Mardin's character to life. This culturally significant castle is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Mountain Gate, another awe-inspiring attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Diyarbakır Walls, one of the city’s most up-and-coming attractions, known for its breathtaking features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum. This instagrammable museum is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Suriçi - Diyarbakır, an intriguing historical landmark, and take a stroll around the area. If you want to extend your self-guided sightseeing tour, go check out Hasan Pasha Inn before you head back to your hotel.

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

Bağlar is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Bağlar.

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

Wake up to day 8 of your road trip in Turkey. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Ihlara, Selime, and Nevşehir. With 1 night to stay in Goreme, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the village’s surroundings!

Visiting Ihlara Valley is always a good idea. This locally renowned canyon is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the picture-perfect wonders of Selime Cathedral, a must-see cave system in the village.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Goreme Historical National Park. This well-known national park offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Kizilcukur Valley(gun Batimi), where you can take in serene features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Devrent Vadisi and Imagination Valley. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Goreme's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Make sure to reserve a table at THE HANGOUT, an iconic dining spot in Goreme. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Turkish Ravioli Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Goreme. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Gurme kebab restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Goreme. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Uçhisar, Kaymaklı, and Derinkuyu. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Gaziantep, where you'll spend 1 night.

One of the most locally renowned attractions included on the itinerary is Uchisar Castle. This visually striking castle will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Pigeon Valley Hotel and learn what makes this romantic hiking area unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the notable Kaymaklı Underground City. After exploring the cave system, head to Derinkuyu Underground City. This popular cave system is a highlight in Goreme.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at The Lotte Cafe Bistro, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Dostlar Meyhanesi is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Kasap Halil Usta Fırınlı Et Lokantası. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Gaziantep tonight.

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