5-Day Turkey Road Trip from Ayvalık to Izmir
Description
Included
Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 5-day road trip through Turkey. Explore the diverse landscapes and local cultures of Ayvalık, Balıkesir, Karesi, Izmir, Selçuk, Kuşadası, Konak, Karabağlar, and Foça. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Turkey takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Ayvalık, and 2 nights in Izmir. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Turkey. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Ayvalık, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Turkey on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Turkey. Kemeraltı and İzmir Historical Elevator Building are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Ayvalık, Balıkesir, Karesi, Izmir, Selçuk, Kuşadası, Konak, Karabağlar, and Foça, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Turkey. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Turkey.
Throughout your road trip in Turkey, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Turkey.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Turkey fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Turkey today!
Personalize your itinerary
Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1 – Ayvalık - arrival day
- Ayvalık - Arrival day
- More
Say hello to Ayvalık! Your exciting road trip through Turkey is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the town. You will stay in Ayvalık for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
Ayvalık is a beautiful town with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Find your way to your hotel in Ayvalık. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Turkey. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Ayvalık. 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 Kök Tadım Mutfağı, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Ayvalık Meyhanesi is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Ayvalik Pasali Corba. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Ayvalık tonight.
Continue your lively evening at White Knight Cafe Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Bardak is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Çeşni Cunda ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Turkey!
Day 2 – Ayvalık, Balıkesir, Karesi, and Izmir
- Izmir
- Balıkesir
- Karesi
- More
Drive 340 km, 4 hours 19 min
- Oren Beach
- Zagnos Pasha Mosque
- Atatürk Parkı, Balıkesir
- Şehitler Parkı
- More
Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Ayvalık, Balıkesir, and Karesi. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Izmir, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.
Karesi’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Balıkesir behind. This drive usually takes around 6 min. Karesi welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
An excellent attraction to start your day with is Zagnos Pasha Mosque. This mosque is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,483 reviews.
Continue your journey at Atatürk Parkı, Balıkesir. This park is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,278 travelers from near and far.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Izmir, 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 Izmir. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Discover the culinary delights of Izmir by securing a reservation at Tavacı Recep Usta. Esteemed for its a Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of turkish, and traditional cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Adil Müftüoğlu, renowned for its delicious turkish dishes. This esteemed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday.
Continue your lively evening at Catch, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Stone Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Bonema Cafe & Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Turkey.
Day 3 – Izmir, Selçuk, Kuşadası, and Aydın
- Izmir
- Selçuk
- Kuşadası
- More
Drive 310 km, 5 hours 13 min
- Ladies Beach
- Buyuk Menderes National Park
- More
On day 3 of your road trip in Turkey, you’ll start and end your day in Selçuk, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you will return to Izmir for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Selçuk, Kuşadası, and Aydın to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Selçuk. This drive usually takes around 1 hour, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Kick off the day at Ephesus Archaeological Museum, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This archaeological museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,122 reviews.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kuşadası. This drive usually takes around 22 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to El Heykeli. This extraordinary point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,752 visitors.
Next, make your way to Ladies Beach. This top attraction is a sightseeing destination with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 17,759 visitors.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Aydın, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Kuşadası to Aydın may take around 1 hour 25 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Aydın, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Buyuk Menderes National Park. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,540 reviews.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Izmir.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Izmir. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Molly Malone's Irish Pub Alsancak, a highly-rated dining destination in Izmir. If you're eager to try something different, consider Sevinç Pastanesi - Alsancak, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at SELİM DE ÇEŞME KUMRU TOST SANDVİÇ IZGARA KÖFTE KONAK ÇEŞME KUMRU. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Izmir this evening.
Continue your lively evening at Sky Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Chaos Cafe Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Tattoo Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Turkey!
Day 4 – Izmir, Konak, Karabağlar, Foça, and Ayvalık
- Ayvalık
- Konak
- Karabağlar
- Foça
- More
Drive 218 km, 3 hours 40 min
- Clock Tower of İzmir
- Kemeraltı
- İzmir Tarihi Asansör Binası
- İzmir Wildlife Park
- More
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 Konak, Karabağlar, Izmir, and Foça. In the evening, you’ll end up in Ayvalık, where you will stay for 1 night.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Konak and set your GPS to Karabağlar. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 13 min. Upon reaching Karabağlar, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Clock Tower Of İzmir. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 22,286 reviews.
Next up, make your way to Kemeraltı. This bazaar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 27,982 reviews.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Karabağlar, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Konak to Karabağlar may take around 13 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Karabağlar, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Drop by the renowned İzmir Historical Elevator Building. This popular sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,807 visitors.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Ayvalık. Ayvalık offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Ayvalık. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Orchis boutique hotel, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Sofia Ayvalık offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss SUKHA CUNDA OTEL. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Ayvalık.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into Kraft Ayvalık. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, The Shelby Pub offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Orman Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Turkey!
Day 5 – Ayvalık - departure day
- Ayvalık - Departure day
- More
Day 5 of your road trip in Turkey is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Ayvalık before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
On your last day in Turkey, take time to indulge in shopping at Ayvalık’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
Your sightseeing of the day begins at Aşıklar Tepesi, a remarkable point of interest where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,012 reviews.
Before you conclude your road trip in Turkey, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Ayvalık.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at CUNDA OTEL, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Macaron Cafe & Bistro offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss O' Meyhane (By Kayra ).
You’ll then say farewell to Ayvalık. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Turkey!
Similar travel packages
Discover other popular vacations in Turkey
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.