5-Day Turkey Road Trip from Ayvalık traveling south to Bursa, and Izmir
Description
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Description
Explore the best of Turkey on a 5-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Ayvalık, Balıkesir, Bursa, Konak, Izmir, Selçuk, and Foça. This road trip itinerary in Turkey seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
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, 1 night in Bursa, and 1 night 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. Bursa Grand Mosque and Koza Han are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Ayvalık, Balıkesir, Bursa, Konak, Izmir, Selçuk, 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!
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Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1 – Ayvalık - arrival day
- Ayvalık - Arrival day
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Welcome to Ayvalık, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Turkey! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Ayvalık's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Ayvalık is a beautiful town with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Heaven Hill or taking a stroll in the town center. 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.
Make sure to book a table at Kök Tadım Mutfağı, a popular restaurant in Ayvalık. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Ayvalık at Ayvalık Meyhanesi, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Ayvalik Pasali Corba. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Ayvalık tonight.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at White Knight Cafe Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Bardak, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Çeşni Cunda provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Turkey!
Day 2 – Ayvalık, Balıkesir, and Bursa
- Bursa
- Ayvalık
- Balıkesir
- More
Drive 313 km, 4 hours 20 min
- Oren Beach
- Atatürk Parkı, Balıkesir
- Değirmen Boğazı Natural Park
- More
On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Ayvalık, and Balıkesir. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bursa, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Drop by the renowned Aşıklar Tepesi. This popular sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,012 visitors.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Bursa, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.
As you explore more of Bursa, 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.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Kitap Evi Otel, a top-rated dining spot in Bursa. If you're in the mood for something new, try Tabipler Lokali, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Dobruca Derebahçe Sosyal Tesisleri. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bursa.
Cap off your dinner by heading to My Pub, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Cemil is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Turkey!
Day 3 – Bursa, Konak, and Izmir
- Izmir
- Bursa
- Konak
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Drive 354 km, 3 hours 50 min
- Grand Mosque of Bursa
- Koza Han
- Kemeraltı
- Clock Tower of İzmir
- Konak Square
- More
On day 3 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 Bursa, and Konak. In the evening, you’ll end up in Izmir, where you will stay for 1 night.
A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Bursa Grand Mosque. Previous visitors have rated this mosque an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 40,156 reviews.
Koza Han is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This bazaar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 30,790 reviews.
Set your GPS to Konak and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 3 hours 24 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Konak beckons with new experiences!
Make Kemeraltı your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this bazaar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 27,982 reviews.
Next up, make a stop at Clock Tower Of İzmir. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 22,286 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this sightseeing destination every year.
Konak Square is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,737 visitors.
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.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Izmir's best restaurants.
Begin your culinary exploration in Izmir by securing a reservation at Tavacı Recep Usta. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of turkish, and traditional cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Adil Müftüoğlu, celebrated for its delectable turkish menu. This acclaimed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Catch, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Stone Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Bonema Cafe & Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Turkey.
Day 4 – Izmir, Selçuk, Foça, and Ayvalık
- Ayvalık
- Selçuk
- Foça
- More
Drive 360 km, 4 hours 42 min
- İzmir Wildlife Park
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Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you will explore Selçuk, Izmir, and Foça, 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 Ayvalık. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
When you arrive in Selçuk, it's time to take a break from the road.
When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Ephesus Archaeological Museum. This much-appreciated archaeological museum is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,122 reviews.
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.
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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Orchis boutique hotel, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Sofia Ayvalık offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, SUKHA CUNDA OTEL is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Ayvalık.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Kraft Ayvalık is an excellent place to start. You could also check out The Shelby Pub, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Orman Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Turkey.
Day 5 – Ayvalık - departure day
- Ayvalık - Departure day
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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.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Yunus Emre Parkı. This park is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 790 reviews.
Before you conclude your road trip in Turkey, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Ayvalık.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Macaron Cafe & Bistro, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
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!
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