6-Day Turkey Road Trip from Ayvalık to Bursa, Manisa, and Izmir and surrounding area

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. 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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Kök Tadım Mutfağı, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Ayvalık Meyhanesi offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Ayvalik Pasali Corba is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Ayvalık.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, White Knight Cafe Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bardak is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Çeşni Cunda is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Turkey!

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, Balıkesir, and Karesi. 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.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bursa. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 30 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Zagnos Pasha Mosque. This mosque is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,483 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Atatürk Parkı, Balıkesir. This park has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,278 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Değirmen Boğazı Natural Park. This park has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,262 visitors.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Kitap Evi Otel, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Tabipler Lokali? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Dobruca Derebahçe Sosyal Tesisleri as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bursa.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, My Pub stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Cemil is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Bursa. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Manisa, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Journey into the unknown at Emir Sultan Mosque, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable mosque has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 10,128 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Bursa Grand Mosque is a recommended place to visit. This mosque is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 40,156 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Bursa is Koza Han. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 30,790 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Bursa offers an experience you will remember.

İnkaya Historical Plane Tree is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Bursa. This point of interest promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.4 out of 5 stars in 24,970 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 Manisa. Manisa 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 you explore more of Manisa, 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 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.

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 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 Karabağlar, Izmir, and Konak. In the evening, you’ll end up in Izmir, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Manisa, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Karabağlar. Your travel time is around 52 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, İzmir Historical Elevator Building is a great place to start. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,807 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Karabağlar and set your GPS to Izmir. 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 11 min. Upon reaching Izmir, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready to see some sights, Ahmed Adnan Saygun Sanat Merkezi is a great place to start. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,395 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Izmir, 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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Izmir. 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.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Izmir by booking a table at Tavacı Recep Usta. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of turkish, and traditional cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Adil Müftüoğlu, celebrated for its delectable turkish menu. This acclaimed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Catch. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Stone Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Bonema Cafe & Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Turkey!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you will explore 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.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to İnciraltı Kent Ormanı. This park is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 8,680 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Bostanlı Günbatımı Seyir Terası. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,479 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Ayvalık, 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 Ayvalık. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

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.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Kraft Ayvalık, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to The Shelby Pub. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Orman Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

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

Day 6 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.

Maximize your last day in Turkey and go on a shopping spree in Ayvalık’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Turkey.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Aşıklar Tepesi. This point of interest 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.

If you're eager to try something different, consider Macaron Cafe & Bistro, another top spot with a tantalizing 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!