7-Day Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Istanbul to Izmir

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Photo of beautiful view on Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.

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Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 7-day road trip in Turkey! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Istanbul, Beyoğlu, Karabağlar, Izmir, Konak, Pamukkale, Selçuk, Bergama, and Tiyelti.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Turkey. You will spend 3 nights in Istanbul and 3 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 you covered.

Upon arriving in Istanbul, 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. Galata Tower and Spice Bazaar are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Istanbul, Beyoğlu, Karabağlar, Izmir, Konak, Pamukkale, Selçuk, Bergama, and Tiyelti, 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, accommodations, 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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Driver’s age is 30 - 65

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Day 1

Istanbul - Arrival day
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Hagia Sophia
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Welcome to Istanbul, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Turkey! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights discovering what to see in Istanbul before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Istanbul is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Istanbul. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Istanbul, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Turkey!

Day 2

Istanbul
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Drive 12 km, 1 hour 28 min

Topkapı Palace
Grand Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
Galata Tower
İstiklal Avenue
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On day 2 of your road trip in Turkey, you’ll start and end your day in Istanbul, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Istanbul, there’s no need to rush. Experience Istanbul and Beyoğlu to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Set aside time today to explore Beyoğlu, a standout neighborhood that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

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

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

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

Day 3

Istanbul
Izmir
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Drive 489 km, 5 hours 26 min

İzmir Tarihi Asansör Binası
Smyrna Agora Ancient City
Kemeraltı
Clock Tower of İzmir
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Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Karabağlar, Izmir, and Konak. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Izmir, where you'll spend 3 nights.

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 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.

Head back to your accommodation in Izmir and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Turkey.

Day 4

Izmir
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Drive 459 km, 6 hours 32 min

Hierapolis Ancient Theatre
Pamukkale Theatre
Travertines of Pamukkale (thermal pools)
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Greet day 4 of your road trip in Turkey with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 2 nights to stay in Izmir, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Pamukkale.

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

Izmir 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 Izmir.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 5

Izmir
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Drive 183 km, 3 hours 4 min

House of Virgin Mary
Ayasuluk Citadel
Basilica Of Saint John
İsa Bey Mosque
Ephesus Archaeological Museum
The Temple of Artemis
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On day 5 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Izmir and Selçuk. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Izmir, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

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

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 Izmir, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

Day 6

Izmir
Istanbul
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Drive 502 km, 6 hours 5 min

Bergama Museum
Yeni Cami
Red Basilica
Bergama Ulu Camii
Asclepieion of Pergamon
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On day 6 of your road trip in Turkey, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Bergama and Tiyelti are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Istanbul, where you will stay for 1 night.

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

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 Istanbul, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

Day 7

Istanbul - Departure day
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Sultan Ahmed Mosque
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Day 7 of your road trip in Turkey is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you’re in the mood for luxury shopping, high-end stores await you.

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!

How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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