One-Week Turkey Road Trip from Ankara traveling south to Goreme, Adana, Mersin, and Aksaray

Your road trip adventure in Turkey begins as soon as you reach Ankara and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Ankara for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Ankara is a beautiful city 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 50th Year Park or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Ankara. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Turkey. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Ankara. 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.

Dine in style at Filikos Restoran, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, New York Pizza Delivery Anıttepe boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out MARTI RESTAURANT. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Ankara.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at The Muddy Waters, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Nil Rock Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Always Rock Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Turkey!

On day 2 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 Çankaya, and Ankara. In the evening, you’ll end up in Goreme, where you will stay for 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Independence Park. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,960 visitors.

Next, make your way to Anıtkabir. This mausoleum is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 120,860 reviews.

While in Ankara, we also recommend a visit to Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi. This museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,678 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Metu Forest. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,747 travelers, this park is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Ankara.

Çankaya welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Take the opportunity to see Kuğulu Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 21,340 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Goreme, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the village.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Orient, a top-rated dining spot in Goreme. If you're in the mood for something new, try Kapadokya Kebapzade, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Göreme Kaya Otel. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Goreme.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Kuytu Köşe Nargile Cafe & Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Red Red Wine House for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, M&m is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Turkey!

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

When you’ve had your share of Nevşehir, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Uçhisar. Your travel time is around 15 min.

Drop by the renowned Goreme Historical National Park. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,907 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Love Valley. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,998 visitors, this point of interest deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Çavuşin.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Paşabağları Müze Ve Örenyeri. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 21,979 visitors.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Kazancılar Restoran Büyüksaat, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Mert Restaurant offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Sirdanci Bedo is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Adana.

Keep the evening going at Baran Türkü Evi, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Turkey!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Turkey. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Tarsus, Akgedik, Kıralan, and Mersin. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Mersin. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

After soaking in Adana’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Tarsus. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 47 min. When you arrive in Tarsus, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready to see some sights, Nusret Mayın Gemisi Ve Çanakkale Zaferi Kültür Parkı is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,867 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Cleopatra Gate. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,313 travelers.

After soaking in Tarsus’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Akgedik. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 13 min. When you arrive in Akgedik, it's time to take a break from the road.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Tarsus Hayvan Parkı. This zoo is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,130 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 Mersin. Mersin 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 Mersin. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Make sure to reserve a table at Cemil baba Restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Mersin. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Remzi Usta, a popular restaurant in Mersin. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Small Lights Cafe Bar, known for its lively atmosphere.

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

Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Mersin for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Kiremithane, an iconic dining spot in Mersin. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Turkey.

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Seyhan, and Yüreğir. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Aksaray, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Seyhan. This car ride takes around 1 hour 6 min.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Ataturk Park. This park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 10,452 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Yüreğir, 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 Seyhan to Yüreğir may take around 5 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Yüreğir, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Journey into the unknown at Stone Bridge, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable point of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 14,058 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Sabanci Central Mosque is a recommended place to visit. This mosque is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 6,166 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Yüreğir is Seyhan Merkez Park. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,219 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Yüreğir offers an experience you will remember.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Aksaray, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Bal Bahçe, a top-rated dining destination in Aksaray. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bolu Et Mangal Aksaray, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Mustafa Chef Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Aksaray this evening.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Turkey and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you will explore Ankara, 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 Ankara. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Aksaray and set your GPS to Ankara. 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 2 hours 42 min. Upon reaching Ankara, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Ulucanlar Prison Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,648 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Ankara Castle. This castle has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 18,722 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Museum Of Anatolian Civilizations. This national museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,978 visitors. Up to 450,000 people visit this place of interest annually.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Haci Bayram Mosque. This mosque is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 19,925 visitors.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Ankara. 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 reserve a table at Golden Pavilion Museum, an iconic dining spot in Ankara. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Afganistan Sofrası, a popular restaurant in Ankara. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Urfalı Hayrağ'nın Yeri, a hidden gem nestled in Ankara. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at On An On Rock Cafe, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Nefes Bar // Bi' Nefes Özgürlük provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Fat Boy Bar & Grill 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 8 of your road trip in Turkey is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Ankara 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 Ankara’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

Before you conclude your road trip in Turkey, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Ankara.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Zaytung Zone, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Safranhan is another top choice with a popular menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Ankara. 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!