One-Week Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Denizli to Izmir

Wake up to day 2 of your road trip in Turkey. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Pamukkale, Goncalı, Merkezefendi, and Altındere. With 1 night to stay in Denizli, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Pamukkale may take around 30 min. Upon your arrival in Pamukkale, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Hierapolis Ancient Theater, an increasingly popular archeological site that everyone visiting Pamukkale should see. Next, head to Hierapolis Archaeological Museum. This stunning museum is one of the most curiosity-inducing attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Travertines Of Pamukkale, a visually striking geothermal field popular among locals as well as travelers.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Pamukkale and set your GPS to Goncalı. 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 26 min. Upon reaching Goncalı, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Laodicea Ancient City, a frequently visited archeological site in Goncalı. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking in Goncalı’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Merkezefendi. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 22 min. When you arrive in Merkezefendi, it's time to take a break from the road.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Adalet Parkı, a worthwhile park that everyone visiting Merkezefendi should see.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Denizli's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Make sure to reserve a table at Gökçen Gözleme Evi, an iconic dining spot in Denizli. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Akcesme Kokorec, a popular restaurant in Denizli. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Turkey.

Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in Turkey includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Izmir and Selçuk. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Izmir, where you'll spend 4 nights.

Set your GPS to Izmir and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 3 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Izmir beckons with new experiences!

Savor the day by heading to Natural Park Of The Virgin Mary, an underrated park that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to House Of Virgin Mary, where you can soak in the picture-perfect surroundings.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Selçuk.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is The Temple Of Artemis. Spend some time admiring the breathtaking features of the archeological site before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Ephesus Archaeological Museum. This locally renowned museum is a traveler-favorite in the region.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Basilica Of Saint John. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the church. Next, take your journey to İsa Bey Mosque, a frequently visited mosque.

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

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Balmumu Dükkan. Lokanta, a top-rated dining destination in Izmir. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bostanlı Tuzu Biberi -Kahvaltı Bistro Cafe, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Emniyet Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Izmir this evening.

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

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Turkey.

Greet day 4 of your road trip in Turkey with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 3 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 Karabağlar, Izmir, and Konak.

Don’t miss Alsancak today, a must-see neighborhood that offers a glimpse into the town’s vibrant character. Take your time to explore its best features, and enjoy the convenience of nearby top-rated landmarks.

No visit to Izmir is complete without Agora Of Smyrna. This beloved archeological site is one of the top attractions in the town.

Upon reaching Karabağlar, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready for some sights, head to İzmir Historical Elevator Building, a popular historical landmark in Karabağlar. Explore its enchanting features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’ve had your share of Konak, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Izmir. Your travel time is around 13 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Kemeraltı and explore the heritage-rich features. Next, make your way to Clock Tower Of İzmir, another highlight in Konak.

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

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Boğaziçi Restaurant Bostanlı, a top-rated dining destination in Izmir. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider La Puerta Alsancak, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Cappadocia Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Izmir this evening.

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

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

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Izmir, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Tiyelti is brimming with adventures.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Tiyelti. This car ride takes around 1 hour 29 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Asclepieion Of Pergamon, a beloved archeological site that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bergama. This car ride takes around 7 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Red Basilica, a worthwhile archeological site that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Yeni Cami and admire its heritage-rich features.

When you’re ready, continue to Bergama Museum, an increasingly popular museum beloved by locals and tourists alike.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Çandarlı. This car ride takes around 32 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Çandarlı Castle. Spend some time admiring the stunning features of the castle before you continue to your next stop.

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

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.

Dine in style at rePUBlic-izmir, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Gülgün Pide boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Moresi Girit Mutfağı. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Izmir.

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

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Sart, Manisa, and Salihli. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Denizli, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Sart. This car ride takes around 1 hour 7 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Lydia Park Nature, an increasingly popular point of interest in Sart.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Sart, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Manisa. This drive usually takes around 11 min.

Kursunlu Kaplicalari is an intriguing hot spring we recommend visiting today. Discover its stunning features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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 Salihli. Your travel time is around 10 min.

Hamidiye Mosque is a curiosity-inducing mosque we recommend visiting today. Discover its heritage-rich features before continuing your self-guided tour.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Denizli. Denizli offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

Dine in style at ATA BREAD FACTORY, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, CAFE Pİ boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

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