One-Week Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Goreme traveling west to Aksaray, Bolu, and Ankara
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Description
Explore the best of Turkey on a 8-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Goreme, Nevşehir, Uçhisar, Kaymaklı, Çardak, Aksaray, Altındağ, Bolu, Solaklar, Göynük, Mudurnu, Ankara, and Çankaya. 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 Goreme, 1 night in Aksaray, 3 nights in Bolu, and 1 night in Ankara. 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 Goreme, 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. Anıtkabir and Uchisar Castle are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Kuğulu Park, learn more about the unique Ankara Castle, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Golcuk Nature Park.
As you hit the open road and drive through Goreme, Nevşehir, Uçhisar, Kaymaklı, Çardak, Aksaray, Altındağ, Bolu, Solaklar, Göynük, Mudurnu, Ankara, and Çankaya, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Göreme - Arrival day
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Welcome to Goreme, 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 Goreme's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Goreme is a beautiful village 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 taking a stroll in the village center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Find your way to your hotel in Goreme. 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 Goreme, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Dine in style at Orient, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Kapadokya Kebapzade boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Göreme Kaya Otel. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Goreme.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into Kuytu Köşe Nargile Cafe & Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Red Red Wine House offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Turkey!
Day 2
- Göreme
- Aksaray
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Drive 125 km, 2 hours 12 min
- Love Valley
- Uchisar Castle
- Pigeon Valley
- Kaymaklı Underground City
- Çardak Saray Yeraltı Evi Underground cıty
- More
Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of Nevşehir, Uçhisar, Kaymaklı, and Çardak. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Aksaray, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Get ready for an exciting day in Goreme. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a rock formation, a castle, a hiking area, a cave system and much more! Begin your adventure at Love Valley. This is a well-known rock formation you should not miss. Another must-see is Uchisar Castle, a popular castle in Goreme.
When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Pigeon Valley Hotel. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Kaymaklı Underground City, another of the city’s interesting attractions. We recommend ending your self-guided tour of the city with an eye-catching cave system. Çardak Saray Yeraltı Evi Underground Cıty is a truly remarkable place to visit in Goreme.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Aksaray. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Aksaray. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Bal Bahçe, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Bolu Et Mangal Aksaray offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Mustafa Chef Restaurant. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Aksaray.
Relax and reminisce about your day in Turkey and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 3
- Aksaray
- Bolu
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Drive 420 km, 4 hours 57 min
- Cermodern
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
- Ankara Castle
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On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Altındağ. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bolu, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.
Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Cermodern Stage. This curiosity-inducing art gallery is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Museum Of Anatolian Civilizations, one of the town’s most promising highlights.
Next, check out Ankara Castle, one of the most interesting places to see in Aksaray. This castle is a favorite among locals and travelers alike.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Bolu, 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 Bolu's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Enjoy a delicious meal at ANTEP SOFRASI, a highly-rated dining destination in Bolu. If you're eager to try something different, consider Hanımeli Yemek Salonu, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Kubbealti. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bolu this evening.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Turkey!
Day 4
- Bolu
- More
Drive 147 km, 3 hours 14 min
- Tomb of Hayreddin-i Tokadı
- Orta Hamam
- Golcuk Nature Park
- Goksu Nature Park
- Seben lefties Rock Houses
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Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip in Turkey. With 2 nights left in Bolu, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!
Immerse yourself in Bolu’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Tomb Of Hayreddin-i Tokadı. This monumental monument is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the romantic features of Orta Hamam, a must-visit spa in the city.
In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Golcuk Nature Park, a locally renowned park. For a change of scene, check out Goksu Nature Park, known for its romantic features.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Bolu.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bolu's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Et Evi -Bolu Çiftliği, a highly-rated dining destination in Bolu. If you're eager to try something different, consider Oklava, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bolu Hanzade Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bolu this evening.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Turkey.
Day 5
- Bolu
- More
Drive 213 km, 3 hours 39 min
- Victory Tower
- Mudurnu Clock Tower
- Abant Tabiat Müzesi
- Lake Abant
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On day 5 of your road trip in Turkey, you’ll start and end your day in Bolu, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Bolu for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Göynük, Mudurnu, and Bolu to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Victory Tower. This curiosity-inducing monument is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Mudurnu Clock Tower, one of the town’s most promising highlights.
Next, check out Abant Tabiat Müzesi, one of the most frequently visited places to see in Bolu. This museum is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Lake Abant. Wander around and soak in the eye-catching atmosphere this lake offers.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Bolu and your accommodation.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bolu's best restaurants.
Dine in style at GRAND KEBAP BOLU, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Hünkar Sofrası (Ahmet Usta'nın Yeri) boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Bolçi Cafe Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bolu.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Turkey.
Day 6
- Bolu
- Ankara
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Drive 269 km, 4 hours 14 min
- Beyazıt Cami
- Atatürk Orman Park
- Yedigöller National Park
- Kapankaya seyir terası
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On day 6 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 Bolu. In the evening, you’ll end up in Ankara, where you will stay for 1 night.
Immerse yourself in Bolu’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Beyazıt Cami. This standout mosque is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the romantic features of Atatürk Orman Park, a must-visit park in the city.
In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Yedigöller National Park, a popular national park. For a change of scene, check out Kapankaya Seyir Terası, known for its idyllic features.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Ankara. Ankara offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
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.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Livorno Pub, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Filikos Restoran? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at New York Pizza Delivery Anıttepe as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Ankara.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Muddy Waters, known for its lively atmosphere. Nil Rock Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Always Rock Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
Head back to your accommodation in Ankara and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Turkey!
Day 7
- Ankara
- Göreme
- More
Drive 312 km, 4 hours 33 min
- Anıtkabir
- Independence Park
- Kuğulu Park
- Seğmenler Parkı
- METU Forest
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Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you will explore Ankara, Altındağ, and Çankaya, 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 Goreme. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Today’s route brings fun adventures, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots. The first attraction of today is Anıtkabir. This iconic monument is a stunning place to see in Ankara. Continue your discovery at Independence Park, an awe-inspiring park with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Ankara, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Kuğulu Park. This captivating park offers a stunning encounter with Ankara. Seğmenler Parkı is the last of our recommendations for today. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Ankara.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Goreme. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the village.
As you explore more of Goreme, 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.
Savor the flavors at THE HANGOUT, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Turkish Ravioli Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Gurme kebab restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Goreme tonight.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to M&m, known for its inviting atmosphere.
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.
Day 8
- Göreme - Departure day
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Day 8 of your road trip in Turkey is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Goreme 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.
Before you conclude your road trip in Turkey, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Goreme.
Savor the flavors at Sedef, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Topdeck Cave beckons with its unique menu offerings.
You’ll then say farewell to Goreme. 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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