9-Day Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bursa traveling south to Manisa, Denizli, Izmir, and Ayvalık

On day 3 of your road trip in Turkey, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Pamukkale, Goncalı, and Denizli are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Denizli, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Pamukkale and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 46 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Pamukkale beckons with new experiences!

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Travertines Of Pamukkale and explore the history-steeped features. Next, make your way to Pamukkale South Gate, another highlight in Pamukkale.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Goncalı, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Pamukkale to Goncalı may take around 18 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Goncalı, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Laodicea Ancient City is an intriguing archeological site we recommend visiting today. Discover its standout features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Denizli. This drive usually takes around 26 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the day by heading to Denizli Gondola, an underrated tramway that draws visitors from near and far.

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

Denizli 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 Denizli.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Lavin Otel Denizli, a highly-rated dining destination in Denizli. If you're eager to try something different, consider Ruma Restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Gökçen Gözleme Evi. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Denizli this evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road 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 2 places, which are Kuşadası and Selçuk. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Izmir, where will spend 1 night.

After soaking in Denizli’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Kuşadası. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 45 min. When you arrive in Kuşadası, 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 Ladies Beach, a notable beach that everyone visiting Kuşadası should see. Next, head to El Heykeli. This respected monument is one of the most intriguing attractions in the region.

After soaking in Kuşadası’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Selçuk. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 27 min. When you arrive in Selçuk, it's time to take a break from the road.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at The Temple Of Artemis and explore the UNESCO world heritage-listed features. Next, make your way to Ephesus Archaeological Museum, another highlight in Selçuk.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Izmir. Izmir 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 Izmir's best restaurants.

Discover the culinary delights of Izmir by securing a reservation at Tavacı Recep Usta. Esteemed for its a Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of turkish and traditional cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Adil Müftüoğlu, renowned for its delicious turkish dishes. This esteemed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Catch after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Stone Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Sky Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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.

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Konak, Karabağlar, and Foça. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Ayvalık, where you'll spend 3 nights.

Karabağlar’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Konak behind. This drive usually takes around 13 min. Karabağlar welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in Konak is Clock Tower Of İzmir, a well-known monument that draws attention for its breathtaking features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Kemeraltı, a visually striking market that stands out in the town.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Karabağlar. This drive usually takes around 13 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

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

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Foça, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Izmir to Foça may take around 1 hour 6 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Foça, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Old Foca Coast is a well-known beach we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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.

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

Dine in style at Cafe's, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Kök Tadım Mutfağı boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Ayvalık Meyhanesi. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Ayvalık.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, White Knight Cafe Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bardak offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Çeşni Cunda is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

Wake up to day 7 of your road trip in Turkey. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Tahtakuşlar, Çamlıbel, Beyoba, and Kocaseyit. With 1 night to stay in Ayvalık, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Tahtakuşlar. This drive usually takes around 59 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the day by heading to Tahtakuşlar Etnografya Galerisi, a locally appreciated museum that draws visitors from near and far.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Çamlıbel. This drive usually takes around 4 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Güre Sahili, a worthwhile beach 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 Kazdagi Museum and admire its photogenic features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Beyoba may take around 21 min. Upon your arrival in Beyoba, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Sütüven Şelalesi, an up-and-coming waterfall in Beyoba. Explore its mesmerizing features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at CUNDA OTEL, a highly-rated dining destination in Ayvalık. If you're eager to try something different, consider Macaron Cafe & Bistro, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at O' Meyhane (By Kayra ). With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Ayvalık this evening.

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

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Ayvalık, Balıkesir, and Karesi. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Bursa, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bursa may take around 1 hour 30 min. Upon your arrival in Bursa, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the region's best attractions, visit Zagnos Pasha Mosque, a worthwhile mosque 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 Atatürk Parkı, Balıkesir and admire its picturesque features.

When you’re ready, continue to Değirmen Boğazı Natural Park, an intriguing park beloved by locals and tourists alike.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Upon your arrival in Karesi, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Our first attraction recommendation in Karesi is Martyrs Park, an increasingly popular park that draws attention for its culturally significant features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bursa. 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 Bursa, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Yesil Izgara Pideli Kofte, a top-rated dining spot in Bursa. If you're in the mood for something new, try TANDIR'AZ BURSA, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Labelle Bar. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bursa.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Varuna Memphis Pub Bursa, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Kule Pub is another popular option for a drink or two.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!