9-Day Turkey Road Trip from Denizli traveling north to Manisa, Canakkale, Istanbul, and Bursa
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 9-day road trip through Turkey.
This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Turkey. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Denizli, 1 night in Manisa, 1 night in Çanakkale, 2 nights in Istanbul, 1 night in Bursa, and 1 night in Izmir, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Turkey. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Denizli, Manisa, Çanakkale, Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir. We'll help you experience the best 9 days in Turkey you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.
Upon arriving in Denizli, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Turkey, including the stunning Galata Tower and Hagia Sophia.
You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.
Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Turkey. From the magnificent Spice Bazaar to the breathtaking Grand Bazaar and Sultan Ahmed Mosque, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Topkapı Palace and learn more about the unique Dolmabahçe Palace to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Denizli, Manisa, Çanakkale, Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Turkey. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Turkey.
Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Turkey. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Turkey.
Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Turkey.
You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Turkey has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.
You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.
Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Turkey. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 8 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 8 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.
You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Turkey extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.
The best services in Turkey fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Turkey today!
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Day 1 – Denizli and Merkezefendi - arrival day
Day 1 – Denizli and Merkezefendi - arrival day
- Denizli - Arrival day
- More
- Adalet Parkı
- More
Your road trip adventure in Turkey begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Denizli. You’ll stay in Denizli for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.
Denizli has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Adalet Parkı. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,095 visitors.
When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.
When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Denizli, Hacı Şerif Merkez. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,065 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Denizli is Garson Şükrü Aile Restaurant. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,710 customers.
Locals recommend Hiera Coffee & Tea House Restaurant ( Reservation Only ) as one of the best restaurants in the city of Denizli. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,832 customers.
Denizli also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Denizli is Arif Usta Pide, Çorba & Izgara Salonu. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,164 customers.
Another of the best bars in the city of Denizli is Renes Balık Restoran. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 530 customers.
Locals also enjoy Holly Stone. This bar has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 1,577 customers.
Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Turkey!
Experiences
Day 2 – Şehzadeler, Yunusemre, and Manisa
Day 2 – Şehzadeler, Yunusemre, and Manisa
- Manisa
- More
Drive 254 km, 4 hours 41 min
- Spil Mountain National Park
- Atatürk Kent Park
- Sureyya Nature Park
- Ulupark
- More
Rise and shine on day 2 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Denizli and embark on a scenic drive to Manisa, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Denizli and Yunusemre before you reach your end destination for the day.
It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Denizli. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Ulupark. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 6,778 visitors.
Wave goodbye to Şehzadeler and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Yunusemre has to offer.
One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Atatürk Kent Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,815 visitors.
When you're done with your sightseeing in Yunusemre, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Manisa. When you arrive in Manisa you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.
We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Ali Baba Kağıt Köfte. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,005 customers.
Locals also recommend Köfteci Talat, another of the best restaurants in Manisa. Köfteci Talat is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,455 customers.
If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Saray Ocakbaşı. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 958 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.
After dinner, visit Taş Fabrika to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Manisa, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 815 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Sir Winston Uncubozköy. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Sir Winston Uncubozköy has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 390 customers.
Xtanbul Cafe is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 293 customers.
End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Turkey, and look forward to more great days to come!
Experiences
Day 3 – Tevfikiye and Canakkale
Day 3 – Tevfikiye and Canakkale
- Canakkale
- More
Drive 381 km, 5 hours 27 min
- Liberty Park
- Trojan Statue
- Ancient City of Troy
- Cimenlik Castle
- More
Day 3 of your road trip through Turkey gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Tevfikiye and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Canakkale. You will stay in Canakkale for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Tevfikiye is the amazing Ancient City of Troy. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 11,962 visitors.
You can make the most of your new day in Tevfikiye by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Turkey. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.
At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Canakkale, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Cafe Du Port Güzelyalı Beach, one of the best restaurants in the city of Canakkale. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,004 customers.
Locals also recommend Nevreste Bozcaada as one of the best restaurants in the city of Canakkale. Nevreste Bozcaada is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 877 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Canakkale is Revgan Çanakkale. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 769 customers.
After dinner, visit Hangover Cafe Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Canakkale. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,257 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Mori Bistro. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 720 customers.
Alternatively, Salhane is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Canakkale. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 645 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Turkey!
Experiences
Day 4 – Istanbul
Day 4 – Istanbul
- Istanbul
- More
Drive 311 km, 4 hours 15 min
- Sultan Ahmed Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Basilica Cistern
- More
As you rise to greet the dawn on day 4 of your epic road trip in Turkey, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Istanbul. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Istanbul. You’ll stay in Istanbul for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Istanbul’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Istanbul, start your day with a visit to the amazing Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This much-appreciated mosque and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 91,956 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Hagia Sophia. This minor basilica and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 127,439 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Basilica Cistern to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Basilica Cistern is a palace that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 68,033 visitors.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Istanbul has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Istanbul. Istanbul offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Hanzade Terrace Restaurant. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 5,898 reviews.
The remarkable Mivan Restaurant & Cafe is another top restaurant in Istanbul we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 3,913 customers.
If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Garden Mezze | Steakhouse Restaurant | Fine Dining | Top Turkish Restaurant | Seafood | Breakfast is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,884 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Istanbul, the fantastic Arch Bistro. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 798 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Flekk. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 576 customers.
Another bar with a great atmosphere is Harab'be Cafe. This bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,610 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Turkey!
Experiences
Day 5 – Istanbul
Day 5 – Istanbul
- Istanbul
- More
Drive 6 km, 1 hour 25 min
- Topkapı Palace
- Gülhane Park
- Spice Bazaar
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- Grand Bazaar
- More
On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Istanbul, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Istanbul.
Today you'll explore the city of Istanbul. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Topkapı Palace. As one of the top sights in the area, around 1,932,726 people visit this attraction every year. This incredible attraction is a palace and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 95,040 visitors.
Gülhane Park is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Istanbul. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 59,778 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Istanbul is Spice Bazaar. This amazing attraction is a bazaar and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 164,946 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Süleymaniye Mosque. This mosque and place of interest is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 51,661 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Grand Bazaar. This bazaar is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 145,525 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Turkey to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Istanbul.
We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul, like Saltanat Fish & Kebab House. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,112 customers.
Divella Bistro Restaurant is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,711 customers.
Locals enjoy Turkish Cuisine, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Istanbul. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Istanbul, Vamos Estambul Restaurant & Cafe. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,447 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Joker No.19. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,483 customers.
Corner Irish Pub is another of the best bars in the city of Istanbul. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,406 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Turkey!
Experiences
Day 6 – Beyoğlu, Üsküdar, and Bursa
Day 6 – Beyoğlu, Üsküdar, and Bursa
- Istanbul
- Bursa
- More
Drive 177 km, 3 hours 1 min
- Galata Tower
- Miniatürk
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)
- Yıldız Park
- More
Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the city of Beyoğlu and the city of Üsküdar. You’ll stay in Bursa for 1 night.
One of the best places to explore in the town of Beyoğlu today is Galata Tower. This excellent attraction is a tower that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 169,479 visitors.
We also recommend you visit the amazing Miniatürk, an outstanding miniature park, in the town of Beyoğlu. Around 32,760 travelers rated this attraction with 4.6 out of 5 stars.
To experience the local culture, see more of Turkey, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the town, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Turkey. You also get to admire popular places of interest.
You could then travel to Dolmabahçe Palace for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Üsküdar. This popular attraction is a palace and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 75,692 visitors.
This outstanding mosque has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 32,994 travelers.
You can also stop at the popular Yıldız Park in the town of Üsküdar. This attraction, a stunning park, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 33,205 visitors.
You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Bursa.
After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Bursa, Uzan Et Mangal. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,360 customers.
Locals recommend Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bursa. Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,308 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Bursa is Fikret Balık Restoran & Balık Market. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,924 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Bursa, Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 834 customers.
You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Newcastle Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers.
Cemil is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Bursa. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 836 customers.
Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Turkey with a toast!
Experiences
Day 7 – Karabağlar, Konak, and Izmir
Day 7 – Karabağlar, Konak, and Izmir
- Izmir
- More
Drive 365 km, 4 hours 17 min
- İzmir Tarihi Asansör Binası
- Güzelyali Park
- Konak Square
- Clock Tower of İzmir
- Kemeraltı
- More
Rise and shine on day 7 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Bursa and embark on a scenic drive to Izmir, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Bursa and Konak before you reach your end destination for the day.
It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Bursa. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful İzmir Historical Elevator Building. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,215 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible Güzelyali Park. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,611 visitors.
Wave goodbye to Karabağlar and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Konak has to offer.
One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Konak Square. This attraction is a square that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,681 visitors.
If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Clock Tower of İzmir. This top-tier point of interest and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 21,756 reviews.
Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Kemeraltı. This bazaar and travel destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 27,496 visitors.
When you're done with your sightseeing in Konak, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Izmir. When you arrive in Izmir you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.
We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like SWISSOTEL BUYUK EFES IZMIR. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 10,410 customers.
Locals also recommend Kokorecci Asim Usta, another of the best restaurants in Izmir. Kokorecci Asim Usta is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,892 customers.
If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Sevinç Pastanesi - Alsancak. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,961 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.
After dinner, visit La Puerta Alsancak to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Izmir, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,986 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like La Cigale Alsancak. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. La Cigale Alsancak has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,445 customers.
Eko Pub is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,387 customers.
End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Turkey, and look forward to more great days to come!
Experiences
Day 8 – Foça, Selçuk, and Denizli
Day 8 – Foça, Selçuk, and Denizli
- Izmir
- Denizli
- More
Drive 392 km, 5 hours 37 min
- Old Foca Coast
- Ephesus Archaeological Museum
- Library of Celsus
- More
Day 8 of your road trip through Turkey gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Foça and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Denizli. You will stay in Denizli for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Foça is the amazing Old Foca Coast. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 23,844 visitors.
You can make the most of your new day in Foça by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Turkey. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.
At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Denizli, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Miske Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Denizli. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,381 customers.
Locals also recommend Meşhur Denizli Kebapçısı as one of the best restaurants in the city of Denizli. Meşhur Denizli Kebapçısı is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,737 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Denizli is Tıkır Grill Hause. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,175 customers.
After dinner, visit Kayas Wine House, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Denizli. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 835 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Woops Cafe&bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,158 customers.
Alternatively, Mom Eve Restaurant & Pub is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Denizli. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 592 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Turkey!
Experiences
Day 9 – Denizli - departure day
Day 9 – Denizli - departure day
- Denizli - Departure day
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- Hasan Gönüllü Parkı
- More
Day 9 of your road trip in Turkey is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Denizli before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.
Hasan Gönüllü Parkı is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Denizli. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 232 visitors.
Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Denizli and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Turkey.
You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Denizli at Kebapci Kadir before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,190 customers.
Alternatively, we also recommend Çamlıca Restaurant for your last chance at a meal in the city of Denizli. The Çamlıca Restaurant restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 676 customers.
If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Akcesme Kokorec. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 696 customers.
You’ll then say farewell to Denizli. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Turkey!
Experiences
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