9-Day Turkey Road Trip from Ayvalık traveling south to Bursa, Manisa, Aydın, and Izmir

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

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bursa. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 30 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Zagnos Pasha Mosque. This mosque is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,483 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Atatürk Parkı, Balıkesir. This park has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,278 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Değirmen Boğazı Natural Park. This park has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,262 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bursa, 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 Bursa's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Kitap Evi Otel, a top-rated dining spot in Bursa. If you're in the mood for something new, try Tabipler Lokali, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Dobruca Derebahçe Sosyal Tesisleri. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bursa.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at My Pub, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Cemil provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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

Greet day 3 of your road trip in Turkey with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Bursa for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Gebze, Darıca, and Tavşanlı.

Set your GPS to Gebze and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 16 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Gebze beckons with new experiences!

Kick off the day at Çoban Mustafa Paşa Vakfı, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This mosque is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,154 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Darıca, 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 Gebze to Darıca may take around 15 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Darıca, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Faruk Yalçın Hayvanat Bahçesi ve Botanik Parkı, a remarkable zoo where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 18,742 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Şehit Cevher Dudayev Parkı. This park has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,988 travelers.

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

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Ballıkayalar Tabiat Parkı. This park is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars from 6,491 visitors.

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

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Abidin Usta, a top-rated dining destination in Bursa. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Yesil Izgara Pideli Kofte, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at TANDIR'AZ BURSA. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bursa this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Varuna Memphis Pub BURSA after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Kule Pub, another bar with an inviting ambiance.

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

On day 4 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 Bursa. In the evening, you’ll end up in Manisa, where you will stay for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Emir Sultan Mosque. This mosque is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 10,128 reviews.

Continue your journey at Bursa Grand Mosque. This mosque is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 40,156 travelers from near and far.

Bursa is also the home of Koza Han. This bazaar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 30,790 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at İnkaya Historical Plane Tree. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 24,970 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

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 Manisa. Manisa 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.

As you explore more of Manisa, 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Litany, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Efendi Restoran? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Dergah Cafe&Bar Ocakbaşı Restoran as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Manisa.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Turkey!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Selçuk, Kuşadası, and Aydın. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Aydın, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

After soaking in Manisa’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 1 hour 24 min. When you arrive in Selçuk, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Ephesus Archaeological Museum. This archaeological museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,122 reviews.

Next up, make your way to The Temple of Artemis. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,284 reviews.

Kuşadası’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Selçuk behind. This drive usually takes around 28 min. Kuşadası welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Ladies Beach. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 17,759 reviews.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Tarihi Sarıoğlu Lokantası, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Dede Lokantası is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Baba Sakir Restaurant. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Aydın tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at ŞAPILDAK CAFE & BAR, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Raven Cafe & Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Aydın. Yeni Eski Cafe Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Karabağlar, Konak, and Izmir. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Izmir, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Karabağlar. This car ride takes around 1 hour 23 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is İzmir Historical Elevator Building. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 25,807 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Karabağlar, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Konak may take around 10 min. Upon your arrival in Konak, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Kick off the day at Konak Square, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,737 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Clock Tower of İzmir. Clock Tower of İzmir is a point of interest with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 22,286 reviews.

Kemeraltı is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This bazaar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 27,982 visitors.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Izmir. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Izmir by booking a table at Tavacı Recep Usta, a Bib Gourmand restaurant that boasts an exceptional turkish, and traditional menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Adil Müftüoğlu, renowned for its delectable turkish dishes. This Bib Gourmand restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Catch, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Stone Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Bonema Cafe & Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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