Top 3 Itineraries in Ankara

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Ankara.

If you only have a few days, Ankara weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Ankara offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Ankara are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Ankara’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Ankara offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Turkey's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Ankara truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Ankara belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Ankara are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Ankara and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Ankara itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Ankara for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Ankara without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Ankara!

A scenic 12-day road trip through Ankara, Nevşehir, Fatih, Üsküdar, and Kaymaklı is one of the best ways to experience Turkey. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 12-day itinerary means that Ankara can easily be combined with other top destinations in Turkey without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Ankara, Nevşehir, Fatih, Üsküdar, and Kaymaklı by public transport, renting a car in Turkey opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 12 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Nevşehir

• Arrival city: Nevşehir
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Goreme, e.g., Arif Cave Hotel
• Sightseeing: Love Valley

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Nevşehir. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Nevşehir, Kaymaklı, and Uçhisar

• Destinations: Nevşehir, Kaymaklı, and Uçhisar
• Driving distance: 270.21 km, approx. 3 hours and 43 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Konya, e.g., Araf Hotel
• Sightseeing: Nevşehir Castle, Efe Nevşehir Cappadocia Rent A Car Car Rental, Kaymakli Underground City, and Pigeon Valley
• Recommended tour: Highlights of Konya

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Nevşehir Castle, Efe Nevşehir Cappadocia Rent A Car Car Rental, Kaymakli Underground City, and Pigeon Valley. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Nevşehir, Kaymaklı, and Uçhisar, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Konya.

Day 3: Discover Karatay and Side

• Destinations: Karatay and Side
• Driving distance: 316.83 km, approx. 4 hours and 59 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Antalya, e.g., Concorde De Luxe Resort
• Sightseeing: Side Ancient City, Apollon Temple, and Mevlana Museum
• Recommended tour: Pamukkale Hierapolis and Cleopatra's Pool Tour with lunch from Antalya

Spend the day exploring Side Ancient City, Apollon Temple, and Mevlana Museum. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Antalya.

Day 4: Experience Antalya and Denizli

• Destinations: Antalya and Denizli
• Driving distance: 364.67 km, approx. 5 hours and 33 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Aydın, e.g., Ilayda Avantgarde
• Sightseeing: Antalya Archaeology Museum, Karaalioglu Park, and Denizli Teleferik

Continue your journey through Antalya and Denizli, where you can explore Antalya Archaeology Museum, Karaalioglu Park, and Denizli Teleferik. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Aydın.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Selçuk

• Destinations: Selçuk
• Driving distance: 473.72 km, approx. 4 hours and 58 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bursa, e.g., Holiday Inn Bursa - City Centre
• Sightseeing: İsa Bey Mosque, Library of Celsus, and Ephesus Archaeological Museum

Drive through Selçuk, stopping to visit İsa Bey Mosque, Library of Celsus, and Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Bursa.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Üsküdar and Bursa

• Destinations: Üsküdar and Bursa
• Driving distance: 176.01 km, approx. 2 hours and 50 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Istanbul, e.g., CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel
• Sightseeing: Bursa Grand Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Yıldız Park, Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, and Koza Han
• Recommended tour: Circle Istanbul (Extraordinary Istanbul)

Spend time discovering Bursa Grand Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Yıldız Park, Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, and Koza Han, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Istanbul.

Day 7: Spend Time in Beyoğlu and İstanbul

• Destinations: Beyoğlu and İstanbul
• Driving distance: 10.95 km, approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Istanbul, e.g., CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel
• Sightseeing: Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Gülhane Park, Topkapi Palace Museum, Egyptian Bazaar, and Galata Tower
• Recommended tour: Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More!

Explore Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Gülhane Park, Topkapi Palace Museum, Egyptian Bazaar, and Galata Tower at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Fatih and İstanbul

• Destinations: Fatih and İstanbul
• Driving distance: 4.9 km, approx. 1 hour and 3 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Istanbul, e.g., CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel
• Sightseeing: Sultanahmet Square, The Blue Mosque, Beyazit Square, Grand Bazaar, and Suleymaniye Mosque
• Recommended tour: Best of Istanbul: Private Guided Tour for 1, 2, or 3 Days

Continue your road trip through Fatih and İstanbul, enjoying the flexibility to explore Sultanahmet Square, The Blue Mosque, Beyazit Square, Grand Bazaar, and Suleymaniye Mosque and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Üsküdar, Eyüpsultan, and Beyoğlu

• Destinations: Üsküdar, Eyüpsultan, and Beyoğlu
• Driving distance: 282.5 km, approx. 3 hours and 56 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Bolu, e.g., Evim Apart Otel
• Sightseeing: Beylerbeyi Palace, Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Galata Bridge, and Maiden's Tower

Visit Beylerbeyi Palace, Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Galata Bridge, and Maiden's Tower as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Bolu.

Day 10: Uncover Altındağ

• Destinations: Altındağ
• Driving distance: 195.28 km, approx. 3 hours and 4 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Ankara, e.g., The Wings Hotels Neva Palas
• Sightseeing: Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Haci Bayram Mosque, Ankara Castle, and Ulucanlar Prison Museum

Continue your exploration of Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Haci Bayram Mosque, Ankara Castle, and Ulucanlar Prison Museum, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Ankara.

Day 11: Journey Through Ankara, Altındağ, and Çankaya

• Destinations: Ankara, Altındağ, and Çankaya
• Driving distance: 312.21 km, approx. 4 hours and 46 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Goreme, e.g., Arif Cave Hotel
• Sightseeing: Anıtkabir, Seğmenler Parkı, Independence Park, Kuğulu Park, and METU Forest
• Recommended tour: North Cappadocia - Red Route Small Group Tour

Take in the highlights of Anıtkabir, Seğmenler Parkı, Independence Park, Kuğulu Park, and METU Forest, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Goreme.

Day 12: Travel Through Uçhisar

• Destinations: Uçhisar
• Driving distance: 23.29 km, approx. 40 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Antalya, e.g., Concorde De Luxe Resort
• Sightseeing: Uchisar Castle
• Recommended tour: Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall (sightseeng) excursion, trip, daily.

Take the opportunity to explore Uchisar Castle, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature. After a day of adventures, check into another conveniently located hotel in Antalya.

Day 12: Bid Farewell to Nevşehir

• Departure city: Uçhisar
• Driving distance: 23.29 km, approx. 40 minutes
• Sightseeing: Uchisar Castle

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Nevşehir. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1228 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Ankara.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Ankara for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Ankara with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Ankara without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Ankara

Arrive in Ankara and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Assembly Park.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Livorno Pub is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Ankara's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Ankara by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi and Çansera Kent Bahçesi.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Ankara. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Ankara in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Ankara

Spend your last few hours in Ankara soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Ankara in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Ankara, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Ankara travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Ankara offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Ankara itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Ankara weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Ankara

Arrive in Ankara around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Assembly Park, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Ankara’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Ankara with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Ankara and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Ankara

No itinerary in Ankara is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
• Afternoon: Explore Haci Bayram Mosque and Ankara Castle, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Day 5 - Depart from Ankara

Make the most of your last few hours in Ankara before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Ankara. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Ankara itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Ankara, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Ankara for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Ankara in a way that feels truly unforgettable!