If you’re looking for a destination that combines jaw-dropping natural wonders, mind-blowing ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and food that will haunt your dreams in the best way possible… this is it. This is the Turkey road trip that belongs at the top of your bucket list.
This itinerary takes you through the western and central parts of the country, weaving together turquoise coastlines, Roman roads, cave cities, and otherworldly landscapes—each day packed with history, culture, and “I can’t believe this is real” moments.
Map
Here is my map with every single place we went listed!
Start: Fly into Izmir (Day 1)
Welcome to Turkey. Touch down in Izmir, a lively city perched on the Aegean Sea that’s equal parts cosmopolitan and chaotic in the best way. After grabbing your rental car (pro tip: do this right at the airport to save time), start with a breezy walk down the waterfront promenade.
Must-Sees in Izmir:
- Konak Square and the Clock Tower – a postcard-perfect landmark
- Kemeraltı Bazaar – get lost in a maze of stalls selling everything from antiques to fresh herbs. Yes, you’ll want to buy the Turkish tea sets. Yes, they’ll be worth the suitcase space
- Feast on kebap – this is your first taste of Turkey, and it’s going to set the bar high
Where to Stay: Konak area for easy access to the action. You’ll want to be close to the market and restaurants. We stayed here.
Super hospitable and great restaurant for Kebap is Sevinc Kebap & Durum Salonu!
Day 2: Ephesus and Kuşadası
Drive an hour south to Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world. This is where you’ll walk in the footsteps of emperors, explore Roman streets, and step inside a 2,000-year-old library.
Highlights:
- Celcius Library – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built in 100 AD and still standing strong
- Great Theatre – sat 25,000 people. Historians estimate Ephesus was home to around 250,000 based on this
- Roman roads, public toilets (with plumbing), temples, statues – the detail is wild
- Interactive Museum – makes it feel like the city is coming back to life around you
Optional stop: the hilltop town of Şirince – think cobblestone lanes, peach trees, and handmade wines. It feels like a secret fairy village.
We did and I’m SO GLAD we made time for this. It’s absolutely lovely with lots of great wine. Try Blackberry wine!
Head to Kuşadası, a breezy seaside town, for the night. Walk the harbor, enjoy some fresh seafood, and soak in the coastal vibes.
Where to Stay: Somewhere walkable to Ladies Beach or the marina. All hotel recs below! We stayed here, very funky and colorful. Make sure to stay somewhere that offers breakfast as they are FAB.
There were so many touristy restaurants but we tried Adabeyi Balik, a bit of a hole in the wall that was great. 0
Day 3: Pamukkale and Hierapolis
Turkey’s natural cotton-candy mountain awaits. Drive just over two hours to Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its bright white travertine terraces. They shimmer in the sun like frozen waves, formed by mineral-rich hot springs that have flowed down the hillside for millennia.
Must-Do:
- Walk barefoot in the pools – it’s not just allowed, it’s encouraged
- Visit Hierapolis – the ancient Roman spa city perched just above the terraces. Think crumbling columns, tombs, and a grand theater with epic views
- Cleopatra’s Pool – you can (literally) swim with ancient Roman columns here. Though it’s occasionally closed for cleaning, it’s one of the most iconic pools in the world
Optional Detour: Add an hour to your drive and stop at Aphrodisias, an ancient city named after the goddess of love. If Ephesus was grand, Aphrodisias feels intimate—and it has an enormous stadium that seats over 30,000.
Where to Stay: Choose a spot with a great breakfast. Turkish breakfast is basically a national holiday every morning.
We stayed here- Venus Suite Hotel that had the BEST breakfast!
Fav restaurant of the trip! Kebapci Kerim Salur with an amazing lamb dish!
Day 4: Antalya – Where Fire Meets Sea
Drive three hours to Antalya, a Mediterranean paradise where Roman ruins, seaside cliffs, and eternal flames await.
Things to Do:
- Explore the Old Town (Kaleiçi) – pastel buildings, charming cafés, and ancient walls
- Hadrian’s Gate – Roman archway marking the entrance to the city
- Düden Waterfalls – dramatic falls that cascade into the sea
- Chimera Mountain – trek up at sunset to see flames naturally burning from the rocky ground. It’s been lit for thousands of years
Beach tip: Grab pide (Turkish pizza) and eat it toes-in-the-sand style while watching the waves. We went to Izkiz on the beach. Not the best pide but beautiful setting.
I LOVE the hotel we stayed in. Gorgeous and walkable everywhere.
Day 5: Konya and Drive to Cappadocia
Today’s road trip takes you deep into Turkey’s cultural heart.
Stop in Konya, one of the oldest and most religious cities in the country. It’s the home of Mevlana Rumi, the 13th-century poet and Sufi mystic whose teachings inspired the Whirling Dervishes.
What to See:
- Mevlana Museum – his mausoleum and museum are a pilgrimage site
- Shop the local markets – known for dried fruits, spices, and ornate textiles
After exploring Konya, drive another three hours to Cappadocia, the land of fairy chimneys and cave dwellings. We actually stayed in a cave! Love this hotel.
Dinner tip: Try the famous clay pot kebab—sealed with dough and cracked open at your table. We went to Sakli Konak Restaurant and had a fab meal. We also did the meze platter.
TIP: do not book an expensive balloon exprience as you never know if they will go or not and there are SO MANY cafes that offer the experience for free.
Day 6: Cappadocia – Balloons, Castles, and Caves
Wake up early. You’re going to want to see the sunrise. We didn’t get to see the balloons as it SNOWED! Rare for April, but still beautiful.
Even if you’re not in a hot air balloon (weather-dependent), watching them rise over the horizon like floating lanterns is pure magic.
Full Day of Exploring:
- Uçhisar Castle – climb to the top for panoramic views
- Göreme Open-Air Museum – cave churches with vivid frescoes
- Tokalı (Buckle) Church – the largest and most elaborate of them all
- Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu Underground City – 18 levels of living space carved underground. Tunnels so tight you might have to crawl. Not for the claustrophobic
- Love Valley – famous for its phallic rock formations. Nature got cheeky here
Where to Stay: Cave hotel. No exceptions. Sleeping in a carved-out stone room with luxe bedding is life-changing.
Day 7: Ankara – Capital Culture
Wrap up your road trip by heading to Ankara, the modern capital of Turkey. Often skipped, but packed with cultural treasures.
Highlights:
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations – mind-blowing artifacts from 6000 BC. This is the place to understand Turkey’s deep historical roots
- Anıtkabir – the mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. It’s a massive complex with sweeping views and an atmosphere that’s both solemn and inspiring
We stayed here in Ankara and it was a great stay! They have a gym, great breakfast and are close to so many great spots.
Return your rental car and prepare for your flight home.
Restaurants:
Aspava Kebap
Bulent Borekcilik (Börek)
Malinka Dondurma (Ice cream)
Hotels to Stay in
Izmir
Hotel: Perla Pura
Address: Gazi Bulvarı No: 81, Konak, 35100 Konak/İzmir
Kuşadası
Hotel: Marko Paşa Konağı – warning – a bit of an odd hotel! But fun. Funky. But fun.
Address: Cumhuriyet, Turizm Sk. No:9, 09400 Kuşadası/Aydın
Pamukkale
Hotel: Venus Suite Hotel – one fo my favorites of the trip! INSANE Breakfast!
Address: Pamukkale, Hasan Tahsin Cd. No:19, 20190 Pamukkale/Denizli
Antalya
Hotel: Atelya Art Hotel – beautiful hotel and location.
Address: VPM4+QJ Muratpaşa, Antalya
Cappadocia (Nevşehir)
Hotel: Wish Cappadocia – stay in a cave!!
Address: Aşağı Mah. Trafo Çıkmazı Sok. No 3A, 50240 Nevşehir
Ankara
Hotel: Mercure Ankara Kızılay
Address: Korkutreis, Yeşilırmak Cd. No:14, 06430 Çankaya/Ankara
Bonus: Bucket-List Experiences You Can Add Anytime
Visit a Hammam (Turkish bath):
Part exfoliation, part massage, part soul-cleansing ritual. You’ll walk out a new person.
Food Tour:
Look for a meyhane—traditional taverns with small plates (meze), music, and Raki.
Traditional Turkish Foods to Try on Your Trip
1. Pide
Often called Turkish pizza, this long, boat-shaped flatbread is topped with cheese, meats, eggs, or vegetables. Best served hot from a wood-fired oven.
2. Lahmacun
Thin, crispy dough topped with spiced minced meat, herbs, and lemon juice. Roll it up and eat it like a wrap.
3. Manti
Tiny dumplings filled with spiced meat, usually served with garlicky yogurt and a drizzle of melted butter and paprika.
4. Börek
Savory pastry made with thin layers of dough (yufka) and filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat. It’s flaky, rich, and addictive.
5. Çiğ Köfte
Originally raw meat mixed with bulgur and spices, but the modern vegetarian version (made with ground walnuts and tomato paste) is just as spicy and satisfying.
6. Dolma
Stuffed grape leaves or vegetables like peppers and zucchini, filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. Served cold with lemon.
7. Kumpir
Over-the-top baked potatoes stuffed with everything from olives and corn to sausage and mayonnaise.
8. Simit
Turkey’s version of a bagel, but crunchier on the outside and soft on the inside. Covered in sesame seeds and perfect with tea.
9. Menemen
A scrambled egg dish cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and sometimes cheese. Served sizzling in a small skillet for breakfast or brunch.
10. Iskender Kebab
Thinly sliced döner meat laid over cubes of pita bread, smothered in tomato sauce, melted butter, and yogurt.
11. Adana Kebab
Spicy minced meat grilled on a skewer, named after the city of Adana. Usually served with rice or flatbread and grilled vegetables.
12. Testi Kebab (Pottery Kebab)
A regional specialty in Cappadocia, this meat-and-veg stew is sealed in a clay pot and slow-cooked until it’s cracked open at your table. Go to Sakli Konak restaurant!
13. Köfte
Turkish meatballs made of ground beef or lamb mixed with herbs and spices. Served grilled, in soup, or as a sandwich.
14. Güveç
A clay-pot casserole filled with meat, vegetables, and spices. Baked until tender and bubbling.
15. Hünkar Beğendi
Lamb stew served over a creamy, smoky eggplant purée. The name means “The Sultan Liked It”—and you will too.
16. Mercimek Çorbası
Red lentil soup, silky smooth and comforting, often topped with a squeeze of lemon and paprika oil.
17. Tarhana Soup
A traditional fermented and dried soup made from yogurt, flour, and vegetables. Tart, tangy, and deeply satisfying.
18. Ayran
A salty yogurt drink, served ice cold. Perfect for cooling down after a spicy meal.
19. Şalgam
Fermented black carrot juice from southern Turkey. Sour, salty, and definitely an acquired taste.
20. Meze Platters
Small plates served with raki or wine. Think hummus, haydari (herbed yogurt), eggplant salad, ezme (spicy tomato paste), fava bean purée, olives, and more.
21. Raki
Anise-flavored spirit known as “lion’s milk.” Served with water and meze, it’s part of Turkey’s traditional dining culture.
22. Balık Ekmek
Grilled fish sandwich served by the waterfront, especially in coastal cities like Istanbul or Kuşadası.
23. Midye Dolma
Stuffed mussels with spiced rice, sold from street vendors. Squeeze on some lemon and pop them in your mouth.
24. Dondurma
Turkish ice cream made with salep and mastic, giving it a stretchy, chewy texture. Served with a side of theater—vendors will test your reflexes.
25. Baklava
Sweet pastry layered with filo dough, pistachios or walnuts, and soaked in syrup or honey.
26. Kunefe
A warm dessert made with shredded pastry (kataifi), stuffed with melty cheese, baked until golden, then drenched in syrup and topped with pistachios.
27. Revani
Semolina cake soaked in lemony syrup. Light, fragrant, and perfect with tea.
28. Lokma
Little fried dough balls soaked in syrup—basically Turkish donut holes.
29. Halva
A dense, sweet confection made from sesame paste (tahini) or semolina. Found in bakeries, supermarkets, or served free with Turkish coffee.
30. Kabak Tatlısı
Candied pumpkin dessert often served with tahini and walnuts. Like pumpkin pie’s chic cousin.
31. Turkish Delight (Lokum)
Chewy cubes of sweetened starch and sugar, often flavored with rosewater, lemon, or pomegranate and dusted with powdered sugar.
32. Çay (Tea)
Served in tulip-shaped glasses, often without asking. It’s the unofficial national drink of Turkey, and it’s everywhere—from gas stations to carpet shops.
33. Türk Kahvesi (Turkish Coffee)
Strong, thick coffee served unfiltered in tiny cups. It’s not about speed—it’s about ceremony. Bonus: your future can be told from the grounds left behind.
Quick Travel Tips
- Driving in Turkey is straightforward, but expect the unexpected—road conditions can vary and signage isn’t always clear
- Public toilets are usually squat-style outside of hotels and restaurants—bring tissues
- Tea is everywhere – offered for free at shops, hotels, and even gas stations
- Cats and dogs roam freely, and locals leave out food and water bowls. They’re friendly, well-fed, and part of daily life
This trip isn’t just about checking places off a list. It’s about letting history echo through your footsteps in ancient ruins. Watching the sun rise over alien-like valleys. Sipping tea while the call to prayer echoes across a market square. Being surprised, again and again, by the kindness of strangers, the depth of culture, and the stories hidden behind every stone and street corner.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a place where you can swim in ancient pools, explore underground cities, watch fire spout from the earth, and eat like royalty… Turkey is waiting.
