19-Day Turkey Self-Driving Tour: Historical, Cultural, and Scenic Challenge【31】

13 cities | 31 attraction(s) | total distance 2228 km
TIPS
19 days of self-driving in Turkey cover multiple cities and sightseeing spots, including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and more. Experience Turkey's rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural charm. Highlights include Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, hot air balloon tours, and more. Along the way, admire Cappadocia's magical terrain, Fethiye's beaches, Kayseri’s historical ruins, and the distinctive attractions of each city in Turkey. The trip is carefully designed to allow drivers to thoroughly understand Turkey's culture, scenery, and history, making it a rich and unforgettable journey.
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day11
Day12
Day13
Day14
Day15
Day16
Day17
Day18
Day19

Day1: Istanbul

3 attraction(s) · 1 km
This itinerary will take you to explore Istanbul's cultural treasures: Hagia Sophia showcases the fusion of Christian and Islamic cultures, the Blue Mosque's blue tile murals exude a serene and sacred atmosphere, and the Grand Bazaar displays the rich Turkish commercial flavor and vibrant local life.
1
1 km

Day2: Istanbul

2 attraction(s) · 5 km
This Istanbul journey includes a visit to Topkapi Palace, experiencing the historical depth of the Ottoman Empire; a boat ride along the Bosphorus Strait to admire the landscapes of the Eurasian continents and the blending of cultures.
2

Day3: Bursa

3 attraction(s) · 37 km
Head to Bursa to visit Mount Uludağ for winter skiing, summer hiking, and the Green Mosque to appreciate the beauty of Ottoman architectural art.
1
19 km
2
18 km
3

Day4: Safranbolu

2 attraction(s) · 2 km
Tour Bursa's Safranbolu, visit the Ottoman House Museum to learn about life during the Ottoman era, and then climb to Hidirelik Hill for a panoramic view of the city's beauty.
1
2 km
2

Day5: Ankara

2 attraction(s) · 3 km
Visit Ankara to explore the Anatolian Civilizations Museum to learn about the historical artifacts of the Anatolian region; then head to the Atatürk Mausoleum to understand the life and contributions of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic.
1
3 km
2

Day6: Goreme > Nevsehir

2 attraction(s) · 3 km
In Cappadocia, visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire Byzantine murals; then go hiking in the Rose Valley to take in the colorful rock formations.
1
3 km

Day7: Cappadocia > Goreme

2 attraction(s) · 1 km
Experience Cappadocia's hot air balloon tour to overlook its magical landscapes, ascend to Uçhisar Castle for breathtaking views, and explore Pigeon Valley to learn about the important historical role of pigeons in the area.
1
1 km
2

Day8: Konya

1 attraction(s) · 0 km
This trip will take you to Konya, Turkey, to visit the Mevlana Museum and learn about the history of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi and Sufi Islamic culture.
1

Day9: Antalya

3 attraction(s) · 3 km
During this itinerary, you'll explore Antalya, uncovering the historic charm of the Old Town (Kaleiçi), strolling through narrow streets to experience the Mediterranean atmosphere; visiting the Antalya Museum to admire artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome, showcasing the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Antalya region.
1
1 km
2
3 km
3

Day10: Antalya > serik

2 attraction(s) · 36 km
This itinerary will take you to Antalya's Düden Waterfalls and Aspendos Theater to witness the majestic scenery of the waterfalls and the ancient Roman ruins of the theater, allowing you to fully appreciate natural beauty and historical architecture.
1
36 km
2

Day11: Fethiye

2 attraction(s) · 13 km
This trip will drive along the famous D400 highway to Fethiye, enjoying the magnificent Mediterranean scenery along the way, exploring Fethiye Beach and Ölüdeniz, basking in the sun on sandy beaches, and experiencing thrilling paragliding adventures.
1
13 km

Day12: Fethiye

2 attraction(s) · 19 km
This trip will include visits to Butterfly Valley and Kayaköy Ghost Town, the former showcasing rich vegetation and beautiful landscapes perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and the latter being an abandoned Greek town with a mysterious atmosphere ideal for photographers.
1
19 km
2

Day13: Fethiye

1 attraction(s) · 0 km
Travel to Patara to visit Patara Beach and the ancient city, appreciating the sprawling sands and clear waters, while experiencing the historical ruins from the Roman era.
1

Day14: Fethiye > Kas

2 attraction(s) · 18 km
Passing through Patara and Kaş, enjoy the Mediterranean charm of small towns and visit Kaputaş Beach to experience the romantic seaside atmosphere.
1
18 km
2

Day15:

0 attraction(s) · 0 km
Visitors can head to Belek to enjoy top-notch golf courses and luxurious resorts, as well as explore the ancient city of Side to appreciate the architectural ruins from ancient Greece and Rome.

Day16:

0 attraction(s) · 0 km
Explore Turkey's mysterious journey: starting in Istanbul by visiting the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia; then heading to Cappadocia to explore underground cities, waterfalls, and splendid cave hotels; lastly returning to Konya to visit the Konya Whirling Dervishes Museum and experience the charm of this religious and cultural city.

Day17: Kayseri

2 attraction(s) · 7 km
Explore Konya and Kayseri, experiencing the historical and cultural allure of the Cappadocia region. Visit Konya's Mevlevi Sufi Monastery, Kayseri Castle, and Selimiye Mosque to appreciate Turkey's religious and architectural beauty.
1
7 km

Day18: Kayseri

1 attraction(s) · 0 km
This journey starts in Istanbul, passes through Kayseri, showcasing beautiful landscapes along the way, explores historical ruins, and enjoys local cuisine. Lastly, return to Istanbul to further explore the city, shop, or buy Turkish-specific souvenirs.

Day19:

0 attraction(s) · 0 km
This unforgettable 19-day self-driving trip in Turkey offered a comprehensive exploration, capturing Turkey's historical culture, natural scenery, and humanistic charm. The journey ends in Istanbul, bringing it to a close with wonderful memories of this remarkable adventure.