About 16 days, adjustable
Cumalikizik Village, Gordion Ancient City, Abant Lake, Golcuk Lake and Yedigoller National Park and more
- Length
- About 7 days, adjustable
- Start / end
- Istanbul → Dalyan
- Travel style
- Self-drive
- Plan
- Tailor-made for you
Overview
Get ready to go to the Dalyan region, famous for its nature, from Istanbul. You will discover the history of Turkey on this route. You will visit the battlefields in Canakkale and Gallipoli. You will see the village of Sirince, which is mentioned in the Mayan Calendar and is famous for its wines. You will be amazed by the great ancient city of Ephesus and the Holy House of Virgin Mary. You can swim in travertines in Pamukkale, which is famous for its thermal waters. You can take a boat tour or swim in Dalyan which will impress you by its beauty. If you are ready, let us be your guide through this amazing journey.
Highlights
- Istanbul
- Canakkale (Dardanelles)
- Gallipoli UNESCO tentative
- Ayvalik
- Troy Ancient City UNESCO
- Sirince
- Ancient City of Pergamon UNESCO
- Red Hall Basilica
- Ancient City of Ephesus UNESCO
- House of Virgin Mary UNESCO
- Ancient City Hierapolis UNESCO
- Pamukkale Travertines UNESCO
- Ancient City of Aphrodisias UNESCO
- Dalyan
- Ancient City of Kaunos UNESCO tentative
- Iztuzu beachRafting in Dalaman River
Photos from the route
Sample itinerary
A starting point, not a fixed package. Every day can be changed, shortened or extended to suit you.
-
Day 1
Istanbul to Canakkale
- 400 km
- 5 hrs 45 mins
On arrival to Istanbul Airport, you may take your rental car and start your self-drive tour. If you wish to spend some time in Istanbul first, then you will pick up your car somewhere in the center whenever you want. Once you pick up your car drive to Gallipoli. Visit the areas of Canakkale (Dardanelles), Gallipoli Battles Zones in the First World War I and the Anzac Cove. A guided Gallipoli tour would be a good idea.
Dinner and overnight in Canakkale
-
Day 2
Canakkale to Ayvalik
- 170 km
- 2 hrs 40 mins
Start your day by visiting Troy Ancient City. The Ancient City of Troy is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world with its history dating back to 3000 BC. The legendary Trojan wars took place there. Afterwards go to Ayvalik. Try to catch the sunset at Şeytan Sofrası (Devil’s Dinner Table), or enjoy one of the beaches if you arrived early enough. You will enjoy a great dinner in Ayvalik afterwards.
Dinner and overnight in Ayvalik.
-
Day 3
Ayvalik to Sirince
- 340 km
- 2 hrs 45 mins
Go ahead and discover the Ancient City of Pergamon. Explore its steepest amphitheater of all and enjoy the spectacular view. Further ahead at Asklepion, which is an ancient healing temple dedicated to the Asklepius - god of medicine – feel like an ancient time healer who inspired the whole world for centuries. Next stop of the day would be to the Red Hall Basilica which is one of the early seven churches mentioned in St. John’s Bible.
Dinner and overnight in Sirince.
-
Day 4
Sirince to Pamukkale
- 200 km
- 2 hrs 50 mins
Today your first stop is the Ancient City of Ephesus in your self-drive tour. The city was acclaimed for the close by Temple of Artemis (finished around 550 BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus was one of the seven churches of Asia that are cited in the Book of Revelation. Then, head to the truly spiritual House of Virgin Mary, a catholic shrine where you will feel the peace no matter what religion you believe in. When you are done with your visits continue to Pamukkale.
Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
-
Day 5
Pamukkale to Dalyan
- 200 km
- 3 hrs
Discover the Ancient City Hierapolis and the world famous Pamukkale Travertines in your today’s selfdrive tour. This ancient city used to be the center of Christianity from the 4th century AD is due to the killing of Philip, one of the Disciples of Christ, in 80 AD. Pamukkale, which is also used for treatment purposes, has attracted tourists throughout the history thanks to its healing groundwaters. You may also swim in the ancient pool which has been being visited by health seekers for centuries. End you day by exploring Aphrodisias, an ancient city dedicated to the Goddess Aphrodite. The city used to be an important art center and sculpting being the most famous one.
Dinner and overnight Dalyan
-
Day 6
Dalyan
You have some amazing options in Dalyan in this self-drive tour. Having a boat tour is highly recommended. Swim in the beautiful nearby bays, relax with the Koycegiz Lake view, sail through reeds of the Dalaman River and enjoy the sandy Iztuzu Beach. You may also visit the Ancient City of Kaunos. Discover the areas with 2,400-year-old rock tombs, 3,000-seat theater, basilica, bathhouse, agora and the Temple of Demeter, and 1300-year-old mosaics. A rafting adventure on the Dalaman River is also possible upon request.
Dinner and overnight Dalyan
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Day 7
Dalyan to Dalaman Airport
- 35 km
- 40 mins
On your day of departure, use your last hours to enjoy the activities that you couldn’t find time the day before. When you are ready head to the airport where you will leave your car and catch your flight.
We hope you enjoyed your holiday and see you on your next self-driving tour.
Usually included
Inclusions are confirmed in your personal itinerary.
Included
- Accommodation
- Daily Breakfast
- Rental Car with unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver and VAT
- Roadtripturkey’s Turkey Travel Guide
- 24/7 support
- Taxes & Service Fees
- Detailed personal itinerary
Not included
- Flights to/from Turkey
- Personal travel insurance
- Gasoline/Petrol
- Driving-Related Fees
- Meals, drinks & entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
Tour's location
Guides for this road trip
Driving, car rental and the places on this route.
Istanbul to Izmir Drive: Fastest Route vs Scenic Route
About 480 km and 5–6 hours on the motorway, or 2–4 days via Gallipoli, Troy, Assos, Ayvalık and Pergamon. Which Istanbul to Izmir route suits you?
Visiting the Travertines of Pamukkale: A Practical Guide
Which gate to use, when to go, what to wear and how to photograph the white terraces: everything you need for a smooth visit to the Pamukkale travertines.
Driving in Turkey: Rules and Tips for Tourists
Licences, speed limits, tolls, police checks, Istanbul traffic and mountain roads: the practical rules and tips tourists need before driving in Turkey.
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