How to Road Trip Turkey in 2 Weeks: Full Itinerary + Budget Breakdown

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Thinking about road-tripping across Turkey but unsure where to start, how long you need, or what’s even worth visiting?

This is the blog post I wish I had before my trip.

Last year, we set off on a 7-day road trip across Turkey — not with a rental car, but by crossing the border from Greece and slowly making our way through some of the country’s most iconic (and underrated) regions.

From the WWI memorials of Gallipoli and the ancient ruins of Troy and Pergamon, to the glowing travertines of Pamukkale and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia — this trip had everything: history, scenery, food, and a few surprisingly smooth 7+-hour drives. (but I can’t complain cause I wasn’t doing the driving).

All you need to do the same is a bit of research so let’s get started.

This blog post includes:

The full 6-day itinerary (that you can turn into 2 weeks since we were pressed for time)
Realistic travel times between each stop
Entry prices for every site we visited
Hotel and food costs (for two people)
What I would do differently next time
And tips for driving, crossing the border, and traveling Turkey beyond the tourist bubble

So, if you’re considering a Turkey road trip — whether you’re starting from Istanbul or the Greek border — read on for all the stops, sites, and surprises.

Table of Contents

Where to Fly Into

The best starting point for this Turkey road trip is Istanbul. Starting in the north allows you to make a full loop and return your car at the same airport, which often keeps costs lower.

We had a bit of a longer starting drive since we had to cross the border from Greece.

Do You Need a Rental Car?

Yes. This itinerary covers a lot of ground and it’s based around road tripping. While we used our private vehicle for this trip, I usually book rentals through Discover Cars so I can get insurance and better deals.

I use and compare prices for car rentals, with Discovercars.com. It is a giant rental and comparison site on the market and it has a lot of perks that make sense if you travel often.

Once you head to Discover Cars, you’ll find an easy search engine to filter by location, dates and pick up location.

Tip: Always check a few different pick up locations when booking a rental car.

Route Overview

Before you jump into each section this road trip overview covers

(Greece) or Istanbul → Gallipoli
Troy → Bergama → Izmir → Pamukkale
Cappadocia → Bolu → return to starting point

Total distance: around 2,000 km

We did this in 6 days (which is the fastest possible way to go about it, but you can do it more comfortably in 10 days or more).

When to Go

We did this trip in mid-September and found it ideal — warm but not extreme, and less crowded than summer.

The best months for a road trip are:

April to June (spring)
September to October (fall)

I would avoid July and August because the heat is not my favorite part plus higher prices and peak tourist crowds. Winter is possible, but snow can affect central routes like Cappadocia to Bolu.

Budget Snapshot For 7 Day Road Trip (for 2 People)

If you look at this breakdown, you’ll notice our biggest expense was activities — and that was a conscious choice. We really wanted to splurge on the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, which ended up taking almost half of our activity budget. The rest went to archaeological sites and museums, which added up fast.

We went with Urgup, as our hot air balloon activity provider and it was awesome! I highly recommend them and the prices are very reasonable.

2025 Update: One thing I have to emphasize — prices for archaeological sites in Turkey have skyrocketed. Older blogs and even official websites don’t always reflect current rates. For example, Pamukkale’s entrance was listed as $10 and ended up costing us €30 per person. I’ll mention this again later, but don’t rely on outdated info when budgeting for site visits.

This is the provider we went with:

Final Trip Cost: €1,800 (2 People, 7 Days)

Category	Total
Accommodation	€390+
Fuel	230
Activities	€650+
Food & Drink	€300–400
Misc	100
Total	~€1,800

This reflects a mid-range travel style: boutique hotels, daily visits to major sights, occasional splurges, and local restaurants.

We didn’t have to rent a car so estimate at least $400 for that.

We only splurged for our accommodation in Cappadocia and if you skip the balloon or stay in cheaper accommodations, you could bring this total down to half. You can also extend your stay in some of these cities (we only had half a day in most spots) and take it slow.

We also kept food costs low by eating out only once a day and having snacks, coffees for the rest of the day.

Day 1: (Greece) to Bergama via Gallipoli & Troy

Total Drive Time: 5-7 hours (without stops)
Overnight: Bergama, Turkey

Morning: Crossing the Border & Driving to Gallipoli

We left Greece around 7:00 AM with a stash of bakery snacks and cold coffee in the backseat. Crossing into Turkey via the Ipsala border was surprisingly straightforward — just make sure you have your documents in order (passport, green card, car insurance, and printed reservation confirmations if needed).

Once through, we headed straight to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Our first major stop was Eceabat, the closest town to the historic sites and a good spot to stretch your legs or grab a tea.

Stop 1: ANZAC Cove & Lone Pine Memorial

Entry: Free

If you have any connection to Australia, New Zealand, or WWI history in general, this site hits different. We walked along ANZAC Cove, visited the Lone Pine Cemetery, and made a quick stop at the 57th Regiment Memorial. The drive between each site is short and scenic, and there are small parking areas near each.

Lunch + Ferry to Çanakkale

Around noon, we made our way to Eceabat’s ferry terminal and hopped on a car ferry to cross the Dardanelles Strait. No need to book ahead — ferries run regularly and take about 25–30 minutes.

This part was a bit confusing to me in the beginning but you’ll see there are two ferries. One leaving from Eceabat and a shorter one from Kilitbahir.

We grabbed lunch on the Çanakkale side before continuing south. If you’re a sucker for good simit or gözleme, grab a snack here before moving on — options get thinner until you hit Troy.

Stop 2: Troy National Park

Entry Fee: ~€27 per person

Yes, there’s a big wooden horse. No, Brad Pitt wasn’t there. But even if you’re not a history buff, Troy is worth the stop. It’s well laid out, with multilingual signage, and the reconstructed layers of the ancient city help you imagine the scale of what once stood here.

If it’s hot, bring water and wear a hat — this is an exposed walk.

One thing that I was dissapointed with is that the wooden horse exhibit is no longer open to visitors to go inside. I had visited Troy 15 years earlier as a kid and had fun going inside.

Late Afternoon: Drive to Bergama

We left Troy around 3:30 PM and continued south toward Bergama, a small town that gets far less attention than it deserves.

Drive Time: ~2.5 to 3 hours
Hotel: Aristonicus Boutique Hotel – €67/night (affordable and in the old town)

Evening in Bergama

We arrived just before sunset, checked into our cozy boutique hotel, and took a slow walk around the quiet streets. Bergama has a chilled-out, small-town vibe, and after a long driving day, it was exactly what we needed.

Τhe hotel we chose was the most affordable option at the time but I wouldn’t recommend it for longer stays. The room is tiny and has a very low ceiling but overall I wouldn’t say there is anything wrong with it either. The breakfast was great (and the hosts very welcoming) but internet access was tricky here which makes sense considering the set up. The only thing to add would be the insistance of the cats at dinner and breakfast to try to steal our food. They really went for it.

Since we arrived late, we didn’t have a lot of options on food. Unfortunately a bad miscommunication at a nearby restaurant meant we felt like we overpaid for dinner, since the prices on the menu and what we were charged at the end didn’t add up.

This came up a lot during the trip, as we were told that prices are outdated and have since gone up by 20-30%.

Day 1 Budget Breakdown (for 2 people)

Item	Cost (EUR)
Troy Tickets	€54
Fuel (Greece–Bergama)	€40
Hotel (Bergama)	€62
Meals + Snacks	€70
Ferry	11
Total	€240

Quick Tips

Make sure to stop in Eceabat to see the Trojan Horse replica from the movie — it’s much more impressive than the one at the Troy archaeological site.
The ferry to Çanakkale runs from multiple points (we left from Eceabat), so no need to stress if you miss one — they go pretty often.
We could have spent a bit more time at Gallipoli visiting the 1915 Helles War Materials Gallery something to keep in mind if you’re interested in WWI history and have a bit more time for the drive there and back.
Our hotel in Bergama was inside the old town, which I definitely recommend for the atmosphere — just book ahead if you can, as the good spots fill up fast and options are limited.

Day 2: Bergama to Izmir

Start: Bergama
End: Izmir
Total driving on day 2: 2-3 hours
Overnight: Piano Hotel, Izmir

Morning: Acropolis + Cable Car

We started our day walking from the old town to the cable car station — it’s a short, uphill walk (around 10–15 minutes) and the ride itself is scenic and smooth.

There are private tours that include the Acropolis and a guided tour around the city as well, like this one.

Cable car + Acropolis entry for 2 people came to €57, which was a bit of a shock. Considering the cost, we could see why some people complain online — especially locals or repeat visitors — but for us, it was a solid once-in-a-lifetime experience and definitely worth doing if it’s your first time.

The archaeological site itself was awe-inspiring, partly because of how much is missing. There’s something haunting and beautiful about walking through half-standing columns and staircases with no end. The views over the valley below are unreal — especially from the steep theatre, one of the most impressive in the ancient world.

Outside the site, you’ll get the classic souvenir stalls and a few loud sales pitches, but we grabbed some fresh juices and one of the ladies kindly attempted a Greek-style iced coffee when we mentioned missing our usual caffeine fix — definitely appreciated.

Optional: Temple of Serapis & Asclepion

Originally, we planned to visit both the Temple of Serapis and the Asclepion, which are well worth seeing if you’re spending more time in Bergama. But after a long morning and lingering a bit too long at the Acropolis, we decided to skip the others and continue our road trip.

Also, with archaeological prices climbing, we didn’t want to risk stopping in only to find out each entry was another €20+ per person. So we headed out while we were still feeling good about the morning.

Drive to Izmir

The drive from Bergama to Izmir took us around 1.5 to 2 hours, with smooth roads the whole way. Traffic heading into Izmir can get a bit intense, so plan your timing if you’re aiming to arrive before sunset.

We stayed at Piano Hotel, a budget-friendly, clean spot in a central area. Breakfast was included and the rooms were small but comfortable.

Cost: €50 per night

Budget Snapshot for Day 2 (2 people)

Acropolis + Cable Car	€57
Juices + Coffee	€6–10
Lunch	€20–30
Hotel (Izmir – Piano Hotel)	€50
Fuel	€15
Dinner	€20
Total	~€150–160

Day 3: Izmir to Pamukkale

Start: Izmir
End: Pamukkale
Total Driving Time: ~3.5 hours
Overnight: Pamukkale Hotel

We had originally planned to explore Izmir a bit more in the morning with a guided walking tour but finding a provider didn’t pan out.

Notes for tourism in the city, set up more guided walking tours.

After a noisy night in the city and some tricky traffic getting in and out, we decided to skip the full-day itinerary and hit the road early. Izmir was one of the more underwhelming parts of the trip for us — maybe because it felt like any other big city and we were craving something slower.

That said, we did enjoy a long walk along the Kordon the night before, and our centrally located hotel had a great common area where we could get some laptop work done. If you’re into food, nightlife, or shopping, Izmir can definitely offer more — we were just on a different kind of trip.

Driving to Pamukkale gave us a good stretch of open road and a real shift in pace. By arriving earlier than planned, we had time to unwind, check in without stress, and prepare for our big day exploring the travertines.

Optional Things to Do in Izmir (If You Stay Longer)

Visit Kemeralti Bazaar for street food and local crafts
Climb or take the Asansör elevator for a view over the city
Stop at the Agora Open Air Museum if you’re into ruins
Check out Alsancak for modern cafes and a younger vibe

Pamukalle

Since we arrived at our hotel earlier than anticipated we thought we’d try to see the site with the sunset view instead of morning like we had previously planned.

We got an early start and made our way up to the main south gate entrance, where you’ll find the clearest access to both the travertine terraces and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.

Here’s where we had our biggest surprise: entry was €40 per person — which felt wild compared to what we’d read beforehand. In fact, the Pamukkale site was listed as $10 USD on many sources just months before. This seems to be a recurring theme in Turkey lately, especially for well-known archaeological sites, so double-check current prices before budgeting.

Note: Entry to the Antique Pool is an extra fee (around €10–15), but we chose to skip it this time and just relax with some drinks and people-watching instead.

Budget Snapshot for Day 3 (2 people)

Tolls and Parking	€15
Hotel Pamukkale	€30
Fuel	€15
Entry to Pamukkale	€60
Lunch	€30
Dinner	€12
Total	~€162

Day 4: Pamukkale to Cappadocia

Start: Pamukkale
End: Göreme, Cappadocia
Total driving on Day 4: ~7.5 hours (with breaks)
Overnight: Ages in Cappadocia

After stopping at a bakery near the the hotel, we packed up and hit the road for the longest drive of the trip. Pamukkale to Cappadocia is a solid 7 to 8-hour drive, depending on traffic and rest stops, so we made sure to leave early.

We stocked up on snacks, coffee, and water from the local mini-mart before getting started. The road conditions were surprisingly good overall, but expect stretches with few services — plan your fuel and bathroom stops wisely.

There aren’t any major sightseeing stops on this stretch unless you detour, so this day is really about the journey and making it to Göreme before dark.

Evening: Arrival in Göreme

We rolled into Göreme at the charming Ages in Cappadocia around sunset and immediately felt the magic of this place. The dramatic rock formations, fairy chimneys, and warm tones of the town make it feel like something out of a movie. The hotel was the splurgiest choice in our itinerary and it was much worth it. Friendly staff and large cave-style rooms. It also included a hearty Turkish style breakfast which we loved and the rooftop is perfect for early morning hot air ballon gazing.

Budget Snapshot for Day 4 (2 people)

Item	Cost
Fuel for full day	€60
Road snacks + lunch stops	€20
Hotel in Göreme	€250 (2 nights)
Dinner on arrival	€20
Coffee + drinks	€10
Total	€190

Day 5: Hot Air Balloons & Full Day in Cappadocia

Start: Göreme
End: Göreme
Total driving on Day 5: ~1.5 hours (including the Greek village trip)
Overnight: Ages in Cappadocia

Morning: Hot Air Balloon Ride

We set our alarms for just before 5 AM to catch the big bucket list experience: a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia. Even if you’re not a morning person, this is the one time it’s worth it — the pre-dawn light, the surreal landscape, and the dozens of other balloons floating silently around you… it’s magic.

We’ll cover this in detail in a dedicated blog post, so we’ll just say this for now: it was absolutely worth the splurge.

We went with Urgup, as our hot air balloon activity provider and it was awesome! I highly recommend them and the prices are very reasonable.

After the ride (which ends around 7:30–8 AM), you’re usually treated to a mini breakfast or sparkling juice celebration by your tour company.

Late Morning: Göreme Village Walk

Once we were back and fully caffeinated, we spent the late morning wandering through Göreme village. It’s a great place to just take it slow — the rock-cut homes, souvenir shops, and views over the valley make it perfect for a low-effort, high-reward stroll. You don’t need a list here — just walk and take it in.

Afternoon: Greek Village of Mustafapaşa

In the afternoon, we drove about 30 minutes to Mustafapaşa, a former Greek village that’s now a quiet, less touristy gem tucked into the Cappadocian landscape. It’s known for its stone mansions, winding lanes, and peaceful atmosphere.

We had lunch here at a local tavern, and it ended up being one of the best meals of the entire trip — warm hospitality, simple ingredients, everything cooked perfectly. No rush, no crowds. Just the kind of slow travel moment you remember.

We walked off lunch exploring the village on foot — there are churches, old fountains, and alleyways filled with stories if you know where to look.

Budget Snapshot for Day 5 (2 people)

Item	Cost
Hot air balloon experience	€460
Fuel (for Mustafapaşa roundtrip)	€10
Lunch in Mustafapaşa	€50
Coffee + snacks	€10
Goreme Museum Entry + Parking	€43
Total	€575

Day 6: Cappadocia to Istanbul

Start: Göreme
End: Istanbul / Border Crossing
Total driving on Day 6: ~9–15 hours (not including stops)
Overnight: On-the-road option in Mudurnu or Lake Abant area (recommended if splitting into 2 days)

Morning: Early Start from Cappadocia

This is the big drive day, so we left just after sunrise to make the most of the daylight. From Göreme, it’s a solid 6+ hours to reach Burj Al Babas, so don’t expect much more than fuel stops and snack breaks along the way.

Afternoon: Exploring Burj Al Babas

I’ve got a full separate blog post about visiting Burj Al Babas, but here’s the short version: it’s an abandoned luxury resort project made up of hundreds of identical, fairytale-style castles — and it’s every bit as strange and fascinating in person as it looks in photos.

Visiting is a bit of a grey area (literally and figuratively). You’ll see no trespassing signs and no drones allowed notices, but there’s very little official info on whether tourists are welcome — probably for a reason. We managed to get inside with the help of the on-site guard (and a small “incentive”), but time was strictly monitored.

From the road, you can see just how vast it is — driving through row after row of half-finished castles feels surreal. Inside, the villas are empty but surprisingly spacious, with balconies and views over the surrounding hills.

Evening: Continue to Istanbul or Overnight in Mudurnu

From Burj Al Babas, you’ve got two options:

Push on to Istanbul or the border crossing — this makes for a long, tiring day (4+ more hours of driving).
Break the trip in Mudurnu or Lake Abant — both are beautiful and worth slowing down for. Mudurnu is a small Ottoman-era town with cobbled streets and traditional wooden houses. Lake Abant is pure mountain-lake scenery, with walking trails, horses, and a couple of lakeside hotels if you want something scenic.

I’d recommend making this a two-day leg if you can — your future self will thank you.

Budget Snapshot for Day 6 (2 people)

Item	Cost
Fuel (Cappadocia → Burj Al Babas → Istanbul)	€90
Entry “incentive”	€25
Snacks + roadside lunch	€25
Overnight in Mudurnu (optional)	€60
Total	€135–€195

Turkey Road Trip FAQ & Extra Tips

Is driving in Turkey safe for tourists?

Yes — but you need to stay alert. Roads between major cities are generally in good condition, but once you hit rural areas you might get unmarked speed bumps, unexpected animals crossing, and the occasional driver treating speed limits as “optional.” Keep Google Maps or an offline map like Maps.me handy, and factor in extra time for unplanned stops.

Do you need an international driving permit in Turkey?

If you have an EU licence, you’re good. For other nationalities, technically you may need an international driving permit (IDP), especially for rentals, but in practice many agencies don’t check. Still, it’s worth having to avoid issues at checkpoints.

How much does a Turkey road trip cost?

For two people, expect anywhere from €100–€200 per day, depending on your style.

Fuel is cheaper than in much of Europe, but long distances add up.
Accommodation ranges from €40–€100 for a decent mid-range stay.
Food can be cheap if you eat where locals eat — or splurge-worthy if you hit high-end spots in Istanbul or Cappadocia.

What’s the best time to do this road trip?

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are perfect — warm days, cool nights, and fewer crowds. Summer can be brutally hot inland (Pamukkale, Cappadocia), while winter has its charm but may bring snow on mountain passes.

Do I need to book hotels in advance?

If you’re traveling in peak summer or during Turkish national holidays, yes. Outside of those times, you can often book as you go — which gives you more flexibility to extend or shorten stops.

How many days do you need for this Turkey road trip?

The version we did was 7 days, but you could easily stretch to 10–12 days if you want more downtime in Cappadocia or along the coast.

Extra Turkey Road Trip Tips

Cash is still king in smaller towns and at petrol stations outside cities. Keep some Turkish lira handy.
Don’t skip the roadside food stops — the service stations in Turkey often have incredible fresh bread, gözleme, and tea.
Fuel up before remote stretches — between Cappadocia and Burj Al Babas, for example, there are long gaps without petrol stations.
Look up national holiday dates before you go — traffic can be wild leaving major cities.
Get an eSIM for data on the go — I’ve used Holafly, Airalo, and Revolut on different trips and don’t have a clear favorite yet, but all three worked well enough for navigation, bookings, and quick research while driving.