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On this episode of ‘Extreme Sightseeing’ (where we travel silly distances to photograph nice things… and then on to the next), we fly to Istanbul for a 2000-kilometre or so road trip in Turkey. And that’s before adding in all the detours and tourist attractions and adventure along the way. Our Turkey road trip itinerary starts and ends in Istanbul and shares many of the main tourist spots of Turkey including a weekend celebrating our 10-year anniversary in Cappadocia (full route here). Anyway, you is the video of the full road trip with all the best scenery along the way.
Introduction to Driving in Turkey?
Before our road trip from Istanbul begins, here we share the essential info for those considering a road trip in Turkey. As with all road trips it is best to check the general driving conditions of the country and rules around driving. Being from the UK I was expecting to be shifting to left-hand drive etc. and was praying for comparable road conditions. At the same time, I have taken on similar road trips in far-flung Asia so a road trip in Turkey was no real concern.
What to expect on the roads in Turkey?
Turkey is generally safe to drive in, but traffic can be congested, and drivers can be aggressive. Some rural roads may be narrow and winding, and signage may not always be clear. It’s important to follow traffic laws, drive defensively, and stay alert to ensure a safe road trip.
Is it Safe to Drive in Turkey?
Turkey is generally safe to drive in, but traffic can be congested, and drivers can be aggressive. Some rural roads may be narrow and winding, and signage may not always be clear. Following traffic laws, driving defensively, and staying alert is important to ensure a safe road trip in Turkey.
Are Road Signs in English in Turkey?
Most road signs in Turkey are in Turkish, although some may have English translations. It’s important to carry a map or navigation system and familiarize oneself with basic Turkish phrases to aid in communication. Major cities and tourist areas may have more English signage, but it’s not always reliable.
What side of the road do they drive in Turkey?
The right-hand side of the road. This means that the driver’s seat is on the left-hand side of the vehicle, and vehicles overtake on the left-hand side. Being from the UK (driving on the left-hand side) it takes a bit of adjustment in using the gears etc. with the opposite hand. Otherwise, you just follow the traffic and driving will soon become natural.
Toll Roads (HGS) Fast-Pass System
In Turkey, they have a handy (HGS) Fast-Pass System (HGS) that uses radio frequency technology to eliminate the need to stop at toll booths. These toll-payment devices are installed in all cars in Turkey and it more or less means we can pass through toll booths without hassle and the toll fees are then recorded and charged to the car’s account. Unfortunately, we do not have access to this account and so we rely instead on Pandora Car Hire to bill us on the return of the car. Vehicles with foreign licence plates must register to HGS before using the tollways.
Petrol Stations in Turkey
Not once did I fill my own petrol in Turkey as there are attendants on the forecourts to do it for you. The attendants pump the petrol then you pay inside. You will then receive 2 receipts, 1 for yourself, and 1 for the attendant when you return to the car. Otherwise petrol pumps are self-explanatory, similar to anywhere else in the world. One of the cheaper petrol stations we would look for is TECO.
Roadside Service Stations in Turkey
Along the motorways and toll roads there are regular service stations, one of the better being Oksijen (pronounced oxygen) which also has decent food and services including Starbucks and Burger King, or, for some more exciting local offerings, Kofteci Yusuf (Kofte Meatball chain) and Hasan Ustam (Kebab chain).
What Cars do they Drive in Turkey?
Have you ever heard of the Tofas Dogan (1982-2002)? Made by Turkish automotive company Tofas it is probably still one of the most common cars on the road to date. Other common old-school cars include the Renault 12 Broadway (1993-2000), Renault 9 (1989-1996), Fiat Uno (1988-1995), Murat 131 (1977-1994), Lada Samara (1990-1998) and a fair share of the cars in Turkey have likely been on the roads since the 90s. 80s even, potentially before I was born. So there is a weird sort of nostalgia in driving in Turkey despite only learning of Tofas when I arrived there.
Renting a car in Turkey?
We had a fairly bad experience with our local car hire (outlined here). So we recommend sticking with one of the major car rental companies (Avis Car Rental, Budget Car Rental, Europcar, Hertz Car Rental, Sixt Rent a Car) operate in Turkey and are easily found in Istanbul including the airport and in the city centre. We chose to begin and end the road trip at the Istanbul airport to avoid the city centre traffic making the pick-up and return of the rental car much easier. We also advise using the price comparison site rentalcars.com.
If you’re not keen on driving certain stretches or just want to mix things up, there are door-to-door transfer services that can cover the longer, less scenic legs of your journey. Daytrip allows you to book private transfers between major Turkish cities and often lets you add stops at attractions along the way.
Choosing the Right Rental Car in Turkey?
With filters, I normally go with ‘Worry Free’ or Zero Excess’ for insurance, which means you won’t be responsible for paying anything in the event the car is damaged or in an accident (however, all accidents/incidents must be reported within 24-hours for insurance). We also include ‘Unlimited Milage’, so we’re not handed a massive bill on return, and instead of ‘Navigation System’, it is a whole lot cheaper to get a local SIM or eSIM with Google Maps. Opting for an international eSIM service also ensures a secure, stable connection throughout your road trip, which is essential when travelling through Turkey. As we’re travelling as a couple, we also go for a compact car.
Best Road Trip Routes in Turkey
There are some more famous road trip routes in Turkey and, by coincidence more than anything, we do cover a fair share of them in our road trip itinerary. At the same time, we follow our own interests and sightseeing destinations instead of being bound by the more specific road trip routes below.
The Lycian Way: Antalya to Fethiye
The Lycian Way offers many attractions, including stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline, ancient ruins, and picturesque villages. Highlights include the Chimera flames, the ancient city of Olympos, and the Lycian tombs in Myra. The trail also passes through beautiful beaches, secluded coves, and pine forests.
The Black Sea Road Trip: Istanbul to Trabzon
The Black Sea Road Trip between Istanbul and Trabzon is a scenic journey that showcases the natural beauty and rich culture of Turkey’s Black Sea region. Highlights include the stunning Sumela Monastery, the lush tea fields of Rize, the picturesque village of Uzungol, and the historic city of Trabzon.
The Aegean Coast: Izmir to Bodrum
The Aegean Coast between Izmir and Bodrum offers many attractions, including picturesque beaches, charming seaside towns, and ancient ruins. Highlights include the ancient city of Ephesus, the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale, the cosmopolitan city of Izmir, and the beautiful Bodrum Castle. The region is also known for its delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife.
The Central Anatolian Route: Ankara to Cappadocia
The Central Anatolian Route between Ankara and Cappadocia showcases the unique natural and cultural heritage of Turkey’s central region. Highlights include the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, the ancient city of Hattusa, the historic village of Safranbolu, and the impressive Mevlana Museum in Konya. The region is also known for its delicious cuisine and traditional handicrafts.
General Tourist Information for Turkey
Turkey is literally where east meets west with the intersection of the Europe and Asia continents at the Bosphorus River. We spend a lot of time in the Far East and Western Europe but it didn’t feel much like either lacking the charm of the Orient and the modern sophistication of the West. It was an unfamiliar mix of Eastern Europe and the Middle East which isn’t a bad thing. Each morning we would be awakened around 4:30AM to the ‘call to prayer’, at the same time, Turkey is not so strict in Islamic rule so alcohol is still widely available (try some Efes beer, Turkish wine, and yeni raki).
Best time of year for a road trip in Turkey
The best time to road trip in Turkey would be during the spring (April to May) or autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant scenery, making them ideal for outdoor activities, wine tours, and exploring popular destinations without the busier summer crowds.
Essential Eating in Turkey
You’ll find some not overly exciting street food, especially in Istanbul where things like simit (Turkish bagels) with chocolate or savoury spread, as well as roasted chestnuts, and boiled sweetcorn, found in most tourist areas. More like snacks. Otherwise here is a quick list of the more common foods found on our road trip in Turkey, at the hotels and along the roadsides
Corba: Turkish Soup. Corba is a traditional soup made with ingredients such as lentils, tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices, simmered to perfection.
Kebap: Turkish kebabs. Sliced skewered meats commonly served in a durum wrap or, for the more adventurous, as Iskender topped with tomato sauce, melted butter and yoghurt.
Kofta: Turkish Meatballs. Made from ground meat (usually lamb or beef), onions, garlic, herbs, spices, shaped into balls or patties and grilled or fried.
Pide/Lahmacun: Turkish Pizza! Pide is normally larger and boat-shaped while lahmacun are smaller and rounded. Common with kiymali ground beef and onion, pepper, and tomato topping.
Tost: I kind of expected basic toast here but instead they’re more like next-level toasties, with thinker panini-like bread and all sorts of fillings including cheese.
Gozleme: A savoury stuffed flatbread made with flour, spinach, cheese, meat, herbs, and spices, cooked on a griddle. Occasionally found at breakfast.
Traditional Turkish Breakfasts
Not only did every morning begin with the same breakfast but the ingredients also give an idea of the local agriculture and scenery in Turkey. Known as “kahvaltı,” Turkish breakfasts typically consist of breads including Simit (a Turkish bagel) .cheeses such as beyaz peynir (white cheese), olives of all colours and other nibbles and bites incl. boiled eggs, fruit and nuts, Turkish Tea (Çay)…Then other more exciting cooked options include onion rings and french fries, sucuk sausage in a tomato sauce, Gozleme cheese-filled flatbreads, halloumi fries, and Turkish menemen omelette with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and spices.
The Muzekart: Turkey Museum Pass
Turkey Museum Pass (Muze Pass) This will obviously depend on your interests and road trip itinerary and would have been a waste of money for our own plans. We first came across the Muzekart in Ephesus and near bought the 5-day pass only to find it was limited to only a handful offered on the 15-day pass. In the end, following our own road trip itinerary, we visited only 2 destinations on the list (Ephesus Archaeological Museum and the Goreme Open Air Museum). So we’d have wasted money on it but it maybe worth considering for others. Here’s the official website here.
Is Turkey Expensive for Travel?
It’s comparable to your average Western European destination which we didn’t expect and spent 3x of what we had budgeted for simply because online resources were unrealistic/wrong. Again we expected it to just maybe be Istanbul so waited to stock up at a local supermarket once on the road. At a Migros (Turkey’s equivalent to Tesco) it cost £39 for 2 bottles of cheap Turkish wine, the cheapest sparkling wine, and a bottle of yeni raki. Also 6 packets of instant noodles (we were panicking by this time), a 6 pack of water, and 2 packs of Dreamies to feed the cats.
Other Random Questions about Turkey
Is it safe to drink tap water in Turkey?
In summary, while tap water in Turkey is generally safe to drink in urban areas, it’s best to exercise caution and use bottled water or a filter if you have any doubts about the quality of the water.
Can Tourists use drones in Turkey?
Commercial drone pilots who wish to fly a drone weighing more than 500 grams must register with the Turkish government prior to flying. Register here. Some areas will have further restrictions such as in Cappadocia with the hot air balloons yet we saw tourists recklessly darting about during the morning balloon flights.
Do cats have rabies in Turkey?
No evidence suggests cats in Turkey have a higher incidence of rabies than in other parts of the world. However it’s important to take precautions and seek medical attention immediately if bitten or scratched by a cat.
Turkey Road Trip Itinerary from Istanbul
Our full itinerary on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/3PzgXBzDxqeVNPLz8
Starting Point: Istanbul Airport
We arrived at Istanbul Airport with a to-do list including free withdrawals at ATMs and grabbing a quick prepaid SIM card. We failed at both. Pretty much every ATM we tried charged 8% for transaction fees and the only 20GB tourist SIM cost around $48. Fortunately we sorted an eSIM (10GB) before travelling for $18 so we could still find our way around. We then needed cash to pay for the MRT cards at the nearby MRT station so we ended up back at the arrival terminal at the ATMs as there are no ATMs at the metro station.
Istanbul Airport to the City Centre
We ended up travelling to/from the Istanbul Airport by metro, taxis, and by bus on different visits to the city each determined by the area we were staying at the time. The bus for us was the easiest option but it’s not overly convenient for the central Sultanahmet area. The metro is the newer option and it can relatively easily reach to the central tourist areas with connecting metro lines. We used this option along with local taxis (which alone would be the most expensive option).
Metro from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul
The MRT involved a learning curve but it’s a handy place to start with The Istanbul Travel Card (Istanbulcart) and it maybe best to combine a bit of both by taking either metro or bus before a local taxi using the BiTaksi App (Istanbul’s Uber). From the Istanbul Airport take the U line (previously M11) to the final stop at Kagithane then either forward on the other metro lines or take a local taxi. Don’t forget cash money is needed for the Istanbul Travel Card at the station.
The Istanbul Travel Card (Istanbulcart)
After purchasing at the airport Metro station we used the Istanbul Travel Card through 2 visits to Istanbul and it covered pretty much all our travel (bar taxis and the airport bus). It’s more or less a reloadable electronic card used for convenient and cost-effective transportation across various public transportation, including buses, trams, metro lines, ferries, and funiculars. Swipe it at entrance gates etc. and it’s just fast and simple to use in Istanbul City Centre.
BiTaksi: Local Taxi Apps
Before arriving to Istanbul I downloaded the BiTaxi App which is Istanbul’s equivalent to Uber. Our first local interaction was then with an ageing Turkish fella, nothing like his BiTaxi App profile, woollen jumper, and tracksuit bottoms. He didn’t say much other than Al-lan… Phone. He did happily help us with the bags and then we all jumped into his Shisha-smelling yellow cab. Expect lots of accelerating, beeping, occasional swearing, and swatting at other drivers with their hands. Fasten your seatbelts.
Driving in Turkey (First Impressions)
Leaving Istanbul, the roads are great, and the traffic was light, yet the scenes along the way were like comical cartoon scenarios. A lorry smashed through barriers and near into oncoming traffic. A van’s front wheel completely buckled leaving it skidding along the road. We passed an old-school Tofas Dogan, a car that was discontinued over 20-years ago, hovering on opposite wheels in the middle of a canal embankment. We had to dodge hamper-sized polystyrene boxes that fell off the back of a truck’s cargo. Yet the most memorable incident was swerving to avoid a turtle crossing the main motorways when leaving Istanbul. I hope he made it.
Day 1: Istanbul to Ephesus (The Journey East)
Our only mission today was to drive as far from Istanbul and as far east as possible. A 4-hour drive with calamitous scenes (as above) on toll roads towards the city of Izmir. It’s not the most scenic of drives but it gives plenty of time to get comfortable with the left hand drive. It isn’t until leaving the tolls when we feel we’ve finally arrived to Turkey surrounded by olive gardens and roads lined with orange trees en route to Selcuk (via the outskirts of Izmir).
We were also now realising that Turkey is not as cheap as we had expected. In Istanbul we thought we were paying big city prices/tourist prices, yet local Sok and Migros supermarkets we stopped at in remote towns and passing the outskirts of Izmir etc. were exactly the same. The prices are no different to what we find in the UK or Western Europe. Alcohol even more expensive.
We stay in a guesthouse (Ephesus Hillside) overlooking Selcuk. From here it is just a short walk through local neighbourhoods, crossing the train station, to find the tourist center of the town. It’s about a 5-minute walk. Our main priority now was to finally find a fee free ATM which we failed to do through 20+ ATMs in Istanbul. And we succeeded with Halkbank which became our go-to ATM throughout this road trip in Turkey.
Selcuk itself proved a surprise, at least the area surrounding the train station, which was busy with local life including large outdoor and indoor domino games (I think the game is called Isaka or Okey in Turkey). Although we were more interested in the string of Pide and Lahmacun restaurants serving Turkey’s equivalent to pizzas and kofta dishes. Well fed we trek back up the hills and to our guesthouse.
Day 2: Ephesus to Bodrum
Fanfan had put together this entire itinerary and until now I thought we were in Sercuk to see a library or something? This is what Fanfan had told me. So I was a bit blown away to see the ancient Greek city of Ephesus (10th century BC). It’s renowned for the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World as well as the Library of Celsus and the grand Theater of Ephesus. You can see all about it here. It was also the first I’ve met a fellow travel blogger in the wild as an Izmir local running tours in the area.
From Ancient Greek ruins to Turkey’s famous beach resorts. Next stop Bodrum. It is these contrasts in travel and scenery that make this road trip in Turkey so exciting. Anyway, it isn’t long until we meet the coast at Kusadasi where a rather massive cruise ship is stationed. We stop to snack a bit, buy some rather expensive sunscreen (£16), and are ready for our Aegean adventures.
We only have one night in Bodrum (Costa Maya Bodrum) just a stone’s throw from the main marina, and while most holiday-makers would maybe have a week or two, I feel we have it covered in our short stay at least from our own interests. We got lost in the alleys of traditional white houses, l walked the length of the marina, circled the 4th-century Bodrum Castle, ate a kebab, then ended the night with cocktails and nibbles along the seafront.
Day 3: Bodrum to Fethiye
The original plan for today was a near 4-hour drive north to Pamukkale thermal pools before a 3-hour drive back down to our next hotel/accommodation in Fethiye. That’s a 7-hour journey just to see some fancy scenery. Otherwise it’s less than 3-hours from Bodrum to Fethiye. Luckily It was cancelled by Fanfan as the thermal pools don’t have the same Instagram appeal at this time of the year. We continue along the coasts instead.
So for the coming day we would hop between many of the popular package holiday spots which admittedly are not ideal for road trips but they do add a bit of diversity to a Turkish road trip. They are also ridiculously scenic. One of the better known stops along this Aegean coastal region was Marmaris (named after a local kebab shop in my hometown Bangor).
While it is possible to follow the coast to Fethiye the more direct route (2-hours) cuts inland between mountains, with ups and downs, and twists and turns, and again brings a bit of excitement to the road trip. Arriving to Fethiye we are quick to the rental apartment (Hotel Dream View) located in the back hills and overlooking the old town and Fethiye Port from above. And after a quick tour of Fethiye we grab takeaway kebabs and a bottle of raki just in time for sunset from the balcony.
Day 4: Fethiye to Antalya
We didn’t sleep well that night with music and partying at the viewpoint behind us which may have been due to Eid celebrations the previous evening. Or maybe it’s like that every night. Either way, we are up early for a quick visit to the nearby Ghost Town of Kayaköy a deserted village of stone houses and churches from a once-thriving Greek community abandoned during the 1920s with a population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Now it’s more inhabited by goats and turtles.
Again we continue to tick off some scenic viewpoints along the Argean Coast including Oludeniz with its cliffside coastline and unforgettable views along the way. I’ve never seen sea so blue. Before turning back towards Antalya. I kind of expected a similar sunny Algean coastal drive again but soon we were climbing inland mountain ranges with backdrops of snow covered peaks. Another fascinating contrast in this road trip in Turkey.
It is 3-hours before reaching the coastline again where I am quickly introduced to central streets of Antalya. Driving was all a bit new to me alongside pedestrian walkways and crossings, e-scooters and a busy one-way system. After being given access at a security gate I would then have to navigate the narrow winding pedestrian roads of old town Kaleici to reach our old town hotel (Aspen Hotel Kaleici). The driving is stressful but the location well worth it.
So the hotel is in the old seaside town of Kaleici right next to a small park and viewpoint over the Antalya’s marina. Pretty much anything of interest in Anatalya old town is also within a stone’s throw and, out of the seaside destinations, Antalya would be the one I’d choose to return (although I did like Bodrum). Otherwise we did covered all we planned to and enjoyed a romantic Turkish feast before the road trip continues the next day.
Day 5: Antalya to Konya
We hadn’t much planned for this day so we made the most of Antalya with a quick cafe tour after breakfast as well as ticking off some of the less central tourist attractions in Antalya including the Duden Waterfall. But this is what’s great about a road trip in Turkey. It gives you the freedom to explore the country without paying for guided tours or trying to navigate public transport. You just drop a destination on Google Maps then go.
The drive to Konya would be another long slog (3-4 hours) with no real purpose other than serving as a handy halfway point to Cappadocia. We are travelling northeast and inland now and the realization that our brief summer holiday is over as we soon find ourself surrounded by mountains topped with snow. A month earlier and we’d likely have needed snow tires for this journey.
We arrive to Konya with a hotel (Bablin Butik Otel) booked a stone’s throw from the Selimiye Mosque in the historical centre of Konya. With zero plans we seek inspiration from the receptionist who recommends a performance by the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes taking place at the Mevlana Kultur Merlezi that night. It’s a bit of a slow burner with 30-mins until they start spinning. But no doubt it’s impressive at how these guys can spin continuously without dizziness. 3-spins and I’d be flat on my face. It’s a bit like a superpower albeit not the most useful one.
Day 6: Konya to Cappadocia (Uchisar)
Before leaving Konya, we fill the car with petrol and shop for snacks, drinks, and alcohol expecting inflated ‘tourist prices’ ahead at our new destination in Cappadocia. For those new to Cappadocia it is well known for its unique landscape of fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and underground cities. It’s also fairly touristy due to its sheer beauty and famous hot air balloon rides over its surreal terrain. Can see it all in our video here:
This is also the main destination of the road trip in Turkey, and while there are all sorts of tour options in Cappadocia, having a car makes exploring a whole lot easier. As there is a lot to explore and we start first in Ulchisar where we have a hotel booked (Dream of Cappadocia) right next to Uchisar Castle, the main historical site in this part of Cappadocia. It’s more or less a castle carved into a natural rock formation which served as a fortress and shelter for local folk during times of war.
I can’t take any credit for the hotels on this road trip at all (it was all Fanfan) but I don’t think I could come close as the location, awesome views etc, as well as price we’re all on point throughout. And as storm clouds and rain roll in I couldn’t be happier stuck inside with snacks and wine and views over the fairy chimneys, mountains, and canyons below.
Day 7: Cappadocia (Goreme)
Many tourists are in Cappadocia for the iconic hot air balloons offering aerial views of the fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings below. We did consider the experience as well but with Fanfan’s fear of heights and the sheer expense of the rides we ultimately decided against it. And while we expected to wake at dawn to a backdrop of hot air balloons we instead wake to grey skies and a lingering drizzle.
The hot air balloons are weather-permitting and only fly around 2/3rds of the time. We also have 2-nights in Cappadocia so probability is on our side. Either way we continue to explore the region starting with the town of Goreme dropping our bags to our next hotel (Henna Hotel) before just driving around to difference attractions and viewpoints. There is a lot to explore in Cappadocia and 3-days is definitely not wasted on a road trip in Turkey.
Goreme would then be our base for travel in Cappadocia as a convenient tourist area with lots of tour operators and even more food. Until now we had been ticking off most of the Turkish food ticklist (mostly variations of kebabs). And in Cappadocia it is the famous “pottery kebab” an Anatolian speciality prepared in a clay pot or jug. The pot is then cracked open at the table and it is served like a stew on a hot place. There are a number of restaurants hawking the specialty but we were at the Aysel’in Mutfağı restaurant. Also ticked off corba soup.
Day 8: Cappadocia Cave Hotel
As with every morning we are awakened silly early (04:45AM) by an insanely loud call to prayer from the mosque next door. One sacrifice necessary for these central locations is a full night’s sleep… but at least today it served a purpose. Looking out the front door and we see the balloons setting up in the distance. By 05:30 we are on the rooftop surrounded by 100 plus hot air balloons taking off in all directions.
This experience was central to this entire road trip in Turkey and no doubt was the highlight of it all. We were also lucky to be up early for the best seats and rooftop props for Instagrammable photos before the rest of the tourists turned up at around 06:00AM following sunrise. I kind of regret not going on one as they look relatively safe and no tourists have died in balloon crashes since 2013. If I did go it maybe butterfly balloons as they liked to go dangerously close to the rocks and rooftops and just looks more fun.
After a relaxed breakfast we pack up and forward to our next hotel nearby in Goreme but have a fair bit of time to kill before checkin time. So we are now ticking off boxes starting with the Goreme Open Air Museum which would be the first paid attraction since Ephesus and the “Muze Pass” would have been wasted on us. It didn’t really add a whole lot to the experience so far either and photos were prohibited inside the caves etc. “No photo no photo”.
With most travels we will splash out a bit on a unique hotel experience and with our road trip in Turkey it has to be in Cappadocia with a stay in a cave hotel (Anatolian Houses Cave Hotel & SPA). So these are a bit like the traditional dwellings of ancient folk here carved into the volcanic rock. Only we have luxury fittings including an indoor jacuzzi. So we spent the evening/night just enjoying the experience with lots of nibbles, raki and sparkling wine.
Day 9: Cappadocia to Ankara
After lazing the morning in the on-site Turkish bath and spa we had a fairly forgettable drive from Cappadocia to Ankara. At least until reaching Ankara telling Fanfan to book a hotel on the outskirts rather than city centre given it is the 2nd largest city and capital of Turkey. It was also only meant again as a convenient stopover en route to Istanbul. Yet she managed to book a hotel smack bang in the center of Ankara and didn’t seem to remember anything I had said. “I thought Istanbul is the capital of Turkey?”.
Istanbul is thrice the size of Ankara tbf but I have no plans of ever driving into Istanbul either. So already driving in the centre of Ankara we decided to at least tick off the main tourist attraction along the way, the Anitkabir mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who was the leader of the Turkish War of Independence or something… I then found myself continuously honked at for accidentally hogging bus lanes in Ankara city centre. This wasn’t fun.
Our hotel is located just off Yüksel Street in the Kızılay city center area of Ankara. An area I was soon to discover as a bustling, youthful and exciting destination with a crazy amount of food and more food. An area perfect for me if I hadn’t already filled up on 2 fairly rubbish kebabs as soon as we arrived. I only ordered one but Fanfan refused to eat hers and I don’t like waste. Anyway, Fanfan at least got to enjoy the culinary delights of Yüksel Street (KFC) before an early night still with a hangover.
Day 10: Ankara to Istanbul
After navigating the busy city centre roads of Ankara we are onto the toll roads for the final stretch to Istanbul closing the road trip loop at the destination where it had begun. A bit of a boring and uneventful stretch chasing time for the car hire drop off at the Istanbul Airport. From the airport we hopped on the metro and we spent this time in Istanbul at a hotel (Galatatower Hotel) overlooking the Galata Tower.
So this road trip in Turkey can begin and end at any destination on this itinerary with Istanbul being just another stop along the way. But I wouldn’t recommend driving directly to the city centre of Istanbul and instead it is easy to just park outside at the airport and then travel in to the city centre of Istanbul by bus or metro (outlined above) avoiding any stress of big city traffic.
