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  • Cats of Ephesus

  • Yanıklar Village

  • Kapıkırı

  • Çomakdağ

  • Village Hike, Yanıklar

  • Neolithic Paintings

  • Gallipoli

  • Troia

  • Troia Ruins

  • Troia Ruins

  • Assos

  • Pegamon Ruins

  • Pergamon Theatre

  • Trip to Turkey – Ephesus

  • Athena Temple, Assos

  • Ephesus Museum

  • Pergamon

  • City Walls, Assos

  • Celcius Library, Ephesus

  • Terrace Houses, Ephesus

  • Kapıkırı Village

  • Monumental Stairs, Labranda

Self Drive Tour of Aegean Turkey

Bodrum to Istanbul

Starting in Bodrum and ending in Istanbul, this 8-day tour offers travelers with a mix of rarely visited sites and popular destinations on the coast like Ephesus, Pergamon, and Troy. 

SEASON

March through November

Duration

8 Days, 7 Nights

MEALS

7 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner

Distance

Aprox 1500 km of total driving

AIRPORT

Arrival: Bodrum/Milas
Departure: İstanbul or Sabiha Gökcen 
1 Person

1650€

Per Person

2 Person

925€

Per Person

4 Person

715€

Per Person

Happy Hiking
Itinerary

What to expect

DAY 1

Arrive in Bodrum

Arriving in the Bodrum/Milas Airport, you’ll pick up your car and head to the city of Bodrum. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit some of the nearby sites, the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum, or the old streets of Bodrum. 

Overnight at El Vino Hotel, Bodrum

Driving Distance: 36 km 

DAY 2

DRIVE TO KAPIKIRI. HIKE KARAHAYIT – KAPIKIRI (9 KM)

Today is a journey into history, from Byzantine Period frescoes to Neolithic wall paintings, from Hellenistic city walls to Roman period ruins. Kapıkırı, is an authentic village full of traditional Aegean culture scattered among ancient ruins.

Dinner and overnight in Agora Pension, Kapikiri.

Driving Distance: 82 km 

DAY 3

DRIVE TO SELCUK. VISIT EPHESUS AND SURROUNDINGS.

A day in the Roman Capitol of Asia Minor, visiting the important sites around Ephesus, including St Jean Basilica, İsa Bey Mosque, Ephesus, and House of Virgin Mary. 

Overnight stay in Agon Ephesus, Selçuk.

Driving Distance: 105 km

DAY 4

Drive to and visit Aphrodisias. Visit Kaklik Cave. Continue to Pamukkale.

First on today’s route is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aphrodisias, known for its spectacular marble sculptures and structures. Then after a visit to the otherworldly Kaklik Cave, you’ll continue on to Pamukkale, leaving you with enough time to explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and the famous travertines. 

Overnight in Haltur Hotel, Pamukkale

Driving Distance: 354 km

DAY 5

Drive to Birgi. Visit Sardis. Continue to Pergamon.

First you’ll drive to and stroll around the village of Birgi, its quaint architecture and friendly locals a nice break from so many ancient sites. Next, visit the city of Sardis, capital of ancient Lydia, before carrying on to another UNESCO Heritage Site, the popular ruins of Pergamon. 

Overnight at Attalos Suites, Bergama.

Driving Distance: 352 km 

DAY 6

Visit Pergamon. Drive to Adatepe and Yesilyurt. Continue to Assos.

Start the morning by visiting the hilltop ruins of Pergamon before driving to the villages of Adatepe and Yesilyurt where you’ll visit an olive oil museum and wander through narrow streets enjoying traditional stone architecture. The day ends as you drive to and visit the ruins of Assos. 

Dinner and overnight stay in Kervansaray Hotel, Assos.

Driving Distance: 157 km 

DAY 7

Assos HIKE (6.5 km). VISIT Truva National Park. Drive to Canakkale. (B)

Today’s hike traverses the ruins of Assos, from the theater to the acropolis. Then an hour-long scenic village drive takes you to legendary Troia. Before exploring the site, take a walk through the Troia Museum. The day finishes as you drive to Çanakkale. 

Overnight stay in Abies Hotel, Çanakkale

Driving Distance: 123 km

DAY 8

Visit Gallipoli War Memorials. Continue to Istanbul.

First, you will take a morning ride on the ferry across the Dardanelles, then a 20 min drive will take you to the Gallipoli War Memorials. A usual tour around the Peninsula visits Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Conkbayırı. Then a long drive (aprox 5-6 hrs) takes you to your hotel in İstanbul.

Our services end with your arrival to İstanbul. We will arrange the pick up of the car either for this evening or tomorrow morning. 

Driving Distance: 346 km 

EXTENSIONS

Got some more time? Extend your tour to include another diverse and exciting region.

Booking Details

Let us help you plan your next holiday

Includes

  • Car Rental

    8 day economy class manual transmission car rental with 3000 km mileage and basic insurances (theft protection and collision waiver damage). 

  • Transport

    All transport during the walking program.

  • Meals

    7 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner

  • Accommodation

    7 nights accommodation in standard quality hotels.

  • Equipment

    We provide a link to Wikiloc app through which you can follow GPS coordinates, a detailed e-book outlining your tour program, with lots of pictures and relevant information. Participants are responsible for bringing their own hiking equipment such as boots, poles, hat, and backpack.

Excludes

  • FERRY RIDE FROM CANAKKALE TO ECEABAT

  • Accommodation in Istanbul

  • Parking Fees & Toll Roads

  • Lunches and Dinners not listed above

  • Drinks at hotels or restaurants

  • Personal expenses

  • Flight tickets

  • Travel Insurance

  • Tips

Per Person Prices

  • 1 Person

    1650€

  • 2 person

    925€

  • 4 person

    715€

  • Single Supplement

    +250€
Book now

For different group sizes and prices, please contact us.