Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Turkey – Istanbul – Bursa – Pergamon – Ephesus – Pamukkale – Bodrum
100% customisable for you
Rise and shine – your highly-anticipated road trip through western Turkey begins today. Head to the airport, breeze through security and slink off to the lounge for some peace and quiet before takeoff. Flights to Istanbul take just under four hours, ideal for devouring a good chunk of your holiday read or tuning into a topical podcast (refresher on the Byzantine Empire perhaps?).
After landing, grab your bags and meet your private driver to transfer into the city centre, where you’ll stay for the next three nights. Time for a welcome drink and a spot of unpacking.
Stretch your legs on a gentle wander through the streets surrounding your hotel this afternoon to work up an appetite for dinner. Our local Concierge will be on hand with some stellar restaurant recommendations. Let’s dig in.
Wake up bright and early this morning to make the most of your first full day in the Turkish capital. After a delicious breakfast, hit the streets with a local guide to head to Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul.
Kick off with an exploration of Topkapi Palace, once the seat of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires – what a CV. Admire the opulent marble library and marvel at the grand gold throne here before taking a turn around the palace gardens.
Rejuvenate with a drink on a rooftop overlooking the Golden Horn before visiting the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque this afternoon. Originally a sixth-century basilica, the site was transformed into a Muslim place of worship in the 15th century.
End your day at the Grand Bazaar, a buzzing marketplace full of local treasures, artisans at work, vibrant fabrics, aromatic spices and a frankly overwhelming amount of tea. Talk about a feast for the senses.
Leap out of bed this morning to meet up with your local guide and visit Kadikoy, a vibrant district on the Asian side of the city, overlooking the sea.
While you’re strolling the streets, stop to meet local artists and traditional Turkish artisans. You’ll also hear about the district’s rock culture and leftist influences. Afterwards, head to Moda – often referred to as Istanbul’s Brooklyn – for even more artsy fare.
Celebrate your last night in the city (and the beginning of your road trip) in style this evening by reaching out to our trusty Concierge for some stellar restaurant recommendations. Time for some perfectly pillowy pittas.
Bid Istanbul a fond farewell this morning before collecting your hire car and buckling up for the two-hour drive to Bursa. Eyes on the views (within reason...) because the route skirts the mountains and brushes by Uludag National Park.
When you pull up to your next hotel, check in for the night, drop your bags, freshen up and head out. This afternoon is dedicated to a private tour of the city. Former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa is famous for its magnificent mosques, traditional Turkish baths, bustling markets and rich culinary scene.
Accompanied by a local guide, set off to explore the must-see sites, including the Grand Mosque, the Green Mosque, the Green Tomb, the silk markets and the Tophane Clock Tower. Refuel afterwards with a doner kebab – they originate here, so it would be rude not to.
Load up the car this morning to embark on the two-hour-and-45-minute drive to Pergamon, just a short distance from the Aegean Sea. Road trip tunes at the ready.
When you arrive, check in for an overnight stay in your next home away from home, then don your sunnies, grab your cameras and venture out. The rest of the day is yours to soak up the storied splendour of Pergamon.
A historic capital during the Hellenistic period, this archaeological city was originally built by Alexander the Great’s lieutenant. Be sure to make it to the upper city of the Acropolis and the Asclepieion, home to a temple and healing centre.
There are also (somewhat confusingly) a couple of historic sites to see in the modern part of town. These include the Pergamon Amphitheatre, the Red Basilica and the Bergama Museum. Cue plenty of oohs and aahs.
Tuck into a tasty breakfast this morning before checking out and driving two and a half hours south to Sirince. If you’re in need of some rejuvenation along the way, feel free to stop for a dip in the water or turn off to take a detour in the charming town of Foca.
Once you reach Sirince, check in for two nights in the centre of town. Then, after some post-car-journey stretching, step out to explore your new surroundings this afternoon. Home to beautiful 19th-century architecture and photogenically forested streets, Sirince is primed for a seriously scenic stroll.
End the day with a delicious dinner in one of the local restaurants. If you haven’t already, order up a portion of sevketibostan yemegi (a popular Aegean lamb dish) tonight.
The name of the game today: exploring the ancient archeological site of Ephesus. Fuel up on a hearty breakfast before meeting an expert local guide for a private tour of the complex.
Founded in the tenth century BC, Ephesus was one of the jewels of Greek civilisation in Asia Minor. It belonged to Croesus (the last king of Lydia) and the whole complex is a UNESCO Word Heritage site. Safe to say, you’ll be in the presence of greatness.
Unravel the myths and legends around the site today with your guide. Among the wonders, you’ll visit Ayasulu Hill – crowned by the Acropolis of Anatolia – and the Temple of Artemis, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. If it doesn’t make the cut for your post-trip social media post, we don’t know what will.
Head inland this morning by bundling back into your hire car and setting off on the two-hour drive east to Pamukkale. Here, you’ll check in for one night in the centre of the town.
Once you’ve settled in, meet a private local guide to delve into the surrounding landscape. The Pamukkale tuff (formed from volcanic ash) is among the most beautiful natural formations in the world: limestone deposits blend with mineral pools and petrified waterfalls to cast an array of colours under the shifting light.
Having marvelled at the landscapes, head to the top of the hill to see the ancient thermal spa of Hierapolis, founded in the second century BC. Once thermal baths, the site is now home to an archaeological museum. Don’t worry; there’s still a Roman swimming pool, called Cleopatra, that’s open to bathers.
Also on-site is a pristinely preserved second century theatre, an extraordinary octagonal Martyrium from the fifth century and a third-century sarcophagus containing Marcus Aurelius Ammianos. Spooky.
It’s time to hit the road again this morning to embark on the final leg of the trip. Break out the tunes and buckle up for the three-and-a-half-hour drive to the port town of Bodrum, perched on the Aegean Sea.
When you pull into the town centre, check in for two nights in a charming hotel, drop your bags, divvy up the sides of the bed and hit the streets.
The next few days are yours to kick back on the coast. Gateway to numerous beach towns and resorts, and push-off point for various cruises and sailing expeditions, Bodrum is primed for sun-soaked R&R.
Between stints on the sand and visits to local boutiques, be sure to line up a mouth-watering meal for your last night in Turkey – our Concierge will be on hand to nab you a table in the swankiest spot in town. Bring out the raki (the national anise spirit).
Sadly, your road trip through western Turkey comes to an end today. Luxuriate in one last leisurely breakfast overlooking the Aegean Sea this morning before loading up the car, driving to Bodrum airport, breezing through security and settling into the lounge before takeoff.
Your return flight takes just under four-and-a-half hours, giving you plenty of time to sit back, trim down your camera roll, consider attending a few pub quizzes to show off your new knowledge and... relax.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
