Turkey, also known as Turkiye, is a country rich in history and an ideal destination for a road trip. Given its vast size, it’s best to focus on a specific region. This two-week Turkey itinerary highlights the western part of the country, particularly the Marmara and Aegean regions. The journey begins and ends in Istanbul, with two days dedicated to exploring this historic city. With a wealth of historical sites, this itinerary is centered around UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ensuring you visit all the must-see locations. This comprehensive Turkey travel guide will assist you in planning your trip and making the most of your time in this captivating country.
Planning a Turkey itinerary
Planning a western Turkey itinerary is quite straightforward, but there are a few points to keep in mind.
Turkey flights and hotels
Turkey, especially Istanbul with its two airports, is easily traveled to with plenty of options regarding airline choice. Both airports work well for this Turkey itinerary covering the Marmara Region and Aegean Region. I chose to fly to SAW airport (Sabiha Gökçen Airport) as it simply was the cheapest. Regarding visas, please check with your embassy as I could travel with my local ID card.
Hotels are plentiful. I did choose wherever possible to stay in Marriott Bonvoy affiliated hotels. Where this was not possible, I opted for a local pension. These are not expensive in the low season with prices starting at just 45 euros a night with a good breakfast. I’ll mention the places I stayed in the detailed day-by-day overview below.
Turkey car rental and roads
Car rentals are cheap in the low season. You will read some horror stories probably about companies trying to charge for damage you didn’t do. My recommendation is to take a lot of photos of the car when you pick it up and let them see you do this. Pay with a credit card which allows for chargeback in case of charges that are not right. You should be alright then.
The roads you drive following this western Turkey itinerary are well maintained and all new. There are some toll roads which are cheap. A normal sedan car, or even a small car, is sufficient for the whole trip.
Keep in mind when in Turkey
The Turkish lira is not stable at the moment and your bank might have a terrible exchange rate. I recommend bringing cash and exchanging at an exchange office as it will probably save a bit of money. Do not change a lot at the airport as the rates are, as always, terrible.
There are a couple of mosques and religious places on this Turkey itinerary. Dress modestly during these days. Turkey is modern, but at these places dress modestly to show respect.
Now let’s have a look at the day-by-day west Turkiye itinerary. It can be followed in both directions and the two days in Istanbul can also be split to have one at the start and one at the end.
Turkiye itinerary day 1: Arrival
My flight from Düsseldorf, Germany, was in the afternoon so I arrived past dinnertime in Istanbul. I just went to the Marriott hotel not far from the airport and went to bed.
Turkey itinerary day 2: Iznik Day Trip
Iznik is a nice day trip from Istanbul away from the crowds or like in this western Turkey itinerary as a stopover between Istanbul and Bursa. Iznik today is a bit of a sleepy town but is nominated for a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription in 2024, so I had to include it as my goal is to visit 100 new WHS in 2024.
Iznik history
Iznik, historically known as Nicaea, holds significant importance in both Byzantine and Ottoman history. Founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BCE, it became an important center during the Hellenistic period and later under Roman rule. In 325 CE, it hosted the First Council of Nicaea, where early Christian leaders gathered to address theological disputes, leading to the formulation of the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian belief.
In 1331, Iznik was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, marking the beginning of its Turkish-Islamic era. The city flourished as a center of ceramic production during the Ottoman period, particularly renowned for its blue and white pottery, known as Iznik pottery. During the Turkish War of Independence, Iznik played a significant role as the site of the Battle of İznik. Today, Iznik bears the marks of its rich historical heritage, with remnants of its Byzantine and Ottoman past visible in its architecture and archaeological sites.
Iznik best walking route
The archaeological hightlights in Iznik are scattered around the city. I recommend starting at the Iznik Museum near the south gate which has ample parking space as well. It explains the history of the city very well and has some amazing artifacts on display. From there (put the names in Google Maps) visit the Yakup Çelebi Cami mosque, İznik’teki Koimesis Kilisesi church remains and Böcak Ayazma (Sacred Spring) before arriving at the Lefke Gate (east) of the Nicaea City Wall. From there take the street leading towards Iznik Lake. I got hungry by that time, so I was glad there were plenty of options for a snack or coffee.
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I continued my Iznik day trip to the Yesil Camii (green mosque), the Iznik Turkish Islamic Arts Museum and Şeyh Kutbuddin Camii mosque all on the same square. From there I continued the main street to the main crossing. The Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Cami), the place of the Seventh Council of Nicaea, is located there. From there turn north to İzniksurlari (baths) and the Istanbul Gate. From there I followed the corniche, also a great place for a coffee or snack, to the Ruins of St. Neophytos Basilica, the place of the first Council of Nicaea. I passed by the Roman Theatre Ruins, the ruins of the ancient tile factory (Cini Firinlari) before arriving back at the Iznik Museum. The whole walk with visits to all Izniks points of interest took about 5 hours.
From Iznik, I continued my Turkey itinerary to Bursa where I stayed two nights at the Sheraton hotel. For food I can recommend Maraton Pide across the street which has great food. After a last drink at the hotel bar, I went to bed early.
Turkiye itinerary day 3: Bursa city tour
Bursa, located in northwestern Turkey just 20 kilometers from the Sea of Marmara, is a must-add-on to any western Turkey itinerary. It holds a significant place in history as one of the early capitals of the Ottoman Empire. I stayed two nights at the Sheraton Bursa so that I would have a full day to explore all the Ottoman landmarks and have the original Ishkander Kebab for dinner.
Bursa history
Bursa’s history predates the Ottoman era, with evidence of settlement dating back to the ancient Greek city of Prusa. However, it rose to prominence during the Byzantine period, serving as an important trading center and military stronghold. In 1326, the Ottoman Empire, which was just founded, under the leadership of Sultan Orhan Gazi, captured Bursa from the Byzantines, marking the beginning of its Ottoman era and the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Under Ottoman rule, Bursa flourished as a political, economic, and cultural hub. During its time as the capital, many significant architectural landmarks were constructed. These early Ottoman heritage sites are now a must-see in Bursa. Of course, there is more to explore, but I concentrated on these that are part of the Bursa UNESCO World Heritage Site. I recommend visiting them in the following order (by car), if staying in the Western part of town, so that you do not waste time.
Best Bursa day trip itinerary
Start around 09:30 and make your first stop at the I. Murat Hudavendigar Mosque and Tomb for about 30 minutes. In my honest opinion, it wasn’t the most beautiful one of the day. Next up is the Muradiye Mosque & Complex. There are over a dozen tombs, each looking the same on the outside, but some have beautiful tiles and murals on the interior walls. The mosque is also well worth the visit, and there are two museums as well which close on Mondays so I could not personally check them out. Now it’s time for a little longer drive to Cumalikizik Village, which is an old rural village that supported the Ottoman capital. A great place for an hour exploring the streets including a traditional coffee or tea at one of the many cafes. It was a bit touristy for my taste.
After having a nice coffee, I drove back to the city. The first stop was at the Yildirim Bayezid I Mosque and Tomb complex. Next was the Green Mosque (Yesil Cami) and Tomb, which, in my opinion, is the better of the two in this area. You could opt to leave the car here and walk through the various bazaars and the Bursa Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) to the Tombs of Osman Gazi, or drive there and do the walk from that point. The tombs are a must-visit attraction.
Osman Gazi and Bursa Ishkender Kebab
Osman Gazi, founder of the Ottoman Empire, was a visionary leader who expanded his territory through military conquests. He established the capital at Bursa in 1326 and laid the foundation for the empire’s future growth. His leadership and strategic vision laid the groundwork for centuries of Ottoman rule. Today Bursa’s diverse cultural heritage, influenced by its Greek, Byzantine, and especially Ottoman past, continues to shape the city’s identity and make it a fascinating destination for visitors seeking to explore Turkey’s historical legacy.
Bursa is also famous for its Ishkender Kebab, which is a must-have for dinner. The best place to go is the original one called Kebapçı İskender (Orhanbey, Atatürk Cd. No:60, 16010 Osmangazi/Bursa). It has a blue front and cannot be missed as there is always a line of people waiting to eat. The line moves fast and is worth it. It’s the best kebab I ever had. After dinner, I went back to my hotel for a good sleep because Day 4 of this Turkey itinerary is a long drive going from the Marmara region to the Aegean region.
Turkey itinerary day 4: Bursa to Denizli with an Aizonoi Roman City tour
The fourth day is one of the three days of this western Turkey itinerary with the most driving time. About 6 hours in total. There were just two options to break it in two, of which a visit to Aizanoi Roman City was the best option. The other would go towards Ankara, and I will visit those places from there. After a good breakfast at the Sheraton Bursa, I hit the road around 9 AM. Just enter Zeus Temple Aizanoi in the GPS and enjoy the scenery. The drive is lovely with green fields and still snow-capped mountains in the back in February.
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Aizonoi Roman City tour
The Aizanoi Roman site stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Roman civilization in Anatolia. Founded during the Hellenistic period, Aizanoi flourished under Roman rule, reaching its zenith during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. The site’s strategic location along major trade routes facilitated its economic prosperity, evidenced by its impressive architectural remains. One of the most iconic structures at Aizanoi is the Temple of Zeus, a colossal edifice dedicated to the supreme deity of the ancient Greek and Roman pantheon. Built in the 2nd century AD, the temple’s grandeur reflected the city’s wealth and status within the region.
I have seen my share of Zeus temples, and I must say that Aizanoi’s claim that this is the best one is quite right. One can go even underneath it! Just next to it are the public baths, which still need a lot of excavating. Aizanoi also boasts a well-preserved theater with an arena connected to it, which is unique in the world. It was capable of accommodating thousands of spectators who gathered to witness performances and civic events. Today, it needs restoration after various earthquakes made it collapse, but all the stones are still there.
Near the Roman bridge, you will see the old forum, or market square. Make sure to cross the bridge and go right towards the colonnade street and the macellum. The macellum is an ancient stock market, and it even has inscriptions of the costs of goods. That was so interesting to see. I crossed the other Roman bridge back and walked to my car. Despite the passage of time, the Aizanoi Roman site continues to captivate visitors with its rich historical heritage, offering a glimpse into the cultural and architectural achievements of antiquity.
It was another 3-hour drive to Denizli. I had a quick look inside the Akhan Kervansaray. It’s part of Turkey’s tentative UNESCO site Seljuk Caravanserais on the route from Denizli to Dogubeyazit. Their restaurant in wintertime unfortunately is only open for guests, so I had dinner across the street at Acar Izgara Grill. It was delicious. I booked Park Dedeman Denizli Hotel for two nights so that I would have one full day to explore the area.
Turkiye itinerary day 5: Denizli to Patara via Aphrodisias and Kibyra
It’s time to hit the road again on the 5th day of this western Turkey itinerary. The drive goes from Denizli to Patara with stops at Aphrodisias and Kibyra. I suggest departing at 9 AM to be in Patara around 6 PM or, if you lunch (I do not), depart at 8 AM. Aphrodisias, the first stop, is about 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Denizli and was once the center of marble production of the Roman Empire.
Aphrodisias half day trip
Aphrodisias, historically known as Aphrodisias, holds significant importance in both ancient Greek and Roman history. It flourished as a center of art, culture, and philosophy during the Hellenistic period, renowned for its mastery in marble sculpture and architectural design. The city’s prominence continued under Roman rule, becoming a hub for intellectual and artistic pursuits. Notably, Aphrodisias hosted the renowned School of Sculpture, attracting aspiring artists from across the region. Additionally, it held religious significance, with temples dedicated to Aphrodite and other deities. Aphrodisias played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of the ancient world, leaving a rich historical legacy.
When I arrived at Aphrodisias there was nobody else, yet! Buses would arrive when I left. The site is one of the highlights of this west Turkey itinerary, and it does deserve its UNESCO World Heritage Status. I explored the site clockwise but I recommend doing it counterclockwise to stay ahead of any groups which will arrive around 11 AM. So let’s go counterclockwise to the Tetrapylon first, the grand entrance to the city. Continue to the stadium, which is amazing! From there you should go through the temple of Aphrodite, the marble workshops, and the council.
If you walked the right way you’re now at the bathhouse which is well preserved. Opposite it is the north agora, a huge square, with a huge pool in the middle. I haven’t seen anything like it elsewhere. Next up is the Sebasteion, which is quite unique as it had written text about fixed prices for goods to battle inflation. Continue around the theatre to the south agora. That’s all, and at leisure, it takes about 2 hours.
The museum, with many marble items, was closed unfortunately. The marble production of Aphrodisias was renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. The city’s marble quarries yielded pristine white marble that was highly sought after for its purity and fine texture. Skilled artisans from Aphrodisias utilized this marble to create exquisite sculptures and architectural marvels, showcasing the city’s mastery in marble production. After a quick stop at the marble quarry across the street, I headed to Kibyra, which is about 90 minutes away.
Kibyra half day trip
I didn’t know what to expect from Kibyra. I knew it was listed as a tentative UNESCO site and at first did not even plan to visit. As it was just a 5-minute detour, I decided to visit. It did not have any wow factors, but there is so much that has not been excavated. The site for sure has potential and is worth a visit if you are passing by. Which you do if you follow this western Turkey itinerary.
The ancient Roman-Greek city Kibyra was known for its strategic location and economic prosperity. Founded around the 4th century BCE, it boasted impressive monumental architecture, including theaters and temples, reflecting its cultural and political significance. As a hub for trade and commerce, Kibyra flourished under Roman rule, attracting merchants and travelers from distant lands. The city’s bustling streets were adorned with vibrant markets and bustling activity, showcasing its vibrant urban life.
You can enter the site by car. First is parking 1 at the arena. I didn’t really wander around, just admired it from the entrance. It’s a few minutes’ drive uphill from there to the old bathhouse. Not much left of it. It’s a short walk from there to the theatre and adjacent music house with a beautiful Medusa mosaic. I am still trying to figure out if this can ever be seen as it was covered. There are a few more places of interest, including a fountain, a part of the main road, and the agora (marketplace). In total, the site should not take more than 90 minutes to explore. What I liked most was the fountain and especially the Roman plumbing.
It was about 4 PM, so time to head towards Patara, but because of wintertime, not many restaurants would be open. Kalkan is the major city with plenty of choices. I can recommend Hünkar Ocakbaşı. Try the mixed kebab; it was delicious. For the night, I booked Flower Hotel in Patara. It is family-run, clean, and comfortable.
Turkey itinerary day 6: Chasing the Lycian Empire at Xanthos, Letoon and beyond
Today is a day full of archaeological sites, five in total, in the Aegean Region of Turkey. I do suggest skipping some depending on your interest and the speed you go through them. The ancient Lycian city Xanthos is a must, and the nearby Letoon spiritual center as well. These, and Patara where I stayed, are a must-see for any western Turkey itinerary. They are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The other two, Pinara and Tlos, are a great addition for their unique tombs. Let’s have a closer look at each one and why they are so unique.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP: If you want to extend your trip, in summer, I recommend staying another night at the Flower Hotel in Patara. You can do a great beach day from there and visit Patara on the same day so that it can skipped on the day of departure.
Patara half day trip
Patara, an ancient city of significance, held a pivotal role in Lycian history. Established as a prominent port and trading hub, it flourished economically and culturally. Notably, it was the birthplace of St. Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus. Patara’s political influence extended as it served as the capital of the Lycian League, showcasing its strategic importance in the ancient world.
Its ruins unveil a rich tapestry of history, reflecting its former grandeur and legacy. I was at the entrance at 08:00 AM and was the sole visitor for the whole hour I was there. There are various buildings which I quickly explored, like the theatre, bathhouses, and other minor structures. I was mainly interested in the assembly as this is truly unique for the democratic Lycian Empire. Each of the 23 city-states had votes, long before the Greeks invented democracy. Also notable is the arch and the tombs next to it. If there is water near the colonnade street, make sure to make a nice mirror image. I was back at the Flower Hotel at 9:15 AM for breakfast and on the road at 10:00 AM heading for Xanthos.
Xanthos & Letoon day trip
Xanthos, notable for its Lycian League ties, boasted multilingual inscriptions on its famed obelisk. The city’s tombs, hewn into the rock, reflect Lycia’s unique funerary traditions. Amidst invasions, Xanthos fiercely defended its freedom, a testament to its valor and resilience. Today, its ruins echo tales of ancient strife and Lycian heritage. What is left is not much, to be honest: a Roman street, theater, and church. The notable Lycian remains are tombs and a copy of the obelisk, of which the original is in the British Museum. These tombs and obelisk are magnificent. After 45 minutes, I had seen all.
Next up is Letoon, just 5 minutes away by car. Letoon was a sacred site with a temple dedicated to Leto, mother of Apollo and Artemis. Inscriptions in three languages adorned its walls, reflecting its cultural significance. There is also, yet again, a theatre, of which I honestly got an overdose from. Every single site had one, so I kind of had a quick look and went further to the temples. There are three temples in a row with a pond in front, but later civilizations built over it. Letoon was the spiritual center of the Lycian Empire. Although a small site today, it is a must-see.
Half day visit Pitara and Tlos
As I mentioned above, there are a few options to extend this Western Turkey itinerary, and this part would fit best. In February it’s not so much beach time, so I simply continued to Pinara. Patara features impressive tombs reflecting Lycian burial customs. Carved into rock, these tombs offer insights into ancient funerary practices. Their architectural intricacy and cultural importance highlight Patara’s role as a significant center of Lycian civilization. From the parking, it’s a 10-minute climb up to the rocks. These carved tombs are real gems. You will notice the most amazing one directly; from there, make sure to go left quite a bit to see more. I then descended back to the road, had a quick distance look at the theatre, and went to Tlos. It should be around 1:30 PM now if you follow my Turkey road trip itinerary the way I did.
Tlos boasts remarkable tombs that speak to Lycia’s funerary traditions. Carved into the rock, these tombs showcase intricate architectural details and cultural significance. As a testament to Tlos’ prominence in Lycian civilization, these ancient burial sites stand as enduring symbols of the city’s rich heritage. Again, I focused on the Lycian tombs, they are true gems. The Ottoman fort at the top was built by an important Ottoman as a private residence and used material from the ancient site. I just had a quick look at, again, a theater, arena, and baths. It was about 3 PM when I left and drove all the way to Selcuk where Ephesus is located. I stopped for dinner in Aydin at Özmenderes Pide. Amazing food and so affordable. In Selcuk, I stayed at Ephesus Center Hotel, which is basic but with such friendly staff. For a night or two, a perfect place. One of the longest days of this Western Turkey itinerary but so worth it.
Turkiye itinerary day 7: Ephesus day trip & its epic Roman ruins plus a visit to Sardis
Ephesus, in my opinion the best Roman site of this western Turkey itinerary, was an ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia. Established around 10th century BCE, it flourished as a major trading hub and cultural center, reaching its peak during the Roman period. Renowned for the library and theater but also the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
It was just a 5-minute drive from my hotel, Ephesus Center Hotel, to the Temple of Artemis. As there is practically nothing left, it was a short visit of just 10 minutes. But, when visiting the Aegean Region of Turkey a must see.
Ephesus UNESCO day trip
Ephesus itself is a few minutes away from the Temple of Artemis. The site is huge but easy to grasp as it’s basically a loop you will walk. If you visit in the morning do not go first to the theater but straight to the library. The Ephesus Library is a gem of Roman architecture. It dates to the 2nd century AD and once housed more than a thousand scrolls. Today it’s most famous for its impressive decorated facade. I recommend admiring it for at least 5-10 minutes so it imprints in your brain.
Now take the old Roman Curetes Road, or Marble Road, up to the upper agora or marketplace. You will see various buildings, gates, and temples along the way. Next to the agora is also the Odeon, or music hall. To get all the way here exploring everything takes 90 minutes to 2 hours. From there it’s almost the same way back except the visit to the huge theater. This western Turkey itinerary includes quite some theaters but the one at Ephesus is magnificent. It is huge and very well preserved.
After my visit to Ephesus I made a short stop at the Ephesus Museum which is nice but I didn’t see any wow objects. The idea was to drive to Izmir and have the afternoon there but I changed my plans to go to Sardis Ancient City still the same day. It would mean a full day, partially relaxing, in Izmir the next day. It was about a 90-minute drive to Sardis Ancient City from Ephesus and I arrived there around 2:30 PM. The site is small so there was enough time left.
Sardis half day trip
Sardis, an ancient city of great historical significance, was renowned for its wealth and cultural achievements. As the capital of the Lydian Kingdom, it thrived as a center of trade and innovation. Notably, it was where coinage was first minted, revolutionizing commerce. Sardis played a pivotal role in the Persian Wars, falling to Cyrus the Great in 546 BCE. Later, it became part of the Hellenistic world under Alexander the Great’s conquests and eventually came under Roman rule.
CHANGE ITINERARY: I visited Sardis on this 7th day of my planned Turkey road trip itinerary. After having done the road trip I must say that it could be done also on the 8th day as a half day trip from Izmir. It depends if you want a very long 7th day and a relaxing 8th day or both days more easy going.
The site is small with just the gymnasium and synagogue and some baths, walls, and other smaller buildings left. The synagogue has a beautiful mosaic floor. It’s quite impressive. The gymnasium has its full facade left with lots of sculptures and bas reliefs. I really enjoyed the state of it and just this facade is worth visiting. Nearby is another Temple of Artemis which is worth a stop for 30 minutes as well. All in all, it was a good choice to visit the place on this 7th day of my western Turkey itinerary.
On my way to Izmir I stopped at Baska Kasap Steakhouse. Their meat is so tasty! I finally arrived at the Marriott Izmir hotel just past 7 PM due to traffic. A bit late but alright.
Turkey itinerary day 8: Izmir city tour
Izmir is located on the Aegean Sea coast and a lively port city. It is a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site but honestly I didn’t find any outstanding universal value in the city.
Originally founded by Aeolians in the 11th century BCE and later settled by Ionians, Izmir, known as Smyrna, became a key trade and cultural center in antiquity. Destroyed by the Lydians in the 7th century BCE, it was rebuilt in the 4th century BCE, possibly under Alexander the Great. Under Roman and Byzantine rule, it flourished and became an early Christian hub. Incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, it evolved into a cosmopolitan city. In the early 20th century, it faced significant conflicts and a devastating fire in 1922, leading to major demographic changes.
As I already saw Sardis the previous day I had plenty of time in Izmir. I opted to make it an easy day. After breakfast I headed to the Konak Square first to see the clock tower and mosque. From there I walked the southern parts of the old souks to Smyrna historical site. The place where Izmir was founded. It was not huge, and a part of it was under reconstruction so after 45 minutes I went back into the souks. In the souks I visited various mosques, explored all the small streets and finally had a good lunch.
After lunch, I just went back to the Marriott Hotel Izmir to relax a bit and in the evening I walked the corniche. A lot of people were out in the evening, and it was a very pleasant atmosphere.
Turkiye itinerary day 9: Izmir to Assos with a Pergamon day trip
There are a few days left of this western Turkey itinerary so it’s time to hit the road again, first part of the day is still in the Aegean Region of Turkey. This day will go north to the Marmara Region of Turkey via the Pergamon archaeological site until finally to Assos for the night. I did a 45-minute detour to Ayvalik as well as the industrial olive oil landscape is on Turkey’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage List but will not include it on this western Turkey itinerary as it was not interesting. I departed the Izmir Marriott Hotel at 09:00 and arrived at the Pergamon Acropolis around 10:30. I recommended to start at the top.
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Pergamon day trip
Pergamon’s acropolis was a fortified citadel boasting architectural marvels and cultural significance. Dominating the landscape, its crown jewel was the Great Altar of Zeus, a colossal structure adorned with intricate friezes depicting mythological battles. Nearby stood the imposing Temple of Athena, a testament to the city’s religious devotion. The Library of Pergamon, rivaling Alexandria’s famed collection, housed thousands of scrolls and attracted scholars from far and wide. As the heart of intellectual and artistic pursuits, Pergamon’s acropolis symbolized the city’s grandeur and influence in the ancient world.
To explore the Acropolis of Pergamon one has two options. You can drive all the way up and walk down, then take the cable car back up, or do it the other way around. I decided to only explore the upper part as the remainder would be a bit more of the same and mostly just foundations. The fortifications and walls are well preserved but the temple is the best. It has some columns preserved and also a part of stones on top. The theater is located just next to it and built on the hillside. It’s a huge theater but I didn’t walk all the way down as the view from the top was already amazing. After an hour or two I drove down to the Red Hall Basilica.
Other must-see places in Pergamon
The Red Hall Basilica in Pergamon was a monumental Roman structure dating back to the 2nd century AD. Its impressive red brick walls and grand architecture showcased the city’s prosperity and importance as a center of commerce and culture. It has, of course, a separate entrance fee but worth it. There is a beautiful restored statue with Egyptian motifs. The basilica is completely in red bricks but big parts were completely covered in marble. It is an impressive building. After 40 minutes I drove to the Asklepieion with a stop at the Maltepe Tumulus which is a burial place.
The Asklepieion in Pergamon was a sacred sanctuary dedicated to the healing god Asclepius. Renowned for its therapeutic baths, temples, and medical facilities, it attracted pilgrims seeking physical and spiritual rejuvenation, reflecting Pergamon’s reputation as a center for healing and wellness. There is also a theater of course but the other structures are very interesting. Next to the temple there are remains of the baths, an underground tunnel from the dorms to the healing place and many other interesting remains. Visiting the Asklepieion in Pergamon was interesting to see how medicine was practiced. This experience was further enriched when compared to the Ottoman Medical Center in Edirne, which is scheduled on the last day of this western Turkey itinerary.
Early afternoon I departed Pergamon towards Assos. As mentioned I made a quick stop in Ayvalik, which is not worth it. In Küçukkuyu I stopped for dinner at Biyer Ocakbaşı. Their kebabs are amazing and for a change it was possible to pair a beer with the food. It was still a 45-minute drive to Assos where I stayed at the Assos Akropol Pension. Super friendly staff, great room and I finished the day with a glass of wine overlooking Assos Roman Site.
Turkey itinerary day 10: Assos tour and a Troy day trip
It is time to hit the road early on this 10th day of this western Turkey itinerary. I’ll add two options for this western part of the Marmara region depending on your interest. After breakfast I started to explore the Assos archaeological site at 9 AM. It’s a tentative UNESCO site and quite impressive but I only explored the top as I wanted to visit the World War I monuments at Çanakkale on my way to Edirne as well. If that is not your thing you have time to explore also the lower parts of Assos. Its well-preserved ruins, including the Temple of Athena at the top, stand as testaments to its rich history and cultural significance.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP: This 10th day is a very long day because it goes from Assos all the way to Erdine with various stops. Near Assos there are beaches and, especially in summer, I recommend adding an additional night in Assos. The extra day you can do an Assos half day trip in the morning and relax at the beach the rest of the day.
Assos half day trip
Assos, an ancient city, flourished in the 6th century BCE as a prosperous Greek colony. Renowned for its philosophical and scientific contributions, it was home to the philosopher Aristotle and his school, where he developed his ethical theories. Strategically located overlooking the Aegean Sea, Assos thrived as a maritime trading hub and played a role in various historical events, including the Persian Wars.
The site is pleasant but after having seen so many Greek and Roman sites the stroll at the top was enough for me. The views at the top are amazing. I was back at Assos Akropol Pension at 10 AM and packed everything and drove to Troy Archaeological Site which is an hour away.
Troy day trip
I first visited the Troy museum but to be honest it did not impress me. Visiting the Troy Archaeological site around 12:00 is great as most groups are going to leave for lunch. Troy is a must-add to any Turkey itinerary as it’s an important place. We all know about the Trojan horse, whose name is still used today for Trojan viruses on computers. The site is not huge and mainly layered foundations remain but for sure worth its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Troy, the legendary city immortalized in Homer’s epic poem “The Iliad,” is a symbol of ancient warfare and heroism. The Trojan War, fought over Helen of Troy, captivated the ancient world and has inspired countless works of art and literature. Archaeological excavations have uncovered layers of the city, revealing a complex urban center with evidence of multiple occupations spanning millennia. The discovery of Troy sparked debates among scholars and historians, shaping our understanding of Bronze Age civilizations and the epic tales that continue to captivate imaginations today.
Once you start walking around the foundations, I walked clockwise but I suggest to walk counterclockwise having been there. You will see all the various layers from Troy 1 to Troy 9. I really enjoyed seeing all these cities being built on top of each other. What you will also see is that the first excavations by Heinrich Schliemann were not done correctly. Heinrich Schliemann’s 19th-century excavation of Troy, though controversial, unearthed significant artifacts. His methods were criticized for their destructiveness, highlighting the importance of responsible archaeological practices in preserving cultural heritage.
It is a bit sad to see what he did but that’s what happened and cannot be changed. A visit doesn’t take long, just over an hour is enough. The drive to Edirne, where this 10th day of this western Turkey itinerary ends is still 3 hours but I wanted to visit the World War I monuments of the Çanakkale peninsula.
Çanakkale ultra fast visit
In the city of Çanakkale take the ferry to the other side of the water. It’s much faster than driving around. Then set your GPS to the Çanakkale War Museum on the west side of the Peninsula. Just past it take the circle road on the right which will take you along the major cemeteries and other WWI heritage. You will end up back at the museum for a visit there.
The Gallipoli Campaign in Çanakkale during World War I was a pivotal moment in history, showcasing Ottoman resistance against Allied forces. The fierce battles resulted in significant casualties on both sides and left a lasting impact on national identities and military strategy in the region.
I must say that a visit to the Çanakkale (Dardanelles) and Gelibolu (Gallipoli) Battle Zones in the First World War which are a tentative UNESCO site is worthwhile if it interests you. As I visited WWI memorial sites in France and Belgium a while back I wanted to compare. I do not regret going as I did learn about WWI battles there. From there I drove straight to the Rüstempaşa Kervansaray Hotel in Edirne. I highly recommend this hotel as it’s located in a beautiful ancient Ottoman building.
Turkiye itinerary day 11: Edirne day trip with Selimiye mosque
After a delicious breakfast it was just a 5-minute walk to the Selimiye Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Selimiye Mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture built by renowned architect Mimar Sinan in the 16th century. Its grand dome and towering minarets symbolize the zenith of Ottoman artistic and engineering achievement, showcasing the empire’s cultural and religious significance during that era. Unfortunately it’s still undergoing major renovations so I was back at the hotel in just over an hour but it was still worth going.
After I checked out of the hotel I drove to the Complex of Bayezid II. The Complex of Bayezid II, constructed in the late 15th century, stands as a testament to Ottoman architectural prowess and royal patronage. Comprising a mosque, hospital, madrasa, and medical school, it served as a hub for education, healthcare, and religious worship, reflecting the empire’s multifaceted cultural and social advancements.
I was quite impressed by the complex and to learn how advanced the Ottoman Empire was in medicine at that time. In Europe, where I live, we kind of forgot everything during the Middle Ages. The site is not huge but the museum takes a bit of time. I finished at 2 PM which was great as the drive to Istanbul would be about 3 hours.
Turkey itinerary day 12-13: Istanbul city trip
The final two days of this two-week Western Turkey itinerary ends in Istanbul. You can also start with these two days of course. I actually didn’t visit Istanbul this trip as I had visited before. I will cover Istanbul in a separate article.
Istanbul is a city rich in history and culture, boasts iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture turned museum, and the Blue Mosque, famous for its stunning blue tiles and grand domes. The Topkapi Palace offers a glimpse into Ottoman opulence, while the bustling Grand Bazaar beckons with its labyrinthine alleys filled with treasures. The Bosphorus Strait provides a scenic backdrop, connecting Europe and Asia.
Turkiye itinerary day 14: Departure
Every trip comes to an end and so did this epic western Turkey road trip. I had plenty of “wow” moments this trip which is a good sign. At the end there was a bit of an overdose on Roman Archaeological sites but still each one was remarkable. I also enjoyed the Ottoman Sites a lot which I wasn’t sure of before I went. The food, the friendly people and all the magnificent places made this road trip very memorable.
As I do not like early flights I booked a late morning flight back home. I had a good breakfast at the Sheraton Hotel Istanbul and headed to the airport. The Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is horrible, and I will try to avoid this at future trips at all cost. Arriving is fine, but departure is too crowded and just horrible.
I hope you enjoyed reading my experience in Western Turkey and that this itinerary helps you plan your trip. There is of course much more to see than just the Aegean and Marmara region so I do need to return.
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Gallery
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