13-Day Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Erzurum to Trabzon, Rize, Amasya, Goreme, and Sivas

Day 2 of your road trip across Turkey promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Erzurum. You have 1 night left in Erzurum. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Catch Three Kümbets before the crowds roll in. This photogenic monument is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the stunning features of Double Minaret Madrasa, a must-visit monument in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Erzurum Ulu Camii, a frequently visited mosque. For a change of scene, check out Erzurum Castle, known for its breathtaking features. We also recommend visiting Yakutiye Madrasa. This historical landmark is a must for anyone looking to experience the city to the fullest. Lastly, end your day with a visit to Atatürk House, yet another curiosity-inducing attraction in Erzurum.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Turkey. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Erzurum is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Erzurum.

Dine in style at Old Erzurum Houses, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Dicleli Pide boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Coffee Time Terminal. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Erzurum.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Turkey!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Uzungöl, Çamoba, and Trabzon. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Trabzon, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Uzungöl. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 27 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Uzungöl is Uzungöl, a captivating lake that draws attention for its romantic features.

Çamoba’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Uzungöl behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 36 min. Çamoba welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Trabzon Botanical Garden, a curiosity-inducing botanical garden that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking in Çamoba’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Trabzon. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 9 min. When you arrive in Trabzon, it's time to take a break from the road.

Next, continue your sightseeing at Meydan, a frequently visited public square.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Trabzon, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Trabzon. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Akçaabatlılar Köfte, a highly-rated dining destination in Trabzon. If you're eager to try something different, consider Vira Patisserie & Bistro, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bordo Mavi Balık-Erşan Yılmaz. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Trabzon this evening.

Keep the evening going at Big Yellow Taxi Benzin Cafe, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Barikat Cafe Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Turkey!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Şenköy, Şenyuva, and Ayder. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Rize, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Şenköy, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Trabzon to Şenköy may take around 2 hours 34 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Şenköy, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the day by heading to Fırtına Deresi, a locally appreciated sightseeing destination that draws visitors from near and far.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Şenyuva may take around 15 min. Upon your arrival in Şenyuva, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Şenyuva Bridge and explore the romantic features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Ayder. This drive usually takes around 35 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Gelin Tulu Waterfall is an increasingly popular waterfall we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour to Ayder Plateau, an eye-catching plateau that’s well-regarded in the area.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Rize. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Rize. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely meal at VELİOĞLU BÜFE, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, YAKAMOZ is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Haura Coffee Lounge. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Rize tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Hollywood Cafe Ps 2, where the evening is just getting started.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Turkey!

Day 7 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Amasya has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Amasya.

Check out the intriguing monument, Amasya Clock Tower. Afterward, continue to Amasya Yalıboyu Houses, a historical landmark every traveler should visit. As you explore Amasya’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Next, make your way to Şehzadeler Müzesi. This up-and-coming museum is an essential stop. Following that, head to Hazeranlar Mansion, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Pontic Kings Rock Tombs, a worthwhile archeological site in the city. Finally, end your day with a visit to Amasya Castle, a history-steeped castle that offers the perfect conclusion to your sightseeing of the day.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Turkey. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Amasya. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Tabure Bistro, a top-rated dining destination in Amasya. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Yemen Coffee, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Amaseia Mutfagi. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Amasya this evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Turkey.

On day 9 of your road trip in Turkey, you’ll start and end your day in Goreme, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the village. Since you still have 2 nights to spend in Goreme, there’s no need to rush. Experience Nevşehir, Urgup, and Uçhisar to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Nevşehir is brimming with adventures.

After soaking in Goreme’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Nevşehir. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 17 min. When you arrive in Nevşehir, it's time to take a break from the road.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Devrent Vadisi and explore the romantic features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Upon your arrival in Urgup, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Savor the day by heading to Twin Fairy Chimneys, a frequently visited rock formation that draws visitors from near and far.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Goreme, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Nevşehir. This drive usually takes around 17 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Goreme Historical National Park, an interesting national park known for its UNESCO world heritage-listed features.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Goreme.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Goreme. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at THE HANGOUT, a popular restaurant in Goreme. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Goreme at Turkish Ravioli Restaurant, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Gurme kebab restaurant. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Goreme tonight.

Keep the evening going at M&m, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.

Say good night to Goreme and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Turkey!

On day 10 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Ihlara, Derinkuyu, and Kaymaklı. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Goreme, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Ihlara.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Ihlara. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 16 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Ihlara Valley. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the canyon before you continue to your next stop.

When you’ve had your share of Ihlara, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Derinkuyu. Your travel time is around 46 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Derinkuyu Underground City. Spend some time admiring the heritage-rich features of the cave system before you continue to your next stop.

After soaking in Derinkuyu’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Kaymaklı. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 11 min. When you arrive in Kaymaklı, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Kaymaklı Underground City. Spend some time admiring the photogenic features of the cave system before you continue to your next stop.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Goreme and your accommodation.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Goreme, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Sedef, a top-rated dining spot in Goreme. If you're in the mood for something new, try Topdeck Cave, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Omurca Art Cave. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Goreme.

Head back to your accommodation in Goreme and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Turkey.

On day 11 of your road trip in Turkey, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Sivas are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sivas, where you will stay for 1 night.

After soaking in Goreme’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Sivas. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 3 hours 5 min. When you arrive in Sivas, it's time to take a break from the road.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Sivas State Theater, a curiosity-inducing performing arts theater that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Gök Medrese and admire its culturally significant features.

When you’re ready, continue to Ulu Mosque, a worthwhile mosque beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Çifte Minareli Madrasa, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find İzzettin Keykavus Tomb, a heritage-rich place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Sivas. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Sivas, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Dine in style at Guleryuz Sivas Koftecisi, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Mücahit Etli Pide Ve Lahmacun Salonu boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Aşçıbaşı. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Sivas.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Atölye Nargile, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists.

Say good night to Sivas and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Turkey!