Top 3 Itineraries in Ankara

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Ankara.

If you only have a few days, Ankara weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Ankara offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Ankara are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Ankara’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Ankara offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Turkey's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Ankara truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Ankara belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Ankara are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Ankara and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Ankara itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Ankara for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Ankara without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Ankara!

A scenic 13-day road trip through Ankara, Nevşehir, Göreme, Kaymaklı, and Derinkuyu is one of the best ways to experience Turkey. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 13-day itinerary means that Ankara can easily be combined with other top destinations in Turkey without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Ankara, Nevşehir, Göreme, Kaymaklı, and Derinkuyu by public transport, renting a car in Turkey opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 13 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Ankara

• Arrival city: Çankaya
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Ankara, e.g., The Wings Hotels Neva Palas
• Sightseeing: Kuğulu Park

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Ankara. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Ankara and Altındağ

• Destinations: Ankara and Altındağ
• Driving distance: 28.4 km, approx. 1 hour and 37 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Ankara, e.g., The Wings Hotels Neva Palas
• Sightseeing: Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Haci Bayram Mosque, Ankara Castle, Ulucanlar Prison Museum, and Anıtkabir

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Haci Bayram Mosque, Ankara Castle, Ulucanlar Prison Museum, and Anıtkabir. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Ankara and Altındağ, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Göreme, Kaymaklı, Derinkuyu, Çavuşin, and Nevşehir

• Destinations: Göreme, Kaymaklı, Derinkuyu, Çavuşin, and Nevşehir
• Driving distance: 356.04 km, approx. 4 hours and 14 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Goreme, e.g., Arif Cave Hotel
• Sightseeing: Dark Church, Devrent Vadisi, Derinkuyu Underground City, Kaymakli Underground City, and Paşabağları Müze ve Örenyeri
• Recommended tour: North Cappadocia - Red Route Small Group Tour

Spend the day exploring Dark Church, Devrent Vadisi, Derinkuyu Underground City, Kaymakli Underground City, and Paşabağları Müze ve Örenyeri. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Goreme.

Day 4: Experience Nevşehir and Uçhisar

• Destinations: Nevşehir and Uçhisar
• Driving distance: 27.81 km, approx. 1 hour and 8 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Goreme, e.g., Arif Cave Hotel
• Sightseeing: Pigeon Valley, Goreme Historical National Park, Uchisar Castle, and Love Valley
• Recommended tour: Goreme to North Cappadocia Tour. Guide, Lunch and Transfers incl.

Continue your journey through Nevşehir and Uçhisar, where you can explore Pigeon Valley, Goreme Historical National Park, Uchisar Castle, and Love Valley. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Antalya

• Destinations: Antalya
• Driving distance: 513.58 km, approx. 7 hours and 24 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Antalya, e.g., Concorde De Luxe Resort
• Sightseeing: Duden Park, Yivliminare Mosque, and Karaalioglu Park
• Recommended tour: Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall (sightseeng) excursion, trip, daily.

Drive through Antalya, stopping to visit Duden Park, Yivliminare Mosque, and Karaalioglu Park. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Antalya.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Antalya and Konyaaltı

• Destinations: Antalya and Konyaaltı
• Driving distance: 38.77 km, approx. 1 hour and 8 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Antalya, e.g., Concorde De Luxe Resort
• Sightseeing: Antalya Archaeology Museum, Duden Waterfalls, Konyaaltı Plajları, and Aktur Park
• Recommended tour: Pamukkale Hierapolis and Cleopatra's Pool Tour with lunch from Antalya

Spend time discovering Antalya Archaeology Museum, Duden Waterfalls, Konyaaltı Plajları, and Aktur Park, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Pamukkale

• Destinations: Pamukkale
• Driving distance: 262.7 km, approx. 4 hours and 3 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Denizli, e.g., Hotel Sahin
• Sightseeing: Travertines of Pamukkale, Hierapolis Archaeological Museum, Hierapolis ancient theater, and Pamukkale South Gate

Explore Travertines of Pamukkale, Hierapolis Archaeological Museum, Hierapolis ancient theater, and Pamukkale South Gate at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Denizli.

Day 8: Explore Pamukkale, Geyre, Goncalı, Denizli, and Pamukkale

• Destinations: Pamukkale, Geyre, Goncalı, Denizli, and Pamukkale
• Driving distance: 204.03 km, approx. 3 hours and 17 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Denizli, e.g., Hotel Sahin
• Sightseeing: Kayalik Mosque, Laodicea Ancient City, Natural Park, Müftü Ahmet Hulusi Efendi Camii, and Aphrodisias Ancient City Museum
• Recommended tour: Hierapolis & Pamukkale Tour

Continue your road trip through Pamukkale, Geyre, Goncalı, Denizli, and Pamukkale, enjoying the flexibility to explore Kayalik Mosque, Laodicea Ancient City, Natural Park, Müftü Ahmet Hulusi Efendi Camii, and Aphrodisias Ancient City Museum and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through İzmir, Karabağlar, and Konak

• Destinations: İzmir, Karabağlar, and Konak
• Driving distance: 249.89 km, approx. 3 hours and 50 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Izmir, e.g., Izmir Marriott Hotel
• Sightseeing: Kemeraltı Bazaar, İzmir Historical Elevator Building, Agora of Smyrna, Ataturk Konak Square, and Clock Tower of İzmir
• Recommended tour: Pamukkale Tour from Izmir

Visit Kemeraltı Bazaar, İzmir Historical Elevator Building, Agora of Smyrna, Ataturk Konak Square, and Clock Tower of İzmir as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Izmir.

Day 10: Uncover Selçuk

• Destinations: Selçuk
• Driving distance: 170.93 km, approx. 2 hours and 42 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Izmir, e.g., Izmir Marriott Hotel
• Sightseeing: İsa Bey Mosque, Basilica Of Saint John, Ayasuluk Citadel, The Temple of Artemis, and Virgin Mary Statue
• Recommended tour: Ephesus Tour from Izmir With Buffet Lunch

Continue your exploration of İsa Bey Mosque, Basilica Of Saint John, Ayasuluk Citadel, The Temple of Artemis, and Virgin Mary Statue, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through Bursa

• Destinations: Bursa
• Driving distance: 351.73 km, approx. 3 hours and 44 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bursa, e.g., Holiday Inn Bursa - City Centre
• Sightseeing: Bursa Grand Mosque, Orhan Gazi Mosque, Bursa City Museum, Heykel, and Koza Han

Take in the highlights of Bursa Grand Mosque, Orhan Gazi Mosque, Bursa City Museum, Heykel, and Koza Han, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Bursa.

Day 12: Travel Through Bursa and Osmangazi

• Destinations: Bursa and Osmangazi
• Driving distance: 394.79 km, approx. 5 hours and 25 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Ankara, e.g., The Wings Hotels Neva Palas
• Sightseeing: Bursa Atatürk Museum, Davut Dede Camii, Green Tomb, Bursa Archaeological Museum, and Emir Sultan Mosque

Take the opportunity to explore Bursa Atatürk Museum, Davut Dede Camii, Green Tomb, Bursa Archaeological Museum, and Emir Sultan Mosque, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature. After a day of adventures, check into another conveniently located hotel in Ankara.

Day 13: Bid Farewell to Ankara

• Departure city: Altındağ
• Driving distance: 4.49 km, approx. 12 minutes
• Sightseeing: Independence Park

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Ankara. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1081 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Ankara.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Ankara for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Ankara with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Ankara and Ankara's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Ankara without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Ankara

Arrive in Ankara and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Independence Park.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Livorno Pub is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Ankara's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Ankara by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Haci Bayram Mosque, Ankara Castle, and Ulucanlar Prison Museum.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Ankara. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Ankara in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Ankara

Spend your last few hours in Ankara soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Ankara in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Ankara, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Ankara travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Ankara offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Ankara itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Ankara weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Ankara

Arrive in Ankara around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Kuğulu Park, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Ankara’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Ankara with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Museum of Anatolian Civilizations early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Haci Bayram Mosque, stopping by Ankara Evi Park for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Ankara and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Ankara

Make the most of your last few hours in Ankara before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Ankara. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Ankara itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Ankara, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Ankara for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Ankara in a way that feels truly unforgettable!