Embark on an 8-day self-drive adventure through Turkey, starting and finishing in Antalya, as you explore the country’s stunning landscapes and rich history. Begin by traveling along the Mediterranean coast to Alanya and Side, where you’ll discover ancient ruins and beautiful beaches. Continue through the charming coastal towns of Silifke and Kizkalesi, then head inland to the captivating region of Cappadocia, famous for its unique rock formations and underground cities. Drive through the scenic Taurus Mountains to the historic city of Konya, known for its Sufi heritage, before returning to Antalya, completing a memorable journey filled with diverse cultural experiences and breathtaking scenery.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Antalya: Known as centre of the Turkish Riviera, a vibrant modern city with beautiful city beaches, surrounded by the Taurus Mountains with a historic, picturesque old town around the old harbour. There are many impressive historical legacies of past civilisations in the surrounding area such as Perge, Aspendos, Phaselis and Thermessos.
Alanya: a vibrant coastal city on the Mediterranean coast, known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and lively atmosphere. Dominated by a medieval castle perched on a rocky peninsula, Alanya offers a blend of sun, sea, and culture, with attractions like the Red Tower, ancient shipyards, and the Damlatas Caves.
Cappadocia: The Ancient region in central Anatolia, situated on the rugged plateau north of the Taurus Mountains, in the centre of present-day Turkey, boasts a lunar landscape and early Christian churches carved out of volcanic rock.
Day 1: ARRIVAL ANTALYA (20km – 30min)
Upon arrival at Antalya airport pick up your car and drive to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city.
Overnight in Antalya.
Day 2: ANTALYA – ALANYA (150km – 2.5hrs)
Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel. Check out and drive via Aksu, Serik and Manavgat to the Alanya area. On the way you can visit the ancient city of Perge and with a short side trip the Kurşunlu waterfalls. Near the main road you can easily find the way to Aspendos, an ancient Roman amphitheater where events like concerts, operas, and theater performances still take place today. A must stop is also the charming old town of Side with the nearby ancient city/excavations situated idyllically on a headland. Then drive on to the hotel in the Alanya area.
Overnight in Alanya.
Day 3: ALANYA – KIZKALESI (280km – 4.5hrs)
After your breakfast visit the city of Alanya with the magnificent castle hill (Kale) or stop at Kleopatra Beach. Then continue the coastal road towards Gazipaşa and Anamur. The banana fields along the road and the serpentines to Anamur guarantee great views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountain ranges of the Taurus. Right on the main road on the outskirts of Anamur is the Mamure castle. Also, have a stop in Silifke, a Turkish city at the Göksu river before driving to the hotel in Kizkalesi. In the region, worth visiting is the Cennet – Cehennem caves, a pair of subterranean caves featuring in many Greek legends with a more modern underground chapel near Narlikuyu or Adamkayalar (men of Rock). It is an archaeological heritage with unique reliefs in the Devil's Creek Valley in the Erdemli district of Mersin. Kiz Kalesi, the Maiden’s Castle is an Island archaeological site, home to the imposing ruins of a 12th-century Byzantine castle and a popular photo spot.
Overnight in Kizkalesi.
Day 4: KIZKALESI – CAPPADOCIA (337km – 4hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Cappadocia via Tarsus. On the route visit the Gumusler Monastery and one of the underground cities; Dernkuyu Underground City, Kaymaklı Underground City and Mazi Underground City. Then drive to Cappadocia and check in to your hotel. Cappadocia is a volcanically shaped landscape and is located in the centre of Turkey. In addition to the impressive landscapes and the different valleys, Cappadocia is also known for its numerous early Christian sites and churches. Wine growing is also part of the cultural heritage of this region.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 5: CAPPADOCIA
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and get ready to explore Cappadocia. Visit the open-air museum Goreme with its cave churches. Then hike through the valleys of Cappadocia (routes easy to moderately difficult).
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 6: CAPPADOCIA
After breakfast another day discovering Cappadocia through the "moon landscape". Visit the rustic village Soganli and the famous Red Valley as well as the most famous pottery town "Avanos". Visit Ihlara Valley, Belirsima Valley and the small village Belirsame and Bezirhane or all the other interesting, astonishing places such as Zelve, Imagination Valley, Rose Valley, Pidgeon Valley, Love Valley, Three Beauties, Uchisar castle, Cavusin.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 7: CAPPADOCIA – ANTALYA (508km – 6hrs)
After breakfast, drive through the Anatolian plateau and later through the impressive Taurus Mountains to Antalya via Konya. En route, take a short break to see Salt Lake (Tuz Golu), visit Sultanhani Caravanserai, and visit the Mevlana Rumi Museum in Konya. Arrive in Antalya and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Antalya.
Day 8: DEPARTURE ANTALYA (20km – 30min)
Enjoy one last breakfast before checking out and driving back to the Antalya Airport to return your car.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Turkey, though a warm jumper and jacket are advisable in the cooler months. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
