Free road trip, from Istanbul to Bodrum

This morning, you take possession of your rental vehicle, the starting point of your self-guided itinerary.

You then take the road, then the ferry, towards Bursa, a city located at the foot of the Mount Uludağ massif and former capital of the Ottoman Empire. Known for its green spaces and peaceful atmosphere, it invites you to discover the oriental way of life. Founded over 2200 years ago, it presents a historical and architectural heritage blending Persian, Seljuk and Byzantine influences.

Among the visits, you can discover the upper town, still marked by its Roman and Byzantine fortifications, as well as the Muradiye Complex (Muradiye Külliyesi), which brings together a mosque, a madrasa and the first necropolis of the Ottoman imperial family.

To the east, you observe the tiles of the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, created by craftsmen from Tabriz.

Your discovery continues in the bazaar and its caravanserais.

Early morning departure towards the Gallipoli Peninsula (Gelibolu Yarımadası), a site marked by the Battle of the Dardanelles during World War I, opposing Ottoman troops to Allied forces.

Located on the northern shore of the Dardanelles Strait, the peninsula is connected to Thrace and requires a short ferry crossing.

You will visit the sites of Eceabat, Alçıtepe and Seddülbahir, which bear witness to the significant events of this period.

Car and ferry journey to the city of Çanakkale.

From there, short transfer to your hotel located by the sea in Güzelyalı, south of the city.

Dinner and overnight stay.

In the morning, you visit the site of the ancient Troy Archaeological Site (Truva), a historical and legendary city mentioned by Homer, whose account of the Trojan War is related in the Iliad.

In the 4th century BC, the army of Alexander the Great halted at this site after crossing the Dardanelles Strait, during its advance toward Persia.

You then continue on the road towards Bergama (Pergame), in the Izmir province, on the site of the Ancient City of Pergamee, whose occupation dates back over 2700 years.

Organized on several levels connected by staircases, the city was punctuated with terraces and viewpoints. Its important library, located on the acropolis, made it a major center of knowledge.

Visit of the site followed by a hike through the city.

Dinner and night in Pergame.

You continue your journey south and, after crossing Izmir, you arrive at Selçuk, gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, capital of the Roman province of Asia.

This city, which had approximately 250,000 inhabitants at its peak, preserves many remains of monuments built under various emperors.

It was here that the construction of the Temple of Artemis began in the 6th century BC, considered one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Dedicated to the Greek goddess of hunting, animals and fertility, this temple was the largest in the ancient Mediterranean, with dimensions greater than those of the Parthenon. Today, only its foundations and a single column remain.

You discover the site of Ephesus (Efes) during a guided walking tour (approximately 2h30), which allows you to explore its main remains and better understand the organization and history of this ancient city.

You continue your journey south and make a stop at the sites of the ancient Greco-Roman cities of Priene, which you take time to discover.

On the way to Milet and visit of the ancient city.

About twenty kilometers south of Milet, Didymes houses the Temple of Apollo, which you will discover during your visit.

You then head northeast towards the Lake Bafa, formerly a bay still connected to the Aegean Sea 2200 years ago, gradually isolated by the alluvial deposits of the Meander river.

Today classified as a natural park, the site is set in an environment marked by Mount Latmos (1375 m) and is home to various bird and fish species. The surrounding massif contains numerous caves, in which rock paintings dating back approximately 11,000 years have been discovered.

The port of Heraclea of Latmos (Kapıkırı), founded nearly 3000 years ago, experienced significant commercial activity before the silting of the bay led to its decline.

In the 7th century, monks fleeing the Sinai settled in these mountains, leaving behind fortified monasteries, convents and Byzantine paintings visible in certain caves.

Arrival in the village of Kapıkırı and ancient Heraclea of Latmos and check-in at your lakeside hotel.

You discover a peaceful rural life, dictated by local activities and local products (olive oil, mountain herbs, fresh fish, milk, honey, garden produce…).

Dinner and overnight stay on site.

Last car journey to Bodrum Airport, where you return your rental vehicle before boarding your return flight.

Have a good trip!