Turkish Odyssey: From the Shores of the Bosphorus to the Ruins of Troy

Day one of your journey will be dedicated to exploring İstanbul — a city that served as the capital of four empires: Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Latin. Here, you can immerse yourself in centuries of history, admire architectural landmarks, and experience the unique charm of the East.

On the first day, you can visit the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, which for centuries was the main shrine of the Christian world before becoming a mosque. The cathedral is renowned for its size and decoration, featuring both Christian mosaics and Muslim panels with Arabic calligraphy. Next, you can see the The Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and 260 windows that create a mesmerizing play of light inside.

Afterward, head to the Topkapi Palace Museum, the residence of Ottoman sultans, where you can explore the treasury, harem, and other fascinating exhibits. We also recommend visiting Dolmabahçe Palace —he opulent residence of the last Ottoman sultans, built in the Baroque style. End your day with a stroll to the Galata Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city.

If you decide to extend your stay in Istanbul for another 1−2 days, you’ll have time to visit Laleli , a bustling trade district where you can find all kinds of goods at affordable prices. You can also explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets, offering souvenirs, carpets, spices, and more. Another option is Miniaturk, featuring miniature replicas of Turkey’s landmarks. Additionally, you can take a Bosphorus cruise, visit the Basilica Cistern, Great Palace Mosaics Museum and other fascinating sites.

The second day of your journey will begin with a transfer from Istanbul to Bursa. Bursa, located near the Sea of Marmara, is Turkey’s fourth largest city and the first capital of the Ottoman state. The city is famous for its architectural monuments, many of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as its rich history dating back centuries. Bursa is often called "Green Bursa" due to its abundance of parks and gardens, as well as being surrounded by picturesque forests.

Today you will visit the Green Mosque and Green Tomb — some of the city’s main attractions, known for their exquisite architecture and green faience decoration. Then you will head to the Ulu Cami Bursa Grand Mosque, built in the 14th century, which impresses with its size and 20 domes, each of which, according to legend, was built in honor of the sultan’s promise to erect 20 mosques. We also recommend visiting the Muradiye Mosque, built in the 15th century and part of a large complex that includes a madrasa, hospital and soup kitchen for the poor. Stop by Bursa Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts found during excavations in the vicinity of Bursa.

If time permits, visit the Koza Han, silk market where you can buy silk products that Bursa is famous for. Also check out Cumalikizik Village (UNESCO), included in the UNESCO World Heritage List — here you can see traditional Ottoman-era houses and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an ancient Turkish settlement. If you’re traveling in winter, you can visit the Uludağ Zirve, located near Bursa.

On the third day of your journey, you’ll arrive in the city of Afyonkarahisar, whose name translates as "Black Opium Fortress." Perched at an elevation of over 1,000 meters above sea level and surrounded by picturesque mountains, the city boasts a rich history dating back to the Hittite era, along with thermal springs and — as its name suggests — opium production for pharmaceutical use.
The city’s most prominent landmark is a 226-meter-high rock crowned by Afyonkarahisar Castle, originally built during the Hittite period. The summit offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Today you’ll also visit the Afyonkarahisar Archaeological Museum, housing an extensive collection of artifacts unearthed in regional excavations.
Beyond historical sites, Afyonkarahisar is renowned for its thermal springs. Several spa resorts near the city offer therapeutic mineral baths. We also recommend exploring the ruins of the Phrygian Valley, an ancient settlement dating to the 6th century BC located in the outskirts of Afyonkarahisar.

On the fourth day of your journey, you’ll visit Pamukkale, which translates from Turkish as "Cotton Castle." This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its unique natural formations—snow-white terraces created by mineral salt deposits from hot springs.
Today, you’ll explore the famous Travertines of Pamukkalea cascade of terraced pools adorned with gleaming white calcium deposits. You can walk barefoot along these terraces, enjoying the warm mineral waters and breathtaking views. You’ll also see the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, located adjacent to Pamukkale. Founded in the 2nd century BC, Hierapolis served as a resort where Roman nobility bathed in therapeutic springs.
Another highlight is Cleopatra Antique Pools, an ancient mineral water pool surrounded by the remnants of Roman columns. Legend has it that the Egyptian queen Cleopatra herself bathed in these waters.

The fifth day of your journey will take you to Ephesus Ancient City — one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ephesus was founded in the 10th century BCE and reached its peak during the Roman period, becoming one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire.
Today you will visit the famous The Temple of Artemis, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although little remains of the temple, its history and scale are awe-inspiring. You will also see the Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre — one of the largest ancient theaters, seating up to 25,000 spectators. The theater is remarkably well-preserved, and from its upper tiers you can enjoy views of the ancient city.
Walk along the marble road connecting the Library of Celsus this was one of the main streets of ancient Ephesus, lined with shops and houses of citizens. Visit the Terrace Houses of Ephesus — residential buildings adorned with beautifully preserved mosaics and frescoes. Explore the Ancient Greek Agora — the central square where commerce thrived and important state affairs were conducted, as well as the Prytaneion, where the city council met. See the Hercules Gate leading to Curetes Street, and if interested, peek into the building believed to be an ancient public house

Near Ephesus lies the House of Virgin Mary — where, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary spent her final years. Today a chapel stands here, visited by pilgrims from around the world. Visiting this holy site could be a meaningful way to conclude your day.

On the sixth day of your journey, you will arrive in İzmir— Turkey's third largest city, situated on the Aegean coast. Known in antiquity as Smyrna, Izmir is a modern metropolis with a rich history stretching back centuries.
Today you will visit the Izmir Archaeological and Ethnography Museum, housing an extensive collection of artifacts unearthed during regional excavations. The museum displays items spanning various eras from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period.
After the museum, take a stroll around Ataturk Konak Square — the city’s central plaza featuring the iconic Clock Tower of İzmir, built in the early 20th century and serving as one of Izmir’s most recognizable landmarks. Explore the Alsancak district with its historic streets, shops, and cafes housed in Ottoman-era buildings.
We also recommend visiting Kadifekale — the hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of the city and Izmir Bay.

The seventh day of your journey will take you to the Ancient City of Troy — the legendary city immortalized in Homer’s epic poem "The Iliad." Located in northwestern Turkey, Troy was long considered mythical until amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann uncovered its ruins in the 19th century.
Today you’ll visit the Troy Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can see remnants of city walls, gates, temples, and houses spanning different historical periods from the Early Bronze Age to Roman times. While Schliemann’s Troy doesn’t perfectly match Homer’s descriptions, walking through these legend-shrouded ruins leaves a profound impression.
Near the archaeological site stands a reconstruction of the Trojan Horse. In nearby Çanakkale, you’ll encounter another famous horse — the massive Trojan Horse Statue donated to the city after the filming of the 2004 movie "Troy," now one of Çanakkale's symbols.
The Troy Museum, located close to the ancient site, displays artifacts excavated from the city, including part of "Priam's Treasure" found by Schliemann. The exhibits provide insight into Trojan culture across different historical eras.
Excavations continue at nearby Alexandria Troas, where the Temple of Apollo Smintheus has already been uncovered. Future plans include combining Alexandria Troas and Troy into a single archaeological park.

On the eighth day of your journey, you’ll arrive in Tekirdağ — a city on the northern shore of the Sea of Marmara. Once part of ancient Thrace, Tekirdağ is now a charming seaside town with rich history and winemaking traditions.
Today you can stroll along the Tekirdağ Sahil waterfront, enjoying views of the Sea of Marmara. The promenade is lined with cafes and restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood.
We recommend visiting the Tekirdağ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, displaying artifacts from regional excavations along with exhibits about Thracian culture.
Near Tekirdağ stands the Rákóczi Museum, the former estate of Hungarian Prince Francis II Rákóczi who lived here in exile during the 18th century. The museum recreates his living quarters and displays items related to his life and Hungary’s independence struggle.
Tekirdağ is also renowned for winemaking. Numerous wineries in the surrounding area offer tastings and insights into local wine production.

The ninth day of your journey marks your return to Istanbul, where your adventure began. The drive from Tekirdağ to Istanbul takes approximately 2−3 hours, bringing you back to this magnificent city straddling the Bosphorus shores. We recommend departing early to avoid traffic congestion and ensure timely arrival for your flight.
Upon reaching Istanbul, you’ll return your motorhome to the rental company.