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

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Turkey is a country where majestic mountains meet endless seas, and rich history intertwines with unique traditions. Washed by four seas—the Mediterranean, Black, Aegean, and Marmara—Turkey attracts travelers with its diverse natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Here, you can find both ancient ruins of antique cities and modern metropolises with a vibrant atmosphere.

Turkey’s cultural heritage is rich and diverse. This is a country where East meets West, reflected in its architecture, traditions, and art. Turkish cities are famous for their mosques, palaces, and bazaars, while small villages captivate with their authenticity and hospitality. Turkey is not just about fortresses and mosques but also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Turkish cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and variety. In every region, you can taste unique dishes: from kebabs and meze to fresh seafood and sweets like baklava and Turkish delight. Special attention should be paid to Turkish tea and coffee, which are an integral part of local culture, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables found in markets across the country.

Turkey offers plenty of opportunities for active recreation. Depending on the season, you can go snowboarding in the mountains, diving in the Mediterranean Sea, embark on hiking trips in national parks, or explore the underground cities of Cappadocia. Fans of water sports will find ideal conditions along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.
Travel Itinerary
Your journey will begin and end in Istanbul, a city that served as the capital of four empires. You will visit Bursa—the first capital of the Ottoman state, see Afyonkarahisar with its fortress atop a rocky peak, and enjoy the natural beauty of Pamukkale and its snow-white travertines. Next, you will explore the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey’s third-largest city—Izmir, the legendary Troy, and the cozy seaside town of Tekirdağ.

Turkey has several toll highways, especially around Istanbul, but most routes offer free road alternatives. All rental motorhomes have a special sticker on the windshield—toll road usage will be recorded automatically, and you can pay the fees when returning the vehicle to the rental company.
Shopping
Grocery stores and supermarkets in Turkey are available in almost every city and village. Popular supermarket chains include Migros, CarrefourSA, and BİM. In big cities and resorts, supermarkets are open until late evening, while local markets offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products. In smaller settlements, the selection may be more limited, so it’s better to stock up on essentials in advance in larger cities.
Camping
The route includes highly-rated campgrounds with convenient infrastructure for motorhomes. Most campsites require advance booking, especially during peak season, so it’s recommended to reserve spots beforehand. You can also stay at any available campgrounds you come across along the way, as well as at rest stops or near lakes.
Along the route, you’ll find rest areas and parking lots where overnight stays in motorhomes are permitted (except on private properties and in zones with prohibitory signs).
To find free overnight spots, you can use websites like Park4Night and iOverlander, or their dedicated mobile apps. Campgrounds can also be conveniently located using Google Maps.
Water Supply
Turkey has a well-developed infrastructure for motorhomes. You can fill up with clean water at gas stations, campgrounds, car washes, or near mosques in populated areas. Special disposal areas for gray water and waste are available at gas stations and campgrounds.

In most cases, locals are happy to help with water refills if you ask permission to use their garden hose—Turkish people are known for their hospitality.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Turkey has diverse climates depending on the region. The summer months (June to September) are ideal for traveling along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, with temperatures ranging from +25 to +35°C and comfortably warm sea temperatures for swimming. This season offers plenty of sunny days and minimal rainfall. In mountainous areas, it can be slightly cooler, especially at night.
Spring and autumn are perfect for exploring inland Turkey, with milder temperatures (+15 to +25°C) and particularly beautiful scenery.
In winter (December to February), ski resorts open in mountainous regions like Uludağ and Erzurum, while coastal areas become cooler—though still milder than in northern countries. Note that some mountain roads may close due to snow during this season.
General Recommendations
Before your trip, download offline maps and camping apps like Park4Night and iOverlander to easily find places to stop and refuel. In big cities and tourist areas, bank cards are mostly accepted, but in small villages and markets it’s better to have cash. Pay attention to road signs and follow traffic rules. Turkey uses international signs, but instead of the "STOP" sign you may see its equivalent "DUR". Tourist attractions are marked with brown signs.
Bring warm clothes if you're planning to visit mountain areas, even in summer, as temperatures can drop sharply at night. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat and swimwear if you plan to swim. Respect local traditions and nature.
Cleanliness is highly valued in Turkey, especially in natural areas, so follow the "leave no trace" principle. And of course, bargain at markets — it’s part of Turkish culture. Your motorhome charges while driving, so use USB cables and car chargers for your gadgets. This will help you save money at paid campsites where electricity may cost extra.
Remember that a motorhome travels slower than a passenger car, so your journey may take longer than maps show. Enjoy the ride, take your time and make stops wherever you want to spend more time. We’re always available if you need help changing your route.
~ 1562 km, 9-11 days
Istanbul
The first day of your journey you’ll dedicate to exploring Istanbul — a city that served as the capital of four empires: Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Latin. Here you can immerse yourself in centuries of history, see architectural monuments, 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 and later became a mosque. The cathedral is famous for its size and decoration, featuring preserved Christian mosaics alongside Muslim panels with Arabic calligraphy. Next, you’ll see the Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and 260 windows that create a special play of light inside.

Afterwards, you’ll head to Topkapi Palace Museum — the residence of Ottoman sultans, where you can see the treasury, harem, and other interesting exhibits. We also recommend visiting Dolmabahçe Palace — the luxurious residence of the last Ottoman sultans, built in Baroque style. Conclude your day with a walk to Galata Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city.

If you decide to extend your stay in Istanbul by 1−2 days, you’ll have time to visit the Laleli district — a shopping hub where you can find all kinds of goods at affordable prices. Also visit the Grand Bazaar — one of the world’s largest covered markets, where you can buy souvenirs, carpets, spices and other goods. You might also stop by Miniaturk park featuring miniature replicas of Turkey’s landmarks. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to take a Bosphorus cruise, visit the Basilica Cistern, Great Palace Mosaics Museum, and other interesting sites.
Bursa
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.

Get the full version of this route for just €99