Okay, somehow you are around Turkey and have an extra 3 days to spare. What would be the best route to travel in Turkey for these 3 days? This is a question I have been asked many times by my friends. Considering most of them landing in Istanbul and to maximize exposure to different aspects Turkey offers, I have come up with this tentative plan. And actually, I did this route 2 times with 2 friends from India and France and both have loved it. So, here is what I suggest:
- Start from Istanbul Airport and rent a car. Directly drive west to Edirne which is at the border between Turkey and Greece and Bulgaria (so essentially you are staying on the European side). It was the capital of Ottomans before Istanbul so there are lots of Ottoman era historical sites. Eat Edirne liver kebab with hot red pepper. Stay the night at Edirne in one of the historical inns from Ottoman times (e.g. Tashan Inn)
- Edirne is a city in the northwestern region of Turkey. It was the capital of the Ottoman Empire from 1363 to 1453 and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Edirne is home to many notable historical landmarks, such as the Selimiye Mosque, which was built in the 16th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. The city is also known for its traditional Turkish cuisine, including dishes such as Edirne köfte and Edirne tava.
- Next day, start driving south to Dardanelles which is a natural strait separating Europe from Asia. Wait for the automobile ferries (and now the new bridge as well) and cross the strait. This is how we crossed last time:
- Once you cross the strait, you will land in Çanakkale. Çanakkale is a city located in the northwestern region of Turkey, on the shore of the Dardanelles Strait. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, as well as its natural beauty. Çanakkale is home to the Gallipoli Peninsula, which played a significant role in the First World War and is now a popular tourist destination. The city is also close to the ancient city of Troy, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Çanakkale is known for its delicious seafood and its traditional Turkish baths, called hamams.
- You can visit Troy if you want to but timing might not work that well.
- Have lunch in Edirne and start driving further south to Assos. Assos, also known as Behramkale, is an ancient city located in the Çanakkale province of Turkey. It was founded in the 7th century BC and was an important center of learning and philosophy in the ancient world. The city is known for its well-preserved ruins, including the Temple of Athena and the Agora, which were both built in the 4th century BC. Assos is also known for its picturesque setting, with the ruins of the ancient city perched on a hilltop overlooking the Aegean Sea. This is what you will see:
- Find a hotel nearby Assos or drive east for half or one hour to find cheaper deals. Balıkesir would be good place to stay this night. Not expensive and not touristy and it would be really locals only. There are some great restaurants such as Mega Yıldız and also you can visit Zagnos Pasa Mosque from the Ottoman times for the next day before hitting the road to Bursa.
- Drive 1-2 hours eastward to Bursa, another capital of Ottoman Empire in its early times. Bursa is a city located in the northwestern region of Turkey. It is the fourth most populous city in the country and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and is home to many important historical landmarks, such as the Bursa Citadel and the Great Mosque of Bursa. The city is also known for its thermal baths, which have been used for their therapeutic properties since Roman times. Bursa is also an important industrial and commercial center and is known for its production of textiles, cars, and electronics.
- In Bursa, there are many Ottoman and Seljukid era monuments, mosques etc. Definitely, one should eat the original Iskender Kebap from where it was originated.
- You should stay one night here if possible.
- For outdoor lovers, one can go to Mount Uludağ and have lunch/dinner over there as well as a small hike. Over there we were able to climb to the peak but took almost full day to achieve that.
- Uludağ is a mountain located in the Marmara region of Turkey, near the city of Bursa. It is the highest mountain in the region, reaching an elevation of 2,543 meters (8,343 feet). Uludağ is a popular destination for skiing and hiking, and is also known for its thermal springs and hot springs. The mountain has been a national park since 1961 and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species. Uludağ is also a significant cultural and spiritual site for the Turkish people, and is mentioned in many Turkish folktales and legends. Here are clips of our climbs up and down.
- Finally drive to Istanbul from Bursa. There are many things to do there so decide what you want to do. If I had one day, I would go to Blue Mosque area and take a 102 hour ferry tour. Istiklal Street is also nice place to walk.
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