How do you connect the sun-drenched Aegean coast, the thermal pools of Pamukkale, the ancient stone mazes of Mesopotamia, and the wild, rugged borders of Eastern Anatolia into one seamless journey?
When we started our one-year travel adventure, we decided to skip the internal flights and traverse this massive, historically rich country entirely on the ground. By combining regional buses, trains, local minibuses (dolmuş), and spontaneous hitchhiking, we mapped out a deep, slow-travel loop across Turkey (Türkiye).
Whether you are looking for route inspiration or technical transit logistics between obscure regional towns, here is our exact, day-by-day travel timeline across Turkey, packed with every single guide we wrote along the way.
Turkey Overland Route in 2022
Phase 1: Aegean Arrival & The Adventure Begins
Our one-year backpacking journey officially kicks off as we land on Turkish soil straight from the UK.
- ➡ Turkish LCC Pegasus from London to Izmir: Our One Year Trip Has Started!
- ➡ First full day in Turkey
- ➡ First breakfast in Turkey
Phase 2: Thermal Pools & Hidden Greco-Roman Ruins
Moving inland to witness famous natural wonders and ancient ruins completely free of tourist crowds.
- ➡ How to get to Camlik Steam Locomotive Museum from Selcuk
- ➡ Hitchhiking from Karacasu to Aphrodisias
- ➡ Visiting Aphrodisias without other tourists there
- ➡ How to get from Aphrodisias to Pamukkale
- ➡ Hierapolis and the travertines of Pamukkale
Phase 3: The Spiritual Heartland to the South
Crossing into the spiritual home of the Whirling Dervishes before transiting through the southern transport hubs.
- ➡ How to Get from Isparta to Konya by Bus
- ➡ 7 Sightseeing Places in Konya: Walking Tour
- ➡ How to get from Konya to Adana by Train
- ➡ Visiting friends in Adana and Visiting Kozan Castle
Phase 4: Ancient Mesopotamia & Culinary Capitals
Venturing into Southeastern Turkey to experience the ancient cities, rich hospitality, and incredible food culture of Mesopotamia.
- ➡ How to Get from Adana to Gazientep by Bus
- ➡ Sightseeing in Gazientep: Walking Tour
- * Note: Don’t miss a cup of traditional Menengic coffee or our quirky observation on the Special toilet feature at Gazientep bus station!
- ➡ Shightseeing in (Sanli)Urfa: 5 Sites Walking Tour
- ➡ 8 Sightseeing Sites in Mardin: Walking Tour in Old Town
- ➡ 10 Places You Should Visit in Diyarbakir: Walking Tour for Sightseeing
- * Reflecting on the incredible local warmth: Kindness in Turkey.
Phase 5: Looping the Wild Shores of Lake Van
Heading far East to loop the massive high-altitude Lake Van, exploring medieval tombs, and climbing isolated Kurdish castles.
- ➡ This is How We Bought the Bus Tickets without Going to the Bus Terminal 13 km Away
- ➡ Going to Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery and Museum from Tatvan for Sightseeing
- ➡ Hitchhiking from Ahlat to Adilcevaz to Visit Adilcevaz Castle
- ➡ How to Get to Van from Ercis: We Took a Minibus
- ➡ Visiting Hosap Castle and Cavustepe: One Day Trip from Van
- ➡ How to Get to Akdamar Church from Van by Bus and Boat
- ➡ Transport from Akdamar to Van
Phase 6: The Far Northeast & The Ghost City
Traveling up to the Armenian border lands where the medieval Silk Road once flourished.
- ➡ How to Get from Dogubeyazit to Kars via Igdir by Bus
- ➡ Visiting Ishak Pasa Palace (Saray) from Dogubeyazit
- ➡ Visiting Ani Ruins from Kars by Bus
- ➡ Hitchhiking in Turkey – Crossing the border to Georgia from Kars (Our temporary exit from the country)
Turkey Overland Route in 2023
Phase 7: Re-entering the Capital & Hittite History
Flying back into Turkey from Central Asia to deep-dive into the ancient Hittite Empire.
- ➡ We Flew from Almaty to Ankara with Pegasus Airlines
- ➡ Ankara Highlights: Half Day Walking Tour
- ➡ Ankara to Boğazkale via Sungurlu: Bus & Hitchhiking
- ➡ Hattusa and Yazılıkaya Highlights: Visiting the Ruins of the Hittite Empire Capital
Phase 8: Moving Northwest via Historic Madrasahs
Winding through the rolling hills and stunning Seljuk-era towns of north-central Turkey.
- ➡ Boğazkale to Tokat: Hitchhiking and Minibus Journey
- ➡ Tokat Highlights: One Day Walking Sightseeing
- ➡ Tokat to Sivas: Bus Journey
- ➡ Sivas Highlights: One Day Walking Sightseeing
Phase 9: Crossing Back West to the Royal Towns
Taking a massive night bus journey back across the country to visit local friends and explore royal Ottoman history.
- ➡ How to Get from Sivas to Adana by Bus: Tickets, Schedule, and Tips
- ➡ Adana Highlights: Sightseeing and Attractions
- ➡ Adana to Manisa: Night Bus Journey
- ➡ Manisa Highlights: 15 Sightseeing and Attractions for Walking Tour
Phase 10: Coastal Hitchhiking & Passing into Europe
Finishing our incredible journey along the peaceful stone villages of the Aegean coast before heading north to cross the European border on foot.
- ➡ Manisa to Bergama: Hitchhiking and Minibus (Dormuşh) Journey
- ➡ Pergamon Acropolis World Heritage Site Highlights: We Walked from Bergama
- ➡ Highlights of the World Heritage City of Bergama: Visit the ruins of the Greek-Roman city
- ➡ Hitchhiking from Bergama to Behramkale (Assos)
- ➡ Behramkale (Assos) Highlights: Sightseeing and Tourist Attractions
- ➡ Behramkale (Assos) to Edirne: Hitchhiking and Minibus
- ➡ Erdine to Plovdiv via Kapıkule: Border Crossing from Turkey to Bulgaria on Foot
Looking for a Breakdown by Region or Ruins?
- Turkey Regional Walking Tours Hub — Discover cities and towns organized by area.
- Turkey Ancient & Silk Road Ruins Hub — Explore our specific deep dives into Turkey’s historic archaeological sites.
- Back to the Ultimate Turkey Travel Guide — Return to our main page.