10-Day Turkey Road Trip from Istanbul traveling west to Bursa, Izmir, and Manisa

Say hello to Istanbul! Your exciting road trip through Turkey is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the region. You will stay in Istanbul for 3 nights before you continue your adventure!

Istanbul is a beautiful region with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Istanbul. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Istanbul. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy an outstanding luxury dining experience at Calipso Fish. Holding an impressive rating and a remarkable menu, Calipso Fish consistently impresses both foreign and local guests, earning praise for its exceptional seafood cuisine.

Another renowned restaurant is Sankai by Nagaya, one of the best Bib Gourmand 1-star Michelin fine dining venues in Istanbul. Take your pick from the japanese contemporary menu, where each dish is a masterpiece meticulously crafted to delight your senses.

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable dining experience at Arkestra in Istanbul. With its prestigious 1-Michelin star rating, the menu is crafted to delight your palate and take you on a culinary journey. This acclaimed restaurant serves fusion dishes that have garnered numerous reviews from satisfied guests.

Arch Bistro is one of our top recommendations. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 798 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Harab'be Cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,610 customers.

Vamos Estambul Restaurant & Cafe is another top-rated bar in the region of Istanbul. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,447 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 10-day road trip in Turkey!

Day 2 of your road trip across Turkey promises a magnificent time exploring Istanbul. You have 2 nights left in Istanbul. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Istanbul. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the region, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at Saltanat Fish & Kebab House while you’re in Istanbul. Famous for its lovely menu and mouthwatering dishes, it has captivated around 2,112 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in Istanbul is Divella Bistro Restaurant. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 1,711 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

While in Istanbul, enjoy Turkish Cuisine’s appetizing dishes. This dining establishment has earned a positive reputation and a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to the endorsements and reviews of around 1,399 satisfied guests.

If you're looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant, claiming it's one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,647 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Red River Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,343 customers.

Ararat Terrace Restaurant & Rooftop is another top-rated bar where you can spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 874 customers.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Turkey.

Day 3 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Beyoğlu for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Beyoğlu on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Istanbul's best restaurants.

Have a delightful culinary experience when you dine at İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant. Favored by many foreign travelers and locals, this restaurant in Istanbul boasts a carefully curated and enticing menu. Its delectable dishes have earned it an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 1,220 visitors.

Another dining spot you shouldn’t miss while in Istanbul is Byzantion Bistro Restaurant. It has garnered a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,165 diners thanks to its impeccable menu options and flavors.

Experience a celebration of flavors when you dine in at Gulhane Sark Sofrasi, in Istanbul. Its delightful menu and flavorful dishes have earned it a stellar rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,078 satisfied customers.

After dinner, visit BrusQ Bar & Hookah Lounge, which is considered one of the best bars in the region of Istanbul. This bar is rated an average of 5 out of 5 stars by 712 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Cafe Amedros. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 737 customers.

Alternatively, locals recommend Just Bar. This bar, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 557 customers, is one of the best bars in the region of Istanbul.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Turkey.

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Üsküdar, Fatih, Beyoğlu, and Bursa. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bursa, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Bursa and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 2 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bursa beckons with new experiences!

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Bursa. Bursa offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bursa's best restaurants.

Make sure to reserve a table at Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta, an iconic dining spot in Bursa. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Its dedication to culinary innovation is evident in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 4,308 satisfied guests.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence at Yesil Izgara Pideli Kofte while in Bursa. This renowned dining destination showcases an exquisite menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, treasured by 3,249 previous guests.

Delight in the culinary creations of Bursa Kebapcisi, a favorite in Bursa. Its innovative menu offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a reputation for excellence, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,329 discerning guests.

After dinner, visit Tabipler Lokali to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Bursa, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 653 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular place like Kitap Evi Otel. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Kitap Evi Otel has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,257 customers.

Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 834 customers.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Turkey.

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Karabağlar, Konak, and Izmir, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Izmir. You’ll stay here for 3 nights.

Izmir’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Bursa behind. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 35 min. Izmir welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Izmir, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Izmir's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Elevate your stay in Izmir by dining at this luxury restaurant. Renowned for its prestigious rating and a variety of mouthwatering dishes, Tavacı Recep Usta consistently impresses foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional turkish and traditional cuisine.

Another popular dining spot in Izmir is Adil Müftüoğlu. This luxury establishment’s inviting atmosphere and menu leave a lasting impression on everyone who dines here. Its turkish menu, characterized by its exquisite flavors, is a true testament to Adil Müftüoğlu’s culinary excellence.

Indulge in the flavors of Ristorante Pizzeria Venedik, a treasured establishment in Izmir. Its diverse menu promises to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience. Known for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,262 satisfied guests.

After dinner, stop by one of the best bars in Izmir. La Cigale Alsancak often offers travelers and locals alike a great time. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,445 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at Eko Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,387 customers.

La Puerta Alsancak is another top-rated bar in the region. This place enjoys an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,986 customers.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Turkey!

Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Izmir has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Izmir by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the region.

To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Izmir, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Izmir below.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Izmir's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Don't forget to book a table at Yengec Restaurant, a well-known eatery in Izmir. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 1,570 satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit Bizim Lokanta while exploring Izmir. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 1,363 discerning guests.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of İzmir Sakız Alsancak Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Izmir. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 772 discerning diners.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Yüzde Yüz Food & Drink & Grill, one of the top bars you could visit in the region. Yüzde Yüz Food & Drink & Grill is an excellent place for a refreshing evening drink and is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 1,410 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals at Tattoo Bar. Around 565 customers have rated their experience at Tattoo Bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Chaos Cafe Bar also belongs to the list of the best bars in the Izmir, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 487 bar-goers.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Turkey and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 7 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Selçuk. You’ll stay in Selçuk for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Turkey that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Selçuk has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. This tour allows curious travelers like you to experience the best of the country. You can make the most of your time in Turkey by scrolling down and selecting tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Izmir.

Book a table at KORDONBOYU BALIK, a famous dining establishment in Izmir. This culinary hotspot and its appetizing cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation for food excellence is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 749 satisfied diners.

Another dining place you should visit in Izmir is Kofteci Salih, which boasts a variety of tasteful dishes that cater to different palates. It has earned a commendable 4.4 out of 5 stars, demonstrating the positive feedback from 631 satisfied customers.

Locals and visitors alike recommend Izmir’s Bostanlı Tuzu Biberi -Kahvaltı Bistro Cafe for the delightful dining experience it gives. The establishment has garnered positive reviews for its tasty dishes, holding an admirable score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,160 satisfied diners.

Make your way to Molly Malone's Irish Pub Alsancak. This bar promises a great atmosphere for your celebrations and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 363 customers.

Or, why not continue your evening at rePUBlic-izmir? This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars among 219 guests.

Another bar where you can have a great time tonight is Bonema Cafe & Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 200 customers.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Turkey!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in Turkey. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Foça, Izmir, Izmir, and Manisa. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Manisa. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at İnciraltı Kent Ormanı. This park is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,502 visitors.

When you’re finished at İnciraltı Kent Ormanı, head to Dolphins Statue. This one-of-a-kind sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,607 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Bostanlı Günbatımı Seyir Terası. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,432 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Manisa. This car ride takes around 1 hour 12 min.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Manisa, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the region.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Manisa. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the region, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Plan ahead and secure a table at Taş Fabrika, an acclaimed dining establishment in Manisa. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 815 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of Gülcemal Manisa Kebapçısı while experiencing the best of Manisa. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 1,869 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Manisa Kebabi, an elegant culinary destination in Manisa. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 255 previous guests.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Turkey.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 9 of your road trip in Turkey, where you’ll be making 2 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Bursa and Istanbul. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Istanbul. Istanbul will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Bursa, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Manisa to Bursa may take around 3 hours 2 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Istanbul. Istanbul offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Istanbul.

Reserve your spot at Resto Han, a popular local restaurant in Istanbul. This culinary hotspot and its flavorful dishes have left a lasting impression on guests. Its dedication to culinary mastery is reflected by its 4.9 out of 5-star rating from 3,126 satisfied guests.

Make it a priority to experience Istanbul Anatolian Cuisine during your stay in Istanbul. This popular local restaurant offers an unparalleled menu, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,545 discerning guests.

Explore the culinary wonders of Las Tapas Restaurant, a popular local gem in Istanbul. Its enticing menu promises a journey through flavors that will leave a lasting impression. Renowned for its impeccable service, it boasts a 4.9 out of 5-star rating from 2,052 satisfied guests.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Kybele Hotel, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 553 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Rounder's Irish Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 453 customers.

Faros Restaurant Old City is another top-rated bar where you can spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 534 customers.

Say good night to Istanbul and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Turkey!

Day 10 of your road trip in Turkey is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Istanbul before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Make the most of your final day in Turkey by visiting Istanbul’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the region’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Turkey.

Before you conclude your road trip in Turkey, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Istanbul.

You’ll then say farewell to Istanbul. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Turkey!