9-Day Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Istanbul to Kocaeli, Ankara, Eskişehir, and Bursa

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Istanbul. You’ll stay in Istanbul for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots in the charming city of Istanbul. Your adventure starts at Topkapı Palace, an impressive local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Hagia Sophia. This wondrous mosque is known for its UNESCO world heritage-listed appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Istanbul's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Basilica Cistern. This photogenic archeological site offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Gülhane Park is also worth visiting.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Turkey is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you explore more of Istanbul, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Calipso Fish, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional seafood menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Sankai by Nagaya, known for its delicious japanese contemporary cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Istanbul is Arkestra, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious fusion menu.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Reggae Br Shot & Food offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Just Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Turkey!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Istanbul, Fatih, and Eyüpsultan. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Kocaeli, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Istanbul is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites! Start at Grand Bazaar, an iconic market that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Spice Bazaar, enchanting visitors with its photogenic appeal. Continue your exploration at Süleymaniye Mosque. This mosque is one of the city’s most spectacular spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Istanbul at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Pierre Loti Hill. After exploring the observation deck, head to the astonishing Eyüp Sultan Mosque.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Kocaeli. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Kocaeli. 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 a delicious meal at Garniture Cafe Restaurant Patisserie, a highly-rated dining destination in Kocaeli.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Turkey!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Bolu. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Ankara, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Start your day at Upper Stone Inn. Then, wander over to Beyazıt Cami. If inviting sites excite you, this mosque will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Yesil Mosque. This culturally significant mosque is a favorite among visitors.

Kocaeli offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Atatürk Orman Park is an often recommended spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Ankara. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Livorno Pub, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Filikos Restoran beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider New York Pizza Delivery Anıttepe. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Ankara tonight.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Muddy Waters stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Nil Rock Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Always Rock Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Ankara, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Get ready for a day filled with picturesque spots, historic treasures, and fun adventures in the charming town of Ankara. Your adventure starts at Ulucanlar Prison Museum, a locally renowned local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Ankara Castle. This captivating castle is known for its historic appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Ankara's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Museum Of Anatolian Civilizations. This history-steeped museum offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Haci Bayram Mosque is also worth visiting.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Ankara.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Ankara. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at MARTI RESTAURANT, a highly-rated dining destination in Ankara. If you're eager to try something different, consider Golden Pavilion Museum, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Afganistan Sofrası. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Ankara this evening.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at On An On Rock Cafe, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, London Pub offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Ankara. Nefes Bar // Bi' Nefes Özgürlük is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Turkey!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Turkey. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Altındağ, Çankaya, and Ankara. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Eskişehir. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. Whether you decide to explore Ankara on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Independence Park is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this awe-inspiring park before continuing your journey. Kuğulu Park is your next stop. This popular park is one of the best-rated sights in Ankara.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Seğmenler Parkı. This eye-catching park is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Metu Forest and Anıtkabir.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Eskişehir. Eskişehir offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

Dine in style at Ciğerci Ahmet, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Oda Restoran boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Tatlıdil Köftecisi. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Eskişehir.

Head back to your accommodation in Eskişehir and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Turkey!

On day 7 of your road trip in Turkey, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Odunpazarı, Tepebaşı, Eskişehir, and Karacaşehir. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bursa, where you will stay for 1 night.

Eskişehir is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a park, an aviation museum, a botanical garden, a zoo and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the popular Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Kentpark and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Vecihi Hürkuş Havacılık Parkı, a photogenic aviation museum that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Dede Korkut Park, one of the town’s most up-and-coming spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the intriguing Odunpazarı Botanik Park. When you're finished at the botanical garden, Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Zoo awaits your visit. This zoo is a photogenic highlight on today's itinerary.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bursa. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bursa. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Kitap Evi Otel, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Tabipler Lokali offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Abidin Usta. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bursa.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like My Pub, known for its lively atmosphere. Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Cemil offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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