7-Day Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bursa traveling north to Kocaeli and Istanbul

On day 2 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 Bursa. In the evening, you’ll end up in Kocaeli, where you will stay for 3 nights.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and historic treasures. Whether you decide to explore Bursa on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Orhan Gazi Mosque is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this monumental mosque before continuing your journey. Koza Han is your next stop. This interesting market is one of the best-rated sights in Bursa.

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 Bursa Grand Mosque. This historic mosque is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Han Brass and İnkaya Historical Plane Tree.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Garniture Cafe Restaurant Patisserie, a popular restaurant in Kocaeli. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city.

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

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Kocaeli, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Kocaeli today. One of the most frequently visited attractions included on the itinerary is Tomb Of Hayreddin-i Tokadı. This heritage-rich monument will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Akkaya Travertenleri and learn what makes this gorgeous rock formation unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the often recommended Atatürk Orman Park.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Kocaeli and your accommodation.

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

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Turkey!

Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip in Turkey. With 1 night left in Kocaeli, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Prepare for a day full of fun adventures, romantic experiences, and historic treasures. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Orta Hamam. This curiosity-inducing spa is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Beyazıt Cami, one of the city’s best highlights.

Next, check out Upper Stone Inn, one of the most curiosity-inducing places to see in Kocaeli. This point of interest is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Golcuk Nature Park. Wander around and soak in the eye-catching atmosphere this park offers.

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

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

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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you will explore Beyoğlu and Istanbul, 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 Istanbul. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Kocaeli allows for both. Start by heading to Galata Tower. This world-famous observation deck provides an insightful glimpse into the town's identity. Next, discover Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a symbolic mosque, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Hagia Sophia, a wondrous mosque. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the impressive Basilica Cistern.

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

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Calipso Fish, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible seafood menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Sankai by Nagaya is one of the best restaurants for japanese contemporary cuisine in Istanbul. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Arkestra. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for fusion cuisine in the city.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Malt Bar Gayrettepe after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Brusq Bar & Hookah Lounge, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Rounder's Irish Pub also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Istanbul and Fatih. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bursa, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today’s agenda in Istanbul includes a market, a mosque, a park, a palace and much more! Grand Bazaar is must-visit market and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Süleymaniye Mosque, a famous mosque, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Spice Bazaar, a respected market, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Istanbul. When you're ready, let your sightseeing route take you to the widely recognized Gülhane Park. If you’re looking for more, Topkapı Palace is also a spectacular attraction that is worthwhile a visit.

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Yesil Izgara Pideli Kofte, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, TANDIR'AZ BURSA offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Labelle Bar is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Bursa.

Keep the evening going at Varuna Memphis Pub Bursa, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Kule Pub, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks.

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