10-Day Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Istanbul traveling south to Bursa, Eskişehir, and Kocaeli

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.

Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and picturesque spots in Istanbul. Begin your sightseeing with Topkapı Palace. This extraordinary palace is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Hagia Sophia, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Istanbul, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Basilica Cistern. This spectacular archeological site is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Gülhane Park, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

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.

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

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Istanbul by booking a table at Calipso Fish. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of seafood cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Sankai by Nagaya, celebrated for its delectable japanese contemporary menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Arkestra, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing fusion menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Reggae Br Shot & Food, known for its lively atmosphere. Just Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance.

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

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Istanbul, Fatih, and Eyüpsultan. 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 route brings family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and historic treasures. The first attraction of today is Grand Bazaar. This timeless market is a historic place to see in Istanbul. Continue your discovery at Spice Bazaar, a photogenic market with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Istanbul, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Süleymaniye Mosque. This top-rated mosque offers a picture-perfect encounter with Istanbul. Next, make your way to Pierre Loti Hill to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Eyüp Sultan Mosque, a famous mosque that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Istanbul.

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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bursa. 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Kitap Evi Otel, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Tabipler Lokali? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Abidin Usta as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bursa.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at My Pub, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Cemil provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Turkey!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Bursa. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Eskişehir, which will be your home away from home for 4 nights.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Bursa, including a mosque, a market, a historical landmark, a monument and much more! Start your adventure at Bursa Grand Mosque. This notable mosque is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Koza Han located in Bursa for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of İnkaya Historical Plane Tree. Its idyllic features will captivate you. After the historical landmark, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Green Tomb. Visitors usually appreciate the symbolic features of this monument. Next up is Emir Sultan Mosque, a highly recommended mosque.

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.

As you explore more of Eskişehir, 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Ciğerci Ahmet, a top-rated dining destination in Eskişehir. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Oda Restoran, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Tatlıdil Köftecisi. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Eskişehir this evening.

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

Greet day 5 of your road trip in Turkey with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Eskişehir for your remaining 3 nights in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Karacaşehir, Tepebaşı, and Odunpazarı.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Eskişehir, including a botanical garden, a zoo, and a park. Start your day with a visit to Odunpazarı Botanik Park. This increasingly popular botanical garden is a must-visit in the village. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Zoo, which may be one of the most visually striking places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Eskişehir on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Aydın Arat Park, an often recommended park in the village. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Eskisehir Sehr-i Love Island and Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Kentpark.

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

As you explore more of Eskişehir, 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 a lovely meal at Ada Life Hotel, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Muhtelif Eskişehir is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at PİNO. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Eskişehir tonight.

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

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Eskişehir, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

Start by visiting Alaeddin Mosque, a prime spot to begin your journey. This instagrammable mosque is sure to impress. Next on your list is Anadolu Üniversitesi Cumhuriyet Tarihi Müzesi, another must-visit landmark and worthwhile museum renowned for its standout features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Eskişehir by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Eskişehir Etİ Archaeological Museum. This photogenic museum is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Eskişehir experience. We also recommend visiting Dede Korkut Park, an up-and-coming park.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Yörük Çadırı Eskişehir, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Birtat Mersin Tantuni offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Nazar Kebap. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Eskişehir.

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

Wake up to day 7 of your extraordinary road trip in Turkey. With 1 night left in Eskişehir, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Continue your journey to Taner'in Evi - Gönül Dağı, one of the town’s most curiosity-inducing spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the worthwhile Zaimağa Konağı.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Eskişehir. 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Abdüsselam Balaban Kebap Salonu, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Husnuniyet Lokantasi? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Yusufeli Coruh Doner as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Eskişehir.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Turkey!

On day 8 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 and Tepebaşı. In the evening, you’ll end up in Kocaeli, where you will stay for 1 night.

A blend of fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views await you in Eskişehir on today’s itinerary. First up is the locally appreciated historical landmark, Eskişehir Odunpazarı Evleri. Afterward, continue to Eskişehir Meerschaum Museum, a museum every traveler should visit.

As you explore Eskişehir’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the town. Next, make your way to Akoğlan Cami. This often recommended mosque is an essential stop. Following that, head to Vecihi Hürkuş Havacılık Parkı, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience.

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.

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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Garniture Cafe Restaurant Patisserie, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight.

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