7-Day Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Ankara traveling west to Eskişehir, Istanbul, and Kocaeli

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Çankaya and Ankara. 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 1 night.

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, natural wonders, and breathtaking views. Start at the underrated Lausanne Park, a peaceful park in Ankara. Next, go to Seğmenler Parkı.

After visiting Lausanne Park and Seğmenler Parkı, have a stroll along Ankara's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Anıtkabir. This standout monument offers a unique experience. Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Çansera Kent Bahçesi, one of the most instagrammable places to visit in Ankara.

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

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.

Savor the flavors at Ciğerci Ahmet, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Oda Restoran beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Tatlıdil Köftecisi. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Eskişehir tonight.

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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you will explore Iznik, Istanbul, and Fatih, 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 2 nights.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Eskişehir. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await! Hagia Sophia Mosque is the perfect place to start. This mosque is one of the most underrated places to visit in Eskişehir. Next, head to Spice Bazaar, an iconic market, known for its instagrammable features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Süleymaniye Mosque. This picture-perfect mosque is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Grand Bazaar. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Istanbul, 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 Istanbul. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Malt Bar Gayrettepe. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Brusq Bar & Hookah Lounge offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Rounder's Irish Pub, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

Day 4 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Istanbul for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Istanbul, featuring family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. Start at Topkapı Palace, a top-rated palace in the city. Then, head to Hagia Sophia and soak in the ambiance of this stunning mosque.

There are many interesting places to see in Istanbul, and when you are ready for more, go to Basilica Cistern. This is one of the city’s most impressive respected spots of interest. After exploring the archeological site, visit the widely recognized Gülhane Park.

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Mitani Cafe, a popular restaurant in Istanbul. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Istanbul at Divella Bistro Restaurant, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Mivan Restaurant & Cafe. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Istanbul tonight.

Continue your lively evening at Reggae Br Shot & Food, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Just Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.

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.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Turkey. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Beyoğlu and Üsküdar. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Kocaeli. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Istanbul, including an observation deck, a palace, and a mosque. Start your day at Galata Tower. This romantic observation deck is a world-famous place to see in Istanbul. Then, wander over to Dolmabahçe Palace. If respected sites excite you, this palace will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Büyük Mecidiye Mosque. This breathtaking mosque is a favorite among visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Kocaeli. Kocaeli 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 Kocaeli's best restaurants.

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

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, Bolu and Altındağ. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Ankara, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Get ready for an exciting day in Kocaeli. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a spa, a monument, a museum, a mosque and much more! Begin your adventure at Orta Hamam. This is an often recommended spa you should not miss. Another must-see is Column Of Julian, an intriguing monument in Kocaeli.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Ulucanlar Prison Museum. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Haci Bayram Mosque, another of the city’s interesting attractions.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Ankara. 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 Ankara. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at MARTI RESTAURANT, a top-rated dining spot in Ankara. If you're in the mood for something new, try Golden Pavilion Museum, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Afganistan Sofrası. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Ankara.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like On An On Rock Cafe, known for its lively atmosphere. London Pub is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Nefes Bar // Bi' Nefes Özgürlük 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.