10-Day Turkey Road Trip from Istanbul to Bolu, Ankara, and Kocaeli

Istanbul has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Gülhane Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 52,301 visitors.

Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul, Hanzade Terrace Restaurant. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 5,898 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul is Mivan Restaurant & Cafe. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 3,913 customers.

Locals recommend Saltanat Fish & Kebab House as one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,112 customers.

Istanbul also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Istanbul is Arch Bistro. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 798 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Istanbul is Harab'be Cafe. This bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,610 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 10-day vacation in Turkey!

You still have 2 nights left in Istanbul.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Topkapı Palace. As one of the top sights in the area, around 1,932,726 people visit this attraction every year. This incredible attraction is a palace and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 78,451 visitors.

Hagia Sophia is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 111,022 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Basilica Cistern. This amazing attraction is a palace and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 39,209 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This mosque and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 82,741 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Turkey to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Istanbul.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul, like Divella Bistro Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,711 customers.

Turkish Cuisine is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers.

Locals enjoy İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Istanbul. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,220 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Istanbul, Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,647 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Turkey!

You’ll stay in Bolu for 2 nights.

One of the best places to explore today is Grand Bazaar. This excellent attraction is a bazaar that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 117,762 visitors.

Around 43,429 travelers rated this attraction with 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Spice Bazaar. This amazing attraction is a bazaar and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 138,947 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Turkey, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Turkey. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Dolmabahçe Palace for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a palace and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 62,101 visitors.

This outstanding park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 30,407 travelers.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Bolu.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Bolu, Yorem Manti Unlu Mamuller. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,926 customers.

Locals recommend Bolu Hanzade Restaurant as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bolu. Bolu Hanzade Restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,298 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Bolu is Kazancım Hizmet Etli Ekmek. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,436 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Bolu, Karpalas City Hotel & Spa. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,485 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Bolu Gardenya Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 382 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Turkey with a toast!

On day 4 of your road trip across Turkey, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Istanbul. You’ll stay in Istanbul for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Buyuk Abant Oteli & Kongre Merkezi, one of the best 5-star hotels in the city of Istanbul. This hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 396 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations like the outstanding Yedigöller National Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,103 visitors.

Kapankaya seyir terası is another popular attraction you could visit. This incredible attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,092 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit is the extraordinary Atatürk Orman Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,628 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Golcuk Nature Park. Around 15,736 visitors have given this park an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Lake Abant. Lake Abant is a popular lake, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,261 travelers.

Come to Istanbul prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Istanbul.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Oklava, after your day of exploring the city of Istanbul. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 913 customers.

Karpalas City Hotel & Spa is another of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,485 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul is Bolçi Cafe Restaurant. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,216 customers.

Locals recommend Kartaltepe Boutique Hotel, one of the best bars in the city of Istanbul, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 340 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Istanbul, Kaybedenler Kulübü Meyhane Bolu. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 128 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Turkey.

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Ankara. You’ll stay in Ankara for 3 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Istanbul’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Istanbul, start your day with a visit to the amazing Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. This much-appreciated national museum and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,561 visitors. Each year, around 450,000 visit this remarkable site to admire its unique features.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum. This museum and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,242 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Ankara Castle to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Ankara Castle is a castle that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 17,127 visitors.

The lovely Gokyay Foundation Chess Museum is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 1,293 visitors have left this museum average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Istanbul has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Ankara. Ankara offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Ankara, the fantastic The Soul Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,729 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Nefes Bar // Bi' Nefes Özgürlük. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,078 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Turkey!

You still have 2 nights left in Ankara.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Peçenek Mesire Alanı. This incredible attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1,456 visitors.

Altınköy Açık Hava Müzesi is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,681 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Ulucanlar Prison Museum. This amazing attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,835 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Tacettin Sultan Mosque. This mosque and place of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 403 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Turkey to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Ankara.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Ankara, like Urfalı Hayrağ'nın Yeri. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,773 customers.

Şehir Kebapçısı is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Ankara. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,036 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Ankara, O Ses Sensin - Karaoke. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 910 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Turkey!

You still have 1 night left in Ankara.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Ankara Evi Park. This incredible attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 952 visitors.

Zincirli Cami is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 361 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Column of Julian. This amazing attraction is a must-see tourist destination and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 144 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Haci Bayram Mosque. This mosque and place of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 18,757 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Haci Bayram Veli's Birthplace. This must-see tourist destination is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 227 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Turkey to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Ankara.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Ankara, like New York Pizza Delivery Anıttepe. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 655 customers.

MARTI RESTAURANT is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Ankara. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 620 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Ankara, The Muddy Waters. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 694 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Turkey!

Day 8 of your road trip through Turkey gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Kocaeli for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Istanbul is the amazing Ankara Vakıf Museum. This attraction is a museum that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 295 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible museum, Ankara Painting and Sculpture Museum. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,090 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Turkey. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Kocaeli, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Başol Steak House Et Kasap, one of the best restaurants in the city of Kocaeli. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 917 customers.

After dinner, visit Doping Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Kocaeli. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 111 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Turkey!

Rise and shine on day 9 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Kocaeli Province and embark on a scenic drive to Istanbul, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Kocaeli Province and Beyoğlu before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Kocaeli Province. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Kocaeli Science Center. This attraction is a science center that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,470 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Kocaeli Kent Ormanı. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,913 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Kocaeli Province is the stunning Yeni Cuma (Pertev Mehmet Paşa) Camii. This mosque and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,551 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Miniatürk. This attraction is a miniature park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 29,240 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Rahmi M. Koç Museum. This museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 20,906 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Pera Museum. This art museum and travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,780 visitors. Approximately 10,000 people visit this attraction every year.

The lovely Galata Tower is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 140,276 visitors have left this tower an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Beyoğlu, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Istanbul. When you arrive in Istanbul you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Gulhane Sark Sofrasi. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,078 customers.

Locals also recommend Arch Bistro, another of the best restaurants in Istanbul. Arch Bistro is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 798 customers.

After dinner, visit Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Istanbul, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,963 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Lacivert. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Lacivert has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,960 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Turkey, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 10 of your road trip in Turkey is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Istanbul before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Beyazıt Square is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Istanbul. This square and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,101 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Istanbul and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Turkey.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Istanbul at Harab'be Cafe before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,610 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Istanbul Anatolian Cuisine for your last chance at a meal in the city of Istanbul. The Istanbul Anatolian Cuisine restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,545 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Istanbul. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Turkey!