10-Day Turkey road trip from Kayseri to Ankara, Kocaeli, Istanbul, and Bolu
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 10-day road trip through Turkey.
This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Turkey. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Kayseri, 1 night in Ankara, 1 night in Kocaeli Province, 3 nights in Istanbul, 1 night in Bolu, and 1 night in Aksaray, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Turkey. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Kayseri, Ankara, Kocaeli, Istanbul, Bolu, and Aksaray. We'll help you experience the best 10 days in Turkey you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.
Upon arriving in Kayseri, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Turkey, including the stunning Anıtkabir and Galata Tower.
You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.
Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Turkey. From the magnificent Hagia Sophia to the breathtaking Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Sultan Ahmed Mosque and learn more about the unique Topkapı Palace to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Kayseri, Ankara, Kocaeli, Istanbul, Bolu, and Aksaray, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Turkey. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Turkey.
Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Turkey. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Turkey.
Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Turkey.
You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Turkey has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.
You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.
Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Turkey. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 9 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 9 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.
You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Turkey extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.
The best services in Turkey fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Turkey today!
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Day 1 – Kayseri - arrival day
Day 1 – Kayseri - arrival day
- Kayseri - Arrival day
- More
- Doner Dome
- More
Your road trip adventure in Turkey begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Kayseri. You’ll stay in Kayseri for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.
Kayseri has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Doner Dome. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 911 visitors.
When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.
Kayseri also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets.
Enjoy toasting the start of your 10-day vacation in Turkey!
Experiences
Day 2 – Kayseri and Ankara
Day 2 – Kayseri and Ankara
- Kayseri
- Ankara
- More
Drive 416 km, 5 hours 6 min
- Archeological Museum
- Kayseri Castle
- Erciyes Ski Resort
- İnönü Parkı
- More
As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in Turkey, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Kayseri. 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 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Kayseri’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Kayseri, start your day with a visit to the amazing Archeological Museum. This much-appreciated museum and attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,288 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Kayseri Castle.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Erciyes Ski Resort to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Erciyes Ski Resort is a ski resort that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 19,909 visitors.
The lovely İnönü Parkı is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 1,574 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Kayseri 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.
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Turkey!
Experiences
Day 3 – Ankara and Kocaeli
Day 3 – Ankara and Kocaeli
- Ankara
- Kocaeli
- More
Drive 361 km, 4 hours 20 min
- Kuğulu Park
- Seğmenler Parkı
- Anıtkabir
- Independence Park
- More
Day 3 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 Ankara is the amazing Kuğulu Park. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,491 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible park, Seğmenler Parkı. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 12,145 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.
Another unforgettable travel destination in the Ankara is the outstanding Anıtkabir. This popular mausoleum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 118,317 visitors.
The spectacular Independence Park is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating park and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,614 visitors.
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!
Experiences
Day 4 – Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, and Istanbul
Day 4 – Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, and Istanbul
- Istanbul
- More
Drive 124 km, 2 hours 31 min
- Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)
- Yıldız Park
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Miniatürk
- Galata Tower
- More
Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!
One of the best places to visit is the amazing Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque). This attraction is a mosque and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 32,994 visitors.
You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Yıldız Park. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 33,205 visitors.
Dolmabahçe Palace is another popular attraction you can explore. This well-known attraction, a spectacular palace, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 75,692 reviews.
Joining a top-rated tour in Beşiktaş is another excellent way to spend your new day in Turkey. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Turkey’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.
With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Turkey’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Turkey’s scenic spots.
You could then travel to the amazing Miniatürk for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a miniature park and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 32,760 visitors.
Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Galata Tower. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 169,479 visitors, this tower deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.
You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Istanbul.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Hanzade Terrace Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 5,898 customers.
Locals also recommend Mivan Restaurant & Cafe as one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul. Mivan Restaurant & Cafe is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 3,913 customers.
After dinner, visit Arch Bistro, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Istanbul. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 798 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Harab'be Cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,610 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Turkey!
Experiences
Day 5 – Istanbul
Day 5 – Istanbul
- Istanbul
- More
Drive 116 km, 2 hours 53 min
- Beylikdüzü Valley Of Life
- Eyüp Sultan Mosque
- Galata Bridge
- Ümraniye National Garden
- Maiden's Tower
- More
On day 5 of your road trip across Turkey, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Istanbul. You’ll stay in Istanbul for 2 nights, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.
We recommend you stay at the Mercure Istanbul Altunizade, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Istanbul. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,618 guests.
The best luxury hotel option in the city of Istanbul is the 5-star Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Sisli. The hotel is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 4,638 guests.
One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Istanbul is the 3-star The Lima Suites Kadiköy. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 52 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 Beylikdüzü Valley Of Life. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,420 visitors.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque is another popular attraction you could visit. This incredible attraction is a mosque and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 58,057 visitors.
One of the best attractions you could visit is the extraordinary Galata Bridge. This bascule bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 33,650 reviews.
As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Ümraniye National Garden. Around 13,986 visitors have given this park an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Maiden's Tower. Maiden's Tower is a popular restaurant, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,167 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 Saltanat Fish & Kebab House, after your day of exploring the city of Istanbul. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,112 customers.
Divella Bistro Restaurant is another of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,711 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul is Turkish Cuisine. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers.
It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Turkey.
Experiences
Day 6 – Fatih and Istanbul
Day 6 – Fatih and Istanbul
- Istanbul
- More
Drive 6 km, 1 hour 25 min
- Topkapı Palace
- Gülhane Park
- Spice Bazaar
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- Grand Bazaar
- More
You still have 1 night 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 95,040 visitors.
Gülhane Park is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 59,778 visitors.
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 164,946 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Süleymaniye Mosque. This mosque and place of interest is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 51,661 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Grand Bazaar. This bazaar is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 145,525 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 İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,220 customers.
Gulhane Sark Sofrasi 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 1,078 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.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,963 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Turkey!
Experiences
Day 7 – Fatih and Bolu
Day 7 – Fatih and Bolu
- Istanbul
- Bolu
- More
Drive 261 km, 3 hours 23 min
- Sultanahmet Square
- Sultan Ahmed Mosque
- Basilica Cistern
- Hagia Sophia
- More
Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Bolu. You’ll stay in Bolu for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Fatih’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Fatih, start your day with a visit to the amazing Sultanahmet Square. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 30,938 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This mosque and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 91,956 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Basilica Cistern to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Basilica Cistern is a palace that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 68,033 visitors.
The lovely Hagia Sophia is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 127,439 visitors have left this minor basilica average ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Fatih has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Bolu. Bolu offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Yorem Manti Unlu Mamuller. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 2,926 reviews.
The remarkable Bolu Hanzade Restaurant is another top restaurant in Bolu we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,298 customers.
If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Kazancım Hizmet Etli Ekmek is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,436 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Bolu, the fantastic Karpalas City Hotel & Spa. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,485 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Bolu Gardenya Restaurant. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 382 customers.
Another bar with a great atmosphere is Kartaltepe Boutique Hotel. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 340 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Turkey!
Experiences
Day 8 – Altındağ and Aksaray
Day 8 – Altındağ and Aksaray
- Ankara
- Aksaray
- More
Drive 429 km, 5 hours 4 min
- Ulucanlar Prison Museum
- Haci Bayram Mosque
- Ankara Castle
- More
Rise and shine on day 8 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Bolu and embark on a scenic drive to Aksaray, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Bolu and Altındağ 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 Bolu. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Golcuk Nature Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,352 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible Atatürk Orman Park. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,703 visitors.
If you have time, another site you could explore in Bolu is the stunning Akkaya Travertenleri. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 3,811 visitors.
One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Ulucanlar Prison Museum. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 14,224 visitors.
If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Haci Bayram Mosque. This mosque and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 19,269 reviews.
Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Ankara Castle. This castle and travel destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 18,222 visitors.
When you're done with your sightseeing in Altındağ, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Aksaray. When you arrive in Aksaray 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 Kardeşler Restoran. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,660 customers.
Locals also recommend KMU Kardeşler Mehmet Usta | Aksaray Restaurant, another of the best restaurants in Aksaray. KMU Kardeşler Mehmet Usta | Aksaray Restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,903 customers.
If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Ayhan Ustanın Yeri. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 288 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.
This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.
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!
Experiences
Day 9 – Nevşehir and Kayseri
Day 9 – Nevşehir and Kayseri
- Nevşehir
- Kayseri
- More
Drive 202 km, 3 hours 27 min
- Kaymaklı Underground City
- Uchisar Castle
- Pigeon Valley
- Goreme Historical National Park
- Fairy Chimneys
- More
You’ll stay in Kayseri for 1 night.
One of the best places to explore today is Kaymaklı Underground City. This excellent attraction is a town municipality of turkey that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,652 visitors.
Around 24,302 travelers rated this attraction with 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Pigeon Valley Hotel. This amazing attraction is a hotel and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,823 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 Kaymaklı Underground City for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a town municipality of turkey and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,652 visitors.
This outstanding must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,302 travelers.
You can also stop at the popular Pigeon Valley Hotel. This attraction, a stunning hotel, has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,823 visitors.
If you’re interested in exploring even more, visit the fantastic Goreme Historical National Park. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 21,751 travelers, the magnificent Goreme Historical National Park is clearly one of the top sights in the area.
You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Kayseri.
Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Turkey with a toast!
Experiences
Day 10 – Kayseri - departure day
Day 10 – Kayseri - departure day
- Kayseri - Departure day
- More
- Kurşunlu Parkı
- More
Day 10 of your road trip in Turkey is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Kayseri 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.
Kurşunlu Parkı is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Kayseri. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,680 visitors.
Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Kayseri and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Turkey.
You’ll then say farewell to Kayseri. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Turkey!
Experiences
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