11-Day Turkey Road Trip from Izmir traveling north to Bursa, Istanbul, Bolu, Ankara, and Kocaeli

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

Make Arkas Art Center one of your first sightseeing stops in Izmir. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,172 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Izmir, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Konak may take around 4 min. Upon your arrival in Konak, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Journey into the unknown at Izmir Archaeological and Ethnography Museum, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,727 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Konak Mosque is a recommended place to visit. This mosque is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,868 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Konak is Clock Tower of İzmir. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 22,286 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Konak offers an experience you will remember.

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

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

Discover the culinary delights of Izmir by securing a reservation at Tavacı Recep Usta. Esteemed for its a Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of turkish, and traditional cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Adil Müftüoğlu, renowned for its delicious turkish dishes. This esteemed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Sky Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Chaos Cafe Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Tattoo Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Istanbul. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Istanbul, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Istanbul, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Bursa to Istanbul may take around 2 hours 6 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Istanbul, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Spice Bazaar, a remarkable bazaar where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 168,628 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Gülhane Park. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 61,194 travelers.

Topkapı Palace is another must-visit attraction. This renowned palace offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 97,459 travelers and attracting 1,932,726 annual visitors, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This well-loved mosque boasts a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 95,369 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Sultanahmet Square awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a park, this is a top pick rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 31,594 previous visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Istanbul, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Istanbul by booking a table at Calipso Fish, a Bib Gourmand restaurant that boasts an exceptional seafood menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Sankai by Nagaya, renowned for its delectable japanese contemporary dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Arkestra, a local gem known for its delightful fusion cuisine in Istanbul. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Rock Pub, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. BrusQ Bar & Hookah Lounge is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Rounder's Irish Pub is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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.

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Istanbul, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Istanbul, and Beyoğlu. You still have 1 night left in Istanbul.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Hagia Sophia. This minor basilica is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 129,265 reviews.

Continue your journey at Grand Bazaar. This bazaar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 150,014 travelers from near and far.

Istanbul is also the home of Beyazıt Square. This square has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 25,152 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Süleymaniye Mosque. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 53,090 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Istanbul, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Beyoğlu. This drive usually takes around 12 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Galata Tower one of your first sightseeing stops in Beyoğlu. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 172,160 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Saltanat Fish & Kebab House, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, By Ferro Fish & Kebab Restaurant is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Ulus 29. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Istanbul tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Karga Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Just Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Turkey!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you will explore Üsküdar, Fatih, and Beyoğlu, 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 Bolu. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

After soaking in Üsküdar’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Fatih. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 20 min. When you arrive in Fatih, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Ortaköy Square. This much-appreciated point of interest is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,766 reviews.

Next up is Yıldız Park. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 33,811 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Dolmabahçe Palace. This palace has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 77,834 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Üsküdar and set your GPS to Fatih. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 20 min. Upon reaching Fatih, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Journey into the unknown at Eyüp Sultan Mosque, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable mosque has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 59,048 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Bolu. Bolu offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Dine in style at ANTEP SOFRASI, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Hanımeli Yemek Salonu boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Kubbealti. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bolu.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road 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 Bolu. In the evening, you’ll end up in Ankara, where you will stay for 1 night.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Golcuk Nature Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,749 visitors.

When you’re finished at Golcuk Nature Park, head to Atatürk Orman Park. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,777 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Ankara, 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 Ankara's best restaurants.

Make sure to book a table at Filikos Restoran, a popular restaurant in Ankara. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Ankara at New York Pizza Delivery Anıttepe, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is MARTI RESTAURANT. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Ankara tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Muddy Waters, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Nil Rock Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Always Rock Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Head back to your accommodation in Ankara and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Turkey!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 9 of your road trip in Turkey. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Çankaya, and Ankara. 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.

Make Anıtkabir your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this mausoleum an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 120,860 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Independence Park. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,960 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this park every year.

Set your GPS to Çankaya and hit the road. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Çankaya beckons with new experiences!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Kuğulu Park. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Çankaya, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,340 visitors.

Seğmenler Parkı is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 12,391 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Kocaeli, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Marina Cafe Sekapark, a top-rated dining destination in Kocaeli. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Romano Cafe Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Cafe Kristo Izmit. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Kocaeli this evening.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at 262 Live Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, BABEL Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Kocaeli. Doping Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Turkey!