12-Day Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Ankara traveling west to Bolu, Istanbul, Bursa, and Eskişehir

Greet day 2 of your road trip in Turkey with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Ankara, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Çankaya and Ankara.

Whatever your travel style is, Anıtkabir is an essential stop in Ankara. This timeless monument provides an insightful glimpse into the town's identity. Next, discover Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi, a history-steeped museum, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Çansera Kent Bahçesi, a curiosity-inducing park.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Çankaya may take around 9 min. Upon your arrival in Çankaya, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Our first attraction recommendation in Çankaya is Kuğulu Park, a popular park that draws attention for its serene features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Seğmenler Parkı, a mesmerizing park that stands out in the town.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at MARTI RESTAURANT, a popular restaurant in Ankara. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Ankara at Golden Pavilion Museum, 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 Afganistan Sofrası. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Ankara tonight.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at On An On Rock Cafe, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, London Pub offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Nefes Bar // Bi' Nefes Özgürlük. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Head back to your accommodation in Ankara and get some rest to prepare for another magical 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 2 destinations, including Ankara and Keçiören. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Bolu, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

Start your day at Aqua Vega Aquarium. This instagrammable aquarium is an interesting place to see in Ankara. Then, wander over to Beştepe Millet Camii. If eye-catching sites excite you, this mosque will be right up your alley.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Keçiören, home to many well-known sights in the region. Upon arrival in Keçiören, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the day by heading to Keçiören Belediyesi Deniz Dünyası, a worthwhile aquarium that draws visitors from near and far.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bolu, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Bolu is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Bolu.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at ANTEP SOFRASI, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Hanımeli Yemek Salonu offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Kubbealti. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bolu.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Turkey!

Day 8 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Ankara. You’ll stay in Istanbul for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the spectacular Topkapı Palace and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Hagia Sophia, a picture-perfect mosque that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Basilica Cistern, one of the city’s most spectacular spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the top-rated Gülhane Park.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Turkey. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Istanbul, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Saltanat Fish & Kebab House, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Pierre Loti Hotel? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at By Ferro Fish & Kebab Restaurant as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Istanbul.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night 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 places, which are Eyüpsultan and Üsküdar. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bursa, where will spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Bursa, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Eyüpsultan to Bursa may take around 23 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bursa, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Eyüp Sultan Mosque, an impressive mosque that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Istanbul and set your GPS to Üsküdar. 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 10 min. Upon reaching Üsküdar, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Dolmabahçe Palace is a top-rated palace we recommend visiting today. Discover its history-steeped features before continuing your self-guided tour to Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, a stunning mosque that’s well-regarded in the area.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bursa. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Bursa, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Kitap Evi Otel, a top-rated dining destination in Bursa. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Tabipler Lokali, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Abidin Usta. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bursa this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting My Pub, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Cemil likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 10 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Bursa. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Eskişehir, where you'll spend 1 night.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the locally renowned Bursa Grand Mosque and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Koza Han, a heritage-rich market that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Green Tomb, one of the city’s most underrated spots that you shouldn’t miss.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Emir Sultan Mosque and explore the picture-perfect features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Eskişehir, 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 Eskişehir. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Ciğerci Ahmet, a top-rated dining spot in Eskişehir. If you're in the mood for something new, try Oda Restoran, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Tatlıdil Köftecisi. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Eskişehir.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Turkey.

On day 11 of your road trip in Turkey, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Altındağ are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Ankara, where you will stay for 1 night.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Altındağ may take around 2 hours 43 min. Upon your arrival in Altındağ, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Haci Bayram Mosque. Spend some time admiring the heritage-rich features of the mosque before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Ulucanlar Prison Museum. This captivating museum is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Ankara Castle. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the castle. Next, take your journey to Museum Of Anatolian Civilizations, a well-known museum.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Ankara. Ankara offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Ankara's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Savor the flavors at Urfalı Hayrağ'nın Yeri, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Zaytung Zone beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Bade'M Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Ankara tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Fat Boy Bar & Grill offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, 21 Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. The Soul Pub is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Turkey.