12-Day Turkey Road Trip from Ankara to Bolu, Istanbul, Bursa, and Eskişehir

On day 2 of your road trip in Turkey, you’ll start and end your day in Ankara, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Ankara for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Ankara, and Çankaya to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Metu Forest. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,747 reviews.

Next up is Anıtkabir. This mausoleum has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 120,860 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi. This museum has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,678 reviews.

Çansera Kent Bahçesi is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This park has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,648 reviews.

Set your GPS to Çankaya and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 42 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Çankaya beckons with new experiences!

Drop by the renowned Seğmenler Parkı. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 12,391 visitors.

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

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 delicious meal at Golden Pavilion Museum, a top-rated dining destination in Ankara. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Afganistan Sofrası, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Urfalı Hayrağ'nın Yeri. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Ankara this evening.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into On An On Rock Cafe. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Nefes Bar // Bi' Nefes Özgürlük offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Fat Boy Bar & Grill, another top-rated bar in the area.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Turkey!

Wake up to day 5 of your extraordinary road trip in Turkey. With 1 night left in Bolu, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Golcuk Nature Park. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,749 visitors.

Next, make your way to Akkaya Travertenleri. This top attraction is a park with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 3,978 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Sarıyar. This car ride takes around 34 min.

Take the opportunity to see Abant Tabiat Müzesi. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,138 visitors.

Lake Abant is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This lake has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,703 travelers.

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

As you explore more of Bolu, 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Bolu Hanzade Restaurant, a highly-rated dining destination in Bolu. If you're eager to try something different, consider GRAND KEBAP BOLU, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hünkar Sofrası (Ahmet Usta'nın Yeri). With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bolu this evening.

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

Day 7 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Istanbul for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Spice Bazaar. This bazaar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 168,628 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Süleymaniye Mosque. This mosque has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 53,090 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Grand Bazaar. This bazaar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 150,014 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Gülhane Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 61,194 visitors.

If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Beyoğlu on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Istanbul. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, 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 By Ferro Fish & Kebab Restaurant? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Ulus 29 as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Istanbul.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Karga Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Just Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Turkey!

On day 8 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Istanbul. You’ll stay in Istanbul for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

When you're ready to see some sights, Topkapı Palace is a great place to start. This palace is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 97,459 visitors. Topkapı Palace attracts more than 1,932,726 visitors every year.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Hagia Sophia. This minor basilica has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 129,265 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Basilica Cistern. The palace has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 71,523 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This mosque is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 95,369 reviews.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Istanbul's best restaurants.

Make sure to reserve a table at Çağrı Restaurant & Cafe Bar, an iconic dining spot in Istanbul. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Resto Han, a popular restaurant in Istanbul. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Istanbul. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you will explore Fatih, Istanbul, and Üsküdar, 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 Bursa. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Pierre Loti Hill, a remarkable tea house where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 31,469 reviews.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Eyüp Sultan Mosque. This mosque is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Fatih, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 59,048 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Bursa, 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 explore more of Bursa, 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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Kitap Evi Otel, a top-rated dining spot in Bursa. If you're in the mood for something new, try Tabipler Lokali, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Dobruca Derebahçe Sosyal Tesisleri. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bursa.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at My Pub, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Cemil provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Turkey!

On day 10 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 Bursa. In the evening, you’ll end up in Eskişehir, where you will stay for 1 night.

Drop by the renowned Bursa Grand Mosque. This popular mosque has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 40,156 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Koza Han. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 30,790 visitors, this bazaar deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to İnkaya Historical Plane Tree. This sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 24,970 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Green Tomb. This point of interest and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,396 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Emir Sultan Mosque. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 10,128 travelers, this mosque is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Bursa.

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 Eskişehir. Eskişehir 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 day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Eskişehir's best restaurants.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Ciğerci Ahmet, a top-rated dining destination in Eskişehir. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Oda Restoran, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Tatlıdil Köftecisi. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Eskişehir this evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Turkey!

On day 11 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Ankara. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Ankara, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Eskişehir, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Ankara may take around 2 hours 45 min. Upon your arrival in Ankara, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Drop by the renowned Ulucanlar Prison Museum. This popular museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,648 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Haci Bayram Mosque. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 19,925 visitors, this mosque deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Museum Of Anatolian Civilizations. Hosting around 450,000 visitors every year, the fascinating Museum Of Anatolian Civilizations is one of the best places to visit in Ankara. This national museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,978 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Ankara Castle. This castle and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 18,722 local and international travelers.

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.

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Zaytung Zone, an iconic dining spot in Ankara. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Safranhan, a popular restaurant in Ankara. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Bogazici Lokantasi, a hidden gem nestled in Ankara. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Soul Pub offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, O Ses Sensin - Karaoke is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. The Celt Irish 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 in Turkey.