12-Day Turkey road trip from Istanbul to Bursa, Eskişehir, Ankara, and Bolu
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 12-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 5 nights in Istanbul, 2 nights in Bursa, 1 night in Eskisehir, 2 nights in Ankara, and 1 night in Bolu, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Turkey. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Istanbul, Bursa, Eskisehir, Ankara, and Bolu. We'll help you experience the best 12 days in Turkey you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.
Upon arriving in Istanbul, 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 Galata Tower and Hagia Sophia.
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 Spice Bazaar to the breathtaking Grand Bazaar and Sultan Ahmed Mosque, 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 Topkapı Palace and learn more about the unique Anıtkabir to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Istanbul, Bursa, Eskisehir, Ankara, and Bolu, 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 11 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 11 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!
Included
Destinations
Map
Attractions
FlightsYesNo
Travel details
Flights
CarYesNo
Car
Small car
Medium car
Premium car
Hotels
Personalize your itinerary
Day 1 – Istanbul and Fatih - arrival day
Day 1 – Istanbul and Fatih - arrival day
- Istanbul - Arrival day
- More
- Gülhane Park
- More
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 59,778 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.
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 12-day vacation in Turkey!
Experiences
Day 2 – Fatih and Istanbul
Day 2 – Fatih and Istanbul
- Istanbul
- More
Drive 3 km, 45 min
- Hagia Sophia
- Basilica Cistern
- Sultanahmet Square
- Sultan Ahmed Mosque
- More
You still have 4 nights left in Istanbul.
One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Hagia Sophia. This incredible attraction is a minor basilica and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 127,439 visitors.
Basilica Cistern is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 68,033 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Sultanahmet Square. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 30,938 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 91,956 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 Saltanat Fish & Kebab House. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,112 customers.
Divella Bistro Restaurant is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,711 customers.
Locals enjoy Turkish Cuisine, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Istanbul. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Turkey!
Experiences
Day 3 – Fatih, Beyoğlu, and Istanbul
Day 3 – Fatih, Beyoğlu, and Istanbul
- Istanbul
- More
Drive 11 km, 1 hour 47 min
- Topkapı Palace
- Grand Bazaar
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- Spice Bazaar
- Galata Tower
- More
At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Istanbul, where you'll stay for 3 nights more.
One of the best travel destinations is Galata Tower. This amazing attraction is a tower and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 169,479 visitors.
You can also make your new day in Turkey more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Turkey’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Istanbul.
When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, 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 one of the top restaurants in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,078 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Istanbul, Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,647 customers.
If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Istanbul, we recommend the cocktails at Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant. This bar has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,963 customers.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Istanbul!
Experiences
Day 4 – Beşiktaş and Istanbul
Day 4 – Beşiktaş and Istanbul
- Istanbul
- More
Drive 38 km, 1 hour 54 min
- Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)
- Yıldız Park
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Galata Bridge
- Eyüp Sultan Mosque
- More
At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Istanbul, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.
One of the best travel destinations is Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque). This amazing attraction is a mosque and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 32,994 visitors.
Yıldız Park is another popular attraction you could visit. As one of the best-rated attractions in the area, Yıldız Park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 33,205 visitors.
To make your time more memorable, we recommend you visit Dolmabahçe Palace. This outstanding attraction is a palace and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 75,692 visitors.
If you’re up for something incredible, then consider a visit to the outstanding Galata Bridge. More than 33,650 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
You can also make your new day in Turkey more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Turkey’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Istanbul.
After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Istanbul, Lacivert. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,960 customers.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Istanbul!
Experiences
Day 5 – Osmangazi and Bursa
Day 5 – Osmangazi and Bursa
- Bursa
- More
Drive 154 km, 2 hours 15 min
- Han Brass
- Grand Mosque of Bursa
- Koza Han
- Heykel
- Bursa City Museum
- More
Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Bursa. You’ll stay in Bursa for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Osmangazi’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Osmangazi, start your day with a visit to the amazing Han Brass. This much-appreciated must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 5,612 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Grand Mosque of Bursa. This mosque and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 38,739 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Koza Han to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Koza Han is a bazaar that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 29,902 visitors.
The lovely Heykel is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,129 visitors have left this best-rated sightseeing destination average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Bursa City Museum. This attraction is a museum rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,988 reviews.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Osmangazi has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Bursa. Bursa 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 Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,308 reviews.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Bursa, the fantastic Cemil. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 836 customers.
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Turkey!
Experiences
Day 6 – Osmangazi and Bursa
Day 6 – Osmangazi and Bursa
- Bursa
- More
Drive 268 km, 4 hours 17 min
- İnkaya Historical Plane Tree
- Mudanya Armistice House
- Ağlayan Çınar
- Suuçtu Falls
- More
At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Bursa, where you'll stay for 1 night more.
One of the best travel destinations is İnkaya Historical Plane Tree. This amazing attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 24,525 visitors.
Mudanya Armistice House is another popular attraction you could visit. As one of the best-rated attractions in the area, Mudanya Armistice House has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,982 visitors.
To make your time more memorable, we recommend you visit Ağlayan Çınar. This outstanding attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,261 visitors.
If you’re up for something incredible, then consider a visit to the outstanding Suuçtu Falls. More than 5,806 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
You can also make your new day in Turkey more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Turkey’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Bursa.
When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like Yesil Izgara Pideli Kofte. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,249 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Bursa, Tabipler Lokali. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 653 customers.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Bursa!
Experiences
Day 7 – Bursa and Eskişehir
Day 7 – Bursa and Eskişehir
- Bursa
- Eskişehir
- More
Drive 173 km, 3 hours 10 min
- Green Tomb
- Emir Sultan Mosque
- Sultan's Mansion Museum
- Oylat Cave
- More
Day 7 of your road trip through Turkey gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Bursa and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Eskişehir. You will stay in Eskişehir for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Bursa is the amazing Green Tomb. This attraction is a place of worship that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,861 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible mosque, Emir Sultan Mosque. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 9,695 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.
Another unforgettable travel destination in the Bursa is the outstanding Sultan's Mansion Museum. This popular museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,146 visitors.
The spectacular Oylat Cave is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating show cave and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,640 visitors.
You can make the most of your new day in Bursa by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. 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 Eskişehir, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Yusufeli Coruh Doner, one of the best restaurants in the city of Eskişehir. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,810 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Turkey!
Experiences
Day 8 – Eskişehir and Ankara
Day 8 – Eskişehir and Ankara
- Ankara
- Eskişehir
- More
Drive 245 km, 3 hours 18 min
- Dede Korkut Park
- Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Kentpark
- MTA Sehit Cuma Dag Natural History Museum
- Anıtkabir
- Independence Park
- More
Rise and shine on day 8 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Eskisehir and embark on a scenic drive to Ankara, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Eskisehir 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 Eskisehir. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Dede Korkut Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,900 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Kentpark. This attraction, a beloved best-rated sightseeing destination, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,614 visitors.
One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable MTA Genel Müdürlüğü Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,507 visitors.
If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Anıtkabir. This mausoleum and attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 118,317 reviews.
Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Independence Park. This park and travel destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,614 visitors.
After dinner, visit The Soul Pub to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Ankara, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,729 customers.
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 – Ankara and Altındağ
Day 9 – Ankara and Altındağ
- Ankara
- More
Drive 77 km, 2 hours 47 min
- METU Forest
- Kuğulu Park
- Seğmenler Parkı
- Haci Bayram Mosque
- Altınköy
- More
At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Ankara, where you'll stay for 1 night more.
One of the best travel destinations is Haci Bayram Mosque. This amazing attraction is a mosque and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 19,269 visitors.
Altınköy Açık Hava Müzesi is another popular attraction you could visit. As one of the best-rated attractions in the area, Altınköy Açık Hava Müzesi has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,802 visitors.
You can also make your new day in Turkey more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Turkey’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Ankara.
When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like Urfalı Hayrağ'nın Yeri. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,773 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Ankara, Nefes Bar // Bi' Nefes Özgürlük. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,078 customers.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Ankara!
Experiences
Day 10 – Altındağ, Ankara, and Bolu
Day 10 – Altındağ, Ankara, and Bolu
- Ankara
- Bolu
- More
Drive 198 km, 2 hours 58 min
- Ulucanlar Prison Museum
- Ankara Castle
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
- Beştepe Millet Camii
- More
You’ll stay in Bolu for 1 night.
One of the best places to explore today is Ulucanlar Prison Museum. This excellent attraction is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,224 visitors.
Around 18,222 travelers rated this attraction with 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Attracting over 450,000 visitors in a single year, it's clear that Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is one of the top sights of the area. This amazing attraction is a national museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,450 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 Ulucanlar Prison Museum for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Ankara. This popular attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,224 visitors.
This outstanding castle has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 18,222 travelers.
You can also stop at the popular Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Hosting around 450,000 visitors every year, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is one of the best places to visit in Ankara. This attraction, a stunning national museum, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,450 visitors.
If you’re interested in exploring even more, visit the fantastic Beştepe Millet Camii. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 7,319 travelers, the magnificent Beştepe Millet Camii 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 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.
Kartaltepe Boutique Hotel is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Bolu. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 340 customers.
Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Turkey with a toast!
Experiences
Day 11 – Bolu and Istanbul
Day 11 – Bolu and Istanbul
- Bolu
- Istanbul
- More
Drive 284 km, 3 hours 47 min
- Beyazıt Cami
- Yukarı Taşhan
- Golcuk Nature Park
- Atatürk Orman Park
- More
As you rise to greet the dawn on day 11 of your epic road trip in Turkey, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Bolu. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Istanbul. You’ll stay in Istanbul for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Bolu’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Bolu, start your day with a visit to the amazing Beyazıt Cami. This much-appreciated mosque and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 816 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Upper Stone Inn. This best-rated sightseeing destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 512 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Golcuk Nature Park to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Golcuk Nature Park is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,352 visitors.
The lovely Atatürk Orman Park is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 2,703 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Bolu has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Istanbul. Istanbul offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Turkey!
Experiences
Day 12 – Istanbul and Fatih - departure day
Day 12 – Istanbul and Fatih - departure day
- Istanbul - Departure day
- More
- Beyazıt Square
- More
Day 12 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 24,941 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’ll then say farewell to Istanbul. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Turkey!
Experiences
Similar travel packages
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.