12-Day Turkey road trip from Izmir to Bursa, Istanbul, Bolu, and Ankara

Izmir has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible İzmir Historical Elevator Building. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,215 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 Izmir, SWISSOTEL BUYUK EFES IZMIR. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,410 customers.

Izmir also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 12-day vacation in Turkey!

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 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Konak’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Konak, start your day with a visit to the amazing Ahmed Adnan Saygun Sanat Merkezi. This much-appreciated must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,315 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Güzelyali Park. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,611 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Clock Tower of İzmir to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Clock Tower of İzmir is a must-see tourist destination that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,756 visitors.

The lovely Konak Square is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 7,681 visitors have left this square 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 Kemeraltı. This attraction is a bazaar rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 27,496 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Konak 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!

Rise and shine on day 3 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Bursa and embark on a scenic drive to Istanbul, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 3 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Bursa 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 Bursa. This attraction is a mosque that has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 38,739 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Koza Han. This attraction, a beloved bazaar, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 29,902 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Dolmabahçe Palace. This attraction is a palace that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 75,692 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque). This mosque and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 32,994 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Yıldız Park. This park and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 33,205 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Hanzade Terrace Restaurant. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 5,898 customers.

Locals also recommend Mivan Restaurant & Cafe, another of the best restaurants in Istanbul. Mivan Restaurant & Cafe is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 3,913 customers.

After dinner, visit Arch Bistro to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Istanbul, with an average rating 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 is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Harab'be Cafe has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,610 customers.

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!

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 Spice Bazaar. This amazing attraction is a bazaar and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 164,946 visitors.

Hagia Sophia is another popular attraction you could visit. As one of the best-rated attractions in the area, Hagia Sophia has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 127,439 visitors.

To make your time more memorable, we recommend you visit Gülhane Park. This outstanding attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 59,778 visitors.

If you’re up for something incredible, then consider a visit to the outstanding Topkapı Palace. Topkapı Palace is a palace and a popular attraction that hosts approximately 1,932,726 travelers per year. More than 95,040 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 Istanbul.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, 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 one of the top 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.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Istanbul!

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 Grand Bazaar. This incredible attraction is a bazaar and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 145,525 visitors.

Sultanahmet Square is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 30,938 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This amazing attraction is a mosque and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 91,956 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Beyazıt Square. This square and place of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 24,941 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Süleymaniye Mosque. This mosque is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 51,661 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!

Day 6 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 Istanbul and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Bolu. You will stay in Bolu for 2 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Istanbul is the amazing Eyüp Sultan Mosque. This attraction is a mosque that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 58,057 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible bascule bridge, Galata Bridge. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,650 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Istanbul is the outstanding Beylerbeyi Palace. This popular building and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,510 visitors.

The spectacular Maiden's Tower is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating restaurant and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,167 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Istanbul 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 Bolu, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Yorem Manti Unlu Mamuller, one of the best restaurants in the city of Bolu. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,926 customers.

Locals also 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 Karpalas City Hotel & Spa, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Bolu. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,485 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Bolu Gardenya Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 382 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Turkey!

On day 7 of your road trip across Turkey, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Bolu. You’ll stay in Bolu for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the The Sign Esentepe Hotel & Ski Center, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Bolu. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 44 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Bolu is the 5-star Buyuk Abant Oteli & Kongre Merkezi. The hotel is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 393 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Bolu is the 3-star Abant Yayla Boutique Hotel.

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 Yedigöller National Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,484 visitors.

Atatürk Orman Park is another popular attraction you could visit. This incredible attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,703 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit is the extraordinary Golcuk Nature Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,352 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Lake Abant. Around 7,559 visitors have given this lake an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Come to Bolu 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 Bolu.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Bolu.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Oklava, after your day of exploring the city of Bolu. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 913 customers.

Locals recommend Kartaltepe Boutique Hotel, one of the best bars in the city of Bolu, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 340 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Bolu, Kaybedenler Kulübü Meyhane Bolu. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 128 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Turkey.

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 Altındağ’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Altındağ, start your day with a visit to the amazing Haci Bayram Mosque. This much-appreciated mosque and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 19,269 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. This national museum and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,450 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Ankara Castle to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Ankara Castle is a castle that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 18,222 visitors.

The lovely Ulucanlar Prison Museum is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 14,224 visitors have left this museum average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Altındağ 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!

Day 9 of your road trip through Turkey gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. 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 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 Independence Park. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,614 visitors.

The spectacular Anıtkabir is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating mausoleum and attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 118,317 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic MTA Genel Müdürlüğü Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi. This attraction is a popular museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,507 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 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!

Rise and shine on day 10 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Eskisehir and embark on a scenic drive to Denizli, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Eskisehir and Aegean Region 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.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Denizli Gondola. This attraction is a gondola lift that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,309 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Aegean Region, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Denizli. When you arrive in Denizli 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 Kebapci Kadir. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,190 customers.

Locals also recommend Kökenoğlu Pide, another of the best restaurants in Denizli. Kökenoğlu Pide is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 332 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!

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Izmir. You’ll stay in Izmir for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Pamukkale’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Pamukkale, start your day with a visit to the amazing Pamukkale South Gate. This much-appreciated parking and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,567 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Travertines of Pamukkale. This top-tier point of interest and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 69,372 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Pamukkale Turkey to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Pamukkale Turkey is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 416 visitors.

The lovely Natural Park is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 558 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.5 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 The ancient city of Laodicea. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,317 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Pamukkale has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Izmir. Izmir 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!

Day 12 of your road trip in Turkey is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Izmir 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.

İzmir Büyükşehir Belediyesi Susuzdede Parkı is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Izmir. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,133 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Izmir and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Turkey.

You’ll then say farewell to Izmir. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Turkey!