4-Day Turkey road trip Starting from Istanbul to Kocaeli

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 4-day vacation in Turkey!

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

If you’re curious to see more of Fatih, start your day with a visit to the amazing Grand Bazaar. This much-appreciated bazaar and attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 145,525 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Süleymaniye Mosque. This mosque and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 51,661 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Spice Bazaar to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Spice Bazaar is a bazaar that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 164,946 visitors.

The lovely Sultanahmet Square is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 30,938 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.7 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 Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This attraction is a mosque rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 91,956 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Fatih has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Kocaeli. Kocaeli 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 Başol Steak House Et Kasap. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 917 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Kocaeli, the fantastic Doping Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 111 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 Kocaeli Province and embark on a scenic drive to Istanbul, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Kocaeli Province and Fatih 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 Kocaeli Province. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Kocaeli Science Center. This attraction is a science center that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,951 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Yeni Cuma (Pertev Mehmet Paşa) Camii. This attraction, a beloved mosque, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,606 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Kocaeli Province is the stunning Kocaeli Kent Ormanı. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,918 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Topkapı Palace. This attraction is a palace that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 95,040 visitors. Around 1,932,726 people visit Topkapı Palace every year.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Hagia Sophia. This minor basilica and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 127,439 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Basilica Cistern. This palace and travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 68,033 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Fatih, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Istanbul. When you arrive in Istanbul 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 Saltanat Fish & Kebab House. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,112 customers.

Locals also recommend Divella Bistro Restaurant, another of the best restaurants in Istanbul. Divella Bistro Restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,711 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Turkish Cuisine. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

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!

Day 4 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 could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Istanbul at İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,220 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Gulhane Sark Sofrasi for your last chance at a meal in the city of Istanbul. The Gulhane Sark Sofrasi restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,078 customers.

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