5-Day Turkey road trip Starting from Istanbul to Kocaeli

Istanbul has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Sultanahmet Square. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 30,938 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 5-day vacation in Turkey!

Day 2 of your road trip through Turkey gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Kocaeli for 2 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Fatih is the amazing Grand Bazaar. This attraction is a bazaar that is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 145,525 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible bazaar, Spice Bazaar. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 164,946 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Fatih is the outstanding Gülhane Park. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 59,778 visitors.

The spectacular Topkapı Palace is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating palace and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 95,040 visitors. In addition, approximately 1,932,726 travelers visit this popular site annually.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Hagia Sophia. This attraction is a popular minor basilica that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 127,439 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 Kocaeli, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Başol Steak House Et Kasap, one of the best restaurants in the city of Kocaeli. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 917 customers.

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

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Kocaeli, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Kocaeli.

Today you'll explore the city of Bolu. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Kocaeli Science Center. This incredible attraction is a science center and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,951 visitors.

Yeni Cuma (Pertev Mehmet Paşa) Camii is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Bolu. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,606 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Bolu is Kocaeli Kent Ormanı. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,918 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 Kocaeli.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Kocaeli, Doping Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 111 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Turkey!

Rise and shine on day 4 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 Beşiktaş 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 Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque). This attraction is a mosque that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 32,994 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Yıldız Park. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 33,205 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Dolmabahçe Palace. This palace and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 75,692 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Beşiktaş, 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 5 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!