7-Day Turkey road trip from Bursa to Kocaeli, Sakarya, and Istanbul

Your road trip adventure in Turkey begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Bursa. You’ll stay in Bursa for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Bursa has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Heykel. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,129 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. 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 Bursa, Uzan Et Mangal. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,360 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Bursa is Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,308 customers.

Locals recommend Fikret Balık Restoran & Balık Market as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bursa. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,924 customers.

Bursa also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Bursa is Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 834 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Bursa is Newcastle Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers.

Locals also enjoy Cemil. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 836 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 7-day vacation in Turkey!

Day 2 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 Kocaeli. You will stay in Kocaeli 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 Koza Han. This attraction is a bazaar that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 29,902 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible mosque, Grand Mosque of Bursa. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 38,739 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Bursa is the outstanding Han Brass. This popular top-tier point of interest and travel destination has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 5,612 visitors.

The spectacular İnkaya Historical Plane Tree is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating top-tier point of interest and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 24,525 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Uludağ. This attraction is a popular mountain that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,885 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 Kocaeli, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Mini Köşk Köfte, one of the best restaurants in the city of Kocaeli. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 10,530 customers.

Locals also recommend Kebapçı Mehmet Usta as one of the best restaurants in the city of Kocaeli. Kebapçı Mehmet Usta is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,709 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Kocaeli is Bilgiçler Et - Köfte - Ereğli. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,795 customers.

After dinner, visit Lezzet Kebap Diyarı İzmit, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Kocaeli. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 577 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Baron Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 194 customers.

Alternatively, DURAK TANTUNI KOKOREÇ is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Kocaeli. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 362 customers.

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

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 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 Sakarya. You’ll stay in Sakarya 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 Akkaya Travertenleri. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 3,811 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Beyazıt Cami. This mosque and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 816 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 Sakarya. Sakarya 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 Köfteci Hacıbekir. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,824 reviews.

The remarkable Pekara Kahvaltı is another top restaurant in Sakarya we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,756 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous BEYLİK KEBAP is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,242 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Sakarya, the fantastic Meraklı Köfteci (Hakan Şef). This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 114 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Baytar Steakhouse - Serdivan. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 464 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Pub Radio Performance Hall. This bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 381 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Turkey!

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Sakarya and embark on a scenic drive to Istanbul, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Sakarya 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 Sakarya. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Dolmabahçe Palace. This attraction is a palace that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 75,692 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Gülhane Park. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 59,778 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Sakarya is the stunning Spice Bazaar. This bazaar and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 164,946 visitors.

Next, you could make your way to the best-rated mosque in Sakarya. The popular Süleymaniye Mosque is a great place to visit on this day of your road trip adventure. Rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 51,661 visitors, it’s one of the most popular places to see in the city.

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 Grand Bazaar. This attraction is a bazaar rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 145,525 reviews.

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.

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.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Garden Mezze | Steakhouse Restaurant | Fine Dining | Top Turkish Restaurant | Seafood | Breakfast. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,884 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

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 Flekk. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Flekk has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 576 customers.

Harab'be Cafe is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average 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!

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Istanbul, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Istanbul.

Today you'll explore the city of Istanbul. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Topkapı Palace. As one of the top sights in the area, around 1,932,726 people visit this attraction every year. This incredible attraction is a palace and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 95,040 visitors.

Hagia Sophia is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Istanbul. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 127,439 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Istanbul is Basilica Cistern. This amazing attraction is a palace and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 68,033 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.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Istanbul, Vamos Estambul Restaurant & Cafe. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,447 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Joker No.19. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,483 customers.

Corner Irish Pub is another of the best bars in the city of Istanbul. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,406 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 is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Beyoğlu and the city of Fatih. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the town of Beyoğlu is the amazing Miniatürk. This attraction is a miniature park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 32,760 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Galata Tower. This tower and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 169,479 visitors.

Galata Bridge is another popular attraction you can explore in the town of Beyoğlu. This well-known attraction, a spectacular bascule bridge, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 33,650 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Beyoğlu is another excellent way to spend your new day in Turkey. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Turkey’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Turkey’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Turkey’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Eyüp Sultan Mosque in the city of Fatih for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a mosque and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 58,057 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Bursa.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Yesil Izgara Pideli Kofte, one of the best restaurants in the city of Bursa. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,249 customers.

Locals also recommend Rumeli Kardeşler Sofrası as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bursa. Rumeli Kardeşler Sofrası is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,455 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Bursa is Yıldıztepe Cafe Mudanya. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,193 customers.

After dinner, visit Tabipler Lokali, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Bursa. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 653 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like High Out Dart Club. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 543 customers.

Alternatively, Enfal Izgara Kasap is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Bursa. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 136 customers.

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

Day 7 of your road trip in Turkey is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Bursa 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.

Bursa Botanical Park is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Bursa. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,439 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Bursa at Cemilusta Bursa before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,682 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend İnci Pide for your last chance at a meal in the city of Bursa. The İnci Pide restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,023 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Inan Kardesler Et Lokantasi. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,041 customers.

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