7-Day Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bursa traveling north to Kocaeli and Istanbul

On day 2 of your road trip in Turkey, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Bursa. In the evening, you’ll end up in Kocaeli, where you will stay for 3 nights.

Start your day at Orhan Gazi Mosque. This photogenic mosque is an underrated place to see in Bursa. Then, wander over to Koza Han. If visually striking sites excite you, this market will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Bursa Grand Mosque. This breathtaking mosque is a favorite among visitors.

Bursa offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Han Brass is an underrated spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Kocaeli. Kocaeli offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Kocaeli. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Make sure to book a table at Garniture Cafe Restaurant Patisserie, a popular restaurant in Kocaeli. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Turkey!

Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip in Turkey. With 1 night left in Kocaeli, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bolu. This car ride takes around 1 hour 46 min.

Make your way to Orta Hamam, an up-and-coming spa that draws attention for its heritage-rich features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Beyazıt Cami, a photogenic mosque that stands out in the city. Next, visit Upper Stone Inn, a worthwhile sightseeing destination that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Golcuk Nature Park, a nearby park, which is highly recommended by other travelers.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Kocaeli.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Kocaeli's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Kocaeli.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Turkey!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you will explore Beyoğlu and Istanbul, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Istanbul. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Beyoğlu. This car ride takes around 1 hour 29 min.

Make your way to Galata Tower, an iconic observation deck that draws attention for its grand features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Istanbul. This drive usually takes around 15 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Take your self-guided tour to Sultan Ahmed Mosque, an astonishing mosque that everyone visiting Istanbul should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Hagia Sophia. This stunning mosque is one of the most wondrous attractions in the region. Don’t miss out on Basilica Cistern, a standout archeological site, popular among locals as well as travelers.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Istanbul. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Istanbul's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Have a memorable dining experience in Istanbul by booking a table at Calipso Fish, renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant presenting an exceptional seafood menu. For a different culinary experience in Istanbul, Sankai by Nagaya shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious japanese contemporary cuisine. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Arkestra is known as a top local spot for its delicious fusion cuisine in Istanbul. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Keep the evening going at Malt Bar Gayrettepe, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Brusq Bar & Hookah Lounge, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Rounder's Irish Pub, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Turkey and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Istanbul and Fatih. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bursa, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Istanbul, featuring an instagrammable, a heritage-rich, a charming, a breathtaking, a grand, and an UNESCO world heritage-listed. Start at Grand Bazaar, a globally renowned market in the city. Then, head to Spice Bazaar and soak in the ambiance of this photogenic market.

There are many interesting places to see in Istanbul and when you are ready for more, go to Gülhane Park. This is one of the city’s most spectacular spots. After exploring the park, visit the spectacular Topkapı Palace.

Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Fatih.

Make your way to Süleymaniye Mosque, an astonishing mosque that draws attention for its stunning features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bursa, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bursa's best restaurants.

Dine in style at Yesil Izgara Pideli Kofte, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, TANDIR'AZ BURSA boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Labelle Bar. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bursa.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Varuna Memphis Pub Bursa, known for its lively atmosphere. Kule Pub is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Turkey.