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

Your road trip adventure in Turkey begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Istanbul. You’ll stay in Istanbul for 4 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

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.

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 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.

Locals recommend Garden Mezze | Steakhouse Restaurant | Fine Dining | Top Turkish Restaurant | Seafood | Breakfast as one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,884 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 Flekk. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 576 customers.

Locals also enjoy Harab'be Cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,610 customers.

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

On day 2 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 3 nights 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 Hagia Sophia. This incredible attraction is a minor basilica and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 127,439 visitors.

Basilica Cistern is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Istanbul. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 68,033 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Istanbul is Sultanahmet Square. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 30,938 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!

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 in the city of Istanbul is Topkapı Palace. Over 1,932,726 travelers come to Istanbul every year to see and explore Topkapı Palace. This amazing attraction is a palace and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 95,040 visitors.

Grand Bazaar is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Istanbul. As one of the best-rated attractions in the area, Grand Bazaar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 145,525 visitors.

To make your time in the city of Istanbul more memorable, we recommend you visit Süleymaniye Mosque. This outstanding attraction is a mosque and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 51,661 visitors.

If you’re up for something incredible, then consider a visit to the outstanding Spice Bazaar. More than 164,946 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.5 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 İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,220 customers.

Byzantion Bistro Restaurant is one of the top restaurants in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul is Gulhane Sark Sofrasi. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,078 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Istanbul, Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,647 customers.

If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Istanbul, we recommend the cocktails at James Joyce Irish Pub. This bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,184 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Istanbul is Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,963 customers.

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

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 4 of your epic road trip in Turkey, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Bursa. 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 Bursa’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Bursa, start your day with a visit to the amazing Bursa Botanical Park. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,439 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating İnkaya Historical Plane Tree. This best-rated sightseeing destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 24,525 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Han Brass to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Han Brass is a must-see tourist destination that has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 5,612 visitors.

The lovely Grand Mosque of Bursa is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 38,739 visitors have left this mosque average ratings of 4.9 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 Koza Han. This attraction is a bazaar rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 29,902 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Bursa 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 Uzan Et Mangal. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,360 reviews.

The remarkable Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta is another top restaurant in Bursa we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,308 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Fikret Balık Restoran & Balık Market is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,924 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Bursa, the fantastic Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 834 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Newcastle Pub. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Cemil. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 836 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Turkey!

Day 5 of your road trip through Turkey is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Gölyazı and the city of Bursa. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the village of Gölyazı is the amazing Ağlayan Çınar. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,261 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Gölyazı 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 Heykel in the city of Bursa for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,129 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Bursa is the outstanding Green Tomb. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,861 visitors, this place of worship deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Emir Sultan Mosque. This attraction, a stunning mosque, has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 9,695 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Ağlayan Çınar. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 14,261 travelers, this is one attraction many highly recommend.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Köfteci Hacıbekir, one of the best restaurants in the city of Sakarya. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,824 customers.

Locals also recommend Pekara Kahvaltı as one of the best restaurants in the city of Sakarya. Pekara Kahvaltı is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,756 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Sakarya is BEYLİK KEBAP. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,242 customers.

After dinner, visit Meraklı Köfteci (Hakan Şef), which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Sakarya. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 114 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Baytar Steakhouse - Serdivan. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 464 customers.

Alternatively, Pub Radio Performance Hall is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Sakarya. This bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 381 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 6 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 1 night. 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 Lefke Gate. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 644 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Iznik Castle. This attraction, a beloved must-see tourist destination, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,884 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Sakarya is the stunning Iznik Museum. This museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,661 visitors.

Next, you could make your way to the best-rated mosque in Sakarya. The popular Hagia Sophia Mosque is a great place to visit on this day of your road trip adventure. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,630 visitors, it’s one of the most popular places to see in the city.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Tuzla Seafood Restaurant. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 24,161 customers.

Locals also recommend Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul, another of the best restaurants in Istanbul. Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,280 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at İBB Küçükçekmece Sosyal Tesisleri. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,657 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Lacivert to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Istanbul, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,960 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Red River Pub. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Red River Pub has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,343 customers.

Karga Bar is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,532 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!

Day 7 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 Beykoz Koru Sosyal Tesisi before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,704 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend İBB Kasımpaşa Sosyal Tesisleri for your last chance at a meal in the city of Istanbul. The İBB Kasımpaşa Sosyal Tesisleri restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,846 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!