Relaxed 7-Day Turkey Road Trip Starting from Istanbul to Bolu

Your relaxed road trip through Turkey starts when you reach the incredible city of Istanbul, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Istanbul and begin your adventure in Turkey.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Çemberlitaş Hamamı. Previous visitors have rated this spa an average of 4 out of 5 stars in 3,097 reviews.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Istanbul. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Istanbul.

Make sure to book a table at Mitani Cafe, a popular restaurant in Istanbul. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Istanbul at Divella Bistro Restaurant, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Mivan Restaurant & Cafe. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Istanbul tonight.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Istanbul. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Rock Pub after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to BrusQ Bar & Hookah Lounge for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Rounder's Irish Pub is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Turkey. Enjoy your first taste of Istanbul as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Istanbul, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Turkey are extraordinary.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Topkapı Palace. Over 1,932,726 travelers visit this attraction every year. Previous visitors have rated this palace an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 97,459 reviews.

Hagia Sophia is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This minor basilica is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 129,265 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Basilica Cistern. This palace is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 71,523 reviews.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque is another outstanding experience in Istanbul. Around 95,369 travelers have rated this mosque an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your leisurely self-drive tour across Turkey. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular activities to choose from in Turkey.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Turkey. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Istanbul, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Istanbul by booking a table at Calipso Fish. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of seafood cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Sankai by Nagaya, celebrated for its delectable japanese contemporary menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Arkestra, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing fusion menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Istanbul and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Keep the evening going at Karga Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Just Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Turkey!

Day 3 of your self-drive tour in Turkey is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll stay in Bolu for 3 nights. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Turkey.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Grand Bazaar. This bazaar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 150,014 visitors.

Süleymaniye Mosque is another popular attraction you could visit today. This mosque has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 53,090 visitors.

Spice Bazaar is also highly recommended by travelers. This bazaar has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 168,628 visitors.

Gülhane Park is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 61,194 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Beyoğlu. This car ride takes around 16 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Galata Tower. This tower is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Beyoğlu, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 172,160 visitors.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Turkey at Bolu. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

Exploring the food culture in Bolu offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Make sure to reserve a table at ANTEP SOFRASI, an iconic dining spot in Bolu. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Hanımeli Yemek Salonu, a popular restaurant in Bolu. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Kubbealti, a hidden gem nestled in Bolu. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Bolu!

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through Turkey means 24 hours of making the best memories in Bolu. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Bolu. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the region. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Bolu!

Turkey makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Turkey also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring the food culture in Bolu offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Gaye Otel, a top-rated dining spot in Bolu. If you're in the mood for something new, try Et Evi -Bolu Çiftliği, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Oklava. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bolu.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Turkey!

On day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Turkey, you’ll go deep into Bolu, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Bolu, and meet locals along the way!

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Akkaya Travertenleri. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.1 out of 5 stars in 3,978 reviews.

Next up is Atatürk Orman Park. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,777 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Golcuk Nature Park. This park has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,749 reviews.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Turkey by joining a traveler-approved tour in Bolu. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Bolu that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Turkey more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Bolu to find the best options for you!

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Bolu has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Dine in style at Bolu Hanzade Restaurant, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, GRAND KEBAP BOLU boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Hünkar Sofrası (Ahmet Usta'nın Yeri). Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bolu.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Bolu and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Bolu as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Turkey with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in Turkey!

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Turkey promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the city of Bolu and drive in the direction of the city of Istanbul for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of Istanbul, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

Make Upper Stone Inn your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 547 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Beyazıt Cami. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 830 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this mosque every year.

Orta Hamam is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 895 visitors.

When you’re finished at Orta Hamam, the perfect next stop is Kadı Mosque. This mosque is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 278 reviews.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Istanbul in this laid-back road trip in Turkey. You'll stay here for 1 night.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Turkey. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Istanbul, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Çağrı Restaurant & Cafe Bar, a highly-rated dining destination in Istanbul. If you're eager to try something different, consider Resto Han, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Istanbul this evening.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Istanbul. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Istanbul as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Turkey with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in Turkey!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Turkey is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Istanbul.

Make the most of your final day in Turkey by visiting Istanbul’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Turkey.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Istanbul is the remarkable Beyazıt Square. This square and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 25,152 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Istanbul or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Istanbul and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Turkey is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.