7-Day Turkey Road Trip from Istanbul traveling east to Bursa, Eskişehir, and Kocaeli

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Istanbul. 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.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Grand Bazaar. This bazaar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 150,014 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Spice Bazaar. This bazaar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 168,628 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Gülhane Park. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 61,194 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Topkapı Palace. This palace is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 97,459 visitors. Visiting Topkapı Palace means you'll be one of 1,932,726 people who do so every year.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Hagia Sophia. This minor basilica is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 129,265 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Bursa, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Kitap Evi Otel, a top-rated dining destination in Bursa. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Tabipler Lokali, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Dobruca Derebahçe Sosyal Tesisleri. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bursa this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to My Pub, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Cemil is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

On day 3 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 Eskişehir, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Take the opportunity to see Heykel. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,191 visitors.

Koza Han is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This bazaar has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 30,790 travelers.

Bursa is also the home of Bursa Grand Mosque. Around 40,156 people have rated this mosque an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is İnkaya Historical Plane Tree. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from a total of 24,970 reviews, a visit to this point of interest is a great idea.

This day of your vacation in Bursa is also your chance to admire Emir Sultan Mosque. This must-visit mosque enjoys an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 10,128 reviews.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Ciğerci Ahmet, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Oda Restoran? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Tatlıdil Köftecisi as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Eskişehir.

Head back to your accommodation in Eskişehir and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Turkey!

Day 4 of your road trip across Turkey promises a magnificent time exploring Odunpazarı. You have 1 night left in Eskişehir. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Dede Korkut Park, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,037 reviews.

If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Odunpazarı on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Ada Life Hotel, a top-rated dining destination in Eskişehir. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Muhtelif Eskişehir, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at PİNO. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Eskişehir this evening.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Turkey. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Odunpazarı, and Tepebaşı. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Kocaeli. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Set your GPS to Tepebaşı and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 13 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Tepebaşı beckons with new experiences!

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Alaeddin Mosque. Previous visitors have rated this mosque an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,159 reviews.

Anadolu Üniversitesi Cumhuriyet Tarihi Müzesi is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 352 reviews.

Tepebaşı’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Odunpazarı behind. This drive usually takes around 13 min. Tepebaşı welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Make Vecihi Hürkuş Havacılık Parkı your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,847 reviews.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Kocaeli. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Marina Cafe Sekapark, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Romano Cafe Restaurant is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Cafe Kristo Izmit. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Kocaeli tonight.

Keep the evening going at 262 Live Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to BABEL Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Doping Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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.

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you will explore Üsküdar, and Beyoğlu, 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.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Kocaeli, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Üsküdar may take around 1 hour 18 min. Upon your arrival in Üsküdar, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, a remarkable mosque where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 34,341 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Yıldız Park. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 33,811 travelers.

Dolmabahçe Palace is another must-visit attraction. This renowned palace offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 77,834 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

After soaking in Üsküdar’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Beyoğlu. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 18 min. When you arrive in Beyoğlu, it's time to take a break from the road.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Miniatürk. This miniature park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,484 visitors.

When you’re finished at Miniatürk, head to Galata Tower. This one-of-a-kind tower is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 172,160 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Istanbul, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore 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.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Istanbul by reserving a table at Calipso Fish. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional seafood menu. For a different taste experience, head to Sankai by Nagaya, recognized for its delicious japanese contemporary dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Arkestra, a local favorite known for its delightful fusion cuisine in Istanbul. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning fusion foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Karga Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Just Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Turkey!