One-Week Turkey Road Trip from Ayvalık to Yalova, Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir and surrounding area

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 Ayvalık, and Balıkesir. In the evening, you’ll end up in Yalova, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Yalova and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 4 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Yalova beckons with new experiences!

Kick off the day at Zagnos Pasha Mosque, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This mosque is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,483 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Atatürk Parkı, Balıkesir. Atatürk Parkı, Balıkesir is a park with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,278 reviews.

Değirmen Boğazı Natural Park is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,262 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Yalova, 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 Yalova's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Dörtyol Kokoreç, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Sandal Balık offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Yalova Sütlüsü. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Yalova.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Guitar Heroes after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Divan Teras Cafe & Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Yucca Live Performance also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Üsküdar, and Beyoğlu. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Istanbul, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Üsküdar’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Yalova behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 15 min. Üsküdar welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Büyük Mecidiye Mosque. Previous visitors have rated this mosque an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 34,341 reviews.

Yıldız Park is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 33,811 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Dolmabahçe Palace. This palace is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 77,834 reviews.

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

Make Miniatürk your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this miniature park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 33,484 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Galata Tower. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 172,160 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this tower every year.

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 Istanbul. Istanbul 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.

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

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.

Continue your lively evening at Rock Pub, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Brusq Bar & Hookah Lounge is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Rounder's Irish Pub ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Turkey.

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Turkey. Today you will explore 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 Bursa. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

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

Next, make your way to Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This top attraction is a mosque with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 95,369 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Hagia Sophia. This minor basilica is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 129,265 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Spice Bazaar. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 168,628 travelers.

Today is also your chance to spend some time at Gülhane Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 61,194 travelers.

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.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bursa. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Dine in style at Kitap Evi Otel, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Tabipler Lokali boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Dobruca Derebahçe Sosyal Tesisleri. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bursa.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at My Pub after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Cemil is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

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 3 vibrant destinations - Izmir, Konak, and Karabağlar. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Izmir. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bursa, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Izmir. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 21 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Hisar Mosque one of your first sightseeing stops in Izmir. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,173 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Konak. This car ride takes around 2 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Kemeraltı. Previous visitors have rated this bazaar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 27,982 reviews.

Konak Square is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,737 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Clock Tower Of İzmir. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 22,286 reviews.

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

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

Have a memorable dining experience in Izmir by booking a table at Tavacı Recep Usta, renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant presenting an exceptional turkish, and traditional menu. For a different culinary experience in Izmir, Adil Müftüoğlu shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious turkish cuisine. This Bib Gourmand-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Catch, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Stone Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Bonema Cafe & Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Turkey!