One-Week Turkey Road Trip from Muğla to Izmir, Yalova, Istanbul, and Manisa

On day 4 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 Beyoğlu, and Istanbul. In the evening, you’ll end up in Istanbul, where you will stay for 2 nights.

After soaking in Yalova’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 1 hour 25 min. When you arrive in Beyoğlu, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Galata Tower. This tower is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 172,160 reviews.

After soaking in Beyoğlu’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Istanbul. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 11 min. When you arrive in Istanbul, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Spice Bazaar. This bazaar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 168,628 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Hagia Sophia. This minor basilica has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 129,265 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Basilica Cistern. This palace has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 71,523 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Grand Bazaar. This bazaar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 150,014 visitors.

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.

As you explore more of Istanbul, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Calipso Fish, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible seafood menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Sankai by Nagaya is one of the best restaurants for japanese contemporary cuisine in Istanbul. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Arkestra. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for fusion cuisine in the city.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Rock Pub, known for its inviting atmosphere. Brusq Bar & Hookah Lounge is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Rounder's Irish Pub provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Turkey!

On day 5 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Istanbul. You’ll stay in Istanbul for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Süleymaniye Mosque. This mosque is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 53,090 visitors.

Gülhane Park is another popular attraction you could visit today. This park has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 61,194 visitors.

Topkapı Palace is also highly recommended by travelers. More than 1,932,726 people visit this top attraction every year. This palace has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 97,459 visitors.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This mosque is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 95,369 reviews.

To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Istanbul, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Istanbul below.

As you explore more of Istanbul, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Saltanat Fish & Kebab House, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try By Ferro Fish & Kebab Restaurant? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Ulus 29 as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Istanbul.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Karga Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Just Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting.

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 Bursa, 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 Manisa. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Bursa’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Üsküdar behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 1 min. Bursa welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Dolmabahçe Palace. This much-appreciated palace is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 77,834 reviews.

Next up is Büyük Mecidiye Mosque. This mosque has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 34,341 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Üsküdar, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bursa. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 1 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Bursa Grand Mosque one of your first sightseeing stops in Bursa. Rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 40,156 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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 Manisa. Manisa 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 Manisa. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Litany, a highly-rated dining destination in Manisa. If you're eager to try something different, consider Efendi Restoran, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Dergah Cafe&Bar Ocakbaşı Restoran. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Manisa this evening.

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

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Denizli. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Muğla, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Manisa, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Denizli. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 48 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Kick off the day at Laodicea Ancient City, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,529 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Çamlık Park. Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Çamlık Park is a park with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,695 reviews.

Denizli Gondola is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This gondola lift is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,448 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Muğla, 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 Muğla. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Keyfoturagi Cafe and Restaurant, a top-rated dining destination in Muğla. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Sini Muğla Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at BİZİM BAHÇE KAHVALTI ET&BALIK RESTAURANT. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Muğla this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Mabolla Performance Club, a prime location for a drink.

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.