One-Week Relaxed Turkey Road Trip from Istanbul to Bolu

Your relaxed road trip through Turkey starts when you reach the incredible city of Istanbul, where you'll stay for 3 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.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Istanbul. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Turkey. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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.

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

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Rock Pub, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Brusq Bar & Hookah Lounge offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Rounder's Irish Pub provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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.

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Turkey, you’ll go deep into Istanbul, where you'll stay for 2 nights, 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 Istanbul, and meet locals along the way!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a remarkable mosque where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 95,369 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Sultanahmet Square. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 31,594 travelers.

Grand Bazaar is another must-visit attraction. This renowned bazaar offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 150,014 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Spice Bazaar. This well-loved bazaar boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 168,628 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Süleymaniye Mosque awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a mosque, this is a top pick rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 53,090 previous visitors.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Turkey. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Turkey and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

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 an outstanding dining experience at Calipso Fish, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional seafood menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Sankai by Nagaya, known for its delicious japanese contemporary cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Istanbul is Arkestra, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, known for its delicious fusion menu.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

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.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Turkey!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip through Turkey means 24 hours of making the best memories in Istanbul. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Istanbul. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Istanbul!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Topkapı Palace. This palace is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 97,459 visitors. Attracting more than 1,932,726 yearly visitors, it’s a top sight you don’t want to miss.

When you’re finished at Topkapı Palace, head to Hagia Sophia. This one-of-a-kind minor basilica is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 129,265 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Basilica Cistern. This palace is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 71,523 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Gülhane Park. This park is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 61,194 visitors.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Çağrı Restaurant & Cafe Bar, a top-rated dining destination in Istanbul. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Resto Han, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Istanbul this evening.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Turkey.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Turkey!

Day 4 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.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Üsküdar, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Beyoğlu to Üsküdar may take around 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Üsküdar, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Beyoğlu and set your GPS to Üsküdar. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 14 min. Upon reaching Üsküdar, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace. This palace is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 77,834 visitors.

Ortaköy Square is another popular attraction you could visit today. This point of interest has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,766 visitors.

Büyük Mecidiye Mosque is also highly recommended by travelers. This mosque has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 34,341 visitors.

Yıldız Park is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 33,811 reviews.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Bolu. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in Turkey by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Enjoy a lovely meal at ANTEP SOFRASI, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Hanımeli Yemek Salonu is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Kubbealti. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Bolu tonight.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Bolu.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Turkey!

Day 5 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Bolu, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Turkey are extraordinary.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Bolu by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the region’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Gaye Otel, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Et Evi -Bolu Çiftliği? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Oklava as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bolu.

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

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!

On day 6 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!

Take the opportunity to see Akkaya Travertenleri. This attraction has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 3,978 visitors.

Atatürk Orman Park is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,777 travelers.

Bolu is also the home of Golcuk Nature Park. Around 16,749 people have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Bolu, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available for your relaxed road trip across Turkey.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Bolu, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

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.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Bolu’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Turkey.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Turkey!

On day 7 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Turkey. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Turkey.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Upper Stone Inn. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 547 visitors.

When you’re finished at Upper Stone Inn, head to Beyazıt Cami. This one-of-a-kind mosque is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 830 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Orta Hamam. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 895 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Kadı Mosque. This mosque is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 278 visitors.

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

Exploring the food culture in Istanbul 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.

Dine in style at Vamos Estambul Restaurant & Cafe, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Hanzade Terrace Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out 11 Kadıköy. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Istanbul.

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

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Turkey!

Day 8 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.

As your final day in Turkey unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Istanbul's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to 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 8 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.

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The Harp Irish Pub, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Istanbul and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Turkey is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.