One-Week Turkey Road Trip from Istanbul traveling south to Bursa, Izmir, Yalova, and Kocaeli

Your road trip adventure in Turkey begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Istanbul. You’ll stay in Istanbul for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Istanbul has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Sultanahmet Square. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 30,938 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul, Hanzade Terrace Restaurant. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 5,898 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul is Mivan Restaurant & Cafe. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 3,913 customers.

Locals recommend Garden Mezze | Steakhouse Restaurant | Fine Dining | Top Turkish Restaurant | Seafood | Breakfast as one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,884 customers.

Istanbul also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Istanbul is Arch Bistro. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 798 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Istanbul is Flekk. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 576 customers.

Locals also enjoy Harab'be Cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,610 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in Turkey!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in Turkey, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Istanbul. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Bursa. You’ll stay in Bursa for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Istanbul’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Istanbul, start your day with a visit to the amazing Grand Bazaar. This much-appreciated bazaar and attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 145,525 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Spice Bazaar. This bazaar and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 164,946 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Gülhane Park to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Gülhane Park is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 59,778 visitors.

The lovely Topkapı Palace is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 95,040 visitors have left this palace average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars. This popular attraction gets around 1,932,726 visits every year.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Hagia Sophia. This attraction is a minor basilica rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 127,439 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Istanbul has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Bursa. Bursa offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Uzan Et Mangal. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,360 reviews.

The remarkable Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta is another top restaurant in Bursa we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,308 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Fikret Balık Restoran & Balık Market is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,924 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Bursa, the fantastic Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 834 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Newcastle Pub. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Cemil. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 836 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Turkey!

Rise and shine on day 3 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Bursa and embark on a scenic drive to Izmir, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Bursa and Konak before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Bursa. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful İzmir Historical Elevator Building. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,215 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Karabağlar and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Konak has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Konak Square. This attraction is a square that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,681 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Clock Tower of İzmir. This best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 21,756 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Kemeraltı. This bazaar and travel destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 27,496 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Konak, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Izmir. When you arrive in Izmir you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like SWISSOTEL BUYUK EFES IZMIR. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 10,410 customers.

Locals also recommend Kokorecci Asim Usta, another of the best restaurants in Izmir. Kokorecci Asim Usta is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,892 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Sevinç Pastanesi - Alsancak. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,961 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit La Puerta Alsancak to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Izmir, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,986 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like La Cigale Alsancak. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. La Cigale Alsancak has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,445 customers.

Eko Pub is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,387 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Turkey, and look forward to more great days to come!

On day 4 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience two destinations, Selçuk and Kuşadası. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Izmir, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

One of the best travel destinations in the town of Selçuk is Library of Celsus. This amazing attraction is a library and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 8,210 visitors.

Ephesus Archaeological Museum is another popular attraction you could visit in the town of Selçuk. As one of the best-rated attractions in the area, Ephesus Archaeological Museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,664 visitors.

This day is also your chance to visit Ladies Beach in the town of Kuşadası. Ladies Beach is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 17,391 visitors.

You can also make your new day in Turkey more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Turkey’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Izmir.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like Bostanlı Tuzu Biberi -Kahvaltı Bistro Cafe. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,160 customers.

AKIN'IN YERİ BALIK RESTAURANT is one of the top restaurants in the city of Izmir. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,194 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Izmir is Ristorante Pizzeria Venedik. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,262 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Izmir, Yolo Art&Lounge. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 726 customers.

If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Izmir, we recommend the cocktails at Peruş'un Meyhane Lezzetleri ~ Çeşme Ciğercisi. This bar has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 220 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Izmir is Yüzde Yüz Food & Drink & Grill. This bar is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 1,410 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Izmir!

Day 5 of your road trip through Turkey gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Izmir and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Yalova. You will stay in Yalova for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Izmir is the amazing İnciraltı Kent Ormanı. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,347 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible top-tier point of interest, Bostanlı Günbatımı Seyir Terası. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,399 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Izmir is the outstanding İzmir Wildlife Park. This popular zoo and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,576 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Izmir by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Turkey. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Yalova, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Öncü Fırın Cafe, one of the best restaurants in the city of Yalova. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,690 customers.

Locals also recommend Kardeşler İşkembe & pide kebap sarayı as one of the best restaurants in the city of Yalova. Kardeşler İşkembe & pide kebap sarayı is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,073 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Yalova is Coffee Chefs Lounge. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 523 customers.

After dinner, visit Aksoy Et & Izgara, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Yalova. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 596 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Özbaşkanlar Kasap Izgara. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 488 customers.

Alternatively, İHSAN IZGARA is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Yalova. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 406 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Turkey!

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Yalova and embark on a scenic drive to Kocaeli, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Yalova and Üsküdar before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Yalova. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Miniatürk. This attraction is a miniature park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 32,760 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Galata Tower. This attraction, a beloved tower, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 169,479 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Beyoğlu and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Üsküdar has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Dolmabahçe Palace. This attraction is a palace that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 75,692 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque). This mosque and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 32,994 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Yıldız Park. This park and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 33,205 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Üsküdar, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Kocaeli. When you arrive in Kocaeli you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Mini Köşk Köfte. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 10,530 customers.

Locals also recommend Kebapçı Mehmet Usta, another of the best restaurants in Kocaeli. Kebapçı Mehmet Usta is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,709 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Bilgiçler Et - Köfte - Ereğli. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,795 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Lezzet Kebap Diyarı İzmit to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Kocaeli, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 577 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Baron Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Baron Bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 194 customers.

DURAK TANTUNI KOKOREÇ is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 362 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Turkey, and look forward to more great days to come!

Rise and shine on day 7 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Kocaeli Province and embark on a scenic drive to Istanbul, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Kocaeli Province before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Kocaeli Province. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Orta Hamam. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 866 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Beyazıt Cami. This attraction, a beloved mosque, has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 816 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Kocaeli Province is the stunning Atatürk Orman Park. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,703 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Saltanat Fish & Kebab House. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,112 customers.

Locals also recommend Divella Bistro Restaurant, another of the best restaurants in Istanbul. Divella Bistro Restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,711 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Turkish Cuisine. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Vamos Estambul Restaurant & Cafe to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Istanbul, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,447 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Joker No.19. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Joker No.19 has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,483 customers.

Corner Irish Pub is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,406 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Turkey, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 8 of your road trip in Turkey is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Istanbul before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Beyazıt Square is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Istanbul. This square and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 24,941 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Istanbul and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Turkey.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Istanbul at İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,220 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Byzantion Bistro Restaurant for your last chance at a meal in the city of Istanbul. The Byzantion Bistro Restaurant restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Gulhane Sark Sofrasi. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,078 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Istanbul. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Turkey!