One-Week Turkey Road Trip from Istanbul traveling south to Bursa, Eskişehir, Ankara, and Kocaeli

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Istanbul. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bursa, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Make Grand Bazaar one of your first sightseeing stops in Istanbul. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 150,014 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This mosque is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 95,369 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Hagia Sophia. This minor basilica has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 129,265 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Topkapı Palace and find out why 1,932,726 people visit this spot every year. A trip to this popular palace is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.7 out of 5-star rating as given by 97,459 previous 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 day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bursa's best restaurants.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Kitap Evi Otel, a highly-rated dining destination in Bursa. If you're eager to try something different, consider Tabipler Lokali, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Dobruca Derebahçe Sosyal Tesisleri. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bursa this evening.

Continue your lively evening at My Pub, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Cemil ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Turkey. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Bursa. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Eskişehir. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Bursa Grand Mosque. This extraordinary mosque has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 40,156 visitors.

Next, make your way to Koza Han. This bazaar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 30,790 reviews.

While in Bursa, we also recommend a visit to İnkaya Historical Plane Tree. This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 24,970 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Green Tomb. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,396 travelers, this point of interest is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Bursa.

Make your way to Emir Sultan Mosque, perhaps the most famous mosque in Bursa. This attraction is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Eskişehir's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Ciğerci Ahmet, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Oda Restoran is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Tatlıdil Köftecisi. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Eskişehir tonight.

Say good night to Eskişehir and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Turkey!

Greet day 4 of your road trip in Turkey with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Eskişehir for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Odunpazarı, Tepebaşı, and Karacaşehir.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Odunpazarı. This car ride takes around 7 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Kentpark, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,931 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Eskisehir Sehr-i Love Island. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,813 travelers.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Tepebaşı. This car ride takes around 12 min.

Make Vecihi Hürkuş Havacılık Parkı one of your first sightseeing stops in Tepebaşı. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,847 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Zoo is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This zoo is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,091 reviews.

When you arrive in Karacaşehir, it's time to take a break from the road.

Journey into the unknown at Odunpazarı Botanik Park, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,462 reviews.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Eskişehir.

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

Make sure to book a table at Ada Life Hotel, a popular restaurant in Eskişehir. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Eskişehir at Muhtelif Eskişehir, 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 PİNO. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Eskişehir tonight.

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

On day 7 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 Üsküdar, and Beyoğlu. In the evening, you’ll end up in Istanbul, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Kocaeli, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Üsküdar. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 18 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Büyük Mecidiye Mosque. This mosque is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 34,341 reviews.

Continue your journey at Yıldız Park. This park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 33,811 travelers from near and far.

Üsküdar is also the home of Dolmabahçe Palace. This palace has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 77,834 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 Beyoğlu. This drive usually takes around 18 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Journey into the unknown at Miniatürk, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable miniature park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 33,484 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Galata Tower is a recommended place to visit. This tower is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 172,160 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 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 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.

Discover the culinary delights of Istanbul by securing a reservation at Calipso Fish. Esteemed for its a Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of seafood cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Sankai by Nagaya, renowned for its delicious japanese contemporary dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Arkestra, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering fusion menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Karga Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Just Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife.

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