9-Day Turkey road trip from Ankara to Kocaeli, Istanbul, and Bolu

Ankara has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Kuğulu Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 19,651 visitors.

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 Ankara, Urfalı Hayrağ'nın Yeri. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,773 customers.

Ankara also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Ankara is The Soul Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,729 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Ankara is Nefes Bar // Bi' Nefes Özgürlük. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,078 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Turkey!

You still have 3 nights left in Ankara.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is METU Forest. This incredible attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,765 visitors.

Anıtkabir is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 111,960 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Independence Park. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,408 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding 50th Year Park. This park and place of interest is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,935 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Turkey to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Ankara.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Ankara, like Şehir Kebapçısı. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,036 customers.

New York Pizza Delivery Anıttepe is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Ankara. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 655 customers.

Locals enjoy MARTI RESTAURANT, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Ankara. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 620 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Ankara, O Ses Sensin - Karaoke. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 910 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Turkey!

You still have 2 nights left in Ankara.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Ulucanlar Prison Museum. This incredible attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,835 visitors.

Ankara Castle is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 17,127 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Attracting 450,000 annual visitors, it's clear that Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is one of the top sights of the area. This amazing attraction is a national museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,561 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Haci Bayram Mosque. This mosque and place of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 18,757 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Turkey to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Ankara.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Ankara, like Altı Üstü Bar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 537 customers.

Central Bar Ankara is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Ankara. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,567 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Ankara, The Muddy Waters. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 694 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Turkey!

Day 4 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 Ankara and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Kocaeli. You will stay in Kocaeli for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

You can make the most of your new day in Ankara 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 Kocaeli, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Başol Steak House Et Kasap, one of the best restaurants in the city of Kocaeli. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 917 customers.

After dinner, visit Doping Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Kocaeli. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 111 customers.

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

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit is the amazing Galata Tower. This attraction is a tower and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 140,276 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Beyoğlu is another excellent way to spend your new day in Turkey. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Turkey’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Turkey’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Turkey’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Hagia Sophia for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a minor basilica and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 111,022 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Grand Bazaar. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 117,762 visitors, this bazaar deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Sultanahmet Square. This attraction, a stunning park, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 26,385 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Sultan Ahmed Mosque. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 82,741 travelers, this is one attraction many highly recommend.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Istanbul.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Hanzade Terrace Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 5,898 customers.

Locals also recommend Mivan Restaurant & Cafe as one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul. Mivan Restaurant & Cafe is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 3,913 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul is Saltanat Fish & Kebab House. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,112 customers.

After dinner, visit Arch Bistro, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Istanbul. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 798 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Harab'be Cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,610 customers.

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

You still have 1 night left in Istanbul.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Süleymaniye Mosque. This incredible attraction is a mosque and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 43,429 visitors.

Beyazıt Square is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,101 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Spice Bazaar. This amazing attraction is a bazaar and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 138,947 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Gülhane Park. This park and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 52,301 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Topkapı Palace. This palace is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 78,451 visitors. Topkapı Palace hosts around 1,932,726 visitors annually, so be sure to stop at this attraction so you won't miss out!

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Turkey to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Istanbul.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul, like Divella Bistro Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,711 customers.

Turkish Cuisine is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers.

Locals enjoy İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Istanbul. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,220 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Istanbul, Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,647 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Turkey!

You’ll stay in Bolu for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is Ortaköy Square. This excellent attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,962 visitors.

Around 30,407 travelers rated this attraction with 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Dolmabahçe Palace. This amazing attraction is a palace and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 62,101 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Turkey, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Turkey. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Ortaköy Square for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Istanbul. This popular attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,962 visitors.

This outstanding park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 30,407 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Dolmabahçe Palace. This attraction, a stunning palace, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 62,101 visitors.

If you’re interested in exploring even more, visit the fantastic Eyüp Sultan Mosque. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 53,435 travelers, the magnificent Eyüp Sultan Mosque is clearly one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Bolu.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Bolu, Yorem Manti Unlu Mamuller. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,926 customers.

Locals recommend Bolu Hanzade Restaurant as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bolu. Bolu Hanzade Restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,298 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Bolu is Kazancım Hizmet Etli Ekmek. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,436 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Bolu, Karpalas City Hotel & Spa. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,485 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Bolu Gardenya Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 382 customers.

Kartaltepe Boutique Hotel is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Bolu. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 340 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Turkey with a toast!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 8 of your epic road trip in Turkey, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Bolu. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Ankara. You’ll stay in Ankara for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Bolu’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Bolu, start your day with a visit to the amazing Golcuk Nature Park. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,736 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Atatürk Orman Park. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,628 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Yedigöller National Park to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Yedigöller National Park is a park that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,103 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Bolu has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Ankara. Ankara 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 ANKA GAME CENTER & INTERNET CAFE. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,225 reviews.

The remarkable No4 is another top restaurant in Ankara we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 474 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Ankara, the fantastic Altı Üstü Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 537 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Central Bar Ankara. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,567 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Turkey!

Day 9 of your road trip in Turkey is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Ankara 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.

Seğmenler Parkı is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Ankara. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,894 visitors.

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

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