9-Day Turkey Road Trip from Istanbul to Sakarya, Ankara, Eskişehir, and Bursa

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Istanbul for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This mosque is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 95,369 visitors.

When you’re finished at Sultan Ahmed Mosque, head to Basilica Cistern. This one-of-a-kind palace is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 71,523 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Hagia Sophia. This minor basilica is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 129,265 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Topkapı Palace. This palace is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 97,459 visitors. Around 1,932,726 travelers visit Topkapı Palace every year.

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.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Istanbul. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Start your culinary exploration in Istanbul by securing a reservation at Calipso Fish. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of seafood cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Sankai by Nagaya, celebrated for its delectable japanese contemporary menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Arkestra, a top local spot known for its tantalizing fusion menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Karga Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Just Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip 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 3 vibrant destinations - Istanbul, Beyoğlu, and Fatih. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Sakarya. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Grand Bazaar. This bazaar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 150,014 visitors.

When you’re finished at Grand Bazaar, head to Süleymaniye Mosque. This one-of-a-kind mosque is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 53,090 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Spice Bazaar. This bazaar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 168,628 visitors.

Set your GPS to Fatih and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 16 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Fatih beckons with new experiences!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Galata Bridge. This bascule bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 33,633 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Sakarya, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Beytuş Hamburger & Pizza, an iconic dining spot in Sakarya. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Mono Cafe - Segafredo, a popular restaurant in Sakarya. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Köfteci İsmail, a hidden gem nestled in Sakarya. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Turkey!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Ankara, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Ankara Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 18,722 visitors.

Museum Of Anatolian Civilizations is another popular attraction you could visit today. This national museum has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,978 visitors. Museum Of Anatolian Civilizations attracts up to 450,000 visitors every year.

Ulucanlar Prison Museum is also highly recommended by travelers. This museum has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 14,648 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Ankara, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Çankaya may take around 13 min. Upon your arrival in Çankaya, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Kuğulu Park. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 21,340 reviews.

Seğmenler Parkı is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 12,391 reviews.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Ankara. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Golden Pavilion Museum, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Afganistan Sofrası beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Urfalı Hayrağ'nın Yeri. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Ankara tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at On An On Rock Cafe, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Nefes Bar // Bi' Nefes Özgürlük. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Fat Boy Bar & Grill, another top-rated place in the area.

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 Ankara, 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 Eskişehir. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Independence Park. This park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,960 visitors.

Anıtkabir is another popular attraction you could visit today. This mausoleum has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 120,860 visitors.

Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi is also highly recommended by travelers. This museum has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,678 visitors.

Beştepe Millet Camii is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This mosque is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 7,425 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Eskişehir, 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 are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Eskişehir. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Dine in style at Ciğerci Ahmet, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Oda Restoran boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Tatlıdil Köftecisi. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Eskişehir.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Turkey.

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Odunpazarı, Eskişehir, and Bursa. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bursa, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Take the opportunity to see Dede Korkut Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,037 visitors.

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

Make Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Kentpark one of your first sightseeing stops in Odunpazarı. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,931 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bursa, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Kitap Evi Otel, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Tabipler Lokali offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Dobruca Derebahçe Sosyal Tesisleri is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Bursa.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at My Pub, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Cemil. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Turkey and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 8 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Üsküdar, and Beyoğlu. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Istanbul, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Üsküdar. This car ride takes around 1 hour 55 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Büyük Mecidiye Mosque. This extraordinary mosque is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 34,341 visitors.

Next, make your way to Yıldız Park. This top attraction is a park with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 33,811 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace. This palace is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 77,834 travelers.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Üsküdar, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Beyoğlu may take around 18 min. Upon your arrival in Beyoğlu, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Miniatürk. Previous visitors have rated this miniature park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 33,484 reviews.

Galata Tower is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Çağrı Restaurant & Cafe Bar, a highly-rated dining destination in Istanbul. If you're eager to try something different, consider Resto Han, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Istanbul this evening.

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