Luxury 4-Day Turkey Road Trip from Istanbul to Kocaeli

Your luxury holiday in Turkey begins as soon as you reach the city of Istanbul. There, you’ll pick up the luxury rental vehicle of your choice and hit the roads!

The first destination of your luxury vacation in Turkey is Istanbul - a city with many fantastic attractions to explore. Catch an early flight to enjoy as much time as possible discovering Istanbul.

Start your sightseeing in the city with a visit to the fantastic Gülhane Park. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Istanbul, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 59,778 visitors.

Tonight you will be treated to a stay at one of best luxury hotels in Istanbul. We have picked out three of the most exclusive luxury lodging and hotel options for you to choose from.

Exploring new places can make you hungry. When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend trying one of the finest restaurants in Istanbul.

For a culinary experience you will remember, have a look at the menu at Hanzade Terrace Restaurant. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 5,898 customers, it’s truly one of the best restaurants in the whole of Istanbul.

If you feel like having something slightly different, check out Mivan Restaurant & Cafe. This is one of the most recommended restaurants in the city. Considering its average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 3,913 customers, it’s one that most guests enjoy.

Garden Mezze | Steakhouse Restaurant | Fine Dining | Top Turkish Restaurant | Seafood | Breakfast is another restaurant you could book a table at tonight. This fantastic restaurant is often recommended by both travelers and locals in Istanbul, and has an impressive average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,884 customers.

As your day in Istanbul is coming to an end retreat to a bar where you can celebrate the start of your exciting luxury holiday in Turkey.

Make your way to Arch Bistro. This bar promises a great atmosphere for your celebrations and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 798 customers.

Or, why not continue your evening at Flekk, rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars among 576 guests.

Another bar where you can have a great time tonight is Harab'be Cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,610 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 4-day luxury vacation in Turkey and look forward to more fantastic days to come!

On day 2 of your luxury road trip holiday in Turkey you will have the opportunity to experience two destinations in one day, the city of Istanbul and the city of Kocaeli. You’ll stay in Kocaeli for 1 night.

Your day starts in Istanbul. Give yourself time to see some of the city’s very best attractions before it's time to hit the road.

Make the amazing Grand Bazaar your first stop of the day. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 145,525 visitors gives you an idea of what to expect from this bazaar and attraction before you head there.

Next up, make a stop at the incredible Süleymaniye Mosque. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 51,661 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this mosque and attraction.

Another unforgettable travel destination you can visit on this day of your luxury holiday is the outstanding Spice Bazaar. This bazaar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 164,946 visitors.

When you’re finished at the park, the perfect next stop is the popular Sultanahmet Square. This spectacular park and attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 30,938 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This mosque is a remarkable attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 91,956 visitors.

Make the most of your day in Istanbul by joining exclusive tours and activities that take your luxury holiday in Turkey to the next level. This is only one of many experiences you can include in your luxury travel package in Turkey. So make sure to check out the other options too, to find the best way to spend your time in Istanbul today.

By the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Kocaeli, where you will choose among some of the best luxury hotels.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Mini Köşk Köfte, one of the best restaurants in Kocaeli. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 10,530 customers.

If you feel like having something else, locals also recommend Kebapçı Mehmet Usta as one of their top choices in the city. Kebapçı Mehmet Usta is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,709 customers.

Another restaurant you could try in Kocaeli is Bilgiçler Et - Köfte - Ereğli. This lovely restaurant has a fantastic menu and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,795 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to head back to your hotel, we recommend you check out the nightlife of the city.

Lezzet Kebap Diyarı İzmit is one of the best bars you can visit in Kocaeli tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 577 customers.

You can also enjoy a glass or two at a popular place like Baron Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 194 customers.

Alternatively, try DURAK TANTUNI KOKOREÇ. DURAK TANTUNI KOKOREÇ is the perfect place to get to know some locals in the city. This top-recommended bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 362 customers.

Raise a glass in celebration of your fantastic luxury holiday in Turkey! Head back to your hotel for some much-needed rest in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.

Get ready for day 3 of your luxury vacation in Turkey. On this day of your exciting road trip holiday, you will have the most wonderful time discovering Beyoğlu and Istanbul. You’ll stay in Istanbul for 1 night. Enjoy a flexible travel itinerary and choose how much time you want to spend at each destination.

Start your day with one of travelers’ favorite attractions in Beyoğlu, the incredible Galata Tower. This popular attraction is a tower that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 169,479 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see the best attractions, and meet new people at the same time, add a tour or activity to your luxury holiday package in Turkey. As a luxury traveler, you will choose among only the best experiences available to you on this day of your exclusive road trip vacation in Beyoğlu.

It’s now time to get back on the road and continue to the next destination of your day, the city of Istanbul.

Make your way to the incredible Topkapı Palace for some unforgettable sightseeing in Istanbul. This popular attraction is a palace and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 95,040 visitors. Approximately 1,932,726 people visit Istanbul every year to see the fantastic Topkapı Palace.

Next up, steer your step in the direction of Hagia Sophia. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 127,439 travelers and is one of the most fantastic places to visit in Istanbul.

When you’re ready to leave Hagia Sophia, stop by the remarkable Basilica Cistern. This palace attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 68,033 visitors.

If you’re interested in exploring even more, visit the fantastic Galata Tower. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 169,479 travelers, this magnificent tower is clearly one of the top sights in the area.

Today you’ll check in at one of the most exclusive hotels in the city of Istanbul. Luxury hotels in Istanbul offer fantastic facilities and wonderful rooms. In combination with staff that is generous with both their time and recommendations, you’re guaranteed a pleasant

Stay in Istanbul.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in Istanbul, Saltanat Fish & Kebab House. This restaurant offers a fantastic menu and impeccable service, deserving of its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,112 reviews.

Locals also recommend Divella Bistro Restaurant as one of the best restaurants to have dinner at in Istanbul. The Divella Bistro Restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,711 customers, including locals as well as travelers.

For a slightly different culinary experience, book a table at Turkish Cuisine. This popular restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers.

Depending on your plans for tomorrow, you might want to head back to your hotel for some relaxation. If not, this is your chance to take the temperature of Istanbul's nightlife.

If you’re not quite ready for bed yet, head off to a popular bar like Vamos Estambul Restaurant & Cafe. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,447 customers.

Another place you could go for some drinks is the top-rated Joker No.19. Often recommended by locals, this bar is an excellent place to check out tonight. Joker No.19 has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,483 customers.

Alternatively, go to Corner Irish Pub. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,406 reviews, it’s one worth checking out if you’re in the party mood.

Celebrate another great day of your luxury holiday in Turkey with a toast! Enjoy a good night’s sleep at your lovely hotel and get ready for another fun day to come.

Today is the last day of your 4-day luxury holiday in Turkey and it’s soon time to start your journey home. This is your chance to get one last glimpse of Istanbul before saying goodbye.

Catch a later flight to enjoy some extra time for exploring. If you have a late departure, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Make the most of what’s left of your luxury vacation in Turkey by heading out to the stunning Beyazıt Square. This extraordinary square and attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 24,941 reviews, and is an excellent choice for your last sightseeing in Istanbul.

Don’t end your vacation hungry. For one last meal in the city of Istanbul, check out the menu at İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,220 customers.

Alternatively, another recommendation is Byzantion Bistro Restaurant. This restaurant is a popular choice among travelers as well as locals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 customers.

If you prefer something slightly different, try Gulhane Sark Sofrasi. This restaurant will not let you walk out hungry. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,078 customers, it is truly one of the best in the city.

You will then say farewell to Istanbul and begin your journey home. We wish you safe travels and a warm welcome home, with unforgettable memories and incredible photos from your luxury holiday in Turkey in your luggage!