12-Day Turkey Road Trip from Istanbul traveling east to Bursa, Eskişehir, Ankara, and Bolu

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.

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.

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 Harab'be Cafe. This bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,610 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 12-day vacation in Turkey!

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 Fatih’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Fatih, 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 Fatih 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 Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,308 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Bursa, the fantastic Cemil. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 836 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Turkey!

You’ll stay in Eskişehir for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is Heykel. This excellent attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,129 visitors.

Around 29,902 travelers rated this attraction with 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Grand Mosque of Bursa. This amazing attraction is a mosque and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 38,739 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding İnkaya Historical Plane Tree. This must-see tourist destination and place of interest is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 24,525 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 Heykel for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Bursa. This popular attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,129 visitors.

This outstanding bazaar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 29,902 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Grand Mosque of Bursa. This attraction, a stunning mosque, has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 38,739 visitors.

If you’re interested in exploring even more, visit the fantastic İnkaya Historical Plane Tree. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 24,525 travelers, the magnificent İnkaya Historical Plane Tree 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 Eskişehir.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Eskişehir, Yusufeli Coruh Doner. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,810 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Eskisehir and embark on a scenic drive to Ankara, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 3 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Eskisehir 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 Eskisehir. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Dede Korkut Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,900 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Kentpark. This attraction, a beloved must-see tourist destination, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,614 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Anıtkabir. This attraction is a mausoleum that has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 118,317 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Independence Park. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,614 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated 50th Year Park. This park and travel destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,063 visitors.

After dinner, visit The Soul Pub to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Ankara, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,729 customers.

This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.

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!

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 METU Forest. This incredible attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,752 visitors.

Çansera Kent Bahçesi is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,455 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is MTA Genel Müdürlüğü Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi. This amazing attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,507 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Kuğulu Park. This park and place of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,491 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Seğmenler Parkı. This park is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 12,145 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 Urfalı Hayrağ'nın Yeri. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,773 customers.

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

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

You still have 1 night 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 14,224 visitors.

Ankara Castle is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 18,222 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 12,450 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 19,269 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.

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!

Day 7 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 Bolu. You will stay in Bolu for 2 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Ankara is the amazing Beştepe Millet Camii. This attraction is a mosque that is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 7,319 visitors.

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 Bolu, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

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

Locals also 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 Karpalas City Hotel & Spa, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Bolu. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,485 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Bolu Gardenya Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 382 customers.

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

On day 8 of your road trip across Turkey, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Bolu. You’ll stay in Bolu for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the The Sign Esentepe Hotel & Ski Center, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Bolu. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 44 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Bolu is the 5-star Buyuk Abant Oteli & Kongre Merkezi. The hotel is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 393 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Bolu is the 3-star Abant Yayla Boutique Hotel.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations like the outstanding Golcuk Nature Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,352 visitors.

Kapankaya seyir terası is another popular attraction you could visit. This incredible attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,126 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit is the extraordinary Yedigöller National Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 14,484 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Serin Lake. Around 249 visitors have given this best-rated sightseeing destination an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Come to Bolu prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Bolu.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Bolu.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Oklava, after your day of exploring the city of Bolu. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 913 customers.

Locals recommend Kartaltepe Boutique Hotel, one of the best bars in the city of Bolu, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 340 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Bolu, Kaybedenler Kulübü Meyhane Bolu. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 128 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Turkey.

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 9 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 Kocaeli. You’ll stay in Kocaeli for 2 nights. 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 Upper Stone Inn. This much-appreciated must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 512 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Beyazıt Cami. This mosque and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 816 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Orta Hamam to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Orta Hamam is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 866 visitors.

The lovely Lake Abant is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 7,559 visitors have left this lake average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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 Abant Tabiat Müzesi. This attraction is a museum rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,128 reviews.

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 Kocaeli. Kocaeli 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 Başol Steak House Et Kasap. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 917 reviews.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Turkey!

On day 10 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Kocaeli, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Kocaeli.

Today you'll explore the city of Bolu. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Kocaeli Science Center. This incredible attraction is a science center and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,951 visitors.

Yeni Cuma (Pertev Mehmet Paşa) Camii is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Bolu. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,606 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Bolu is Kocaeli Kent Ormanı. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,918 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 Kocaeli.

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

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

Rise and shine on day 11 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 and Beşiktaş 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 Kocaeli Science Center. This attraction is a science center that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,951 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Yeni Cuma (Pertev Mehmet Paşa) Camii. This attraction, a beloved mosque, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,606 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Kocaeli Province is the stunning Kocaeli Kent Ormanı. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,918 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque). This attraction is a mosque that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 32,994 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Yıldız Park. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 33,205 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Dolmabahçe Palace. This palace and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 75,692 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Beşiktaş, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Istanbul. When you arrive in Istanbul 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 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.

This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.

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 12 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 Gulhane Sark Sofrasi for your last chance at a meal in the city of Istanbul. The Gulhane Sark Sofrasi 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!