One-Week Turkey Road Trip from Istanbul to Kocaeli, Ankara, and Bolu

Fatih has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Gülhane Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 52,301 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.

Locals recommend Saltanat Fish & Kebab House as one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,112 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 8-day vacation in Turkey!

You still have 2 nights left in Istanbul.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Spice Bazaar. This incredible attraction is a bazaar and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 138,947 visitors.

Grand Bazaar is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 117,762 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Sultanahmet Square. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 26,385 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This mosque and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 82,741 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Hagia Sophia. This minor basilica is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 111,022 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 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!

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.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Miniatürk. This miniature park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 29,240 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 Dolmabahçe Palace for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a palace and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 62,101 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque). Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 29,356 visitors, this mosque deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Yıldız Park. This attraction, a stunning park, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 30,407 travelers.

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

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!

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Kocaeli Province and embark on a scenic drive to Ankara, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Kocaeli Province and Çankaya 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 2,470 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Kocaeli Kent Ormanı. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,913 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Kocaeli Province is the stunning Yeni Cuma (Pertev Mehmet Paşa) Camii. This mosque and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,551 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Kuğulu Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 19,651 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Seğmenler Parkı. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,894 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Independence Park. This park and travel destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,408 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Çankaya, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Ankara. When you arrive in Ankara 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 Urfalı Hayrağ'nın Yeri. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,773 customers.

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.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Nefes Bar // Bi' Nefes Özgürlük. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Nefes Bar // Bi' Nefes Özgürlük has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,078 customers.

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 1 night 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 50th Year Park. This amazing attraction is a park and 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!

Day 6 of your road trip through Turkey gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Bolu for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Altındağ is the amazing Ulucanlar Prison Museum. This attraction is a museum that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,835 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible castle, Ankara Castle. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 17,127 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Altındağ is the outstanding Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. This popular national museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,561 visitors.

The spectacular Haci Bayram Mosque is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating mosque and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 18,757 visitors.

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.

Alternatively, Kartaltepe Boutique Hotel is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Bolu. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 340 customers.

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

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 7 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 Istanbul. You’ll stay in Istanbul 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 Atatürk Orman Park. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,628 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Golcuk Nature Park. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,736 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Lake Abant to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Lake Abant is a lake that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,261 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 Istanbul. Istanbul 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 Gulhane Sark Sofrasi. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,078 reviews.

The remarkable Istanbul Anatolian Cuisine is another top restaurant in Istanbul we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,545 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Istanbul, the fantastic Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,963 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Lacivert. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,960 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Turkey!

Day 8 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 21,101 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 Las Tapas Restaurant before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,052 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!