9-Day Turkey road trip from Istanbul to Sakarya, Ankara, Eskişehir, and Bursa

Istanbul 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 59,778 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 9-day vacation in Turkey!

You still have 3 nights left in Istanbul.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Topkapı Palace. As one of the top sights in the area, around 1,932,726 people visit this attraction every year. This incredible attraction is a palace and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 95,040 visitors.

Hagia Sophia is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 127,439 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Basilica Cistern. This amazing attraction is a palace and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 68,033 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Süleymaniye Mosque. This mosque and place of interest is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 51,661 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 Saltanat Fish & Kebab House. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,112 customers.

Divella Bistro Restaurant is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,711 customers.

Locals enjoy Turkish Cuisine, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Istanbul. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers.

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

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Istanbul, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

One of the best travel destinations is Galata Tower. This amazing attraction is a tower and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 169,479 visitors.

You can also make your new day in Turkey more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Turkey’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Istanbul.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,220 customers.

Gulhane Sark Sofrasi is one of the top restaurants in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,078 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Istanbul, Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,647 customers.

If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Istanbul, we recommend the cocktails at Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant. This bar has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,963 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Istanbul!

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

One of the best places to visit is the amazing Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque). This attraction is a mosque and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 32,994 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Yıldız Park. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 33,205 visitors.

Dolmabahçe Palace is another popular attraction you can explore. This well-known attraction, a spectacular palace, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 75,692 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Beşiktaş 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 Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque) in the city of Istanbul for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a mosque and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 32,994 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Yıldız Park. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 33,205 visitors, this park deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Dolmabahçe Palace. This attraction, a stunning palace, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 75,692 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Eyüp Sultan Mosque. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 58,057 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 Sakarya.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Köfteci Hacıbekir, one of the best restaurants in the city of Sakarya. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,824 customers.

Locals also recommend Reisoglu Restoran Toplanti Merkezi as one of the best restaurants in the city of Sakarya. Reisoglu Restoran Toplanti Merkezi is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,059 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 5 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Sakarya and embark on a scenic drive to Ankara, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Sakarya 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 Sakarya. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 3,811 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Haci Bayram Mosque. This attraction is a mosque that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 19,269 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Ulucanlar Prison Museum. This museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 14,224 reviews.

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’ll stay in Eskişehir for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. This excellent attraction is a national museum that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,450 visitors. Each year, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations attracts over 450,000 local and international travelers.

Around 18,222 travelers rated this attraction with 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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 Independence Park for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,614 visitors.

This outstanding park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,491 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Anıtkabir. This attraction, a stunning mausoleum, has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 118,317 visitors.

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 7 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Eskisehir and embark on a scenic drive to Bursa, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Eskisehir and Osmangazi 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.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable İnkaya Historical Plane Tree. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 24,525 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Han Brass. This must-see tourist destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 5,612 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Grand Mosque of Bursa. This mosque and travel destination is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 38,739 visitors.

The lovely Koza Han is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 29,902 visitors have left this bazaar an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Lastly, if you still got energy, the wonderful Heykel is also a worthwhile attraction you can visit in Osmangazi. This point of interest is a top-tier point of interest rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,129 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Osmangazi, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Bursa. When you arrive in Bursa 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 Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,308 customers.

After dinner, visit Cemil to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Bursa, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 836 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!

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 Bursa. 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 Bursa’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Bursa, start your day with a visit to the amazing Green Tomb. This much-appreciated place of worship and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,861 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Emir Sultan Mosque. This mosque and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 9,695 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Sultan's Mansion Museum to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Sultan's Mansion Museum is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,146 visitors.

The lovely Ağlayan Çınar is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 14,261 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Bursa 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 your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Istanbul, the fantastic Lacivert. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,960 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 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’ll then say farewell to Istanbul. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Turkey!