Affordable 5-Day Relaxed Turkey Road Trip Vacation in Istanbul

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Turkey begins when you reach Istanbul, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Istanbul is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Galata Tower. Around 140,276 visitors have rated this fascinating tower and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

In the city of Istanbul, nothing beats the comfort the incredible Royal Stay Palace Hotel provides. This 5-star hotel is one of the most luxurious places to stay in the area and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 180 guests.

These excellent hotels ensure guests a safe and relaxing stay in Istanbul. If these popular options are not available for your time in the city, our system will automatically help you find the best alternatives.

Exploring the food culture in Istanbul offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Hanzade Terrace Restaurant. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 5,898 customers.

Mivan Restaurant & Cafe serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Istanbul has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 3,913 reviews.

Saltanat Fish & Kebab House is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,112 customers, Saltanat Fish & Kebab House is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Istanbul looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Arch Bistro, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 798 reviews.

Harab'be Cafe offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Istanbul. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,610 customers.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Turkey! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Turkey!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Turkey, you’ll explore the area around Istanbul, where you’ll be staying for another 3 nights.

Around 21,101 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

This local attraction is an amazing mosque that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,637 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Süleymaniye Mosque will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Turkey more memorable. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 43,429 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through Turkey is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Turkey by joining a traveler-approved tour in Istanbul. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Istanbul and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Istanbul that will make your self-drive tour in Turkey more memorable.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Istanbul for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Turkey by eating at one of the best restaurants in Istanbul.

With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,711 customers, the dining experience Divella Bistro Restaurant offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Turkey.

Turkish Cuisine is another pleasant place to eat in Istanbul. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,220 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Istanbul is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,647 customers.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Turkey is all about!

On day 3 of your relaxed road trip across Turkey, you’ll explore the area around Istanbul, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights.

Around 82,741 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

This local attraction is an amazing minor basilica that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 111,022 visitors.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Turkey by joining a traveler-approved tour in Istanbul. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Istanbul and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Istanbul that will make your self-drive tour in Turkey more memorable.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Istanbul for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Turkey by eating at one of the best restaurants in Istanbul.

With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,078 customers, the dining experience Gulhane Sark Sofrasi offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Turkey.

Arch Bistro is another pleasant place to eat in Istanbul. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 798 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Istanbul is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,963 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Lacivert, another well-known bar in Istanbul. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,960 reviews.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Turkey is all about!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Turkey, you’ll explore the area around Istanbul, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night.

Around 26,385 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

This local attraction is an amazing mosque that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,769 visitors.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Turkey by joining a traveler-approved tour in Istanbul. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Istanbul and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Istanbul that will make your self-drive tour in Turkey more memorable.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Istanbul for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Turkey by eating at one of the best restaurants in Istanbul.

With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 2,610 customers, the dining experience Harab'be Cafe offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Turkey.

Istanbul Anatolian Cuisine is another pleasant place to eat in Istanbul. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,545 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Turkey is all about!

Day 5 of your relaxed road trip in Turkey is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Istanbul.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Istanbul once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Turkey on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Spice Bazaar is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Istanbul. This top sight is a popular bazaar, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 138,947 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 5 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Istanbul or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at Las Tapas Restaurant. Dining at Las Tapas Restaurant is one of the best food experiences you can have in Istanbul. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,052 customers.

Another top recommendation in Istanbul is Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant. If you go to Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant, you can expect delicious food, a nice ambiance, and great service. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,647 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Istanbul and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 5-day relaxed road trip in Turkey is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.