9-Day Turkey Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Istanbul traveling east to Sakarya, Ankara, Eskişehir, and Bursa

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Istanbul. You’ll stay in Istanbul for 1 night.

Visiting Sultan Ahmed Mosque is always a good idea. This top-rated mosque is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the respected wonders of Basilica Cistern, a must-see archeological site in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Hagia Sophia. This globally renowned mosque offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Topkapı Palace, where you can take in culturally significant features.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Turkey. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Istanbul, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Discover the culinary delights of Istanbul by securing a reservation at Calipso Fish. Esteemed for its a Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of seafood cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Sankai by Nagaya, renowned for its delicious japanese contemporary dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Arkestra, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering fusion menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Reggae Br Shot & Food after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Just Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Turkey!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Turkey, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, including Istanbul, Fatih, Beyoğlu, and Eyüpsultan. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Sakarya, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the world-famous Grand Bazaar and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Spice Bazaar, a photogenic market that draws visitors from far and near.

Upon reaching Fatih, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Süleymaniye Mosque, an astonishing mosque known for its stunning features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Eyüpsultan. This drive usually takes around 16 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Galata Bridge, a locally renowned bascule bridge that everyone visiting Beyoğlu should see.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Sakarya. Sakarya offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Sakarya is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Sakarya.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Hakiki Rumeli Koftecisi, a popular restaurant in Sakarya. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Sakarya at Kebapcibey, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 5 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Altındağ and Çankaya. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Ankara, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

Set your GPS to Altındağ and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 11 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Altındağ beckons with new experiences!

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Ankara Castle and explore the instagrammable features. Next, make your way to Museum Of Anatolian Civilizations, another highlight in Altındağ. When you’re done exploring the museum, continue to Ulucanlar Prison Museum, a historic museum.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Çankaya. This drive usually takes around 13 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Kuğulu Park, a popular park that everyone visiting Çankaya should see. Next, head to Seğmenler Parkı. This romantic park is one of the most well-known attractions in the region.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Ankara.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Ankara. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at MARTI RESTAURANT, a top-rated dining destination in Ankara. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Golden Pavilion Museum, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Afganistan Sofrası. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Ankara this evening.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, On An On Rock Cafe offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, London Pub is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Nefes Bar // Bi' Nefes Özgürlük is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Turkey!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Turkey. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Altındağ and Ankara. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Eskişehir, where will spend 1 night.

Anıtkabir brings Ankara's character to life. This picture-perfect monument is a highlight of any visit in the town. Then, enjoy Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi, another photogenic attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Beştepe Millet Camii, one of the town’s most increasingly popular attractions, known for its eye-catching features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Altındağ.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Independence Park, a locally renowned park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Eskişehir, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Eskişehir. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Ciğerci Ahmet, a highly-rated dining destination in Eskişehir. If you're eager to try something different, consider Oda Restoran, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Tatlıdil Köftecisi. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Eskişehir this evening.

Say good night to Eskişehir and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Turkey!

On day 7 of your road trip in Turkey, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Odunpazarı, Eskişehir, and Bursa are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bursa, where you will stay for 1 night.

Visiting Dede Korkut Park is always a good idea. This worthwhile park is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike.

Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Odunpazarı.

Our first attraction recommendation in Odunpazarı is Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Kentpark, a notable park that draws attention for its eye-catching features.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Bursa. Bursa offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Bursa, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Kitap Evi Otel, a top-rated dining destination in Bursa. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Tabipler Lokali, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Abidin Usta. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bursa this evening.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into My Pub. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Cemil, another top-rated bar in the area.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Turkey!

Your itinerary for day 8 of your road trip in Turkey includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Üsküdar, Eyüpsultan, and Beyoğlu. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Istanbul, where you'll spend 1 night.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Üsküdar may take around 1 hour 55 min. Upon your arrival in Üsküdar, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Savor the day by heading to Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, a locally renowned mosque that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Yıldız Park, where you can soak in the eye-catching surroundings.

Next, explore Dolmabahçe Palace, yet another extraordinary place to see in the area.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Eyüpsultan may take around 18 min. Upon your arrival in Eyüpsultan, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Miniatürk is a notable museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Beyoğlu’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Eyüpsultan behind. This drive usually takes around 20 min. Beyoğlu welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Savor the day by heading to Galata Tower, a wondrous observation deck that draws visitors from near and far.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Istanbul. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Istanbul's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Don’t miss out on dining at Saltanat Fish & Kebab House, a top-rated dining destination in Istanbul. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Pierre Loti Hotel, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at By Ferro Fish & Kebab Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Istanbul this evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Turkey!