Enjoy a 7-Day Trip to Istanbul, Bursa & Sapanca!
Turkey is one of the rare countries that combines the magic of history with the beauty of nature. In this journey, we’ll take you through a seven-day tour of three of its most beautiful regions: historic Istanbul, Bursa with its natural beauty and Ottoman heritage, and Sapanca & Maşukiye, known for their breathtaking scenery and tranquility.
Seven-Day Tour Itinerary
- Days 1–2: Istanbul (Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Bosphorus cruise, bazaars).
- Days 3–4: Bursa (historic mosques, Uludağ Mountain, markets).
- Days 5–6: Sapanca & Maşukiye (Sapanca Lake, Çamlıca Waterfalls, Ormanya Nature Park, lakeside restaurants).
- Day 7: Return to Istanbul (shopping in traditional bazaars and markets).
Days 1 & 2: Istanbul – A Journey Through History
Morning, Day 1: Begin in Sultanahmet—visit the Blue Mosque with its six domes and soaring minarets, then Hagia Sophia (built 537 AD). Don’t miss the underground Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) with its mysterious columns.
Afternoon, Day 1: Head to Topkapı Palace, the Ottoman sultans’ residence—explore the Treasury and Manuscript Chambers. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant overlooking the palace walls or the Bosphorus.
Evening, Day 1: Wander the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) with over 4,000 shops selling spices, jewelry, and Turkish carpets, then pop into the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı). Finish with a night cruise on the Bosphorus to see the city lights.
Day 2: Take a morning ferry across the Golden Horn to visit Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul. Stroll Istiklal Avenue (İstiklal Caddesi) and savor a börek and çay at a traditional café.
You may also like: Top 10 Istanbul Municipality Restaurants and Cafés with Stunning Views and Affordable Prices
Days 3 & 4: Bursa – The First Ottoman Capital
Morning: Take the ferry from Yenikapı to Bursa—enjoy Marmara Sea views. Upon arrival, visit the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) from the 14th century, noted for its multiple domes and Islamic motifs.
Midday: Taste the famous İskender kebab near the mosque square. Then visit the Green Mosque (Yeşil Camii) and Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe) with their exquisite green tile work.
Afternoon: Explore Koza Han, the 15th-century silk market.
Morning, Day 4: Ride the cable car up Uludağ Mountain for panoramic views—see snow in winter or hiking trails in summer. Lunch at a mountain restaurant serving local dishes amid fresh air.
Evening, Day 4: Return to the old town—browse Gemlik Market or dine riverside on the Nilüfer River, where bridge-side restaurants serve seafood and traditional Turkish casseroles.
Days 5 & 6: Sapanca & Maşukiye – Embrace Nature
Day 5: Head to Sapanca Lake—rent a kayak or paddleboat on its clear waters. Lunch at a lakeside restaurant to taste grilled salmon. In the afternoon, visit Ormanya Nature Park, the region’s largest wildlife reserve—see deer and other wildlife on wooded trails.
Day 6: Travel to nearby Maşukiye—start at Çamlıca Waterfalls to enjoy the sound of cascading water. Don’t miss the river-side “River Restaurant” serving fresh fish and meze. After lunch, try an ATV ride or zip-line over the forest, then end your day with Turkish coffee at a lakeside café.
Day 7: Back to Istanbul – The Perfect Finale
Return to Istanbul in the morning. Shop for spices and perfumes at the Spice Bazaar, then visit the Grand Bazaar for souvenirs and antiques. Finish with a panoramic photo in the Eyüp Sultan district, and enjoy a farewell meal at a traditional Ottoman restaurant before heading to the airport. Don’t forget to use Skyline Travel’s transfer and airport services.
Tips for an Enjoyable Trip
- Plan your transfers in advance, especially ferries between Istanbul and Bursa.
- Book accommodations early and balance your nights across the three regions.
- Use Skyline Travel’s services to tailor the trip to your interests.
- Don’t miss signature dishes: İskender kebab in Bursa, köfte in Istanbul, and grilled fish in Sapanca.
Conclusion – An Unforgettable Journey in Turkey
This seven-day tour from Skyline Travel is designed to offer a rich experience of culture, history, nature, and entertainment, with transfers, accommodations, and local guides included. Start planning your unforgettable Turkey adventure with Skyline now!
Read also:
