Marmara Region

Day Trips

Our most recommended Marmara Region Day Trips

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  1. From Istanbul: Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch

  Explore Büyükada, the largest of Turkey’s Princes islands, on this 9-hour excursion from Istanbul. Cruise across the Sea of Marmara, watching the sights of Istanbul slip from view. You can explore the pedestrianized island in the best possible way – by bike (not included) or spend time at leisure, perhaps relaxing on one of its beaches, before returning to Istanbul. Travel from your hotel by air-conditioned coach to the port with your guide, and board the boat that will take you to the Princes islands. The largest and most interesting of the islands is Büyükada, which is your destination for the day. From the boat you can look back on the sights of Istanbul, seeing iconic landmarks such as Topkapi Palace and the pretty Kiz Kulesi (also known as the Maiden’s Tower), which was featured in the James Bond film, The World is Not Enough. Dock in Büyükada and then take a stroll through the ...

  The tour guide was a very fun guy and helped pass the ride with lots of fun and knowledge, it was just shorter then expected and due to corona, everything was closed up.

  Reviewed by Sefy, Israel, 4/24/2021
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  2. Gallipoli Full-Day Tour from Istanbul

  Take a trip into the past on a full-day tour of Gallipoli from Istanbul, traveling by air-conditioned minibus to the battlefields and war memorials of the ANZAC campaign of the Battle of Gallipoli during World War I. Depart Istanbul early in the morning, stopping en route for refreshments. Upon arrival on the Gallipoli Peninsula, your tour will focus on the ANZAC sector of the infamous battlefields. Stop at 11 different points of interest to learn more about the fateful events of the Australian and New Zealand troops, including ANZAC Cove where the troops first landed and set up base. Go to Beach Cemetery, where many of the soldiers who died during the Battle of Gallipoli were buried. Pause to reflect at the Lone Pine Memorial, one of 5 memorials on the peninsula that commemorate servicemen of the former British Empire killed in the campaign but who have no known grave. Visit the battl...

  I had such a wonderful experience. Firstly I was picked up on time to leave for Cannakale with a stop on the way. Once arriving had a delicious light lunch and then off... I had the best guide, Bulant (forgive spelling) who gave such an incredible insight and overview of what took place back in 1914-1917. His knowledge was amazing and gave a very balanced perspective, especially being Australian there are always 2 sides and so many stories were told that showed the humanity of all countries. I would definitely recommend this tour. There was also plenty of time to have a wander and capture the whole area! Also thanks to our driver Josh!

  Reviewed by Stacey, 9/18/2020
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  3. From Istanbul: Bursa and Mt. Uludağ Full-Day Tour

  Departing from your hotel in Istanbul at 08:00, head directly for the port and board a ferry-boat that will take you to the city of Bursa. The streets of Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, are filled with relics of the past, including historical buildings and artifacts that tell the story of Turkish history, culture and civilization. Often called "Green Bursa," the city is also filled with lush parks and gardens, vast forests, and orchards. Take the cable car to the Mt. Uludağ, where you will enjoy a BBQ lunch before visiting Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque). The mosque, built between 1399 and 1400, is still the largest mosque in Bursa. There, you can admire its exquisite calligraphy and the great craftsmanship. Afterwards, you may enjoy some famous local Turkish products, including roasted chestnuts and Turkish sweets. Before the day is done, pay a visit to Bursa's silk market a...

  The guide was both informative and entertaining. The driver was very good and responsible. A great trip. Highly recommended.

  Reviewed by Barry, 2/11/2020
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  4. From Istanbul: Sheila and Agva Guided Day Trip with Lunch

  Join a guided day trip to visit Sheila and Agva, two of Turkey's most beautiful attractions. Visit beaches on the Black Sea Coast and discover a beautiful man-made lake in Karamandere. Start your sightseeing adventure with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Istanbul. Join your guide as you travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, heading north towards Sheila. Sit back, relax and enjoy the breathtaking natural landscapes in Sheila. Enjoy some refreshments at a local café or restaurant. While in Sheila, visit the beach. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and soft golden sand between your toes. Visit one of the popular markets and do some shopping before heading to your next destination, Agva. Take in the natural beauty of this small town situated between two rivers and located on the Black Sea Coastline. Visit the Hidden Lake in Karamandere and relax in this...

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  5. From Istanbul: Ephesus & Şirince Day Trip w/ Wine Tasting

  Spend the day exploring the most memorable places in Ephesus and Şirince on this guided full-day tour from Istanbul, lunch included. Visit the House of Virgin Mary, see the Temple of Artemis, and taste local wine at a vineyard. Enjoy convenient round-trip transportation from Istanbul. Start your trip by getting picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to the Istanbul Airport for your flight from Istanbul to Izmir. Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, meet your driver to head to Ephesus to start the tour. First, stop at the House of Virgin Mary, the place where Mary may have spent her last days. This place was officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1986, and since then it has become a popular place of pilgrimage. The visit to the House of Virgin Mary takes about 45 minutes. After, take a 5-minute drive to Ephesus to continue the tour. Ephesus is an excepti...

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  6. Istanbul: Day Trip to the Princes' Islands

  Only an hour’s ferry ride from the city center, the Princes’ Islands consist of 9 small islands that will transport you back in time and away from hectic city life. Spend a day exploring 2 of these islands, Heybeliada and Buyuk Ada, to gain insight into a multicultural society in modern Turkey, akin to the multicultural society that existed here during the Ottoman Empire. Start with a cruise over the Marmara Sea to Heybeliada for a charming tour by horse-drawn carriage. Ride through the pine forests next to picturesque bays and past old villas.   Then, take a ferry over to the largest island, Buyuk Ada, and have lunch in a seaside restaurant. Spend the afternoon enjoying the cheerful local life near the village square. Admire the well preserved Victorian-era cottages that are covered in colorful flowers all summer.

  We were picked up at the hotel, walked around the Spice Market before getting on the ferry to the smaller island. We walked around, drank some tea and then took the ferry to the large island. We rode an electric golf cart on a tour of the island, and ate fish by the seaside. There was nice shopping and we enjoyed some delicious ice cream and coffee before getting on the ferry back to the city. A van drove us back to the hotel. Sulaiman was an excellent tour guide and companion for the trip.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, Indonesia, 9/27/2021
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  7. From Istanbul: Green Bursa Full-Day Excursion

  Bursa was at one time the capital of the Ottoman Empire, one of the largest empires in the history of the world. Enjoy a full-day excursion from Istanbul to explore this city situated on the north-western slopes of Mount Uludag, including 45 minutes in Bursa City for your personal needs.  The city is known as Yesil or Green Bursa owing to its many lovely gardens and parks. The 4th-largest city in Turkey, it is also known for its peaches, chestnuts, and its silk industry. Next, visit the Grand and Green mosques, the Green Mausoleum, and the old silk market in the covered bazaar. The mausoleums of early Ottoman sultans are located in Bursa and the numerous edifices built throughout the Ottoman period constitute the city's main landmarks. The surrounding fertile plain, its thermal baths, several interesting museums, and orderly urban growth add to Bursa’s appeal.

  Er ging alleen iets mis bij het ophalen, maar verder een hele leuke excursie! Goede chauffeur Murat en aardige tourguide Dilek

  Reviewed by Jorma, Netherlands, 3/28/2021
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  8. Princes' Islands Full Day Tour

  Let the various aromas and colorful sights overwhelm you on this full day tour of the Princes' Islands. And cruise along the Marmara Sea to the beautiful Princes' Islands by Maritime lines boat. The tour will take you to the isles via the popular summer resort Büyükada. This summer resort was once the pleasure island of Byzantine Princes, and it boasts stunning pinewood scenery. From here you will experience a tour of the island, as well as lunch at a local fish restaurant. In the afternoon you will be treated to the breathtaking scenery of Topkapi Palace and Leander's Tower, topped off by the unique sights of the Uskudar. See all this and beautiful sea views from the convenience of a luxury ship. Finally we will arrive back in the evening to Istanbul where you will be transferred to your hotel.

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  9. Bursa Full-Day Tour from Istanbul

  Explore the first capital of the Ottoman Empire; Enjoy a full-day excursion from Istanbul to explore this city situated on the slopes of Mount Uludag. Following a pick-up from your hotel on Istanbul’s European side, transfer to the port to catch a ferry. Cross the Sea of Marmara.  Then, relax in air-conditioned comfort on the 2-hour drive to Bursa, the former Ottoman capital. Upon arrival, Visiting the Green Mausoleum and Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami).  See historic bazaars, sample some of the local produce of the region, such as chestnuts, honey, olives, Turkish Delight and more.  Next, climb a mountain for a barbecue lunch.  Enjoy some free time to enjoy an ATV safari, or take a minibus to the ski slopes for a spot of ski-ing (own expense). You will see gorgeous old three which is more than 600 years old. Return to Istanbul in the evening, for a drop off at your hotel and the end of the...

  This was the highlight of my trip to turkey, very organized, very enjoyable, the tour guide mohammad was very friendly and kept checking on us, very beautiful schedule,

  Reviewed by Hanadi, Jordan, 7/17/2021
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  10. From Istanbul: Private Bursa City Day Trip

  After getting picked up from your hotel in the early morning, you'll drive from Istanbul to Eskihisar port. Here, hop on the ferry to Topcular and enjoy views of the country and seaside. After the 45-minute ferry ride, drive to Bursa, the former Ottoman capital. From there, Bursa is your oyster. Choose to go to the beautiful parks and gardens located across the city and enjoy nature. Or, drive to the mausoleums of early Ottoman sultans and the numerous edifices built throughout the Ottoman period. See the city's main landmarks and listen to expert commentary from your guide.  The city is synonymous with the mountain Uludag which towers behind the city core and which is also a famous ski resort. Travel here and sit on a cable car to get great views of the vast forests and thermal baths that surround the region.   You can let your driver know if you have any particular sites within Burs...