Sapanca Lake (Sapanca Gölü) Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit Sapanca Lake in 2026?

While it’s free to visit Sapanca Lake, you first need to get there, as it’s a fair drive from Istanbul. An easy option is to take a guided day trip from Istanbul, with shared full-day tours starting at US$30, often with lunch included. However, you will need to pay extra for activities such as ATV riding or ziplining.

Q: What are the top attractions near Sapanca Lake?

The top attractions near Sapanca Lake include Masukiye, a charming village in the mountains, and Kartepe Ski Resort, where you can enjoy winter sports activities. Don't miss the chance to visit Ormanya Wildlife Park, home to snakes, alpacas, and ostriches, and nature trails.

Q: Can you swim in Sapanca Lake?

Yes. You can swim in Sapanca Lake. The lake's clean, clear waters offer a refreshing experience for swimmers. However, it's essential to be cautious and aware of designated swimming areas, as well as any safety guidelines provided by local authorities or signage around the lake.

Q: How far is Sapanca Lake from Istanbul?

Sapanca Lake is approximately 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Istanbul, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car or tour bus, depending on traffic conditions and your route.

Q: Are there any hiking trails around Sapanca Lake?

Yes. There are several scenic hiking trails around Sapanca Lake, which offer great views of the surrounding landscape. Popular trails include the Sapanca Lake Trail, the Maşukiye Waterfall Trail, and the Kartepe Mountain Trail. These trails cater to various difficulty levels, so they're suitable for hikers of all abilities.

Q: What is the best time to visit Sapanca Lake?

The best times to visit Sapanca Lake are spring and fall, from April to June, and September to November. The weather is mild during these seasons, and the surroundings are lush and picturesque. It's ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring the area’s natural beauty.

Q: Can I rent a boat or kayak at Sapanca Lake?

Yes. You can rent boats and kayaks at Sapanca Lake. Several rental facilities around the lake offer watercraft options for exploring its tranquil waters. Whether you prefer leisurely paddling or adventurous boating, renting a boat or kayak is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Sapanca Lake.

Q: What are the best attractions in and around Istanbul other than Sapanca Lake?

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Sapanca Lake. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Istanbul:<ul><li><a href="/Istanbul-attractions/Hagia-Sophia/d585-a918" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hagia Sophia</a></li><li><a href="/Istanbul-attractions/Bosphorus/d585-a3017" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bosphorus</a></li><li><a href="/Istanbul-attractions/Blue-Mosque-Sultan-Ahmet-Camii/d585-a910" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Blue Mosque</a></li><li><a href="/Istanbul-attractions/Topkapi-Palace-Topkapi-Sarayi/d585-a912" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Topkapi Palace</a></li><li><a href="/Istanbul-attractions/Basilica-Cistern/d585-a909" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Basilica Cistern</a></li></ul>View Viator's guide to all <a href="/Istanbul/d585" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">the best attractions in Istanbul</a>.

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Sapanca and Masukiye Tour from Istanbul with Optional Activities

Escape the city for a refreshing day in nature with our Sapanca & Masukiye Tour from Istanbul. Enjoy stunning lake views, lush forests, and relaxing stops in charming countryside spots. With comfortable transportation, plenty of photo breaks, and the chance to taste delicious local flavors, this tour offers the perfect mix of scenery, relaxation, and authentic experiences—ideal for families, couples, and friends.

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Sapanca and Masukiye Tour from Istanbul with Optional Activities

12 hoursFree Cancellation

2.5

from $10

Sapanca Lake and Masukiye Tour from Istanbul

Sapanca Lake is a beautiful destination that will make you feel in an otherworld, even though it’s only a short distance away from Istanbul. The biggest lake in Marmara region with its charming natural beauty, the area is loaded with activities for all seasons both on and off lake. Especially the deep green forest surrounding the lake is very charming and relaxing to walk around. Visiting one of the biggest Zoo nearby, with variety of animal and ancient human made waterfalls in Masukiye, where you can get your feet’s wet in the shallow parts and enjoy organic food towards nature and fresh air.Experience the moments of adventure and adrenalin!Enjoy the natural beauty by trekking in nature or join some activities like ATV Safari (Quad biking).Take a cable car to highest point in Kartepe Mountain, where a seasonal skiing resort is transformed into a green picnic area during the summer months. Located above the sea level with a fantastic views of both the Gulf of Izmit and Sapanca Lake.

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Sapanca Lake and Masukiye Tour from Istanbul

12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(6)

from $19

Special Offer

Full Day Sapanca Tour with Lunch and Transfer From Istanbul

This tour is unique because it seamlessly blends nature, adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences into a single journey. Unlike standard sightseeing tours, it offers a dynamic mix of relaxation and thrill, allowing travelers to explore breathtaking landscapes, engage in adrenaline-pumping activities, and immerse themselves in local traditions. The inclusion of diverse elements—such as wildlife encounters, scenic viewpoints, and hands-on cultural experiences—ensures a well-rounded, unforgettable adventure. With a professional guide enhancing the experience through storytelling, historical insights, and seamless logistics, this tour stands out as a comprehensive, immersive, and hassle-free way to discover the region.

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Full Day Sapanca Tour with Lunch and Transfer From Istanbul

12 hoursFree Cancellation

From Istanbul: Sapanca Lake Day Trip with Lunch

12 to 13 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(17)

from $29

Sapanca Lake & Masukiye Tour From Istanbul

Get away from the crowds of Istanbul by joining a full day excursion that is able to upgrade your vacations, and offer to you plenty of memories. The Sapanca Lake & Masukiye Tour From Istanbul aims in demonstrating the beauty of the natural setting, while keeping your excitement high. Visit a mountain top, an impressive waterfall, a charming village, a tectonic lake, a zoo, and at the end shop till you drop at one of the city’s largest shopping malls. ✅ Take a break from the busy streets and noisy traffic of Istanbul on this day-long escape into the countryside. ✅ Discover Turkey’s stunning countryside and scenery on a full-day tour to Sapanca Lake, Masukiye and Kartepe from Istanbul. ✅ Hike along the picture-perfect lake shore, visit the animals at the zoo then get a observe of local life in the village of Masukiye.

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Sapanca Lake & Masukiye Tour From Istanbul

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(31)

from $30

Our Sapanca & Masukiye Tour offers an exclusive journey into nature and adventure. We guide you through picturesque landscapes where tranquility meets thrill. Program Highlights: 1) Tuzla Marina: Optional Aquarium or Lion Zoo visits (discounted prices, guide at ticket booth). 2) Sapanca Lake: Stroll, optional pedal/small boat rides, enjoy discounted coffee/tea by the lake. 3) Maşukiye Waterfalls: Discover cascading beauty. 4) Delicious local lunch in a natural setting. 5) Authentic Turkish Delight Bazaar. Optional Adventures: 6) Zipline at Mahmudiye, 7) ATV rides, 8) Sapanca Cable Car for panoramic views.

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Sapanca and Masukiye Tour

10 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

from $24

Full Day Tour of Sapanca Lake and Maşukiye with Lunch

This tour will start by picking up all guests either from hotels or determined locations. We will then Sapanca Lake, which is a 1.5-hour bus ride away. You will have the option to visit the DARICA ZOO, the largest zoo near Istanbul with 255 species of animals (only available during the summer season), or you can choose to visit the LION PARK AND AQUARIUM via sea. After visiting SAPANCA LAKE, which is the second-largest lake in the Marmara province of Turkey and is a tectonic freshwater lake formed during the deformation of the Earth’s crust, the tour guide will provide you with ample free time to explore and enjoy the area. In MAHMUDIYE located in Sakarya city, we will make a stop for ziplining and various water We will also visit MASUKIYE, known as the Love Village, although nowadays it is more focused on activities such as ATV Safari, Ziplining, and the Gigantic

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Full Day Tour of Sapanca Lake and Maşukiye with Lunch

12 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

from $20

Full Day Tour Sapanca and Masukiye from Istanbul

12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(35)

from $32

Escape the fast-paced city life of Istanbul and embark on an enchanting journey to Sapanca, Maşukiye, and its surrounding areas. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Turkish countryside as you explore this picturesque region. Marvel at the breathtaking Sapanca Lake, where tranquility meets natural splendor. Ascend to the majestic Kartepe Hill and indulge in panoramic vistas that will leave you in awe. If you visit between March and November, don't miss the chance to encounter a variety of fascinating animals at the renowned Faruk Yalcin Zoo (additional cost involved). This trip offers a perfect opportunity to add depth and diversity to your Turkish experience, allowing you to create unforgettable memories amidst nature's embrace.

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Full Day Tour in Sapanca from Istanbul

10 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.4

(7)

from $29

Sapanca Lake and Masukiye Village Tour from Istanbul

Escape the city and dive into a day full of nature and adventure! Enjoy the tranquil views of Sapanca Lake, explore the refreshing Maşukiye Waterfall, and experience thrilling optional activities like ziplining, quad biking, cable car rides, or a relaxing visit to the zoo. Take in breathtaking views from the glass terrace and indulge in a delicious lunch in the heart of nature. All activities are optional and can be arranged during the tour. Comfortable transfers, expert guiding, and unforgettable memories await you!

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Sapanca Lake and Masukiye Village Tour from Istanbul

12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

from $29

Sapanca Maşukiye Safari and Natural Wonders

The distance between Istanbul and Sapanca is 90 minutes. We stop by the zoo on our way to Sapanca. Guests who want to go inside can get their tickets from the ticket office. At the end of 1 hour, we leave there and go to Maşukiye, a village in Kocaeli. Here we take a 30-minute break at the famous Honey and Turkish Delight factories. Then we move towards the activity areas where the ATV and Safari tour take place. Our stay here is 1 hour and 30 minutes. Guests who want to use the safari and zeppelin activities can get support from the ticket office again. Then we go to our restaurant in Sapanca, after having lunch here, we go to the area with the Waterfall, we have time to stay here for 1 hour. We move towards the newly opened cable car station in Sapanca. Guests who want to use the cable car optionally can get their tickets and get on the cable car. After leaving here, we go to the famous big Sapanca lake, where we are given 1 hour of free time and then we set off towards Istanbul.

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Sapanca Maşukiye Safari and Natural Wonders

12 hoursFree Cancellation

3.5

(2)

from $30

Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line

Enjoy a convenient and cost-saving way to discover many of Istanbul’s most in-demand attractions when you book a 2-, 3-, 5-, or 7-day E-Pass. Upon booking, your pass provides entry to over 40 key Istanbul attractions and guided tours (some with bookings or reservations required). Choose from a range of sights, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Blue Mosque, plus experiences like a Grand Bazaar tour and Bosphorus cruise.

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Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line

1 to 7 daysFree Cancellation

4.8

(1,489)

from $147

Special Offer

Sapanca & Masukiye Day Tour from Istanbul with Lunch & Transfer

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

Escape the busy streets of Istanbul and discover the natural beauty of the Marmara region on this full-day nature and adventure tour to Sapanca Lake and Maşukiye. Enjoy lush forests, waterfalls, scenic mountains and exciting optional activities like ATV safari, zipline and cable car rides. This tour combines nature, adventure, local culture and delicious Turkish cuisine for a perfect day outside the city. Ideal for travelers who want to explore the countryside near Istanbul in one day.

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Sapanca & Maşukiye Day Trip from Istanbul with ATV, Cable Car

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

from $41

Special Offer

From Istanbul: Sapanca and Masukiye Day Trip with Lunch

Escape the bustle of the capital and visit Turkey’s stunning countryside during this full-day small-group excursion from Istanbul. Ride comfortably by air-conditioned transportation, with hotel pickup and drop-off provided. Highlights include an all-inclusive, open-air lunch in Mahmudiye village, a visit to Ormanya wildlife park (zoo fees paid separately), and a stroll along serene Sapanca Lake.

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From Istanbul: Sapanca and Masukiye Day Trip with Lunch

12 hoursFree Cancellation

This workshop takes place in Serra’s lived in home and working studio, hosted by the founder of Serracota who hand makes her ceramics independently. It is intentionally small and slow, with space to work at your own pace and ask questions as you go. Guests glaze real ceramic forms that will be kiln fired after the session, so you experience the full process, not just decoration. It is also easy to reach from Istanbul by train, with pickup from Arifiye station included, and the setting is surrounded by a calm lake side atmosphere.

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Ceramic Glazing Workshop in Sakarya with Local Artist Serra

3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $90

Price varies by group size

Sapanca Cable Car Ticket with Scenic Teleferik Experience

Make your way to the Sapanca Teleferik station and board your comfortable cabin. The cable car route offers elevated viewpoints overlooking the lake and surrounding forests. The ride lasts approximately 10–15 minutes each way, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery from above. Once at the top station, you’ll have free time to: Take panoramic photos Enjoy mountain and lake views Visit cafés or relaxation areas Walk around the scenic summit After your visit, simply take the return cable car back down.

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Sapanca Cable Car Ticket with Scenic Teleferik Experience

1 hour

from $35

Guided Sapanca, Mahmudiye, Masukiye Tour Activity with Cable Car

This Tour offers you an unforgettable day with an incredible nature, waterfalls, lake, rivers, extreme activities and natural life park with our Professional licensed local staffs.The Places to visit on this tour are beautiful in every season. Zoo for families with children. Extreme playgrounds for teenagers and for else. Fascinating destinations for capturing nature photos. If you like the view of the Green Nature this tour is for you.

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Guided Sapanca, Mahmudiye, Masukiye Tour Activity with Cable Car

13 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(46)

from $20

Private Green Sapanca Day Tour From Istanbul

10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

from $206

Full Day Tour in Sapanca & Masukiye from Istanbul

Take a break from bustling Istanbul and see the natural beauty and villages of the Turkish countryside at Sapanca and Masukiye. Take photos of the waters at Sapanca Lake and enjoy panoramic views from Kartepe Hill. Even if your trip to Turkey is short, this tour lets you experience some nature from Istanbul within a day. Families with children can stay entertained with optional activities like an ATV tour or zip lining.

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Full Day Tour in Sapanca & Masukiye from Istanbul

10 hoursFree Cancellation

3.9

(17)

from $31

Daily Sapanca & Maşukiye & Mahmudiye Tour with Lunch from Istanbul

Get away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul and head into the luscious Turkish countryside with this trip to Sapanca, Maşukiye, and the surrounding area. See the beautiful Sapanca Lake, take in impressive views from Kartepe Hill, marvel at the animals of Faruk Yalcin Zoo (stop only included March-November, additional cost involved), and much more. This is a great opportunity to fit more into your time in Turkey with convenient hotel pickup included.

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Daily Sapanca & Maşukiye & Mahmudiye Tour with Lunch from Istanbul

12 to 13 hoursFree Cancellation

4.0

(21)

from $29

Lake Sapanca Masukiye and Kartepe Day Tour from Istanbul

Escape the city with a full-day tour to the serene Gulf of Izmit and the scenic Lake Sapanca. Immerse yourself in nature with a leisurely one-hour walk around the beautiful lake, renowned for its picturesque landscapes. Enjoy a delightful lunch in the charming village of Masukiye, surrounded by lush trees. The adventure continues with an exhilarating ATV ride followed by a hike or ski lift experience at Kartepe Mountain, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Return to Istanbul feeling refreshed and connected to nature. - Full-day tour from Istanbul to Lake Sapanca and Kartepe Mountain - One hour of free time to explore Lake Sapanca's beauty - Lunch in the picturesque village of Masukiye - ATV ride and hiking or ski lift option at Kartepe Mountain

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Lake Sapanca Masukiye and Kartepe Day Tour from Istanbul

6 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(1)

from $35

Istanbul Tourist Pass: Skip-the-Line Entry to 120+Activities

Explore Istanbul at your own pace with the Istanbul Tourist Pass, a convenient digital card offering skip-the-line access and free entry to more than 100 top attractions. Choose a Discover Pass for one to five days, which allows you to explore three top landmarks, or opt for the Prime Pass for one to seven days, which allows you to explore seven landmarks. Save up to 50 percent compared to buying tickets separately. From museums to Bosphorus cruises, the pass delivers a flexible and affordable way to experience the city.

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Istanbul Tourist Pass: Skip-the-Line Entry to 120+Activities

1 to 7 daysFree Cancellation

4.4

(628)

from $128

Sapanca And Masukiye Tour With Lunch - Full Day

9 hoursFree Cancellation

3.4

(5)

from $81

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What are people saying about Sapanca Lake (Sapanca Gölü)

Daily Sapanca Lake + Maşukiye Tour by Private Minivan (Day Trip from Istanbul)

Basem_N, Oct 2023

fantastic scenary

the 2 hour drive in the minivan was very comfortable. Our Driver Omar was very helpful in showing us the most important activities in Sapanca . We took the buggy in the forest, we did the zipline [ which was fantastic]. The cable car ride was very clean and well organized. the scenary was awsome. Last, we went down to the lake front and had a nice drink enjoying the calmness of the lake.

Sapanca Lake & Masukiye Tour From Istanbul

Moustapha_A, Jan 2026

Amazing day

Was the best experience. But the guide make our day more better , knowledge and help me all time. Will never forget this day. Thanks so much Nuri turan I highly recommend it with this guide .

From Istanbul: Sapanca and Masukiye Day Trip with Lunch

Salem_F, Aug 2025

Simply, very well...

Simply, very well organized. Very well planned. Food was not as great. Osman our guide was the best guide we’ve had in a while. He made sure that we well informed about the trip and the history

Guided Sapanca, Mahmudiye, Masukiye Tour Activity with Cable Car

Malcolm_M, Jul 2025

It's a very interesting...

It's a very interesting tour which is enjoyable by adults and children alike. Lunch was great and the whole day was nice and relaxing with beautiful views of Sapanca Lake. The Tour guide was also very helpful

Guided Sapanca, Mahmudiye, Masukiye Tour Activity with Cable Car

Mohsin_S, Apr 2024

Awesome guided tour to Sapanca

Professional crew with English speaking guide. They guided us to all the various stops on the way to the lake. The bus was very comfortable with AC. The zoo was very well manicured with great landscaping anr animals of all types. The telefrik was also awesome. Amazing views of Sapanca lake. Lunch was also decent. Overall great value for the money. Highly recommend it.

Daily Sapanca Lake + Maşukiye Tour by Private Minivan (Day Trip from Istanbul)

Mohammed_R, Sep 2024

A Fun Day in Sapanca

I booked this private tour as part of our 2 week holiday in Istanbul. Our tour guide and driver, Omer, was excellent! He knows the entire Sapanca area very well, gave us advice on what to see and was able to answer all of our questions. He was really friendly and made sure we had a great time. His Mercedes V class was very nice, clean and luxurious. The private tour to Sapanca is a blast. We rode horses, shot arrows, and went off-roading. The food was great, and the cable car ride was awesome. There is a glass terrace from which there's fantastic views. We ended the day by walking by the beautiful lake with some dondurma. If you're in Istanbul and have a spare day, you should definitely consider this private tour to Sapanca.

Full Day Sapanca and Masukiye Tour with lunch

Hector_R, May 2024

A day outside the city - totally worth it!

I had an extra day and decided to get out of the city for an excursion. It really will take 10+ hours. Totally worth it. The trip entails about 6-8 stops. Each big stop is an hour long. Short stops are between 15-30 minutes. The trip pays for the "ride", the guide, and lunch. Everything else is extra. We stopped at the zoo (1 hour - 600 Lyra), Chair Lift (550 Lyra), ATV - 1000 Lyra, Top of the mountain / glass floor - 200 lyra, the Sapancha Lake (1 hour). For this excursion there are a few prices from $30 - $80. I had a great time. I paid the $80 and I don't think there was a difference if I paid $30 or $80 since everything else is extra. I thought my ATV was included but not a big deal. Oh, we also stopped at shopping locations. I was able to buy my family gifts from "honey, tea, Turkish delight, evil eyes for the kids, and coffee. Shopping alone was worth it since shopping was at 3 or 4 locations across Istanbul. Again, it was pretty awesome.

Daily Sapanca & Maşukiye & Mahmudiye Tour with Lunch from Istanbul

Russ_D, Oct 2023

Authentic locals tourist experience

Unfortunately, the day of our tour ended up being quite cold and rainy, and as a result, we weren’t able to enjoy it nearly as much as we would had if the weather had been nice. Still, I enjoyed the day and what we saw, and it was worth the under $30 price. I read previous reviews, and frankly, they don’t sound like the tour I was on. A couple examples: unlike the tour guide praises I read, our tour guide was nice, but had absolutely nothing to say about the area, history, etc. And, the lunch was not the great buffet I’d read about, but rather a salad and plate of almost cold food; adequate, but that’s all. To me, it was a tourist tour mostly for locals, not foreigners, as we were the only ones I think from the West. But I liked that, as it felt authentic, and we got to see normal everyday type of stuff in the Asian part of Turkey. The day consisted mostly of stopping at six local tourist spots: 1) a combination shopping mall/zoo/amusement park; 2) a Turkish Delight store; 3) a zip line spot; 4) a long ski-lift type ride; 5) an ATV rental business; and 6) a lakeside restaurant/resort with miscellaneous available activities. The tour doesn’t include admission/tickets for any of these activities, and you can opt to participate, or sit and relax and have something to drink if not. But don’t expect a beer or glass of wine to be available though, as there was nary a drop of alcohol at any of the stops in these very Muslim places. That might seem like a lot of negatives, but forewarned is forearmed. Just try to take the tour on a nice day!

From Istanbul: Sapanca and Masukiye Day Trip with Lunch

Shifa_C, Aug 2024

Very good tour. But NOT for people with lack of physical ability. I took my mum was difficult as drop of

I have left my sunglasses on coach. The tour guide said has at office in Taskin square. It's too far for us to pick. We are in hotel Neorion hotel. In SIrkeci . Can you ask them to drop off here on reception room no. 205 / 206