2 Days Best of Bursa & Sapanca Family Tour from Istanbul

Tour Overview

Discover Ottoman Bursa & Lake Sapanca in 2 Days

Bursa: the Grand Mosque and its twenty domes

Bursa: Green Mosque and Green Tomb

Bursa: Koza Han silk caravanserai

Uludağ: the Great Mountain

Cumalıkızık: a UNESCO Ottoman village

Sapanca: lake and forest calm

Perfect for families. Families are the main audience for this tour: short walks, a relaxed pace, child-friendly meals and car seats on request make it easy with children. Tell us their ages when you inquire and we will advise on cable-car rules and children's fares.

Why this short break works

Two days, two moods, one easy escape from Istanbul. This 2-day Bursa and Sapanca tour from Istanbul is a family-friendly Turkey package that pairs the first great capital of the Ottoman Empire with a freshwater lake wrapped in beech and pine. Whether you choose a private tour or a small group tour, you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed English-speaking guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off, lunch on both days and the entrance fees of the listed sites.

Bursa, known as “Yeşil Bursa” (Green Bursa), became the first Ottoman capital in 1326, and today it is recognised by UNESCO as the birthplace of the Empire. On day one you walk beneath the twenty domes of the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), admire the turquoise tilework of the Green Mosque and Green Tomb, browse silk in the 1491 Koza Han caravanserai, wander the cobbled lanes of Cumalıkızık village and, weather permitting, ride the Uludağ cable car above the pine forest.

Day two is a full day around Lake Sapanca. You explore the lakeshore, the villages of Mahmudiye and Maşukiye, the Glass Terrace and, depending on the season, the Darıca Faruk Yalçın Zoo and Botanical Park in summer or the Kartepe ski resort in winter. Nature walks, cycling, zipline, ATV and UTV activities are available for families who want more adventure.

A Turkey day trip designed for families

Families are the main audience for this tour. Distances are short, walking stops are gentle, meals are child-friendly, and car seats and extra breaks can be arranged on request. Parents get a rich historical Turkey and cultural Turkey experience without long flights, while children enjoy a cable car, village life, ducks on the lake, a zoo in summer and snow in winter.

If you are searching for the best Bursa tour from Istanbul, a Sapanca day trip, a family tour in Turkey or an easy 2-day Istanbul excursion, this programme combines all of them in one comfortable itinerary. It also works well as an extension to a longer Turkey package covering Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus or Pamukkale. Ask us for a private, customised version with a different pace, hotel or start time.

Tour at a glance

2 days, 1 night
Istanbul · Bursa · Sapanca
Private tour or small-group tour
Family-friendly, car seats on request
Istanbul hotel pick-up and drop-off
Lunch on both days, Iskender kebab in Bursa

Your route

From the Bosphorus to the Ottoman Heartland and the Lake

Your 2-day route is a gentle loop with one hotel night and no repeated driving. Each stop below shows what to expect, how long it takes and why families enjoy it.

Istanbul
Pick-up

Bursa
Day 1

Sapanca
Day 2

Istanbul
Drop-off

Istanbul

Pick-up · 08:00 · Hotel pick-up

Your guide and driver collect you from your Istanbul hotel and you cross the Marmara region by road and ferry or bridge. Use the first hour to settle in, meet your guide and hear the story of the Ottoman beginnings.

Bursa

Day 1 · Ottoman capital

Spend a full day in Yeşil Bursa: the Grand Mosque, Koza Han silk market, the Green Mosque and Tomb, Cumalıkızık village and, weather permitting, the Uludağ cable car. Lunch is Iskender kebab, the dish that was born here.

Sapanca

Day 2 · Lake and villages

A full day starting at 08:30 around Lake Sapanca, with Mahmudiye, Maşukiye, the Glass Terrace and seasonal highlights: Darıca Zoo in summer and the Kartepe ski resort in winter.

Istanbul

Drop-off · 18:00 · Return

Around 18:00 you drive back to Istanbul and are dropped at your hotel, with photos on your phone, honey in your bag and plenty of stories for the family.

Family routing. Driving blocks are broken by ferry views, tea stops and playground-friendly lakeside breaks, so children are never in the vehicle for long stretches.

Itinerary

2-Day Bursa & Sapanca Itinerary at a Glance

This 2-day Bursa and Sapanca itinerary from Istanbul puts the heavy sightseeing on day one, when energy is highest, and keeps day two for lake air and rest. Each stop is chosen for its history, its photography and its friendliness to family travellers, whether you join a group tour or book a private tour.

Day by day

Day 1: Istanbul to Bursa, Mosques, Silk & Mountain

Istanbul · Bursa · Overnight: Bursa or Sapanca

Your guide meets you at your Istanbul hotel at 08:00 for the scenic drive to Bursa, the city that gave the Ottoman Empire its first throne.

Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)

Completed in 1399 under Sultan Bayezid I, the mosque is covered by twenty domes of equal size, said to replace twenty planned mosques. Inside, a central fountain and monumental calligraphy create an atmosphere of calm that children quickly feel.

Koza Han Silk Market

Built in 1491, this two-storey caravanserai still trades silk cocoons in season. Browse scarves and towels in the plane-tree courtyard and stop for tea.

Green Mosque and Green Tomb

Finished in 1424 for Sultan Mehmed I, the Yeşil Camii shines with blue-green tiles, and the tomb across the street holds the sultan himself. Lunch follows with Bursa's famous Iskender kebab.

Cumalıkızık Village

Walk cobbled lanes between timber-and-stone houses in a village that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing. Try fresh gözleme from the village women.

Uludağ Cable Car (weather permitting)

The cable car climbs through pine forest to alpine air and wide views over the Bursa plain. In winter it opens onto snow.

Evening check-in at your family-friendly hotel, with dinner at leisure.

Hotel pick-up in Istanbul Lunch Listed entrance fees

Day 2: Full-Day Sapanca Tour & Return to Istanbul

08:30 pick-up · 18:00 drop-off · Sapanca · Istanbul

08:30 You are picked up from your hotel for the full-day Sapanca tour. Here is the list of places you will visit:

Lake Sapanca

Sapanca Lake is one of the most visited lakes in Türkiye and a peaceful place to spend time with the family. Walk the shoreline, go on a nature walk or rent a bicycle if you wish. There are many pleasant spots around the lake for lunch, from tea gardens to village restaurants.

Mahmudiye Village

Mahmudiye is a small, lovely village in Sakarya province. Families stop here to enjoy local food in a village restaurant surrounded by nature, with fresh bread, cheese, honey and seasonal dishes.

Maşukiye

Maşukiye is a green valley village where a stream, plane trees and tea gardens create a cool escape from the city. For active families, nature excursions, ATV safaris, zipline and UTV tours are offered on request.

Glass Terrace

The Glass Terrace gives wide views over the valley and the forest. Time spent in Maşukiye, away from the city, leaves a different taste in your day, and it makes a memorable photo stop for every age.

Darıca Zoo (summer season only)

Darıca Faruk Yalçın Zoo and Botanical Park lies close to Istanbul and is a nature park to visit with children on weekdays or weekends. Beyond the animals, a spacious botanical-themed park invites a relaxed family stroll. It is visited only in the summer season.

Kartepe Ski Resort (winter season only)

Kartepe is a wonderful ski resort for enjoying the snow. The road to the Kuzu Plateau passes pine, beech and linden trees, and the panoramic views make a very impressive winter atmosphere. It is visited only in the winter season.

18:00 End of the tour: you drive to Istanbul and are dropped at your hotel.

Hotel pick-up at 08:30 Lunch Zoo in summer or Kartepe in winter Hotel drop-off in Istanbul

Destination Guides

Two Destinations, Seven Places, One Journey

Read ahead about the history, culture and reason each stop earns its place. Tap a destination to jump to its guide.

Bursa

Day 1 · Ottoman beginnings

Sapanca

Day 2 · Lake and village

Bursa and Sapanca: A Complete Guide for Families Visiting from Istanbul

Bursa sits at the foot of Mount Uludağ, about 150 kilometres south of Istanbul, and carries the nickname “Yeşil Bursa” because of its parks, plane trees and mountain forests. In 1326 it became the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, and its early sultans left monuments that explain how Ottoman architecture began. The Grand Mosque of 1399 with its twenty domes, the blue-green Green Mosque and Tomb of Sultan Mehmed I and the Koza Han silk caravanserai remain among the best-preserved sights of historical Turkey. UNESCO listed “Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire” as a World Heritage Site in 2014.

Bursa is also a food destination. Iskender kebab was created here in the nineteenth century, and visitors also try İnegöl köfte, candied chestnuts (kestane şekeri) and the sweet pumpkin dessert kabak tatlısı. The bazaars near Koza Han sell silk scarves, towels and Bursa cutlery, while thermal baths in the Çekirge district have drawn travellers since Roman times. For families, Uludağ, the “Great Mountain”, adds a cable-car ride and alpine air, and in winter it becomes one of Türkiye’s most popular ski resorts.

Sapanca is the natural second chapter. Lake Sapanca, about 100 kilometres east of Istanbul in Sakarya province, is a freshwater lake used for generations as a green retreat. Around it are the villages of Mahmudiye and Maşukiye, the Glass Terrace, tea gardens, bicycle paths and forest trails. Nearby, Darıca Zoo and Botanical Park suits summer travellers with children, and the Kartepe ski resort on the Kuzu Plateau brings snow, pine, beech and linden forests to winter visitors.

Together, Bursa and Sapanca give a rounded introduction to cultural Turkey: Ottoman art and architecture, silk and market traditions, village food, mountain scenery and lakeside calm. Travelling by private vehicle keeps the pace flexible, and a licensed guide explains the history in a way children can follow. This is why the Bursa and Sapanca tour from Istanbul is among the most requested family tours in Turkey for a weekend or short break.

Day 1 · Bursa

Bursa: First Capital of the Ottomans

Bursa fell to Osman's heirs in 1326 and became the first great Ottoman capital, long before Edirne or Istanbul. Its early sultans left a signature of tile, stone and silk, and the city is now recognised by UNESCO as the birthplace of the Empire.

Today Bursa blends that heritage with green parks, thermal baths at the foot of Uludağ and a food culture built around Iskender kebab, İnegöl köfte and candied chestnuts. Streets stay walkable, and the mix of monuments, markets and mountain views suits every age.

Few cities show Ottoman beginnings so clearly. The simpler domes, hand-painted tiles and caravanserais of Bursa explain how the later imperial style of Istanbul grew.

Green Mosque and Green Tomb

Grand Mosque with twenty domes

Koza Han silk caravanserai

Cumalıkızık UNESCO village and Uludağ

1 NightOttoman beginnings

Stay

1 night

Day

Must-see

Green Mosque

Best for

History & families

Insider & family tip: Visit the mosques outside prayer times, cover shoulders and knees, and carry small lira for silk, tea and the cable car.

Bursa places you will visit

Day 1

Green Mosque and Green Tomb

Blue-green İznik tiles, carved wooden doors and a hushed courtyard. The tomb of Mehmed I faces the mosque.

Day 1

Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)

A forest of twenty domes, a central shadirvan and some of the finest calligraphy in Türkiye.

Day 1

Koza Han Silk Market

A 15th-century caravanserai where silk is still sold beside a leafy tea garden.

Day 1

Cumalıkızık Village

Timber houses, cobbled lanes and village food in a UNESCO-listed Ottoman settlement.

Day 1

Uludağ and the Cable Car

Pine forest, alpine air and sweeping views, with snow from winter to early spring.

Day 2 · Sapanca

Sapanca: Lake, Forest & Village Calm

Lake Sapanca is a freshwater lake between Istanbul and Ankara, fed by streams from forested hills and edged by lawns, plane trees and tea gardens. Locals have come here for generations to escape the city.

The morning is built around slow pleasures: a shoreline walk, a Turkish breakfast of honey, cheese and kaymak, and a village viewpoint that frames lake and mountains together.

For families, Sapanca is gentle ground. Paths are flat, water is clean and calm, and meadows give children space to run before the drive home.

Lakeside promenade and breakfast

Mountain village viewpoints

Forest walk and local honey

Easy for all ages

Day 2Lake · Forest · Village

Day

Drive

About 2 h to Istanbul

Must-see

Lakeside walk

Best for

Families & nature

Insider & family tip: Ask us which seasonal option is running on your date: Darıca Zoo in summer or Kartepe in winter. Pack a light jacket, comfortable shoes and swimwear is not needed. Early morning gives the best lake photographs.

Sapanca places you will visit

Day 2

Lake Sapanca

A peaceful freshwater lake with walking paths, bicycle rental and tea gardens, ideal for a relaxed family morning.

Day 2

Mahmudiye Village

A small village in Sakarya where a local restaurant serves fresh regional dishes in a natural setting.

Day 2

Maşukiye

A green valley with a stream, tea gardens and optional ATV, UTV and zipline activities for active families.

Day 2

Glass Terrace

A viewing terrace over the forest and valley, perfect for family photographs.

Day 2

Darıca Zoo (summer)

A zoo and botanical park close to Istanbul, visited in the summer season only.

Day 2

Kartepe (winter)

A pine-and-beech ski resort on the Kuzu Plateau, visited in the winter season only.

Topic Highlights

What Makes This Bursa & Sapanca Tour Special

Early Ottoman Bursa

Stand beneath the twenty domes of the Grand Mosque, admire the turquoise tiles of the Green Mosque and visit the tomb of Sultan Mehmed I in the city where the Empire began.

Silk Bazaar Heritage

Wander Koza Han, a 1491 caravanserai that still sells silk, and sip tea in its courtyard.

UNESCO Village Life

Walk the cobbled lanes of Cumalıkızık, a living Ottoman village, and taste fresh village gözleme.

Uludağ Cable Car

Ride above pine forest to alpine air and views across the Bursa plain, with snow in winter.

Lake Sapanca Morning

A shoreline walk and Turkish breakfast beside a mirror-calm lake.

Designed for Families

Short walks, flexible stops, car seats on request and reduced children's fares.

Family Travel

Made for Families Visiting Turkey

Families are our main guests on this tour, so every stop, meal and drive has been planned around parents, grandparents and children travelling together. Tell us your children’s ages and we will adjust the pace, the activities and the seasonal stops.

Short, gentle days

Walking stops are brief and varied, with plenty of seating, tea breaks and open space for children to run.

Car seats and comfort

An air-conditioned vehicle with space for strollers, and car seats on request when you book.

Child-friendly meals

Lunches include familiar options such as köfte, kebab, bread, soup and fruit, and vegetarian meals on request.

Real adventures

A mountain cable car, village lanes, a lakeside bike ride and, by season, a zoo or snow day.

Safe and supervised

A licensed guide, a professional driver and a relaxed schedule that adapts when children need rest.

Family fares

Children aged 4 to 11 pay reduced fares of €99 (group) and €189 (private).

Services

What Is Included and Not Included

Included in the price

Istanbul hotel pick-up and drop-off
Air-conditioned vehicle, fuel, tolls and ferry
Licensed English-speaking guide
One hotel night with breakfast
Lunch on both days, including Iskender kebab in Bursa
Entrance fees to the listed sites

Not included

Uludağ cable car ticket (paid locally)
Dinners and personal drinks
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses and travel insurance

Price & Booking

Tour Price and Booking Terms

Choose the group departure or travel privately. The route and inclusions are the same, and prices are per person in euros. These are indicative rates for a 2-day, 1-night family tour with a licensed guide, transport and hotel.

Group Tour

€149

per adult · child €99

Lowest price, join fellow travellers
2 days, 1 night programme
Lunch on both days
Listed entrance fees and transfers

Private Tour

€269

per adult · child €189

Your own party only, flexible timing
2 days, 1 night programme
Lunch on both days
Private vehicle and guide

Families & Children

Ages 4–11

reduced children's fares

Highly recommended for families
Car seats on request
Tell us the children's ages
Quote within a few hours

Payment & cancellation

Reservation

Send the booking form and we confirm availability within a few hours.

Free cancellation

Cancel free up to 48 hours before the tour date.

Late cancellation

Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.

Date changes

Accommodated subject to availability.

AI-Powered Travel Recommendations

Smart Tips for Your 2 Days in Bursa & Sapanca

Practical suggestions based on the route, the season and the family-friendly pace.

First time in Turkey?

Bursa and Sapanca make a calm first step into Ottoman Turkey, ideal before or after Istanbul.

Photography lovers

Families: bring snacks, wipes and a change of clothes. Plan the Green Mosque tiles, Koza Han courtyard, Uludağ views and Sapanca's early light.

History lovers

Follow Ottoman beginnings: Ulu Cami, Yeşil Camii, Koza Han and Cumalıkızık.

Nature lovers

Uludağ's pine forest and Sapanca's lakeside add real outdoor variety.

Choose the right shoes

Cobbles in Cumalıkızık and village paths call for broken-in walking shoes.

Food to try

Iskender kebab, İnegöl köfte, candied chestnuts and Sapanca honey.

Best time to go

Spring (Apr–May)

Green hills and mild days. Ideal for walking.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

Warm; lake at its best. Start early.

Autumn (Sep–Oct)

Soft light and thinner crowds.

Winter (Nov–Mar)

Snow on Uludağ; bring warm layers.

What to pack: layers, a scarf for mosques, a light jacket for the mountain, sunscreen and a refillable bottle.

Guest Reviews

5 Stars Excellent Service · The History Travel Agency

5.0

★★★★★

33 reviews on TripAdvisor

These are guest reviews of The History Travel on TripAdvisor, reproduced as written. They describe the agency's tours in Istanbul and across Turkey, including family trips. Read all reviews on TripAdvisor.

Barnita De

January 2026 · TripAdvisor

★★★★★

Family tour to Turkey
“We had a wonderful family trip to Turkey. Mr Sebahettin of The History Tours planned and organised it. He knows Turkey well, provided detailed itinerary unlike other travel agents. All domestic bookings, transfers, guides, day trios were organised by him. He kept in touch throughout the trip for updates. Highly recommend him for any travel to Turkey”

Sedat Y

July 2025 · TripAdvisor

★★★★★

Excellence holiday in Turkey with family
“We had heard about the beauties of Turkey from friends who had visited, and then we booked a 10-day family package tour with Mr. Sebahattin, owner of History Travel, which was recommended by friends. He was very friendly and very knowledgeable. All the service was very well organized. We liked our tour very much. I recommend Mr. Sebahattin and The History Travel Agency to everybody.”

Hevra G

July 2025 · TripAdvisor

★★★★★

Top Tour Operator in Turkey
“We bought a 7-day Cappadocia vacation package from The History Travel Istanbul as a thank you gift for my girlfriend and her family. Our tour was incredibly entertaining and enjoyable, and Mr. Sebahattin and his staff delivered an absolutely amazing service. I want to sincerely thank Sebahattin and the entire staff of The History Travel for their fantastic service. I would adore returning to Turkey and using this company's services. I advise everyone to use The History Travel Agency.”

Nida S

November 2023 · TripAdvisor

★★★★★

A thrilling visit to a glorious country
“Our visit to turkey was filled with incredible experiences and long lasting memories. Mr Sebahattin was very helpful throughout out planning stages and in the process created a personalised itinerary that fit our needs. Even while in Turkey he was extremely prompt and professional in all his dealings. And enabled us to navigate through the trip effortlessly. The English speaking guides organised by him were very knowledgeable and friendly. The transport and the hotels provided were also of top quality and we were very pleased with the service. Overall a great visit curated by a gem of a person.”

Irwan & Shikin

June 2023 · TripAdvisor

★★★★★

Perfect customised Istanbul itinerary
“Sebahattin meticulously planned our customised itinerary at Istanbul perfectly. The arrangement from the first to the last attraction just simply made sense the way he planned it. In addition, when one of our family members was unwell and he found out about it, he immediately sprang into action and made changes to our itinerary to allow for more rest, yet we were able to cover all the attractions after he had made changes to the plan. Finally, we always enjoyed having our wonderful conversations at his office over his delicious Turkish tea. Thank you, Sebahattin, for making our first visit to Turkey such a memorable one. We loved it so much that we are planning to contact you again for an encore!”

Departure51424823731

November 2023 · TripAdvisor

★★★★★

Fantastic services 5* rating for cappadocia tour
“Our tour organizer Mr. Sebahattin was very professional in his services. He came down to our Airbnb to meet us in day 1. Organised our superb cappadocia tour. Our tour guide in Cappadocia Mr. Mustafa was very friendly and professional. Since our hot air balloon was cancelled due to bad weather Mr. Sebahattin came back to our airbnb to return the money. He kept in constant touch through what's app through the tour until we boarded the flight out of Istanbul . We are going back with fond memories of Turkish food, Turkish culture and turkish heritage. Over all I would rate it 5/5 starts. Thank you Mr. Sebahittin got organising a perfect trip for us.”

DN SAHU

June 2023 · TripAdvisor

★★★★★

Explore Istanbul through History Travel
“The History Travel Agency is a professional one with exemplary tour itinerary. Mr Sebahattin Selam from the Agency remained in constant touch with us starting our departure from India till we landed back home. He took care of minute details. Like we are vegetarians and were worried about the food. History Travel had organised exceptional vegetarian continental lunch for us. Our guide Mr Mehmet Nehir is an exceptional person with a very calm composure. City tour involves plenty of walking. So, do wear a comfortable sport shoes. Keep a bottle of water with you and carry small change. Overall it is an exceptional experience touring Istanbul through The History Travel Agency.”

Charles F

April 2024 · TripAdvisor

★★★★★

More than a tour guide, a friendly host
“Mehmet and Sebahattin were more than tour guides, they were hosts showing the beauty of their country. My wife and I had a full day tour of Istanbul. We had a great lunch and toured all of the main mosques and Topkapi. It was a truly memorable day. The price was fair and I recommend them wholeheartedly.”

Sumeet

November 2023 · TripAdvisor

★★★★★

Mesmerising experience
“We had a wonderful time in Turkey . We booked through Sebahattin and he made sure we have an experience of lifetime. Our trip was customised to our ask and Sebahattin extended all the hospitality one could. I would strongly recommend to book through him and you won't regret.”

FAQ

Bursa & Sapanca Tour: Frequently Asked Questions

It is a 2-day, 1-night family tour from Istanbul. Day 1 covers Bursa and day 2 covers Lake Sapanca and the return to Istanbul.

About 3 hours including the ferry or bridge crossing. Bursa to Sapanca and Sapanca to Istanbul are each roughly 2 to 2.5 hours.

Yes, it is designed for families. Walking is short, car seats can be requested and children aged 4 to 11 pay a reduced fare.

The private tour gives your family its own vehicle, guide and flexible timing. The group tour follows a fixed departure at a lower price.

The group tour starts at €149 per adult and the private tour at €269 per adult. Children aged 4 to 11 pay €99 (group) or €189 (private).

Istanbul hotel pick-up and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, a licensed English-speaking guide, one hotel night with breakfast, lunch on both days and listed entrance fees.

No. The cable car ticket is paid locally. Operation depends on weather and seasonal maintenance.

Spring and autumn are mild and green, summer suits the lake, and winter brings snow to Uludağ.

Free cancellation applies up to 48 hours before the tour date. Date changes depend on availability.

Darıca Zoo is visited only in the summer season, and the Kartepe ski resort only in the winter season. Your guide confirms the right option for your travel date.

Yes. We can add it before or after a Cappadocia, Ephesus or Istanbul programme. Ask us for a custom Turkey itinerary.