Exploring the natural wonders of the Sapanca region is an enticing prospect for those seeking a refreshing escape from the bustling city of Istanbul. This day tour whisks travelers to serene Sapanca Lake, the charming town of Maşukiye, and the historic Mahmudiye, offering a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s diverse landscapes and local culture. With convenient transportation, a delectable lunch, and the opportunity to visit a Turkish delight factory, this excursion promises an engaging and memorable experience. But what other delights await those who embark on this journey?

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Key Points

A day tour from Istanbul that visits the scenic destinations of Sapanca, Maşukiye, and Mahmudiye, including Sapanca Lake and Kartepe Hill.
Includes a stop at a Turkish delight factory and an optional quad bike/ATV ride, as well as a delicious lunch.
Offers the opportunity to explore local culture and nature, with the option to visit the Faruk Yalcin Zoo (additional cost).
Provides pick-up and drop-off service from centrally located hotels in Istanbul’s European side, with a maximum group size of 25 travelers.
Features mixed reviews, with praise for the natural beauty and criticism regarding food quality and tour guide engagement, according to previous guest feedback.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a daily excursion from Istanbul to explore the scenic destinations of Sapanca, Maşukiye, and Mahmudiye.

Travelers can discover Sapanca Lake, Kartepe Hill, and Faruk Yalcin Zoo (March-November, additional cost).

The tour includes a stop at a Turkish delight factory and an optional quad bike/ATV ride.

Visitors will enjoy glass walkway views and a delicious lunch.

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Inclusions and Pricing

The tour is priced from $26.47 per person and includes pick-up and drop-off from centrally located hotels in Istanbul’s European side.

Along with transportation, the package provides a delicious lunch with one soft drink, a professional Arabic and English-speaking guide, and access to the Faruk Yalcin Zoo (March-November, additional cost).

Participants can also enjoy an optional quad bike (ATV Safari) or cable car ride.

The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Meeting and Pickup

Where does the tour pick up and drop off participants? Participants are picked up and dropped off at centrally located hotels in Istanbul’s European side. The tour offers fixed departure times before the start of the experience. Customers also have the option to head directly to a preferred meeting point if they wish.

Pickup	Drop-off
Central Istanbul hotels	Central Istanbul hotels
Fixed departure times	Fixed drop-off times
Option for preferred meeting point	–

The tour give you a convenient and accessible experience for travelers by offering flexible pickup and drop-off options. This allows participants to easily join the tour and enjoy the day’s activities without the hassle of transportation.

Additional Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, ensuring travelers have all the necessary details for their Sapanca tour.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are permitted.

Vegetarians can request special meal options during booking.

The tour operates year-round, except during Ramadan, May 1, and January 1.

Group size is limited to a maximum of 25 travelers per tour, providing a more personalized experience.

While the tour explores the natural beauty of Sapanca, some past guests have reported mixed experiences, with concerns about food quality and tour guide engagement.

The host has addressed specific negative reviews.

Highlights of Sapanca

Sapanca Lake, a picturesque body of water nestled in the Marmara region, is the centerpiece of this daily tour.

Visitors can stroll along the lake’s tranquil shores and admire the stunning views.

The tour also takes guests to Kartepe Hill, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and forests.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Faruk Yalcin Zoo presents a chance to observe a variety of animals, from exotic birds to large mammals.

The tour includes a stop at a Turkish delight factory, where guests can learn about the production of this iconic confection and even sample some.

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Exploring Maşukiye

After exploring the tranquil shores of Sapanca Lake, the tour takes visitors to the charming village of Maşukiye.

This picturesque mountain town offers a glimpse into rural Turkish life. Visitors can wander through the lush greenery, browse local handicrafts, and sample traditional delicacies.

The highlight is the glass walkway, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can also opt for an exhilarating quad bike (ATV) adventure, navigating the rugged terrain.

With its serene atmosphere and unique attractions, Maşukiye offers a delightful respite from the bustling city of Istanbul.

Discovering Mahmudiye

From Maşukiye, the tour continues onward to the charming town of Mahmudiye.

Nestled in the heart of the Sapanca region, Mahmudiye offers a glimpse into the traditional Turkish countryside. Visitors can wander through the quaint streets, admiring the picturesque architecture and stopping to sample local delicacies.

The highlight of the visit is the Faruk Yalçın Zoo, home to a diverse array of wildlife including bears, lions, and exotic birds.

With an optional cable car ride for stunning panoramic views, Mahmudiye provides a peaceful respite from the bustling city of Istanbul. A delightful addition to the Sapanca day tour experience.

Guest Reviews and Feedback

What do guests have to say about this Sapanca tour from Istanbul? Reviews are mixed, with an average rating of 4.1 from 19 reviews.

Some praised the natural beauty and authenticity of the experience. Others, however, criticized the food quality and lack of tour guide engagement.

Several guests reported unfulfilled promises regarding stops and activities. The tour provider has addressed specific negative reviews, acknowledging areas for improvement.

Things To Know

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Meal?

Yes, you can request vegetarian or halal meal options during booking. The tour provider offers these special dietary requests, so they can accommodate your preferences and dietary needs for the provided lunch.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children and Families?

The tour is suitable for families with children. It includes stops at kid-friendly attractions like Faruk Yalcin Zoo, and vegetarian meal options are available upon request. However, the presence of quad bike/ATV rides may not be suitable for very young children.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary or Activities?

Unfortunately, the tour has a fixed itinerary and activities. While it allows for some flexibility, like requesting vegetarian options, customers can’t fully customize the tour. The tour operator give you a standardized experience for all participants.

How Reliable Is the Tour Company’s Customer Service?

The tour company’s customer service seems moderately reliable based on reviews. While some guests were satisfied, others reported unfulfilled promises and poor food quality. The company has responded to negative feedback, suggesting they aim to address customer concerns.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Hidden Fees?

The tour appears to include most major costs like transportation, lunch, and admission fees. However, some optional activities like the quad bike/ATV ride may incur additional fees. It’s best to carefully review the inclusions before booking to avoid any unexpected charges.

Sum Up

The Daily Sapanca & Maşukiye & Mahmudiye Tour from Istanbul offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region. Travelers can enjoy the serene Sapanca Lake, the panoramic views from Kartepe Hill, and a delicious lunch, all while experiencing local culture. With convenient transportation and a small group size, this tour provides a personalized and memorable excursion.