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Istanbul: Sapanca & Masukiye Tour with Cable Car: Nature, Adventure, and Serenity

12 hours

Easy

This full-day tour from Istanbul offers a refreshing escape to the picturesque region of Sapanca and Masukiye. It's designed for those looking to immerse themselves in stunning landscapes, enjoy thrilling outdoor activities, and experience a taste of auth
  1. Comfortable Journey from Istanbul:
    The tour begins with a convenient hotel pickup from Istanbul, boarding a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
    The journey to Sapanca takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, offering scenic views as you leave the city behind. The total tour duration is typically around 12 hours.
  2. Turkey's Largest Zoo (FyZoo / Darıca Zoo):
    The first stop is Turkey’s largest zoo, Faruk Yalçın Zoo and Botanical Park (FyZoo / Darıca Zoo), spanning 170,000m² and home to over 2,600 animal species from 286 species.
    This expansive wildlife park offers an incredible opportunity to observe diverse wildlife in beautifully designed habitats, making it an enriching experience for all ages.
    Note: Entrance to the zoo is an additional cost (not included in the tour price).
  3. Tranquil Sapanca Lake:
    Next, visit Sapanca Lake, a 42km² natural freshwater gem nestled amidst lush forests and charming villages.
    Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakeside, breathe in the fresh air, or opt for a peaceful pedal boat ride (additional cost for pedal boats).
    The serene ambiance and picturesque views make it a favorite spot for nature lovers and photographers.
  4. Authentic Lunch in Masukiye Village:
    The journey continues to Masukiye Village, a charming rural escape known for its lush greenery and authentic Turkish hospitality.
    Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients. The meal is served in a cozy setting, allowing you to immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty and traditional flavors. Lunch is typically included in the tour package.
  5. Masukiye Waterfall & Optional Activities:
    After lunch, head to Masukiye Waterfall. The refreshing sound of cascading water and the surrounding greenery provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and photo opportunities.
    For adventure seekers, optional activities such as quad biking, ziplining, and safari tours are available here (all at an additional cost and with varying durations, e.g., zipline might be 350 TL, quad bike around 25€).
  6. Sapanca Teleferik (Cable Car Ride):
    The day concludes with a ride on the Sapanca Teleferik (Cable Car). This offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kartepe Mountain and Sapanca Lake as you ascend and descend.
    This unforgettable ride is a highlight of the experience and a perfect way to end your journey before heading back to Istanbul.
    Important: Cable car tickets are not included in the tour price and must be paid on-site (as of recent estimates, around 650 TL for international visitors for a round trip). The ride duration is about 25 minutes for a round trip. The cable car is subject to weather conditions and may be replaced by an alternative if unavailable.

Highlights:

  • Visit Turkey’s largest zoo (FyZoo / Darıca Zoo) with over 2,600 animals (entrance fee not included).
  • Walk along or enjoy a pedal boat ride on the tranquil waters of Sapanca Lake.
  • Savor a fresh, organic lunch in the picturesque Masukiye Village.
  • Experience adventure at Masukiye Waterfall with optional activities like quad biking, ziplining, and safari tours (at extra cost).
  • Admire breathtaking panoramic views from Sapanca Cable Car, overlooking Kartepe Mountain and Sapanca Lake (cable car ticket not included).
  • Convenient round-trip transfers from your Istanbul hotel.
What's included?
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Istanbul.
    • Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
    • Tour Guide (English & Arabic).
    • Lunch in Masukiye Village with organic local dishes.
    Exclusions
      • Entry to scheduled attractions (e.g., zoo, waterfall - though some tour descriptions might list waterfall entry as free, others imply it's part of an "activity area").
      • Optional activities such as quad biking, ziplining, and safari tours (additional cost).
      • Sapanca Cable Car tickets (additional cost).
      • Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs).
      Please note

        Not Suitable For These Activities:

        • People with mobility impairments (due to walking and optional activities).
        • People using electric wheelchairs.

        Not Allowed During These Activities:

        • Alcohol and drugs.
        • Food in the vehicle.
        • Luggage or large bags in the vehicle.
        • Smoking in the vehicle.
        • The tour is suitable for individuals, families, and small groups seeking a blend of nature and adventure.
          Moderate physical fitness is required due to walking and optional activities.
          Seasonal variations may affect the availability of certain activities (e.g., snow activities on Kartepe in winter).
          The tour starts early, so ensure you are ready for pick-up on time (operator will confirm details a day prior).
          Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
        • Know Before You Go:
           Entrance fees for optional activities like Sapanca Teleferik are not included and must be paid on-site.
          Activities like the cable car ride may be canceled or replaced depending on weather conditions, with no refund for the tour price (as the tour includes other activities).

        This tour offers a fantastic opportunity to escape Istanbul's urban environment and discover the natural beauty and adventure opportunities of the Sapanca and Masukiye region.

        What to bring
          • Camera.
          • Cash (essential for entrance fees to the zoo, cable car, and optional activities, plus drinks and souvenirs).
          • Credit card (as a backup).
          • Daypack.
          • Hat.
          • Passport or ID card (for identification).
          • Comfortable shoes (for walking and optional activities).
          • Weather-appropriate clothing (check the forecast; mountain areas can be cooler).