Sapanca day trip from Istanbul: the complete guide
Lake Sapanca and the green valley of Maşukiye are the favourite day trip from Istanbul for families. Here is how to plan the day.
Where is Sapanca?
Sapanca is a lake town in Sakarya province, about 150 km east of Istanbul. Maşukiye is a village in the forest nearby, known for its streams, waterfalls and riverside restaurants. Kartepe, a mountain with a cable car, is close as well.
How to get there
By private car the drive takes about two hours each way, depending on traffic. A private Mercedes Vito with Istanbul VIP costs €175 for the whole day and the whole vehicle, up to 6 passengers.
Group bus tours are cheaper per person but follow a fixed plan and leave from set points.
What to do
Walk along the lake and have a coffee on the shore. In Maşukiye, eat by the river, walk to the waterfalls and try the activities: ATV rides, giant swing, zipline. On the way back you can stop in İzmit.
Best time to go
Spring and autumn for the colours, summer for the shade of the forest, winter for snow on Kartepe. Weekends are busier; weekdays are quieter.
Spellings
You may see Sapanca written as Sapanja, Sabanca or Sapança, and Maşukiye as Masukiye or Mashukiye.
How far is Sapanca from Istanbul?
About 150 km, around two hours by car each way.
How much is a private car to Sapanca?
€175 for a Mercedes Vito with driver for the whole day, up to 6 passengers.
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73 Google reviews
Osmanli Travel on Google Maps, our licensed partner agency
- SycoGoogle review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
Very quick and professional service. Super friendly and efficient in communication, highly recommend.
- ReemaGoogle review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
شكرا للاخ عبدالله جدا متعاون وخدمتهم سريعه جربت توصيل عندهم وعند غيرهم افضل سيارات وسعر الله يبارك لهم
- MeryamGoogle review · Nov 20265 out of 5 stars
Une excellente journée Une très belle expérience bien animée avec le meilleur guide Mr. Karim . Merci pour tous.
- Adel A.Google review · Nov 20265 out of 5 stars
طلعنا جوله ممتعه الى صبنجه ومعشوقيه ترتيب والتزام بالوقت سياره مريحه والمرشدمحمدتعامله راقي
- Francesco C.Google review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
Ho trascorso una bellissima giornata con mia moglie grazie al tour di kerim. Abbiamo fatto il giro con il quad , giro sulla funivia e anche la zipline , giro all'acquario e lo zoo dei felini. Ci ha portati a fare una bellissima esperienza che consiglio a tutti! Grazie davvero di cuore Kerim
- Mohammed A.Google review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
من افضل الشركات السياحيه بتركيا ، اتعامل مع عبدالله من ٢٠١٧ الى اليوم تعامله راقي وموظفينه راقيين واسعاره بالمنتناول وارخص من كثييييير شركات ، شهاده ويسألني الله عنها . شكرا عبدالله وشكراً لموظفينك ولحسن استقبالك
- Sonia F.Google review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
Abbiamo trascorso una piacevole giornata facendo tante attività diverse . La più bella in assoluto la funivia! Con un bellissimo panorama della città dopo il tramonto . Ma soprattutto kerim è stato eccezionale ! Visto il nostro inglese un po' scarso,lui pazientemente ha tradotto sul suo telefono ogni spiegazione in italiano per noi e ci ha aiutati in ogni attività ! Anche se abbiamo pranzato un po' tardi , la carne era buonissima ( pranzo incluso nel biglietto ) . Ogni altra attività è a pagamento . Ma ne vale la pena .
- Mohammed D.Google review · Nov 20265 out of 5 stars
من اروع التجارب ومن افضل الشركات السياحية وخاصتن اسعارهم ورحلاتهم ومرشدهم السياحي والله كل شي 10 علي 10 انصح الجميع فيهم
- Fawaz A.Google review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
خدمة جيدة جدا، شرح وفير ، كريم انسان رائع، صبور ، صاحب خدمة رائعة انبسطنا بمرافقته لنا ، يستحق أكثر من خمس نجوم
- Licensed agencyTÜRSAB licence 17384, partner of Osmanli Travel (est. 2016)
- Fixed price per vehicleFuel, bridge tolls and parking included
- Meet and greetName sign at arrivals, up to 30 min waiting
- Free cancellationUp to 12 hours before pickup. No deposit, pay the driver in cash