Weekend Breaks in Istanbul

Edirne

Gallipoli and Troy

Gallipoli is an elongated peninsula stretching from the Thracian mainland, between the bay of Saros and the Straits of Dardanelles. It is about a four-hour drive southwest of Istanbul, and there are a number of coach tours direct from Istanbul. Thousands of people come here on ANZAC day to pay their respects and visit the First World War battlefields and memorials. Nearby is the ancient city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park, where you can see a replica of the Trojan horse.
 

Polonezkoy

Sapanca Lake

Sapanca Lake (Sapanca Gölü) is situated east of Istanbul, and offers beautiful scenery, about a couple of hours’ drive from the European side. The area has become popular for day trips and weekend breaks from Istanbul. For a luxurious weekend break try Richmond Nua Spa hotel.
 

Skiing in winter

The closest ski slope to Istanbul is Kartepe. It is only a couple of hours drive and makes for an ideal day trip. It is a small slope and serious skiers will be dissatisfied. It also gets crowded at weekends. For more serious skiing, Uludag is a good option. However, this is further east and requires a two- or three-day trip at least.

Bursa and Iznik

Bursa is a four-hour bus ride from Istanbul, about 20km inland from the Sea of Marmara. The city was the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire. The fastest way to get to Bursa from Istanbul is by boat. The historical city of Iznik, located on the eastern shore of Lake Iznik, is nearby. This region offers an ideal two- or three-day trip from Istanbul. Bursa has many examples of stunning Ottoman architecture, particularly the Grand Mosque, while Iznik is famous for its glazed tiles.