Great Weekend Routes Close to Izmit

Bolu

Bolu, a peaceful city where the finest tones of green and blue meet in the heart of nature. The clean air, lush forests, and historical texture of Bolu provide visitors with an unforgettable experience. Another beauty of Bolu is its lush highlands, which are some of the first things that come to mind when we think of the Black Sea region. Bolu is home to around 300 plateaus, making it a region with vast potential. Each plateau has its own pristine air and green nature, making it perfect for camping and picnicking.

Gölcük Nature Park

One of Bolu's most important tourist attractions, Gölcük Nature Park is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, fresh air, and picnic areas by the lake. You can enjoy walking, cycling around the lake, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

Abant Lake

Abant Lake, one of the symbols of Bolu, enchants visitors with its stunning landscape. The lake has a different beauty in every season, and you can walk around the lake or take a boat tour to explore its wonders.

Yedigöller National Park

Located in the north of Bolu, this national park consists of seven lakes and is home to unparalleled natural beauty. You can go trekking, have a picnic by the lakes, or just enjoy the serenity of nature.

Bolu Yedigöller Natural Park

A great alternative for those looking to explore Bolu's natural beauty. Here, you can camp, hike, or cycle along various trails and enjoy the pristine environment.

Bolu Kent Forest

Located near the city center, this forested area is ideal for walking and breathing in fresh air. It also has children's play areas and picnic spots.

Where to Eat in Bolu?

Bolu has its own unique cuisine. The city offers a variety of dishes, especially in kebabs, meat dishes, and köfte. Köfteci İrfan and Tarihi Karadeniz Lokantası are among the most famous places to taste Bolu's specialties.

There are many restaurants and cafes around Gölcük Nature Park. Here, you can enjoy a meal with a natural lake view and relax. Gölcük Suat Usta's Place is famous for its renowned Gölcük köfte (meatball) and other local delicacies.

Around Abant Lake, there are several restaurants and hotels. Abant Lake Restaurant and Abant Yaylakent Restaurant offer both local and international cuisine with views of the lake.

Where to stay in Bolu: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/bolu-hotels

Eskişehir

Eskişehir is a fascinating city on the banks of the Porsuk River, where history, culture and art blend. It has a young and dynamic atmosphere with its Odunpazarı houses, historical bridges and being a university city. As you wander the streets of Eskişehir, you will feel yourself in a fairy tale.

Odunpazari Houses

Odunpazarı Houses, one of the symbols of Eskişehir, witness the history of the city. With its stone streets and wooden houses, this region takes visitors on a journey to the past. While wandering here, you can visit antique shops, taste local delicacies and buy handicraft products.

Porsuk Stream

Considered as the heart of Eskişehir, Porsuk Stream is one of the most vibrant spots in the city. You can walk along the banks of the stream, sit in the cafes by the stream or explore the city with gondola tours. Especially in the evening hours, the walks along the stream and the view are quite impressive.

Sazova Park

Sazova Park, also known as Eskişehir Science, Art and Culture Park, is an ideal sightseeing spot for families. Here you can take a walk in a fairytale atmosphere, have fun with your children in the amusement park and watch shows in the open-air theater. The zoo in the park also attracts the attention of visitors.

Eskisehir Eti Archeology Museum

Eskişehir ETİ Archaeology Museum is the first museum in Turkey to be realized with the support of the private sector. Located in the city center, this museum is the first of its kind in Anatolia since prehistoric times.

Kent Park

You can sip your coffee after a nice stroll in Kent Park where there is an artificial sea, a first in Turkey. One of the largest parks in the city, Kent Park is ideal for those who want to relax in the greenery. Here you can take a walk, ride a bike around the lake or sit in the cafes by the lake.

Eskişehir Fairy Tale Castle

Eskişehir Fairy Tale Castle, a great sightseeing spot for children, is full of statues of fairy tale heroes and interactive playgrounds. You can have fun here with your children.

Zuhal Yorgancioglu Fashion Design Museum

The museum features 52 of Yorgancıoğlu's designs that emphasize Turkish culture and art. In the museum, Yorgancıoğlu's designs of modern and Turkish smelling clothes with our own local fabrics by reviving our Turkish embroidery art are included.

Where and What to Eat in Eskisehir?

1- You can eat the famous flavor of Eskişehir, çibörek, at Çibörekçi Ali Baba . Ali Baba's çibörek are especially famous.
2- You can go to Fırın Halva Lokantası to taste oven halva, one of the indispensable flavors of Eskişehir. Made with plenty of butter and walnuts, this halva is one of the most delicious flavors of the city.
3- Hamamönü, the historical district of Eskişehir, is famous for its beautiful restaurants and cafes. Here you can find local flavors as well as national and international cuisines. Saray Lokantası and Historical Odunpazarı Houses Restaurant are famous for their local flavors.
4- Another place where you can taste the famous Balaban meatballs of Eskişehir is Köfteci Ahmet Usta. Balaban meatballs are one of the famous flavors of Eskişehir. These meatballs are prepared with finely chopped beef, blended with special spices and cooked in embers. Potatoes and greens cooked in the embers are usually served with the meatballs.

Where to Stay in Eskisehir: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/eskisehir-hotels

Bursa

Bursa, located in Turkey's Marmara Region, is a city that stands out with its historical texture, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. As the first capital of the Ottoman Empire in 1326, Bursa serves as an open-air museum with traces of many civilizations. With its parks, waterfalls, and historical buildings, Bursa offers a unique experience to every visitor, where you can find every shade of green.

Uludağ

One of Turkey's most popular winter tourism centers, Uludağ is an ideal place for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Covered in a white blanket during the winter months, the mountain also offers a perfect environment for hiking and camping activities in the summer. Watching the city from the summit, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and enjoying the unique landscapes are among the must-experience activities when visiting Uludağ.

Cumalıkızık Village

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cumalıkızık is famous for its historical Ottoman-era houses. The narrow stone streets, wooden houses, and the authentic atmosphere of the village transport visitors back in time. In Cumalıkızık, you can have a traditional village breakfast, browse stalls selling handmade products, and capture stunning photographs of the picturesque surroundings.

Yeşil Tomb and Yeşil Mosque

The Yeşil Tomb, built by Sultan Mehmed, dazzles with its ceramic decorations and elegant architecture. The Yeşil Mosque is one of the finest examples of Ottoman art. These two historical structures are a must-see for those exploring Bursa's religious and cultural richness.

Bursa Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii)

Built in 1399, Bursa Ulu Camii stands out with its magnificent architecture and spacious interior. The mosque features 20 domes and a massive fountain, providing visitors with a peaceful atmosphere. The calligraphy and decorative elements inside the mosque highlight its artistic value.

Bursa Castle and Tophane Clock Tower

The historical city walls of Bursa and the Tophane Clock Tower are witnesses to the city's past. Watching the view of Bursa from Tophane Square is a different experience both during the day and at night. This area, where history and views merge, is a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

Bursa Covered Bazaar and Koza Han

The historic Bursa Covered Bazaar is known as the city’s commercial center. Here, you can find traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and products unique to Bursa. Nearby, Koza Han, famous for its silk products, enhances the shopping experience with its Ottoman-era atmosphere.

Yalova

Located on the coast of the Sea of Marmara, Yalova is a paradise where green and blue embrace each other, captivating visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. With its thermal springs, historical heritage, and breathtaking views, Yalova is an essential stop for nature lovers and those looking for a city getaway.

Karaca Arboretum

One of Yalova's popular spots, Karaca Arboretum attracts nature enthusiasts. In this area, you can see rare plant species brought from various regions of the world, all surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Sudüşen Waterfall

Located near the center of Yalova, Sudüşen Waterfall is like a natural therapy center. Here, you can listen to the sounds of nature and cool off in the refreshing waters of the waterfall, enjoying peaceful moments in this tranquil spot.

Thermal Tour

Yalova's thermal waters have been a place of healing for centuries. You can relax in the thermal facilities, enjoy a massage, and experience the therapeutic benefits of the healing waters. These thermal resorts are generally located near the city center and are easily accessible.

Where to Eat in Yalova?

In the seaside restaurants of Yalova, you can find fresh and delicious fish. Dishes prepared with fish caught directly from fishing boats are a treat for your taste buds.

Köfteci Hacı, one of the city's most famous spots, offers delicious köfte (Turkish meatballs), along with a variety of mezze and salads. You should definitely visit this place to enjoy local flavors.

Yalova Köftesi is a special style of köfte unique to Yalova, and it’s a must-try when you're in the city.

When in Yalova, you must try Termal Sarma, a type of meat-stuffed dish where steak is wrapped in vegetables, offering a unique and flavorful experience.

If you’re in the mood for seafood, you can visit Ünsal Balık Altın Balık Marin Restaurant to enjoy fresh fish and seafood dishes.

Where to Stay in Yalova: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/yalova-hotels

İznik

Iznik is also famous for its natural beauty. Lake Iznik, located in the city center, offers a perfect option for visitors who want to take a walk along the lake or enjoy a boat tour. With its historical texture stretching from ancient times to the present, stunning natural beauties, and mystical atmosphere, Iznik fascinates its visitors. Every moment spent here feels like part of a story that connects the past and present. Those who want to explore the city’s historical essence and be immersed in the beauty of nature should definitely visit.

Lake Iznik

One of the most iconic symbols of Iznik's natural beauty, Lake Iznik is located in the city center. Visitors can walk along the lake, take a boat tour, or have a picnic by the shore. Especially at sunset, getting lost in the calm waters of the lake is an unforgettable experience.

Ayasofya Museum

One of the most significant historical buildings in Iznik, Ayasofya Museum was originally built as a church during the Byzantine period. Its architectural elegance and historical significance attract a lot of attention. The museum also showcases Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, which are definitely worth seeing.

Iznik Castle

Iznik Castle is an important symbol reflecting the city's history and culture. This medieval castle is located on a high point of the city. By visiting the castle, you can closely explore the history of Iznik.

Lefke Gate

One of the ancient gates of Iznik, Lefke Gate is an important structure reflecting the city's history and culture. The gate, which has preserved its historical texture, is a fascinating site for photography enthusiasts.

Hagia Sophia Church

An important part of the city's religious and cultural heritage, Hagia Sophia Church bears traces from the Byzantine era. Its architectural details and historical atmosphere stand out.

Aqueduct

The Aqueduct of Iznik is an important structure built to meet the city's water needs. A historical work that stretches from ancient times to the present, the aqueduct allows you to witness the city's past.

What to Eat in Iznik?

1-) Gölyazı Village, located by Lake Iznik, is a place where local flavors meet tranquility. At the restaurants in Gölyazı, you can enjoy fresh and delicious fish dishes from the lake.

2-) One of Iznik's famous delicacies is Iznik Pide, a tasty snack made with local ingredients. Pideci Tezcan is one of the city’s most famous pide shops. It is an ideal address for those looking to experience pide in Iznik.

3-) Iznik is also known for its olive cultivation, and you can find local olive oil in places like Köfteci Yusuf, Askania, Antigonia Café, Çamlık Restaurant, and Karacakaya. These places also serve traditional breakfasts and dishes like Yayın Şiş, Kerevit in butter, and other fresh-water fish.

Where to Stay in Iznik: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/iznik-hotels