Discover Breathtaking Nature in Istanbul for 9 days

1. Day 1: Belgrad Forest
   1 hour (18.4 miles) from Istanbul Airport

   Get lost in the vast forest and enjoy picnics under the trees, perfect for nature lovers.

2. Day 2: Sariyer
   25 minutes (9.5 miles) from Belgrad Forest

   Escape the city and hike in the hills with stunning views of the Bosphorus. Don't forget to try the famous Sariyer bread!

3. Day 3: Polonezköy Nature Park
   43 minutes (18.9 miles) from Sariyer

   Discover the most beautiful village near Istanbul surrounded by a lush and serene forest. Enjoy horseback riding amidst the greenery.

4. Day 4: Şile Beach
   1 hour 2 minutes (34.3 miles) from Polonezköy Nature Park

   Relax on the sandy beaches overlooking the Black Sea, perfect for a day of swimming and sunbathing.

5. Day 5: Atatürk Arboretum
   1 hour 17 minutes (44.8 miles) from Şile Beach

   Explore the largest arboretum in Turkey with unique flora and fauna. Visit the botanical gardens for a peaceful afternoon.

6. Day 6: Princes' Islands
   1 hour 10 minutes (25.9 miles) from Atatürk Arboretum

   Take a boat ride to the island's unspoiled nature to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Rent a bike and explore the forested hills.

7. Day 7: Riva Beach
   1 hour 4 minutes (37.1 miles) from Princes' Islands

   Enjoy one of the most pristine beaches in Istanbul with crystal-clear waters. Take a walk by the river and enjoy a picnic with friends and family.

8. Day 8: Darica Faruk Yalçın Zoo
   55 minutes (20.7 miles) from Riva Beach

   Visit the largest zoo in Turkey with over 200 different species from around the world, perfect for animal lovers of all ages.

9. Day 9: Ballıkayalar Nature Park
   1 hour 31 minutes (34.3 miles) from Darica Faruk Yalçın Zoo

   Explore the unique rock formations and swim in the natural pools of this picturesque park hidden within the mountains.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Belgrad Forest (Free)
• Sariyer (Free)
• Polonezköy Nature Park (Entrance fee: 10 TL, Horseback riding: 40 TL/hour)
• Şile Beach (Free)
• Atatürk Arboretum (Entrance fee: 15 TL)
• Princes' Islands (Boat ride: 20 TL, Bike rental: 10 TL/hour)
• Riva Beach (Free)
• Darica Faruk Yalçın Zoo (Entrance fee: 38 TL)
• Ballıkayalar Nature Park (Entrance fee: 10 TL)
• Total Estimated Costs (Without transportation): 133 TL

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a visit to the beautiful Yıldız Park and Çamlıca Hill with a panoramic view of Istanbul. If you have less time, you can skip Darica Faruk Yalçın Zoo or Ballıkayalar Nature Park. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and comfortable shoes for hiking!