A great plan to be made as a family, starting from the founding spirit of the Ottomans and extending to the Aegean shores in the shadow of olive trees. The Bursa and Balıkesir Southern Marmara culture and nature route offers a highly diverse 5-day experience from historical mosques to bird paradises. After visiting the magnificent woodwork of the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) and the UNESCO-protected wooden Ottoman houses of Cumalıkızık village, we will turn our route to the lakes. We will drink tea in the cute town of Gölyazı in the middle of Lake Uluabat and observe hundreds of bird species in the Manyas Bird Paradise. At the close of the tour, we will relax by extending to the Aegean shores of Balıkesir, to Cunda Island, famous for its olive oil dishes and sprats (papalina). Using Gezirota, you can turn this route, where history, nature, and vacation merge, into an even more slowed-down (low time budget) plan for families with children.
A captivating five-day adventure awaits in the southern Marmara Region, standing out with its lush green nature and deep-rooted history. Offering the opportunity to discover the treasures of Bursa and Balıkesir, this route is a comprehensive program blending the Ottoman historical heritage with the region's rich geological diversity. Most enjoyable during the spring and summer months, this tour is a satisfying option for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking peace in nature.
We start our first day breathing the fresh air of Sadağı Kanyonu, home to impressive rock formations. We then take a pleasant journey through time in the historic Cumalıkızık village, featuring beautiful traditional architecture. Later, we visit Ulu Cami, which impresses with its magnificent structure, and take a deep historical tour at Bursa Arkeoloji Müzesi, where valuable ancient artifacts are exhibited. On the second day, after experiencing the impressive atmosphere of Osmanlı Evi Müzesi and Mudanya Mütareke Evi Müzesi, which witnessed our recent history, we take a break among the ruins of Antik Tiyatro. We end our day resting against the calm waters of the vast Uluabat Gölü, a true natural paradise.
On the third day, we head to the endless Kocaçay Deltası, known for its biological diversity, and breathe in the mystical air of Pelekete Monastery hidden among historical ruins. We respectfully commemorate heroes at İstiklal Savaşı Çayönü Şehitliği and find spiritual peace by examining the architecture of the İmaret Camii. On the fourth day, we start among the natural beauties of the famous Kuşcenneti national park, home to numerous bird species. We visit Bandırma Müzesi and the lush green Paşabayırı Mevkii Doğal Sit Alanı, ending the day by exploring the impressive ruins of the ancient city of Kizikos. On our final day, we are renewed in the untouched nature of 17 Nolu Cay Bahçeleri Mevkii Doğal Sit Alanı and the scenic Zeytin Adası Doğal Sit Alanı. We rest in the peaceful atmosphere of Gönen Deltası and admire the architectural aesthetics of the historical Güvercin Köprüsü to complete this journey.