Yalova Tour

Yalova and the road from Istanbul

Yalova is a small province on the southern shore of the Sea of Marmara, across the water from Istanbul, covered in forested hills and long known for its mineral springs. For centuries it was a retreat for people from the capital, and it still feels a world away from the city. Many travellers search for how to get from Istanbul to Yalova, and the usual routes involve a long drive or a sea crossing, which is exactly what your private driver handles for you.

The journey takes around two hours each way depending on traffic and the route, so the day starts with pickup at about 10:00 and ends back at your hotel at around 20:00. The car is yours alone, which means you can ask for a short stop on the way and you are not tied to a ferry timetable or a group schedule.

Sudusen Waterfall in the Yalova hills

The first main stop is a waterfall in the forested hills above the coast, often known as Sudusen, which means falling water. Water drops through dense woodland and paths wind close enough to the falls for you to hear the sound and feel the cool spray. The shade keeps the area noticeably cooler and greener than central Istanbul, so it is a welcome change of scenery early in the day.

Paths near the water can be damp or uneven, so wear non-slip shoes and take the walk at the pace of the slowest person in your group. Many visitors ask whether the Yalova waterfall is worth visiting; it is a short but beautiful stop, best in spring, when the flow is strongest, and in autumn, when the leaves change colour. Your driver can give you extra time for photographs.

Yalova Thermal hot springs

Yalova Thermal, known in Turkish as Termal, is the heart of the day. Hot mineral water has drawn people to these hills since Roman and Byzantine times, and the Ottomans and later the early republic built bathing facilities here as well. Many travellers know it as the sulphur baths of Yalova, and it is a gentle place to soak, rest and let the morning's walking melt away.

You get open free time at the springs to move between pools at your own pace, while your driver waits nearby. Bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes, because the point of this stop is slow bathing rather than sightseeing. Entrance fees for the pools are paid at the venue and are not part of the car service. Families often split their time between the water and the seating areas around it.

Viaport Marina for a stroll, shopping or a meal

The tour finishes at Viaport Marina, a waterfront complex where boats line the harbour and shops, outlets and restaurants sit within a short walk. After the quieter pace at the springs, the marina offers a different mood, with more to look at and a wider choice of places to sit down for dinner or a coffee with a sea view.

It is also a practical last stop for gifts or a bit of shopping before the drive back, and because the car is private your driver simply waits while you stroll or eat. Spend as little or as much time as you like, and let us know in advance if you want a longer stay here and a shorter one at the springs.