Day tripMaiden's Tower, Çamlıca Hill and Küçüksu Pavilion Tour
Çamlıca Hill, the Maiden's Tower, Salacak waterfront, Küçüksu Pavilion (optional)
Istanbul city tourDay trip
Polonezköy, Şile and Ağva Tour
Forest, sea and stream together north of Istanbul: a day in nature that starts with a village breakfast and ends in Ağva.
- Duration
- Full day
- Tour type
- Istanbul city tour · Day trip
- Departure
- Istanbul
- Catalogue
- Page 18
The price is prepared according to your dates, group size and preferences.
About the tour
The tour starts with a village breakfast in Cumhuriyet Köyü. In Polonezköy you visit the Culture House and see the Church of the Virgin Mary from outside.
In Şile you visit the Weeping Rock, Şile Lighthouse and Şile Castle, with free time in the centre. In Ağva there is a lunch break and an optional boat trip on the Göksu Stream.
On the way back there is a photo stop at Mavi Koy (Blue Cove) and Akçakese Village.
Send us your dates and group size for Polonezköy and Ağva and we will tailor the programme to your group.
Tour programme
Times follow the programme in the catalogue; there may be small changes depending on traffic, weather and the group's pace.
Programme for the day
Departure for Polonezköy
Village breakfast in Cumhuriyet Köyü
Polonezköy Culture House; Church of the Virgin Mary (from outside)
Şile: Weeping Rock, Şile Lighthouse, Şile Castle and free time in the centre
Lunch break in Ağva
Optional boat trip on the Göksu Stream (extra) and free time in Ağva
Photo stop at Mavi Koy (Blue Cove) and Akçakese Village on the way back
Arrival
Places to see
Polonezköy
A village in Beykoz, founded in 1842 by Polish émigrés with the support of Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski; his representative Michał Czajkowski bought the forest land. The village's first name was Adampol, from the Turkish 'Adamköy'.
Polonezköy Culture House
The Zofia Ryży Memorial House in the village displays memorabilia, photographs, books and documents belonging to the Polish settlers, together with an interior arranged as in that period.
Şile Lighthouse
Commissioned from French engineers in the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid, the lighthouse was built in 1859 and entered service in 1860. Its white octagonal tower with black bands is 19 metres high; its light can be seen from 20 nautical miles away, and it is still in use.
Şile Castle
Set on a small islet off the Şile coast, the castle is a 14th-century Genoese structure. It was restored in 2015.
Weeping Rock
A natural rock formation on the Black Sea coast near the centre of Şile; it takes its name from its shape, which resembles a weeping woman, and is associated with a love legend. There is a small beach nearby.
Ağva
A holiday village on the Black Sea coast in the Şile district, with the Göksu stream to the west and the Yeşilçay stream to the east; its name means 'between two streams'. It is about 97 km from central Istanbul and has a 2.5 km beach.
Göksu Stream
Flowing into the sea west of Ağva, the stream is known for the guesthouses and restaurants on its banks and for its boat trips.
Akçakese Village
One of the neighbourhoods of Şile, known for its beach of about 1 km, also called Akkaya Beach, and its rock formations.
Photos
What's covered and notes
Included in the programme
- The programme includes a village breakfast in Cumhuriyet Köyü
Extras and exclusions
- Boat trip on the Göksu Stream (optional)
Good to know
- The price is prepared according to your dates, group size and preferences, and is sent to you in writing together with the included services.
Who is it for?
- FamiliesA programme that participants of all ages can enjoy together.
- Corporate groupsSuitable for team trips, incentive programmes and company events.
- Nature loversOutdoor walking, lake and forest views.
Practical information
Best time to go
As the route focuses on nature and the coast, May to October is the best period; the sea warms up from June to September, while October to January is Istanbul's wettest period.
What to bring and know
- The wind often blows on the coast; bring a light windbreaker even in summer.
- Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for walking around the rocks and the lighthouse.
- If you want to swim in Ağva in summer, bring a swimsuit and towel; watch out for currents in the Black Sea and choose areas with lifeguards.
- Carry some cash for buying Şile cloth.
Frequently asked questions
Is lunch included?
The programme includes a lunch break in Ağva. Whether a group menu is added to the package is confirmed at the quotation stage.
When is the best time for Polonezköy and Ağva?
As the route focuses on nature and the coast, May to October is the best period; the sea warms up from June to September, while October to January is Istanbul's wettest period.
Can you pick us up from our school or organisation?
The departure point is planned according to the group's location. Whether pick-up from your school, workplace or another point you choose is possible is confirmed at the quote stage.
How can I get a quote for the Polonezköy and Ağva tour?
You can fill in the form on this page, message us on WhatsApp or call 0212 232 09 80. Sharing your dates, group size and, if applicable, your school or organisation details will speed up the quote.
What group sizes is it organised for?
The programme can be planned for anything from individual participants to large school and corporate groups. As the number of people determines vehicle and guide planning, simply state it in your quote request.
Sources for the information on this page (6)
Get a quote
Request a quote for Polonezköy and Ağva
Tell us your dates, group size and, if applicable, your school or organisation details, and we will prepare the programme and price for your group and get back to you.
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