Daily Catalca Farm Tour from Istanbul – Seedling Planting & Harvest

Agritourism Day Tour from Istanbul: Planting and Harvesting in Catalca

This daily Istanbul planting and harvest tour takes you out of the busy city to a hobby village in Catalca, where you spend the day with your hands in the soil, planting saplings or picking fresh produce depending on the season. It is a hands-on daily tour for travellers who want to experience a different, rural side of Istanbul and enjoy the simple pleasure of eating what has just been harvested.

Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers in Istanbul

This Catalca Farm Tour also works as a shore excursion from the Istanbul cruise port — a popular choice for passengers who have one day ashore. Shared departures follow a fixed timetable, so please send us your ship’s arrival and departure times when booking — we confirm pier pickup or suggest the private option for tight port calls. Tell us how many hours your ship stays in port and we will confirm that the full programme fits comfortably. Simply share your cruise itinerary and the date you are in Istanbul, and we will reserve your places.

• Hotel pickup in Istanbul and drive to the countryside of Catalca
• Introductory farming class led by an experienced instructor
• Planting seedlings or harvesting fruit and vegetables, according to the season
• Practical tasks such as preparing and fertilising the soil
• Barbecue lunch in the woods, cooked by a chef or by you
• Return transfer to your hotel

Catalca is a rural district on the European side of Istanbul, stretching towards Thrace with farmland, forests and lakes. In recent years it has become home to hobby gardens and small farms where city residents spend weekends growing their own vegetables. This agritourism trend reflects a wish among Istanbul families to reconnect with nature and give their children time outdoors, and Turkey's fertile soil and mild climate make it a natural place for it.

No previous experience is needed. The day opens with a short lesson explaining the basics, and the instructor stays with the group to guide every step. Activities change through the year: in planting season you set saplings and seedlings into the ground, while at harvest time you pick ripe fruit and vegetables. Lunch is a halal barbecue in a wooded setting; you can help at the grill or prepare vegetables, or simply relax while the chef cooks. Wear clothes and shoes you do not mind getting muddy. As a daily excursion from Istanbul with transport in an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide, this Catalca day trip is a relaxed, easy-level choice for families and nature lovers aged 12 and over.