A jeep safari from Istanbul shows a side of the region that most visitors never see: rough dirt tracks, rocky gorges and clear streams only a short drive from one of the largest cities on earth. This seven-hour day tour swaps traffic and minarets for open landscapes and fresh air, and with hotel pickup and return included it is an easy daily excursion for families, groups of friends and solo travellers alike.
Arriving in Istanbul on a cruise ship? The Jeep Safari is one of the shore excursions we regularly arrange for cruise guests calling at the port of Istanbul. Because it runs as a private tour, we plan the timing around your ship: your guide and driver meet you at the cruise terminal, and the programme is adjusted to your all-aboard time. Tell us how many hours your ship stays in port and we will confirm that the full programme fits comfortably. Send us your ship name and the date of your call in Istanbul and we will confirm availability.
Few people realise how much wild country surrounds Istanbul. Beyond the suburbs, the land rises into wooded hills and is cut by streams and small canyons, offering a refreshing contrast to the historic peninsula. Travelling by jeep lets you reach tracks that ordinary cars cannot, so the day mixes the thrill of off-road driving with plenty of time to stop, look around and take photographs. The route is selected for both excitement and scenery, and your guide explains the landscape as you go.
The pace is relaxed overall, and the tour welcomes guests of all ages, which makes it a good pick for families. Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes that you do not mind getting dusty or muddy, and bring sunglasses, sun protection and a light jacket depending on the season. Lunch is not included, so you may want to carry snacks and water. Entrance fees mentioned in the programme are covered. Whether you need a break from city sightseeing or simply love the outdoors, this Istanbul day trip is a lively addition to any daily Istanbul tour plan.
Photo credits: Drakeerv (CC0, Wikimedia Commons); Mike McBey (CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons); HanBatu95 (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Cemallamec (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Mostafameraji (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Safa Murat Zengin (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Justinianus (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); TrafiK lambasI (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)
Your full day programme — click to see every stop.
Istanbul Countryside Jeep Safari Programme The adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Istanbul, after which you head out of the city towards the countryside where the jeep route starts. Before setting off, your guide gives a short introduction to the day and a safety briefing so that everyone feels comfortable on the off-road tracks. You then climb into the jeeps and follow a carefully selected trail through the natural landscapes on the edge of the metropolis. Along the way the route leads through rugged canyons, over bumpy dirt paths that deliver a good dose of adrenaline, and beside flowing streams where the vehicles pause so you can stretch your legs and take photos. Several stops are made at viewpoints with broad panoramas over the green hills, giving you a real sense of how much untouched nature lies close to Istanbul. The day balances excitement with time to simply enjoy the scenery, and your guide is on hand throughout to share information and answer questions. Lunch is not part of the package, so bringing snacks and water is a good idea. After about seven hours, you are driven back to your hotel.
Istanbul → Canyons → Forest Streams
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!