Private Gölyazı and Kuşcenneti Tour: Lakes Near Bursa
Two lakes west of Bursa: the island village of Gölyazı on Lake Uluabat, and the bird reserve of Kuşcenneti on Lake Manyas.
Photo: Turkey Your Way
- Duration
- Full day (about 8 hours)
- Region
- Bursa, Marmara
- Walking
- Easy
- Starts
- Morning, from your hotel
Best for Families · Returning visitors
Tour code MRM-D07
The essence
A private Gölyazı and Kuşcenneti tour takes you to two lakes west of Bursa. In Gölyazı, a village on a peninsula of Lake Uluabat, you walk among the walls and theater of ancient Apollonia. Then you drive to Kuşcenneti National Park on Lake Manyas, Türkiye's fourth national park, to watch its waterbirds.
Highlights
- Gölyazı, a village on a peninsula of Lake Uluabat
- The walls and theater of ancient Apollonia
- Kuşcenneti National Park, declared in 1959
- The waterbirds of Lake Manyas
- Lunch by the lake
Program
-
Morning
Pick-up in Bursa
Your driver collects you from your hotel.
-
Morning
Gölyazı on the Gölyazı and Kuşcenneti tour
The village and ancient Apollonia.
Opening hours & dress code -
Lunch
Lunch by the lake
Fish from the lake, paid on the spot.
-
Afternoon
Kuşcenneti National Park
The waterbirds of Lake Manyas.
Opening hours & dress code -
Evening
Back to Bursa
From Kuşcenneti National Park, we drive you back.
Opening hours & dress code
In depth
West of Bursa, two lakes lie close together in the plain. A private Gölyazı and Kuşcenneti tour takes you to both: a village on a peninsula with ancient walls, and a national park where waterbirds gather.
Gölyazı on the Gölyazı and Kuşcenneti Tour
A village on the lake
First, your driver takes you to Gölyazı, on a peninsula of Lake Uluabat. Here stood Apollonia ad Rhyndacum, whose history goes back to the 6th century BC.
Ancient Apollonia
Then you walk through the village with your guide, past the remains of the walls around the peninsula and the ancient theater. On Kız Adası, a small island close by, lie the ruins of a temple of Apollo. You also see the 19th-century church of Hagios Georgios from outside.
The Birds on the Gölyazı and Kuşcenneti Tour
Lunch by the lake
After that, you have lunch by the water, paid on the spot.
Kuşcenneti National Park
In the afternoon, you reach Kuşcenneti National Park on Lake Manyas. In 1959, it became Türkiye’s fourth national park, and since 1976 it has held a European Diploma. The lake is a Ramsar wetland, home to many waterbirds. From Kuşcenneti, the road leads back to Bursa.
From our guides
Our suggestion At lunch by Lake Uluabat, try the fish from the lake, and keep your binoculars ready for the birds of Lake Manyas.
Good to Know on the Gölyazı and Kuşcenneti Tour
Kuşcenneti means “bird paradise” in Turkish, and Lake Manyas is also called Kuş Gölü, “bird lake”. Lake Uluabat has another name too, Apolyont, after ancient Apollonia. Bring binoculars and a long lens for the birds.
Would you like a day on the lakes near Bursa? Send us your date, and we will plan Gölyazı, lunch by the lake and the birds of Kuşcenneti.
Before you go
-
- Entry
- No ticket needed
-
- Entry
- National park; check hours and access locally
-
Hours: your guide confirms them locally.
Hours can change on religious holidays. Your guide confirms them the day before.
What’s included
Included
- A professional licensed guide, in the language you ask for
- A private vehicle and driver for the day, with pick-up from your hotel
- A 10 GB eSIM for one traveler in your group, our gift, valid for 30 days (data only)
Not included
- Entrance tickets, unless agreed in your program
- Meals and drinks
- Tips
“I visited Istanbul with my mother, and I can honestly say that working with Soner and his team was one of the best decisions we made for our trip.”
From your guide
What to wear
Comfortable shoes and a hat.
Best time
Ask us before you book: the birds change with the seasons.
Photos
Bring binoculars and a long lens for the birds.
Practical
Updated:
- Starts
- Morning, from your hotel
- Ends
- Your hotel
- Meeting point
- Your hotel in Bursa
- Walking
- Easy: short walks in the village and the park.
- Accessibility
- Tell us your needs, and we plan the day around them.
- Cancellation
- Visiting status can change; we confirm it before your date.
Frequently asked questions
Can we start the Gölyazı and Kuşcenneti tour from Istanbul?
Yes, but the day is long. We suggest a night in Bursa, with our Bursa day trip on the other day.
Which birds can we see on the Gölyazı and Kuşcenneti tour?
Many waterbirds use the lake. What you see changes with the season, so ask us when you plan.
What was Apollonia?
An ancient city on the Gölyazı peninsula, with a history going back to the 6th century BC.
Is it good for families?
Yes. The walking is easy, and children like the birds.
What is your cancellation policy?
Every trip with us is private, so we agree the cancellation terms with you by email before you book, and you find them in writing in your booking confirmation. The deposit is non-refundable.
How long does the tour take?
A full day, about 8 hours. Since it is private, we can spend longer in Gölyazı or keep Kuşcenneti National Park short.
Do you pick us up at our hotel?
Yes. Your guide and driver collect you at your hotel in Bursa and bring you back at the end of the tour.
What about lunch?
Meals are not included. Your guide suggests a place on the way, and you choose what to eat.
Which language does the guide speak?
Whichever you prefer. We have licensed guides for every language our guests ask for.
