Discovering the Historic Seaside Towns of Bursa After A Hearty Breakfast by Sapanca Lake

Start your trip from Istanbul, a unique destination with its cultural scene, history and nightlife. With its population of 16 million, there is something for everybody in this metropolis. It will be a long drive before breakfast, so you can grab some snacks and coffee for the way.

This peaceful restaurant is located just on the shores of Sapanca Lake, where you can enjoy a hearty breakfast after your long drive while watching the blue tranquil lake. Cherkes people had immigrated to this region in the 19th century and therefore, most restaurants here serve Cherkes breakfast. Try the homemade butter with herbs, fried dough, scrambled eggs with tomatoes and pepper and the infamous circassian cheese. They will keep bringing the freshly brewed Turkish tea until you say it's enough. You can also take a short walk by the lake after breakfast.
They are open from Tuesday to Sunday.

Located only 15 minutes drive away from Sapanca Lake, Masukiye Waterfall is inside a lush forest. There are some cafes with wooden decks overlooking the waterfall and the rivers around. Have a traditional Turkish coffee and listen to the waterfall before getting back to the road.

Yarhisar is a ship that was built in Portland-Dragon, USA for the Turkish army in 1964. It served as a offshore patrol vessel for 40 years until 2004 and today it was turned into a museum. It's small but you can learn about the Ottoman and Turkish maritime history and enjoy the sea views. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

After quite a long drive, you'll arrive in Mudanya, a historic seaside town of Bursa. Yo ucan park your car here and explore the nostalgic Halitpasa Neighborhood.

Halitpasa Neighborhood was designed by the Italian engineer Picchirettu and it is also known as The Greek Neighborhood because The Greek Community used to live here before the population exchange of Greece and Türkiye after the World War I. Streets of Halitpasa Neighborhood are filled with old wooden mansions, tiny cafes and stalls that sell traditional handmade items. It's a great place for photography. There are significant late Ottoman era architecture examples, some of which have been revitalized. Tahir Pasa Mansion is an important historic mansion, which have been turned into a museum today. It's open every day between 08:00 am and 17:00 pm.

This old nostalgic house has an importance beyond its architectural significance. This was where the Turkish Independence War had ended in 1922 and all countries had signed a peace agreement. The economic situation was so bad at the time that the furniture you'll see inside were borrowed from neighbors in order to prepare a space for the agreements to take place. This small but important museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 08:00 am and 19:00 pm.

After all the wandering, it's time for a late lunch. In Mudanya, it's almost customary to eat fish by the seaside and this restaurant is right by the seaside. It specializes in sea food. Go for the fried red mullet but also try the Turkish-Greek mezzes and fried squid.

It's time to hit the road once again. Walk back to the car park and prepare for a scenic drive to the next village called Tirilye.

Tirilye is a small fishermen village and it has a laid back vibe in addition to its historic sights. You can park anywhere on the street of this church. Hagios Ioannes Church was built in 19th century before the population exchange. Even though, it is abandoned today, you can see the stone craftsmanship on its walls.

Stop by this cute tiny house squeezed between two streets. It is more than 200 years old and it is a popular photo spot.

Tirilye was indeed an important religious center in the past because there are many old Byzantine religious remains here. Tirilye Fatih Mosque was actually a historic church from 7th century but it was turned into a mosque during the Ottoman era. Right next to it there is a small Ottoman Bath as well.

Afetr a long day of exploring it's time to have a good rest. Bursa is famous with its thermal facilities and Gönlüferah Hotel is a favorite among locals. Enjoy the hammam ceremony at your hotel and rejuvenate.