Istanbul's Back Garden
Tour details
From the very center of Istanbul, you need only twenty minutes to reach a side of the city you never knew.
As you enter Kemerburgaz, the color of the asphalt changes, the trees thicken and the traffic noise fades. When you stop your motorcycle in front of the Mağlova Aqueduct, the stone arches from the sixteenth century rise before you — the most magnificent point of the waterway Architect Sinan left to Istanbul. While you take photos, the silence around you may surprise you. This is still Istanbul.
When you enter the Belgrad Forest, the road narrows, the shade deepens and a cool breeze hits your face. Curve after curve through tunnels of trees — a rider who passes through this section once comes back again and again. At Karaburun the forest ends and the Black Sea begins. Over a coffee at a seaside café, it is hard to remember that you were in the forest just minutes ago.
Terkos Lake is another world. It is still possible to find this much quiet so close to Istanbul. Lunch on the lakeshore is the calmest and longest break of the tour — you do not want it to end.
This route burns very little fuel for the hours spent outside the city. But what it brings back with you is a lot.
Tour route
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What's included
Gear
Riding safety is not up for negotiation for us. All gear is chosen from brands that meet international safety standards.
- Helmet ECE 22.06 certified motorcycle helmet. Sizing is measured at the start of the tour, and each rider is assigned a helmet of their own.
- Motorcycle Jacket A CE-approved motorcycle jacket suitable for all four seasons, with back and shoulder protectors.
- Gloves Breathable motorcycle gloves with knuckle protection. They keep hand fatigue to a minimum on long rides.
- Luggage System A set of pannier bags fitted to every motorcycle: enough room for your daily needs, camera equipment and personal belongings.
Tour Guide
Not someone who knows the routes — someone who lives them.
Turuncu Motors guides are experienced riders who have ridden every corner of Istanbul, every cove of the Bosphorus and every winding road of the Aegean by motorcycle many times over. Beyond technical knowledge, they know the story of every stop, the best table at every break and the best angle at every photo spot.
On your tour, your guide provides:
- Leading the group at a safe pace — no one is left behind
- Real-time updates on traffic, speed cameras, roadworks and weather
- Local recommendations at every stop: the best fish restaurant, the freshest cheese, the loveliest viewpoint
- Technical support and communication coordination in emergencies
- Direction during photo shoots — experienced in motorcycle photography
Languages: Turkish and English
Meeting and Briefing
Every tour starts at our Mecidiyeköy branch 30 minutes before departure. During the briefing:
- The day's route and stops are explained
- Weather and road conditions are reviewed
- Gear is checked
- A group communication channel is set up (WhatsApp)
- Emergency procedures are shared
No tour starts in a rush. The first kilometer is the safest kilometer.
Roadside Support
If you run into an unexpected technical problem while riding, you are not alone. The Turuncu Motors operations team is reachable throughout the tour. For minor breakdowns we step in on the spot and, if needed, provide a replacement vehicle.
Photo Stops
On every route we stop at photo spots we have scouted in advance. The photos taken with the group's motorcycles are shared digitally at the end of the tour.
