Safranbolu and Amasra Trip Plan: Transport, Route and How Many Days You Need

Safranbolu and Amasra are close to each other, so they combine easily on one trip: one day for Safranbolu's bazaar and mansions, and one day for Yörük Village, Amasra and Devrek. Setting off from Istanbul at night and arriving in Safranbolu in the morning is the most time-efficient approach. Our Safranbolu and Amasra tour is planned on this basis as 2 nights, 3 days.

Why visit Safranbolu and Amasra together?

Safranbolu is in Karabük province and Amasra is in Bartın. The two provinces are neighbours and the drive between them takes a few hours. One, inland, tells the story of Ottoman town culture through its wooden mansions; the other, on the coast, tells the port history of the Black Sea through its walls and harbours. Seeing both on the same trip introduces you to two different faces of the Western Black Sea.

How do you get there from Istanbul?

Safranbolu is reached from Istanbul by road. The route runs via Bolu towards the inland Black Sea region. On our tour, transport is by coach:

• Outbound: On day one, we depart from Istanbul for Safranbolu at 22:00. Thanks to the overnight journey, the day begins in Safranbolu in the morning.
• Return: On day three, after Amasra and Devrek, we return to Istanbul via Mengen, Yeniçağ and Bolu.

The programme is planned as 2 nights, 3 days; the first night is spent travelling. The accommodation arrangements are stated in writing in the quote.

Day-by-day route

Day 1: Overnight journey

Departure at 22:00 in the evening. A neck pillow, a thin blanket or shawl and comfortable clothes will help you sleep on the coach and start the next day rested.

Day 2: Safranbolu

• The view of the old neighbourhoods from Hıdırlık Hill, and the historic Clock Tower
• Drapers', Coppersmiths' and Blacksmiths' bazaars; İzzet Mehmet Pasha Mosque
• Cinci Han (panoramic view) and the Kaymakamlar House
• Köprülü Mehmet Pasha Mosque and its sundial
• Handicrafts and Turkish delight in the Yemeniciler Arasta
• Dinner and overnight at the hotel

All of these stops are in the Çarşı (bazaar) area, within walking distance of one another. For details, see our article on places to visit in Safranbolu.

Day 3: Yörük Village, Amasra and Devrek

• Yörük Village: Sipahioğlu Mansion, the historic laundry house and free time
• Amasra via Bartın: Boztepe, Kemere Bridge, Kilise Mosque, the city walls and Genoese coats of arms
• Wooden handicrafts and free time at the Çekiciler Bazaar
• Lunch: all-you-can-eat fish in Amasra
• Çaycuma and Devrek; walking-stick workshop
• Return to Istanbul via Mengen, Yeniçağ and Bolu

How many days are enough?

Safranbolu's Çarşı area can be seen in a full day and Amasra in half a day, so a 2-night, 3-day programme is enough to get to know both. If you prefer a slower pace, want to see Safranbolu's vineyard-house district or would like to spend a night in Amasra, you could consider adding a day; we finalise changes like these together at the quote stage.

When to go

• Spring: Safranbolu's gardens turn green and the weather is good for walking. Be prepared for rain.
• Summer: Amasra takes on a holiday-town atmosphere and gets busier. Safranbolu's cobbled streets can be hot around midday.
• Autumn: Colourful trees and quiet streets are wonderful for photography. The Black Sea fishing season also picks up at this time.
• Winter: When Safranbolu is covered in snow, the mansions look like something from a fairy tale. The sea at Amasra gets rough. Take care with the roads and the weather.

Short packing list

• Comfortable, non-slip shoes for the cobbled streets
• Layered clothing: the weather can differ between inland and the coast
• A light raincoat or umbrella
• A neck pillow for the overnight journey
• Spare room in your suitcase for souvenirs

Travel tips

Sleeping well on the overnight journey has a direct effect on how much you enjoy the next day. To be comfortable on the coach, wear loose, layered clothes, bring light slippers to change into, and pack the small items you need to wash your face or brush your teeth in your hand luggage. A short freshen-up break on arrival in the morning helps you start the day full of energy. On the return day there is a long journey in the afternoon, so keep the souvenirs and snacks you bought in Amasra within reach.

Short stops along the route

Çaycuma, Mengen and Yeniçağ, passed on the way back, are transit points in the programme. The walking-stick workshop in Devrek adds a small craft stop to the journey. On the long drive home, these stops break up the coach journey and let you see the inland parts of the Western Black Sea as well.

Who is it for?

The programme is designed with culture-loving adult groups, families and corporate groups in mind. The walking pace is moderate; apart from Safranbolu's steep cobbled streets and the climb up Boztepe in Amasra, there is nothing strenuous. For corporate groups, dates and content can be planned together according to corporate requests.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get from Istanbul to Safranbolu?

By road, via Bolu. On our tour, we depart from Istanbul by coach at 22:00 and arrive in Safranbolu in the morning.

How far is it between Safranbolu and Amasra?

The two places are in neighbouring provinces and the drive between them takes a few hours. On our tour, we continue to Amasra via Bartın after Yörük Village.

How many hotel nights are there on the Safranbolu and Amasra tour?

The programme is planned as 2 nights, 3 days; the first night is spent travelling. The accommodation arrangements are stated in writing in the quote.

What is the best season for Safranbolu and Amasra?

Spring and autumn are lovely for a trip, with mild weather and quiet streets. Winter is also a good choice for the view of snowy Safranbolu.