Overview
This camp turns the winter school break into a week of English and discovery in Bursa — Turkey's "Green Bursa", the first Ottoman capital, below the snowy slopes of Uludağ mountain, a national park and one of the country's favourite winter sports areas.
Every weekday morning campers have English lessons at their own level, from beginner to advanced, after a placement test on the first day — 16 hours a week, with a certificate at the end. Afternoons are for getting out: a Bursa sightseeing tour, a trampoline park, the seaside and a space and aviation training centre, and one day is a guided full day in Istanbul.
Campers live in an en-suite residence with full board and supervising staff around the clock, and make friends with teens from other countries. A second week adds the zoo, the Extrempark adventure park, a cave trip, swimming and art and cooking workshops.
What's included
A day at camp
- Morning Breakfast from 8, then English lessons from 9:30 to 13:20 (Monday to Saturday, except the Istanbul day)
- Midday Lunch together
- Afternoon A half-day excursion — the seaside, a trampoline park with adventure games, a Bursa sightseeing tour or the space and aviation training centre; in week 2 the zoo, the Extrempark adventure park and a cave, plus swimming and art and cooking workshops
- Evening Dinner together at 18:00
- Weekends Sunday is arrival day, with a welcome dinner. Thursday is a full day in Istanbul (leaving at 7:50, with a packed lunch). Saturday ends the week with a farewell party, shopping and a traditional Turkish dinner, and departure is on Sunday.
Where campers stay
Campers live in an en-suite student residence of the hotel type. Every room has its own bathroom, a TV, a fridge and free Wi-Fi; there are lounges and common areas, and housekeeping is included. The residence is in a modern, secure neighbourhood of Bursa, and supervising staff are there throughout the stay. Lessons and activities use the campuses of a large private school group in the city, with sports halls, two swimming pools, tennis courts, art, music and dance studios, a gastronomy workshop and robotics and coding labs. Campers may not leave the campus or residence on their own.
Meals
Full board: three meals a day plus healthy snacks, so campers get to taste plenty of Turkish cooking. Meals come from a professional catering company that is certified and inspected by the authorities. Food allergies and special diets can be catered for if they're listed at booking. On the Istanbul day campers get a packed lunch, and each week ends with a traditional Turkish dinner.
Excursions
Frequently asked questions
When does the winter camp run?
This winter there are two weeks, both Sunday to Sunday: December 20–27, 2026 and January 3–10, 2027. One week is €900, and campers can also stay for two weeks (€1,950) — ask us about the dates.
What level of English does my child need?
Any level, from beginner to advanced. On the first morning everyone takes a placement test and has an orientation, then joins a class at their level. There are 16 hours of English a week with accredited teachers and the school's own course materials, and campers get a certificate at the end.
Who looks after the campers?
Supervising staff are on duty 24/7 and speak several languages; many of them are teachers as well as guides, so campers can ask them about anything. Staff go on every excursion, and campers aren't allowed to leave the campus or residence on their own. On arrival there's an orientation about health, safety, the country and its culture, and staff help campers change money.
How do they get from the airport?
Airport transfers aren't included in the price — they're an extra cost. Bursa is about 120 km from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen airport (SAW) and 180 km from Istanbul Airport (IST). On the operator's price list, a return transfer for one camper is €190 from Sabiha Gökçen or €215 from Istanbul Airport at set times, or €330 / €420 as a private VIP transfer at any time. Friends or a group travelling together pay per vehicle instead (for example €480 from Sabiha Gökçen or €590 from Istanbul Airport for 4–8 people, return), which works out cheaper. Arrivals are on Sunday. Ask us before you book flights and we'll check the best airport and times.
Does my child need a visa?
Turkey isn't in the EU or the Schengen area, but teens with a passport from most EU countries don't need a visa for a short stay like this. Turkey asks for a passport that's valid for several months after the trip, so check the date before you book, and check the current rules for your country. For any other passport, ask us and we'll find out what applies.
How cold is it?
December and January in Bursa are usually cool and often wet rather than freezing, while the mountain above the city is snowy. Pack warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a hat and gloves, and comfortable shoes that can handle rain.
What insurance does my child need?
Travel and health insurance isn't included. Turkey is outside the EU, so the European Health Insurance Card doesn't cover treatment there — a comprehensive travel and health policy is a must. Ask us if you'd like help choosing one.
What should they pack?
Warm clothes and a waterproof jacket, comfortable trainers, pyjamas, a swimsuit and a towel if they're staying two weeks (swimming is in week 2), toiletries, a small backpack for excursions, a book, and some pocket money.