Explore Büyükada, the largest of Turkey’s Princes’ Islands, on this full-day trip from Istanbul! Cruise across the Sea of Marmara, watching the sights of Istanbul slip from view, and then explore the pedestrianized island in the best possible way – by horse-drawn carriage! Hear the history of this laid-back island from your expert local guide and then spend time at leisure, perhaps relaxing on its beaches, before returning to Istanbul.
PHAETON RIDE, SPLENDID HOTEL, WOODEN HOUSES Büyükada, literally “Big Island” in Turkish, is the original Princes' Island, and the largest and most populated of the Princes’ Islands. Büyükada was used as an exile destination and as a monastery region during the Byzantine Christian period. During the Byzantium history the island was also used as a prison for those who were opposing the Emperor. It was Büyükada where the Byzantine empresses Irene and Zoe and Anna Dalassena were sent on....
Take the ferry to one of the Princes' Islands, Buyukada (Big Island) which is a quiet sea front town and summer holiday escape from the city. Leaving the Golden Horn by ferry, you will round Sarayburnu (Seraglio Point), the headland on which the domes and minarets of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque can be seen. We will pass four islands with their charming old Ottoman houses and finally reach Buyukada, the largest of the islands. Upon arrival to the island, you will see the lavish Ottoman mansions and other beautiful Victorian summer villas around the island .
We will take a tour of the island by Phaeton (horse and cart) and will pass elegant old wooden mansions and beautiful natural scenery. you can enjoy a delicious lunch in a cozy sea-side fish restaurant and relax looking back at the domes and minarets among skyscrapers of modern Istanbul's skyline. This a perfect day for relaxing and enjoying one of Istanbul's residents' favorite summer retreats. Return by ferry and drop off to hotel or port.
Very organized. The time was well used to see major sites and to get a feel for the history and daily life. The tour was responsive to our request to include some outdoor, active activities in addition to sightseeing. The local guide was very good, knowledgeable and genial. Importantly, he was a good driver. The hotels were well selected, except for the one in Cluj which was a bit out of the center.
It was a fantastic trip and our tour guide was amazing. She went out of her way to solve any problems and was amusing and informative. The rest of the staff were brilliant too , including the delightful chef.
Italians are the masters of creating simple dishes that burst with flavour. Inspired by nonnas’ kitchens all over the country, this food is regional, seasonal and fresh, and on this eight-day trip through everybody’s favourite culinary hub, you’ll discover that pizza and pasta are only the tip of the iceberg. Uncover the diverse array of unforgettable street eats, meals and cicchetti (small bites) from the postcard-perfect Venice to Rome, where medieval meets modern. Delight in local wine, fresh produce, homemade dinners and seasonal favourites in San Gimignano, Tuscany and Bologna – all with a local by your side – and take your tastebuds on an unforgettable adventure.
Food tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We enjoyed our vacation very much.
Our guide, Alkan was excellent. He was very attentive to the group and very knowledgeable. We really enjoyed the commentary on the bus and at the historical sites. Our bus broke down, but he handled the situation with professionalism and ease to quickly get us on our way once again. Both drivers were excellent. The bus was clean and spacious.
Most restaurant choices were good, but some were too expensive. The cultural event in Cappadocia felt like an overpriced tourist trap with dinner served too late. It was so loud, it was not enjoyable and the food was average at best. It was a complete waste of money for us. ($90 USD each)
Hotels were ok - all clean, but some felt a little tired.
Most rest stops exceeded expectations with clean toilets and a good selection of reasonably priced snacks.
Wasn't impressed with recommended shopping areas.
Appreciated the follow up from Alkan to ensure we got to the airport at the end of the tour, and then the subsequent note to check that everyone got home safely!
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Pamukkale, Selçuk, Eph
Istanbul, Pamukkale, Selçuk, Ephesus, Canakkale, Ankara, Goreme, Cappadocia, Antalya, Kas, Xanthos, Iztuzu Beach
Discover the legendary beauty and fascinating mythology of Greece throughout the mainland and the precious islands of Mykonos and Santorini for 4 days each.
Explore the 'cradle of Western civilization' on the 15-day Best of Greece to uncover all the incredible highlights on a comfortable and well-paced cultural adventure. Witness the changing landscapes and the seamless blend of ancient and cosmopolitan from Athens to Corinth, Meteora, and Olympia.
This magical Alnwick Castle tour takes you from Edinburgh to the Anglo-Scottish border to learn about the bloody battles that raged. We’ll visit the picture-perfect seaside village of Bamburgh where you can head to the beach for some shenanigans and get the chance to visit mighty Bamburgh Castle which dates back to the 5th century. But more importantly, we’re going to Hogwarts! Harry Potter fans rejoice - we’re off to the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along with a rich history and magnificent splendour, Alnwick Castle also starred in Downton Abbey.
Explore the beautifully rugged landscapes of Iceland’s western peninsulas with coastal cliffs, centuries-old volcanic glaciers and huge waterfalls on a nine-day Premium adventure. Take a boat cruise between icebergs at Glacier Lagoon, trek around vast waterside craters, visit local artisans in Grundarfjordur and explore small fishing villages. Sample fresh produce at your Feature Stay, take a carbon-neutral boat trip to spot whales and dip your toes in the Arctic Ocean. See the highlights of Iceland with expert local knowledge and time to explore – you’ll get a true taste of this Northern European outpost!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes Peninsul
Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Skagafjordur, Akureyri, Egilsstadir, Skaftafell National Park, Flúðir
"The tour was amazing
We had a lot of fun
Mira was so nice and helped us a lot"
Walking toursSightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Mostar, Budapest, Vienna, Tirana
Mostar, Budapest, Vienna, Tirana, Bratislava, Kotor, Belgrade, Shkoder, Sarajevo, Novi Sad, Kruje, Berat, Ioannina, Prizren, Ohrid, Meteora, Gjirokaster, Subotica, Athens
Spend a week in Baltic countries with this agenda of local best hits full of authentic and memorable details. This tour focuses on the biggest cities, food, history, culture and nature.
There is so much to see and to feel here! You’ll start in Vilnius, Lithuania, a marvelous historical city with 48 churches, lush green parks, and small picturesque streets making up the old town. Then on to Riga, Latvia’s capital and home to more red roofs (like Vilnius) many museums, churches, and medieval architecture. Your last stop on this beautiful journey is charming Tallinn in Estonia with all its secrets, stories, and legends.
Take this tour and find your favorite Baltic country. The tour includes a guide/tour leader during the whole trip and transportation in a comfortable minivan or a car.
For those who would like to explore further and add a few more days, we prepared a tour extension in Belarus at the beginning of the tour, check the optional add ons section!