Start your day with a pickup from your European-side Istanbul hotel, and travel to the port where your ferry awaits. Cruise south across the Sea of Marmara to Yalova, and then continue your journey by air-conditioned minivan. After just over two hours of traveling, arrive into Bursa, the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire.
Get to know Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, on a day trip from Istanbul! With a private guide at your side, travel by minivan and ferry to the city and then visit some of its landmark monuments. Gaze in awe at the colorful grandeur of the Green Mosque, and then learn of the city as an Ottoman-era silk powerhouse on a trip to Bursa Silk Market and the Koza Han building. After lunch, ride to the top of Mt Olympus (Snow Hill) by cable car and some impressive city views.
Ottoman Empire was one of the largest empires in the history. Bursa was its first capital. The city that is settled on the northwestern slopes of Mount Uludag is known as "Yesil Bursa" (meaning "Green Bursa") from its beautiful parks and gardens located throughout the city. This fourth largest city of Turkey is also known for its peaches, chestnuts, and silk industry.
Departure by ferry-boat via Yalova, enjoying the lovely countryside view. Drive to Bursa, former Ottoman Capital and lunch of famous "Kebap of Alexander The Great". Climb to Uludag, the legendary Mount Olympos, by Teleferik (Cable Car), visit to Ulucami (Grand Mosque), the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, the old Silk Market in the Covered Bazaar. Late evening return to Istanbul and transfer to hotels.
The city is frequently cited as "Green Bursa" in a reference to the beautiful parks and gardens located across its urban tissue, as well as to the vast forests in rich variety that extend in its surrounding region. The city is synonymous with the mountain Uludağ which towers behind the city core and which is also a famous ski resort. The mausoleums of early Ottoman sultans are located in Bursa and the numerous edifices built throughout the Ottoman period constitute the city's main landmarks. The surrounding fertile plain, its thermal baths, several interesting museums, notably a rich museum of archaeology, and a rather orderly urban growth are further principal elements that complete Bursa's overall picture.
Watching one of the best silhouettes in the world with Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque and
the Leander' s Tower will be your exceptional experience to enjoy this imperial elegance and
the unique panoramic view of the Bosphorus waterway which brings the two continents
Europe and Asia, face to face…
The royal Dolmabahçe Palace, the late residence of the Ottoman Sultans; Bosphorus and
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges connecting the two continents Asia and Europe;
Rumeli Fortress, the historical armament built by the Conqueror Sultan, marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman style besides modern residentials
UNFORGETTABLE BOSPHORUS CRUISE… DINNER… UNLIMITED LOCAL DRINKS…
BELLY DANCERS… FOLKLORE SHOW…
Dinner with a rich variety of specialities from the Turkish and international cuisine including unlimited local drinks on board of a Bosphorus yacht.
We will start the day with Spice Bazaar our guide explain the miracle of the herbs and we can taste delicious Turkish delights here. We depart from Spice Bazaar to have a sightseeing tour of the Golden Horn.
Then we will join the cruise on Bosphorus by public boat in 90 Minutes. From the awe-inspiring Dolmabahce Palace to the ancient Walls of Constantine and onto the Topkapi Palace, experience the best views the city has to offer while enjoying a wonderfull cruise along the Bosphorus. A journey along the Bosphorus with Cruise will give you a unique insight into the great city’s history.
We look forward to giving you a great experience.
Long bus journey but worth it. Major sights visited in Istanbul city.
Gallipolli and Troy well worth visit,very interesting,hard to imagine human cost of war.Trenches still visable. Lots of archaeology at Troy and replica of wooden horse to go in. Good photo opportunities. Ephesus with ancient streets,roman toilets,columns,mosaics and carving of menorah. Amazing amphitheatre at Parmakeele,The Thermal Springs. Lots of people but lots of space. White rocks fab,water not warm,skin felt refreshed after dip. Hotels used were high quality. Breakfasts delicious. Time to visit museum shops and time for coffee break.
Guide allowed plenty of toilet stops.
Book this six-day, private tour with us and cover two of the most important destinations in Turkey within less than a week. Your journey starts on arrival in Istanbul, where Asia meets Europe. This city has been the capital of three different empires. Discover Istanbul's old city on a sightseeing tour. See Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Istanbul's hippodrome, and the Blue Mosque. Also included is a cruise trip in the Bosphorus.
Fly to Kayseri on the third day of this tour and check into your hotel in Cappadocia, the land of beautiful horses and fairy chimneys. See the highlights of Cappadocia, such as the Goreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, Zelve, Uchisar, Ortahisar, and the underground cities that once provided refuge to thousands of Christians.
Please note that even though this is a private tour, the sightseeing tours in the itinerary will be carried out in groups by an English-speaking tour guide. Domestic flight tickets are included in the tour price. For more details, please scroll down.
Golden Horn (from the bus), the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of İstanbul where the first colonies settled during the Byzantines. The residential area for Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-muslim minorities. Drive along the traces of history at Balat viewing Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), Fener Orthodox Patriarchate and 22 kms. long Byzantine City Walls, strongest fortification of the Middle age.
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers etc.
Bosphorus Cruise on Plan Tours’ private boat, through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials and luxurious apartments.
Rumeli Fortress (from the boat - no interior visit), historical armament built by the Conqueror
to control and protect the Bosphorus. A unique example of military architecture.
also visioned during the tour
IMPERIAL GARDENS OF ROYAL YILDIZ PALACE
BOSPHORUS BRIDGE connecting EUROPE & ASIA continents • BEYLERBEYİ PALACE
from the boat
Encounter the history, natural formations and magnificent scenery that Turkey has to offer in this 12 Day ANZAC Day Tour. Begin your trip roaming the palaces and mosques of Istanbul, and explore the breathtaking sites of Cappadocia. Visit the calcium laden waters of Pamukkale, the Roman architectural theatres of Ephesus and the incredible ancient wonders of Troy and Pergamum. Sleep overnight in Gallipoli and pay homage to those have fallen at the Dawn Service and National Ceremonies.
Embark on an enriching 8-day journey, exploring Turkey's most iconic historical and natural wonders! Your adventure begins in Istanbul with its magnificent Old City, featuring the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, plus an optional Bosphorus cruise. Fly to Kuşadası to uncover the ancient grandeur of Ephesus and marvel at Pamukkale's dazzling white terraces and therapeutic hot springs. Journey along the Silk Road through Konya to experience Sufi mysticism before being captivated by Cappadocia's surreal lunar landscapes and underground cities. This expertly guided tour concludes after visiting Ankara's significant Anıtkabir, offering a comprehensive and unforgettable immersion into Turkey's rich heritage.
First time in Turkey and this was an incredible way to view the city. The staff was kind, polite, and wanted to ensure every guest was happy. I HIGHLY recommend. Comfortable, drinks/meals provided, and easy to relax as a foreigner.
A tour of 8 people plus our guide and driver, a perfect number for our van. A most enjoyable 2 weeks seeing the highlights of Turkey with some fine company My expectations were pleasantly met as to the variety of our itinerary be it mosques, historical sites, Greek/Roman/Underground cities, temples, ruins, natural attractions. I felt at times we were rushed a little through some Greek/Roman cities however I understand we all move at a different pace to take in these wonders, mine perhaps being slower The hotels were a mix of mainly 3 star with the occasional 4 star and all were suitable for a quiet nights rest. The breakfasts and occasional dinner on offer did vary in quality but I personally found them to be fine. I opted for the single-supplement accommodation however it was random as to whether I was given a room with 2 single beds or 1 double bed (preferable), there was no option given at check-in so that was disappointing. I also chose the tour lunch pack but in hindsight there was no need as eating choices were abundant for our luncheons I was pleased I opted for the excursion to Troy and Gallipoli which included a visit to the ancient site of Pergamon en-route, and I considered the hotel in Canakkale the best hotel of the trip I would most certainly recommend Eskapas and this tour for some wonderful lifetime memories of Turkey
An enchanted evening cruise starts while you sip your welcome drink and enjoy the marvelous scenery as the sun sets on the Bosphorus. Chance to view and photograph the precious relics of three world dominating Empires: Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.
The royal Dolmabahçe Palace, the late residence of the Ottoman Sultans; Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges connecting the two continents Asia and Europe; Rumeli Fortress, the historical armament built by the Conqueror Sultan, marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman style besides modern residentials. These are all things you will see on this tour.
In short, explore Istanbul from the sea, on Bosphorus, a unique link between East and West, Past and Present. Do all this, while enjoying a welcome drink and perhaps a wonderful sunset, if the weather permits.
Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a historical city ruled over by many empires of the bygone years. It is a city where modern meets classic, where present collides with past, to create a unique cityscape and culture.
This '4 Days Istanbul Package' is a tour designed to offer extensive tour of Istanbul's major highlights. The main attractions of this tour include Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. In addition to the city's top attractions, you will also be taking a cruise trip along the Bosphorus Strait and making an intercontinental commute across the Bosphorus Bridge.
It's a small group tour, so you will get to explore the historical and cultural heritage of the city more intimately.
You will also be enjoying the convenience of airport pick-up and drop-off and breakfast services in this tour.
After a day of sightseeing, you are of course free to explore on your own or find a restaurant of your choosing for dinner.
We hired our guide for a full day of private touring the next day. The boat trip itself was awesome! His knowledge of Turkey's Ottoman history and storytelling was incredible! He added interesting details, dates, and anecdotal information and answered my husband's thousands of questions! As a private tour guide, he was amazing as well- our tour was highly personal, well planned, and comprised a full day including lunch and tea. He expertly navigated all the places we wanted to see and pointed out details, large and small! We highly recommend this travel operator!