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.
In depth exploration of Turkey from BCE to now. I now have a greater appreciation of its position within history and its influence globally. Would certainly recommend G Adventures as an introduction to this fascinating country
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
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Selçuk, Ayvalık, Canak
Istanbul, Selçuk, Ayvalık, Canakkale, Ankara, Goreme, Konya, Antalya, Pamukkale
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.
Embark on a 10-day journey through Turkey, beginning and ending in Istanbul. Explore the Old City’s Ottoman and Byzantine past before heading to Gallipoli’s poignant WW1 sites. Step into legend at Troy, marvel at ancient Ephesus, and bathe in the dazzling white terraces of Pamukkale. In surreal Cappadocia, discover cave dwellings, underground cities and fairy chimneys, with the chance to take a magical hot air balloon ride. From bustling bazaars to ancient ruins and natural wonders, this tour offers a rich mix of history, landscapes and unforgettable Turkish hospitality.
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.
It was a tour showcasing the diverse beauty of Turkey's cities. The hotels we stayed in were really comfortable and had a great atmosphere. The guides spoke great English and had a lot of knowledge about the places we visited. The tour provided reliable and convenient transportation. Our driver, Mehmet, was clearly passionate about his work and did an excellent job.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pa
Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Izmir, Canakkale
50% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Explore Istanbul; where Asia meets Europe and was capital for 3 different empires. Walk on the ancient street of the historical peninsula and witness monuments bearing the traces of 3 different empires such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome. Learn history about Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Modern Turks from your expert local guide. Take photos from the best photoshoot points, experience shopping with locals in Grand Bazaar. Enjoy cruising on Bosphorus and watch traditional Turkish Dance Shows, taste typical Turkish food and enjoy the panoramic view of Ottoman Mansions, Ortkaoy Mosque, and Bosphorus Bridge
Bus toursCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, Hagia Sophia
5% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
The itinerary was spot on, giving us the chance to see the best of Turkey. Our guide, Mehmet, was really knowledgeable and engaging, while Ahmet, our driver, was always reliable. The hotels were very comfortable, and the traditional Turkish meals were a treat. I'd highly recommend Eskapas Travel!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-80 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pa
Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Izmir, Canakkale
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Experience the best of Turkey on this 14-day adventure from Istanbul to Cappadocia and back. Discover the historic wonders of Istanbul’s Old City, pay tribute at Gallipoli, and walk through the legendary ruins of Troy and Ephesus. Soak in the thermal terraces of Pamukkale, cruise to Turtle Beach, and relax on the Turquoise Coast in Fethiye. Marvel at Antalya’s old town charm and delve into mystical Konya. In Cappadocia, explore surreal valleys and ancient cave dwellings, with the chance for a hot air balloon ride. The tour ends with time in the Ottoman gem of Safranbolu and a final stroll through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Safranbolu
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Safranbolu, Gallipoli Peninsula, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, Antalya
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
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.