Istanbul & Vicinity

Tour

We will start the tour with The Blue Mosque which is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. It is renowned for its stunning architecture that blends both Ottoman and Byzantine elements. The mosque is called the “Blue Mosque” because of its interior, which is adorned with over 20,000 handmade ceramic blue tiles. Then we will continue to The Hippodrome of Constantinople which was the social and sporting center of ancient Constantinople. It was primarily used for chariot races, political gatherings, and public events. Later we will visit  St. Sophia, known as Hagia Sophia that is one of Istanbul’s most remarkable and historically significant buildings. Originally constructed as a cathedral by Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, it served as the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years and is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Istanbul’s most visited landmarks. Then we will continue to The Basilica Cistern which is an ancient underground water reservoir, known for its impressive size and captivating architecture. The dim lighting, the sound of dripping water, and the reflection of columns on the water create an almost ethereal, haunting atmosphere, making it a popular site for tourists and photographers. It has also appeared in popular culture, including movies like “From Russia with Love” from the James Bond series. After lunch break, our last stop of the tour will be The Grand Bazaar that is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Established in 1461, the bazaar has grown over centuries into a labyrinthine network of shops and alleyways, making it a major center for trade and commerce. It contains over 4,000 shops and 61 streets, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors daily. Overnight in Istanbul.

Today we will start the tour with Topkapi Palace which is one of Istanbul’s most historically significant sites, serving as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Our visit also includes Harem section, one of the most famous parts of Topkapi Palace that was the private living quarters of the sultan and his family. Other important sections are The Imperial Treasury that holds a rich collection of treasures, The Chamber of the Sacred Relics houses a collection of religious artifacts, Gardens and Terraces offering breathtaking views of Istanbul’s waterways. The museum complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and stands as a testament to the grandeur and legacy of the Ottoman Empire. After lunch break, we will take a boat ride through the Bosphorus that is a popular and scenic way to experience the beauty and history of the city from the water. The Bosphorus Strait is a narrow waterway that separates the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Cruising along the Bosphorus provides breathtaking views of Istanbul’s iconic skyline, historic landmarks, and luxurious waterfront homes. After our cruise, we will continue our visit with Rustem Pasha Mosque which is a hidden gem in Istanbul, renowned for its exquisite Iznik tilework and intricate architecture. The mosque was designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who is regarded as one of the greatest architects in history. Our last stop of the tour will be The Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant and historical markets. It served as a major center for the trade of spices and other goods coming from the East. The market is renowned for its wide variety of spices, herbs and natural remedies. Overnight in Istanbul.

Full day Edirne Tour. Edirne is a former capital of Ottoman Empire. We will visit Selimiye Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkey constructed by the great architect Sinan in 1519. It is a Unesco World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Afterwards we will visit Beyazit Complex ,The Medical Museum that was a progressive mental institution in Ottoman times, using innovative techniques like music and gardens on patients. We will continue visiting Arasta Bazaar, ruins of lost old Ottoman Palace in Sarayici and Meric River & Bridge. We will depart Edirne for Canakkale. On the way we will stop in Uzunkopru to visit Uzunkopru Bridge. This Ottoman commissioned bridge is the longest stone bridge in Turkey that was built to connect the Balkans with the Ottoman Peninsula. It still stands still today and it is a great stop to see and admire this picturesque work of art. It is also listed in Unesco World Heritage Sites’ Tentative List. Overnight in Canakkale.

After breakfast depart for Ancient City of Troy. We will visit this worldwide known ancient city including Troy Museum. Troy is full of ancient evidence and finds that are still in its almost perfect condition and well preserved. Later continue to Assos. Assos is set upon a mountainside with a beautiful harbour down the bottom, overlooking the island of Lesvos. Both mountain and sea sides are equally old and full of stone buildings representing Mediterranean art and architecture. Assos was famed due to the stay of the philosopher Aristotle for three years as the head of a philosophy school there. You will visit the upper village of Behramkale including city walls, Temple of Athena and Necropolis. The view from above is spectacular overlooking the Greek Island of Lesvos. The tour will conclude in the old harbour of Assos. Overnight in Assos.

Free day at your own leisure. You can enjoy the beach and the sea and spend a relaxing day. Overnight in Assos.

Drive to Bursa. Bursa known as the “Green Bursa” was once the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Its known for its hills, silk, textiles, chestnuts and the famous Turkish dish Iskender Kebab. You will visit The Grand Mosque that is built in 1396 by Sultan Beyazit and it is one of the largest mosques in Turkey. It is made entirely of cut-stone and having 20 domes, it is a classical example of Turkye’s monumental mosques. Later you will continue to Green Mosque & Tomb. This complex was built between 1419-1420 and gets its name from the green turquoise tiles used as adornments. It is one of the most beautiful Ottoman structures in Bursa. Later we will visit Koza Han, that was the centre of Bursa’s flourishing silk trade for centuries and the leader of Turkey’s silk production and import. Later we will go to Tophane Clock Tower that stands next to Bursa’s old citadel and the Tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi. We will visit the tombs of these Sultans that are the two founders of the Ottoman Empire. Then we walk around the citadel with a sweeping view of the city centre. The last stop of the tour will be Irgandi Bridge that was built in 1442. There are various handicraft workshops on the bridge. It is one of the four interconnected bridges in the world. The other three are; Osma Bridge in Lofca, Bulgaria, Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence, Italy and Railto Bridge in Venice, Italy. Return to your hotel after excursion. Overnight in Bursa.

Cumalikizik & Iznik Tour. We will start the day by visiting Cumalikizik, a living old Ottoman Village This is one of the most priceless civil masterpieces of countryside from 14^th century. It includes 270 splendid homes that reflect Ottoman style. It is protected under the Unesco World Heritage Sites List. While you walk through the narrow alleys lined with timber-built houses that existed for hundreds of years, you will feel as if you are traveling back in time. After Cumalikizik, we continue to Iznik. Iznik, the ancient Nicaea, is a small town situated by Lake Iznik that has a significant Biblical importance as the first Ecumenical Council took place here in 325 AD. The Seljuk Empire also made the city as their capital for a brief period in the 11^th century. You will see Roman & Byzantine city walls, the remarkable ruins of the St. Sophia Church. Then we will visit The Green Mosque that has beautiful blue Iznik ceramics. We will also visit a workshop where they still produce the worldwide famous Iznik Tiles. We will drive back to Istanbul afterwards. Overnight in Istanbul.

Free day at your own leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

Transfer to the airport. Departure and End of our services.