 Istanbul & Bursa
12 Nights
Day 01 Fly / Istanbul (-)
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, depart for a half-day Bosphorus Cruise. Take in the sights and sounds of this legendary waterway lined with historic villages, grand wooden mansions, imposing fortresses, and the Baroque summer palaces of the late Ottoman sultans. After the cruise, visit the Spice Bazaar (closed on Sundays), a thrilling riot of colours, sounds, and the rich smells of exotic spices Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 02 Istanbul (B)
After breakfast, depart for a half-day sightseeing tour of the Sultanahmet district at the heart of old Istanbul. Visit St. Sophia (On Mondays replaced by the Chora Church Museum), built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD. This church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. Next, visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Walk through the Hippodrome, the stadium of the ancient Byzantium, which held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Finish the tour at the Grand Bazaar, which was the commercial heart of the old city. Its 4,000 shops are full of treasures - including carpets and kilims, silks, jewellery, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays), you may indulge in a little shopping, Ottoman style. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 03 Istanbul (B)
After breakfast, free at leisure or take one of the optional tours. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 04 Istanbul / Bursa (B/L/D)
We travel by ferry to Yalova, then by luxury coach to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and one of the great treasure houses of Islamic architecture. We will visit the Green Mosque and the neighbouring Green Mausoleum, both world-renowned for their superb tile decoration, as well as the late 14th century Great Mosque and the Koza Han, which for centuries was the center of the silk trade. After enjoying a cable car ride up the slopes of Mount Olympus ( Turkish Uludað ), we drive to the village of Cumalýkýzýk. This is one of the best preserved Ottoman villages in Turkey with scores of picturesque houses built in the traditional style. Lunch is at one of Bursa's finest Turkish restaurants, the Darüzziyafe, where we will enjoy the finest Ottoman cuisine in a historic setting where Sultan Murat the Second once dined. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 05 Istanbul (B)
After breakfast free till check-out (latest check-out time is 1200 hours) and departure transfer to the airport to catch the flight to the next destination via Istanbul.
***** End of Services *****
Inclusions
* 4 nights accommodation
* 4 breakfasts
* 1 Turkish lunch during the tour in Bursa
* Return airport transfers on SIC basis
* The tours on SIC basis as per itinerary with English speaking guidance with pick up and drop at the hotel
* Entrances
* Tips and portrage at hotels
Exclusions
* Flights
* Personal expenses
* Drinks at meals
* Tips the driver and the guide
|
Itineraries:
