Istanbul Heritage Journey ETHOE-05

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet our representative for a private transfer to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to relax before embarking on an unforgettable evening experience. Later, enjoy a Bosporus Dinner Cruise with a Folklore Show, a highlight of any trip to Istanbul. This scenic cruise along the Bosporus Strait offers spectacular views of Istanbul’s illuminated skyline, passing by iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and the Maiden’s Tower. While onboard, indulge in a delightful Turkish dinner featuring an array of local specialties. The evening is further enriched with live entertainment, including a traditional folkloric dance show and a mesmerizing belly dance performance, providing a glimpse into Turkey’s rich cultural heritage. After the cruise, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul. 

Meals: Dinner 

Overnight: Istanbul (Hotel Category as per choice) 

Mode of Transport: Private Transfer + SIC (Cruise) 

Day Activity: Arrival & Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

After breakfast, embark on a full-day Ottoman & Byzantine Relics Tour, a fascinating exploration of Istanbul’s historic heart. The tour begins in the Sultanahmet district with a visit to Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel that has served as both a church and a mosque over the centuries. Next, visit the Blue Mosque, renowned for its exquisite blue Iznik tiles and six minarets, followed by the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the centre of public life during the Byzantine era. Continue to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, where you can browse a vast selection of Turkish carpets, jewellery, ceramics, and spices. After lunch, explore Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, which houses an extensive collection of imperial treasures, religious relics, and artifacts. At the end of the tour, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul. 

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Overnight: Istanbul (Hotel Category as per choice) 

Mode of Transport: SIC Tour

Day Activity: Ottoman & Byzantine Relics Tour

After breakfast, set off for a full-day tour to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, known for its lush green landscapes and historical significance. The journey begins with a scenic ferry ride across the Izmit Gulf, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Upon arrival in Bursa, visit a Turkish Delight Factory to sample and purchase authentic sweets. Continue to the Inkaya Tree, a 650-year-old monumental plane tree, before heading to a traditional Bee House to learn about beekeeping and the production of natural honey. Enjoy a delicious lunch on Uludağ Mountain, famous for its ski resorts and panoramic views. Afterward, visit the Uludağ Ski Center, where you can admire the beautiful natural scenery and take a ca ble car ride down the mountain. The tour concludes with a visit to the Green Mosque and Green Tomb, followed by a stop at the Silk House, where you can shop for highquality silk products. In the evening, return to Istanbul for an overnight stay. 

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Overnight: Istanbul (Hotel Category as per choice) 

Mode of Transport: SIC Tour 

Day Activity: Bursa Cable Car & Shopping Tour 

Explore Büyükada, the largest of Turkey’s Prince's islands, on this 9-hour excursion from Istanbul. Cruise across the Sea of Marmara, watching the sights of Istanbul slip from view.See the pedestrianized island in the best possible way – by bike (not included) or spend time at leisure, perhaps relaxing on one of its beaches, before returning to Istanbul. Travel from your hotel by air-conditioned coach to the port with your guide, and board the boat that will take you to the Prince's islands. The largest and most interesting of the islands is Büyükada, which is your destination for the day. From the boat, look back on the sights of Istanbul, seeing iconic landmarks such as Topkapi Palace and the pretty Kiz Kulesi (also known as the Maiden’s Tower), which was featured in the James Bond film, The World is Not Enough. Dock in Büyükada and then take a stroll through the streets on your own, soaking up the laidback atmosphere of island life. Return to the boat and listen as your guide talks about the island’s history during the ride. Learn about its time as a place of exile for banished statesmen and royalty, and of its life as a monastic settlement during Turkey’s Byzantine-Christian period. Pass lovely wooden mansions that are stunning examples of the island’s late Ottoman-era architecture, and look out over the sparkling sea. Seagulls are everywhere in Büyükada, and if you’d like to feed them your guide will give you simits (bread with sesame seeds) so you can toss them a treat. Have lunch in a restaurant, then spend the rest of your day at leisure on the island. Later, meet your guide at a pre-arranged time for your boat ride back to Istanbul. The last leg of your journey will be by coach, and you’ll be dropped off at your Istanbul hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Overnight: Istanbul (Hotel Category as per choice) 

Mode of Transport: SIC Tour 

Day Activity: Princes Island Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free day to explore Istanbul at your own pace. You may choose to relax at a café overlooking the Bosphorus, stroll through the lively streets of Taksim and Istiklal Avenue. 

Meals: Breakfast 

Overnight: Istanbul Mode of Transport: N/A 

Day Activity: Leisure Day / Optional Activities Available

After breakfast at the hotel you can visit local markets, or indulge in some shopping for Turkish delights, spices, carpets, and souvenirs. 

Meals: Breakfast 

Overnight: Istanbul Mode of Transport: N/A 

Day Activity: Leisure Day / Optional Activities Available

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight home. This marks the end of your memorable journey through Turkey. 

Meals: Breakfast 

Overnight: Nil Mode of Transport: Private Transfer 

Day Activity: Departure