10 Day Istanbul, Trabzon & Bursa Discovery Tour: From Ottoman Palaces to Black Sea Highlands
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Duration
10 days
Max Group Size
30
Departure Type
Scheduled
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical level
easy
Operated In
English
Age Requirement
11 - 99 Ages
Tour Overview
Uncover the treasures of Turkey in this unforgettable 10-day journey through the vibrant streets of Istanbul, the lush Black Sea region of Trabzon, and the cultural capital of Bursa. Discover iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, wander through picturesque highlands like Ayder and Uzungöl, and indulge in rich Turkish cuisine and centuries-old traditions. This tour offers a perfect blend of city life, natural beauty, and cultural immersion
Highlights
Itinerary
(Breakfast and Lunch included)
After
breakfast, we have Istanbul City Tour. Our first visit will be HIPPODROME. Ancient Hippodrome was the
scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius,
the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Than we will visit SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE. Across
from Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, it was built in the 16th century by the
architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent
interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Our next see will be HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE. The Hagia
Sophia Grand Mosque, previously known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, is simply
the best of its kind! Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is the greatest surviving
example of Byzantine Architecture. For 1000 years, it was once the largest
church in the world, decorated with stunning 6th century golden mosaics. Today
it is a mosque. You can see it from
outside. After
that see TOPKAPI PALACE, the great
palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an
exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by
the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury,
miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. You can
see it from outside. The
Basilica Cistern Museum is one
of the most important cultural assets where we can trace the traces of glorious
Istanbul history. With its 80,000-ton water storage capacity, Yerebatan
Cistern is the largest covered cistern in the city and stands out with more
reclaimed supporting elements compared to other covered cisterns. Covering an
area of approximately 10,000 square meters, this colossal structure has a rectangular
shape with a length of 140 meters and a width of 70 meters. You
can see it from outside. After the tour, transfer back to your hotel. Dinner at restaurant and Overnight in Istanbul.
If you
would like to visit with entrance below sites;
Topkapi Palace Museum Entrance Fee.
You pay the door price.
The Basilica Cistern Museum Entrance You pay the door price.
Please Note: Please do not forget to carry Scarf with you because of visiting
to Blue Mosque & Haghia Sophia Mosque
(Breakfast and Lunch included)
We pick you up from your hotel in early morning, transfer to airport for a
morning flight to Trabzon where your guide will meet you. Firstly, we visit
Sumela Monastery which was constructed on the steep slopes of the Black Mount and
situated in Golden River National Park. We will have our lunch at a restaurant
located on outskirts of the Mount Zigana and among the fragrant pines. After
lunch, we visit the Karaca Caves where we admire the stalactites and
stalagmites. We take a break at Mount Zigana passing the Zigana Pass and then
we reach Hamsikoy which is the hometown of Turkish rice pudding following the
old Iranian Road. We taste the homebaked rice pudding, drink our tea in a
country tea house and walk along a nature trail then drive to your hotel and
overnight stay in Trabzon.
(Breakfast and Lunch included)
Breakfast at your hotel then we start the day by visiting Hagia Sophia which
previously was a museum and was converted into a mosque. Then we visit
Ataturk’s Villa where he used to stay on his visits to Trabzon. Later, we go up
to the hillside to Boztepe to see the panoramic view of the city. Lunch will be
at Lake Sera. In the afternoon we depart for Lake Uzungol. On the way, we will
see the local workshops like local textile crafts and visit a tea factory. Then
we arrive in Uzungol. Overnight stay in Uzungol.
(Breakfast and Lunch included)
After breakfast, we depart for the highland Ayder. On our way, we will have a
tea break in Rize Botanical Garden, observe weaving on traditional looms, see
the rafting area on the River Fırtına and discover the Laz culture of the Black
Sea region. We will arrive at our hotel in Ayder in the afternoon passing
through rain forests and magnificent waterfalls. After arriving Ayder free time
for walking and discovering the stunning landscape. We will have our dinner
accompanied with local violin and pipes. Overnight stay at a local hotel in
Ayder.
(Breakfast and Lunch included)
After the breakfast at your hotel, we leave for a village called Caglayan
located in Fındıklı. The village is famous for tea and kiwi groves and
traditional Laz houses. You will have an hour break for taking pictures, then
we walk a nature trail along the River Caglayan. Then we drive to Cayeli in
order to have our lunch with a typical dry beans dish which is famous
throughout Turkey. After our meal, we arrive in Trabzon following the Black Sea
coastal road. Free time to see the historical bazaar area of Trabzon and to buy
some souvenirs from Trabzon. End of the tour we transfer you to airport for a
flight to Istanbul or your next destination. Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to
your hotel.
(Breakfast and Lunch included)
Breakfast at your hotel then we pick you up from your hotel and begin with a
brief visit to City Walls which are surrounding the whole part of the old city
since 5th Century.
Spice Market, heady aromas of its
wonderful variety of spices, herbs and sweets.
Golden Horn, the Bosphorus Straits and a natural harbour of the historical
peninsula that separates the old and newer parts of old Istanbul.
During the excursion you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, imperial
pavillions of Yildiz Palace, Ciragan Palace, and Ortakoy which is a symbol of
tolerance with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for
centuries.
Rumeli Fortress an amazing fortification
built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months to help him conquer Istanbul
and take control of the Bosphorus.
Bosphorus Bridge provides a unique
chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in just under
two minutes.
Beylerbeyi Palace was built in 19th century and is one of the the most spectacular
palaces in the world.
Camlıca Hill, the highest point of
Istanbul, panoramic view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
At the end of the tour we take you back to your hotel and overnight in
Istanbul.
Beylerbeyi Palace closed on Monday and Thursday replaced with Chora Museum.
Rumeli Fortress closed on Wednesday.
Spice Bazaar closed on Sunday replaced with Golden Horn.
(Breakfast and Lunch included)
Escape from the bustle of Istanbul for a day with a trip to the Princes’
Islands. You will join us aboard a ferry bound for the idyllic Princes’ Island,
enjoying cool breezes and charming sights along the way. Our destination is
Buyukada, the largest of the islands; formerly a site of exiled palace members,
particularly in the Byzantine era, later a popular summer resort with pinewoods
and vintage wooden mansions.
You will have your lunch at a charming fish restaurant on the island.
You can enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage called a phaeton, among the pine
trees after relaxing on the beaches in the numerous coves of the coast. Evening
return to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.
(Breakfast and Lunch included)
Breakfast at your hotel then you will be picked up from your hotel and take the
ferry to Bursa. While enjoying the lovely views of the surrounding countryside,
we will drive to Bursa, the first capital city of Ottomans where the Ottoman
Empire was born. Taste the famous Iskender Kebab, walk through the old markets,
climb to the Uludag, the legendary mount of Greek Gods, Olympos, by cable car.
Visit Ulu Cami, (Grand Mosque), Green Mosque, Green Tomb, The Old Silk Market.
End of the day drive back to Istanbul, arrival and transfer to your hotel.
(Breakfast
included)
After breakfast, we will transfer you to the Airport for your return trip back
home. We hope your tour was a memorable one and we would like to see you in the
future in one of our tours again. Have a nice trip back home and thanks for
choosing TravelShop Booking.
Trip includes
Included
6 nights
hotel in Istanbul - 5 Star Central Palace Hotel Istanbul
1 nights hotel in Trabzon - City Port Hotel
1 night hotel in Ayder - Ayder Palazzo Resort Hotel
1 night hotel in Uzungol - Poyraz Hotel Uzungöl
PS: If This hotel list
not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange smilar other
hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be
an additional cost
Professional English speaking tour guide during the tour
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Meal plan as mentioned in the itinerary



All Tour Transportation
Transportation in a fully
air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
All entrance fees
mentioned in the itinerary
Guided Istanbul City Tour
Guided Sumela Monastery and Karaca Cave Tour
Guided Uzungol Tour
Guided Ayder Tour
Guided Trabzon Tour
Guided Bosphorus & Two Continents Tour
Guided Princes’ Islands Tour
Guided Daily Bursa & Uludag Tour
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Hotel Room Taxes
Best time to travel: April to October for mild weather and clear
highland views.
Bring a scarf for visiting mosques.
Pack comfortable shoes for walking on cobbled streets and natural trails.
Domestic flights included; ensure luggage complies with airline restrictions.
Modest attire recommended for religious and village visits.
Weather in the Black Sea region can be rainy—bring a light waterproof jacket.
Excluded
International flight tickets
All airport transfers and domestic flight (Istanbul → Trabzon, Trabzon → Istanbul)
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)
Dinner meals (unless mentioned)
Optional entrance tickets (Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern)
Tips for guide and driver
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Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
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