Greetings and welcome to Istanbul! Once you've arrived at the airport, be on the lookout for the TSG sign, which will guide you to your transfer to the hotel. Once you've checked in, the remainder of the day will be free for you to spend at your leisure. However, you need not wait until tomorrow to begin exploring the city. Take a look at our optional tours listed below. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Breakfast included)

Following breakfast, the Istanbul City Tour will start, featuring a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace. This grand palace served as the residence for the Ottoman Sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. It is home to a stunning collection of crystal, silver, Chinese porcelain, Sultan garments, imperial treasury jewels, miniatures, and holy relics.

Next, the tour will proceed to Sultanahmet Square, where the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is located. This mosque, built in the 16th century by architect Mehmet, boasts an interior adorned with stunning blue Iznik tiles and faces the historic Hagia Sophia. The tour will then explore the Hippodrome, which was once the site of ancient chariot races and now houses three ancient monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpent Column, and the Column of Constantine. At the end of the square, the Hagia Sophia Mosque will welcome visitors with its grandeur.

After a delightful lunch break, the tour will proceed to the bazaar, where visitors can discover a variety of exotic spices and herbs, Turkish Baklava, delicious Turkish Delights, Turkish Coffee, nuts and fruits, handcrafted souvenirs, and more. The day will conclude with dinner and an overnight stay in Istanbul.

Please note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, the Bascilica Cistern can be an alternative. Please contact your consultant for details. Remember to bring a headscarf when visiting religious sites such as the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Mosque.

(Breakfast included)

After breakfast, drive to Yalova. When we arrive in Yalova, we will have the chance to spend time in thermal baths. After the tour, transfer to your hotel in Bursa and enjoy the thermal bath and swimming pool of your hotel. Overnight in Bursa.

(Breakfast included)

We will first visit Bursa's historical and cultural sites, including all of the famous and Islamic heritage sites, after breakfast. We will visit Ulucamii (the Great Mosque), the Green Mosque, and the Green Tomb. A lunch break will be given in the afternoon. After a half-day city tour, we will visit one of the best thermal baths in Bursa, known for curing many rheumatic diseases. Walk around this natural phenomenon and have the option of lying in the waters of the natural springs. After the tour, check in to our hotel and enjoy the thermal bath and swimming pool. Overnight in Bursa.

(Breakfast included)

The day is at your leisure; enjoy the thermal bath and swimming pool of your hotel. Overnight in Bursa.

Keep in mind that Bursa has a rich culinary culture, and there are many traditional foods and dishes that you can try while visiting. Iskender kebab, a specialty from Bursa, and most likely you have heard its name somewhere in Turkey. Turkish ravioli and lokma, which is a popular Turkish dessert, might be alternatives. Candied chestnut, on the other hand, is a popular local sweet to try and buy for your relatives back home.

(Breakfast included)

Following breakfast, we'll head to Istanbul for "Bosphorus by Boat," a traditional boat tour along the body of water separating Europe and Asia. The shoreline is home to dozens of old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. You will have the opportunity to see the 19th-century Ottoman masterpiece Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Palace, one of the unique samples of the last period of Ottoman architecture, and Ciragan Palace with its amazing marble facades from the boat. Additionally, the Rumeli Fortress, one of the most exquisite examples of Ottoman military architecture, the harmony of eastern and western architectural styles at the Beylerbeyi Palace, the iconic view of Ortakoy, and more can be seen during the boat tour.

After lunch, the TSG team will take you to the bazaar, where you can find authentic goods. The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme, and various herbs, Turkish baklava, Turkish delight, and fresh Turkish coffee, as well as handicraft souvenirs.  Overnight in Istanbul.

(Breakfast included)

The tour ends this morning after seven amazing days. Join your fellow travelers for breakfast at the hotel, and take the opportunity to bid farewell to your newfound friends. You can sign up to take advantage of TSG credits, and this is the best way to snag credits and use them for your next trips as a discount, as well as to hear about the hot deals according to your interests. We look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure in the near future!