FROM MARMARA TO THE MEDITERRANEAN

Our trip begins in İstanbul. After arrival at the airport, our tour guide, who will be our companion throughout our amazing Turkey tour, will meet and greet us. Depending on arrival time, we can rest or do our favorite activities in the city for the rest of the day.

This morning, we will be picked up from our hotel to begin our tour of Istanbul. We will visit some of the city’s most famous monuments. Topkapi Palace (Turkish: Topkapı Sarayı) is a notable highlight in Istanbul that served as the Ottoman Empire’s administrative building for nearly 400 years. Hagia Sophia Mosque (Turkish: Ayasofya Camii) is our next stop, which is a sacred landmark for Muslims and Christians. This mosque was once a Byzantine church before the Ottomans took control of the city.

Blue Mosque (Turkish: Sultan Ahmet Camii) is a majestic place of worship with six exquisite minarets and a series of domes that show the difference between traditional and contemporary Turkish architecture. In the past, chariot races were held in the Hippodrome. Its Obelisks now stand tall in the open square outside the Blue Mosque.

After having lunch, we will visit the Grand Bazaar (Turkish:Kapalı Çarşı), a traditional roofed Turkish market that is one of the oldest and longest markets in the world.

Today and after breakfast, we will start our Eurasian tour by going to Ortakoy Mosque (Turkish: Ortaköy Camii), which is located on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus Bridge. After passing through the bridge and entering the European part of Istanbul, we can visit Beylerbeyi Beach (Turkish: Beylerbeyi Sahil) where Beylerbeyi Palace is also located. Next, we will go to currently the largest mosque in Turkey, the Grand Çamlıca Mosque (Turkish: Büyük Çamlıca Camii), which was completed in 2019.

In the afternoon and taking some rest, we will head to Galata Tower, an old Genoese tower in the Galata part of the Beyoğlu district, which is another attraction to see.

Today and after breakfast, we will drive 155 km to Bursa. We will stop by at Gebze Fortified Complex and Eskihisar Castle.

After arriving in Bursa, we will see the sites that have made Bursa a famous city in Turkey. The town was given the name “Green Bursa” because of the stunning architecture of its Green Mosque and Green Tomb.

Today, we will drive to Eskisehir, located in central Anatolia and about 155 km away from Bursa. Upon arriving in Eskişehir, our tour will start by visiting Firewood Market (Turkish: Odunpazarı), the city’s Old Town, with Ottoman houses and many souvenir shops. Then, we will enjoy visiting Kurşunlu Complex, built by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century.

Next, we will learn about the history of Odunpazarı Modern Museum, which was opened in 2019, and its epic architectural design will fascinate us. Haller Youth Central (Turkish: Haller Gençlik Merkezi) is the last stop of our tour for today. This impressive building was converted from a wholesale vegetable market to a recreation area in 2000, inspired by London’s “Covent Garden”.

Today’s excursion includes Traditional Turkish Bath (Geleneksel Türk Hammamı) Tour. This Hammam culture dates back to the Roman empire era, with the addition of scrubbing (pilling) in Turkish bath, a place to relax and chill.

In the evening, we will go to Hamam Yolu, which is a favorite place among the locals for daily shopping, because of its spice markets and excellent restaurants.

This morning we will go to Kaş (560km). Its cobblestoned streets are lined with lively cafes and restaurants, live music venues, and small barsIt is also home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the country, including the awe-inspiring Kaputaş. Kaş has a nightlife that stands out from other resorts on the Turkish Riviera. There are a variety of islands, and you will not be disappointed with the varied and abundant sea life.

In the morning, we can walk on the beautiful beaches of Kaş and enjoy the breezes from the Mediterranean Sea. Also, we can take the opportunity to sunbathe on the beach and swim in the sea.

In the afternoon, we will leave Kaş behind and head to Antalya, which is 190 km away.

This morning, we will explore the top highlights of Antalya, including Konyaaltı Beach, located on the Turkish Riviera west of Antalya. This beach is considered the city’s most famous one and one of the most popular nightlife destinations in the Antalya region. Not only will you enjoy sand and sun, but also you will experience Konyaalti Beach entertainment facilities!

Our next stop, Antalya Archeology Museum (Turkish: Antalya Müzesi), includes 13 exhibition halls and open-air galleries. The ancient classical Greek and Roman statues of the Gods and Goddesses are magnificent, huge, and tower over you. The displays give you a real sense of their grandeur and splendor.

In the afternoon, we will visit Kaleiçi or old town, which is the historic part of Antalya. The Hadrian’s Gate or Three Gates (Turkish: ÜçKapılar) is the only remaining entrance gate within the walls that surrounded the city and the harbor.

It is time to get lost in the beauties of Perge Ancient City, one of the most impressive sites in Pamphylia. Then, we will visit Aspendos, an ancient Greco-Roman city, one of the world’s old theatres, and a UNESCO world heritage site.

We will be transferred to Antalya Airport to fly back home.