The itinerary is designed to cover many of the main sights during a short stay.
Istanbul, Bursa and Sapanca travel programme — 8 days / 7 nights
On arrival, our team will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Free time is available for shopping in Taksim and on İstiklal Avenue, home to many international shops and cafés.
For lovers of history, architecture, ornament and Islamic calligraphy, we begin at Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque. Its decorative panels and Quranic inscriptions create a peaceful, uplifting atmosphere.
The mosque stands in Sultanahmet Square, facing Hagia Sophia across gardens and parkland.
At Hagia Sophia, admire the meeting of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture in its ceilings, columns and decorated walls. Continue to Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans and one of the oldest surviving great palaces. Your guide will explain its treasures, Chinese porcelain collection, weapons and other exhibits.
There will then be ample free time for shopping at the Grand Bazaar, a vast marketplace with around 3,500 varied shops.
Leave Istanbul in the morning for the beautiful, forest-fringed Sapanca Lake, where you can enjoy tea or coffee by the water. The route includes a botanical garden and a zoo described in this programme as home to over 200 animal species, with activities for children. Continue to Maşukiye’s hills, waterfalls, rural scenery, rivers, gardens and orchards, then Mahmudiye village and its restaurants, including designated places where you can barbecue yourself. Next is Kartepe, about 1,700 metres above sea level and known for winter snow. The programme describes a cable-car ascent and a rural setting at the top, where you can enjoy tea or coffee with scenic views. Return to your Istanbul hotel to rest.
Bursa, one of Türkiye’s largest cities, combines beautiful natural scenery, mountains and striking views with a rich historic character.
Start early for Bursa and enjoy a memorable day of sea views and mountain scenery. Take the long cable-car ride up Uludağ and relax over tea or coffee.
Visit the silk factory and Bursa’s Silk Market, noted for its architecture and range of products. Its preserved historic Turkish atmosphere brings the stories of the past to life.
Stop at Turkish sweet and honey producers, where you can watch Turkish delight being made and taste its freshly prepared, authentic flavour.
Meet in the morning and sail from Kabataş, admiring Istanbul’s waterfront and passing the smaller islands on the way to Büyükada. After a short tour of the centre and an introduction from your guide, enjoy the beaches, old wooden houses, narrow streets and peaceful setting. This original programme includes free time for walking, horse-drawn carriages and bicycles. On the return cruise, admire waterfront views of landmarks including Topkapı Palace and the Maiden’s Tower.
Enjoy a Bosphorus cruise along both the Asian and European shores, seeing the sultans’ waterfront palaces, Ottoman mansions, Dolmabahçe and Çırağan palaces, Rumeli Fortress, the Bosphorus Bridge and wooden houses. Visit the Spice Bazaar, filled with the aromas of spices, perfumes and fruit. Continue to Çamlıca Hill for a panoramic view of historic Istanbul, a city whose streets have inspired many poets.
Vialand is a popular Istanbul destination for residents and visitors, combining shopping and entertainment across a large site. It includes a major shopping centre, areas for theatre and entertainment shows, and a theme park often compared with Disneyland.
Alongside rides and adventure, Vialand offers clothing shops with quality fabrics and well-known fashion labels. Visitors can take a break at its restaurants. The original programme also highlights recognition received by the theme park in the Middle East.
The original description also mentions an award recognising the team’s work and care in developing Vialand as a leading entertainment destination.
Please note:
You may adjust the order of the days to suit your preferences.
You may add free days to explore Istanbul independently.
Accommodation in a 4-star hotel with breakfast
All sightseeing excursions, including entrance tickets
A specialist tour guide on every excursion
Airport arrival and departure transfers and transport during excursions
Return domestic flights
Personal expenses
Tips
International flights
