Black Sea & Byzantine Wonders: 10-Day Istanbul–Trabzon–Bursa Odyssey

After arrival at Istanbul Airport we will pick you up from airport and transfer to hotel, free time and overnight in Istanbul

(Breakfast, Lunch Included)

After breakfast we will pick you up from your hotel and start a full day guided tour of old city in historical peninsula beginning with great museum Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture. Built in 537 by Byzantine Emperor Justinianus, St.Sophia has been the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years; it is considered the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture; after having been the Patriarchal basilica of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet II. the Conqueror and in to a museum by Atatürk in 1935.

Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, Little Hagia Sophia Mosque, Grand Covered Bazaar.

End of the tour transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Breakfast, 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, 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, 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, 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 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 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, 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, our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends and according to your international flight schedule we transfer you to airport and say ”have a good flight”.