12 Days Turkey Tour: Trabzon, Uzungol, Bursa & Istanbul Private Tour

Welcome to Trabzon, a lively port city often called the jewel of the Black Sea. Upon arrival at Trabzon Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure, allowing you to settle in and perhaps take a short walk to explore the immediate surroundings of your accommodation. This initial day sets the stage for a journey through some of Turkey’s most beautiful natural and historical landscapes. Overnight in Trabzon.

After breakfast, depart for the Ayder Plateau. On the way, visit a Rize fabric weaving workshop to learn about Laz culture. Continue along the Black Sea coast, passing tea gardens, to reach the Fırtına Stream. Stop at the Ayder Rafting School and explore the unique waterfalls at the highland summit. Enjoy free time for lunch and independent discovery of the plateau. On the return journey, pause near the Old Ottoman Stone Bridge and the Fırtına Stream. Return to your hotel in Trabzon for the night.

Begin the day with a visit to the Ortahisar neighborhood and the historical Kanuni House, where Ottoman sultans were raised. Next, visit the Atatürk Mansion, nestled among pine trees. Proceed to the Ayasofya Museum, a significant monument of art and architecture. Drive to Akçaabat to enjoy the greenery of the Black Sea region. Stop at Sera Lake for a break, then ascend to Boztepe Park and Hill for panoramic views of the entire city. End the tour with a return transfer to your hotel in Trabzon.

After breakfast, transfer to Uzungol Lake, celebrated as one of the greenest places in Turkey. The journey offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Upon arrival, check into your hotel near the lake. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this picturesque location. Overnight in Uzungol.

Enjoy a full day at your own disposal in Uzungol. You can explore the local markets, sample regional cuisine at nearby cafés, or take nature walks around the lake. This free time allows for a personalized experience, whether you prefer active exploration or quiet relaxation. Return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight in Uzungol.

After breakfast, transfer to Trabzon Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, proceed to the ferry terminal and take a ferry to Bursa. This transition marks the shift from the Black Sea region to the historic Ottoman capital. Check into your hotel in Bursa upon arrival. Overnight in Bursa.

Depart by ferry via Yalova, enjoying countryside views. Drive to Bursa for lunch featuring the famous “Kebap of Alexander The Great.” Ride the cable car to Uludağ, the legendary Mount Olympos. Your sights are the Ulucami, the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum. Browse the old silk trading quarter of the Covered Bazaar. Finish at the Inkaya tree, a plane tree over 600 years old whose shade shelters a garden café serving Turkish tea. Return to your hotel in Bursa.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the ferry terminal. Take a ferry from Bursa to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Istanbul. The rest of the day is free to rest or explore the city independently. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, visit the famous Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) to experience the aromatic atmosphere of various spices. Then, embark on a Bosphorus Cruise, sailing through the waterway that separates Europe and Asia. From the boat, view the Rumeli Fortress (exterior only). This scenic voyage offers stunning views of the strait and the city’s waterfront. Return to your hotel in Istanbul in the afternoon. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, tour the Sultanahmet district, the heart of the Old City. Visit the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of architecture from the 6th century under Justinian. See the majestic Blue Mosque, renowned for its blue Iznik tiles. Walk around the Hippodrome and its monuments, among them the bronze Serpentine Column, the Egyptian obelisk and the Kaiser Wilhelm fountain. Continue to the Grand Bazaar for shopping and cultural immersion. Return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight in Istanbul.

Enjoy a final full day at your own disposal in Istanbul. Use this time to revisit favorite spots, shop for souvenirs, or explore neighborhoods not covered in the guided tours. This flexibility ensures you can tailor your last full day to your personal interests. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel. Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your international departure. The tour concludes here, leaving you with memories of Turkey’s diverse landscapes and rich history. We hope you enjoyed this journey through the Green Paradise.