Experience the charm of Thrace on this comprehensive six-day excursion starting from Istanbul. Tekirdag, historically known as Bisanthi, serves as our base for exploring the rich heritage of the Marmara region. This tour balances deep historical exploration with hands-on cultural engagement, offering a unique opportunity to walk through centuries of Ottoman and Byzantine history while enjoying the tranquil pace of coastal life. From the architectural masterpieces of Mimar Sinan to the scenic beauty of the Marmara shoreline, every day is crafted to provide an authentic connection to local traditions.
The itinerary features a deep dive into the city's past, including visits to the Archeology and Ethnography Museum, housed in the historic 1927 Vali Konagi, and the Rakoczi Museum, which commemorates the life of the Hungarian Prince Francis II Rakoczi. Guests will also explore the Rustem Pasha Mosque, a 1546 landmark by the renowned architect Sinan, and the birthplace of the celebrated poet Namik Kemal. Beyond the city walls, we venture into the coastal landscapes of Gazikoy, Murefte, Eriklice, and Sarkoy, where ancient ruins and Byzantine history meet the serene waters of the Marmara Sea.
Culinary and relaxation experiences are at the heart of this journey. Participants will engage in a hands-on Turkish cooking lesson, learning to prepare regional specialties, followed by an introduction to local fruit wine production. The tour also offers a peaceful respite with a traditional Turkish bath experience and opportunities for artisan shopping at local leather centers. With professional guidance throughout, this itinerary ensures a seamless and enriching exploration of Tekirdagβs historical, cultural, and gastronomic treasures, concluding with a comfortable transfer back to Istanbul.
| Tour type | Private Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Days 5 Nights |
| Price | From β¬1,220 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 6 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours Β· TΓRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day β click a day to see every stop.
Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted by our professional team. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to the city of Tekirdag, a journey of approximately two hours along the scenic Marmara coastline. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to rest and acclimate to the peaceful atmosphere of this historic port city. Overnight stay in Tekirdag.
After breakfast, we begin our guided tour of Tekirdag. We visit the Archeology and Ethnography Museum located in the elegant 1927 Vali Konagi, followed by the Rakoczi Museum, the former residence of the Hungarian Prince. We will admire the 1546 Rustem Pasha Mosque, designed by the master architect Mimar Sinan. After a lunch break at a restaurant, we explore the Namik Kemal House, which honors the life of the famous 19th-century poet, and visit the Martyrs' Monument, a historic site established in 1952. Return to the hotel for the evening.
Today is dedicated to the flavors and craftsmanship of the region. Following breakfast, we participate in an immersive Turkish cooking lesson where you will learn to prepare various regional dishes. After enjoying the lunch you helped create, we visit local vineyards to learn about traditional fruit wine production. On our return, we stop at a renowned regional leather production center, offering you a guided shopping experience with factory-direct pricing. Overnight stay in Tekirdag.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a free day to explore Tekirdag at your own pace. Whether you wish to stroll through the local markets or simply relax, we provide a scheduled transfer to a traditional Turkish bath (hamam). This essential cultural experience provides a refreshing and authentic way to unwind during your stay. The rest of the day is at your leisure for independent discovery or shopping. Overnight stay in Tekirdag.
We head out to explore the coastal district of Sarkoy. Our route takes us through Gazikoy, famous for its 2,700-year history and the remnants of Ganos Castle. We will visit the 15th-century Cam-i Kebir mosque, a significant Ottoman structure. Our journey continues through the charming coastal towns of Murefte and Eriklice, both celebrated for their pristine shores, olive groves, and deep-rooted viticulture traditions. We will explore the local history and natural beauty of these settlements before returning to your hotel in Tekirdag.
Following breakfast, we complete the check-out process from your hotel. Our team will provide a transfer from your accommodation in Tekirdag back to Istanbul Airport, ensuring you arrive in good time for your onward flight. We hope your time exploring the history and flavors of Thrace has been a memorable experience and look forward to welcoming you back to Turkey in the future.
Istanbul to Tekirdag β Tekirdag City Center β Tekirdag β Gazikoy, Murefte, Eriklice, Sarkoy β Tekirdag to Istanbul
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles β the same fleet we use on your tour.
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
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π₯ 46 Seats
π₯ 37+2 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats
π₯ 35 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 12+1 Seats
π₯ 6+1 Seats
Extra day tours you can add along your route β Istanbul to Tekirdag, Tekirdag City Center, Tekirdag, Gazikoy, Murefte, Eriklice, Sarkoy, Tekirdag to Istanbul.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized β from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!