Embark on a profound exploration of Turkeyβs spiritual and historical landscape, spanning from the imperial grandeur of Istanbul to the foundational roots of the Ottoman Empire in Sogut and Bilecik. This curated itinerary offers a deep dive into the cultural tapestry of the region, ensuring a seamless experience through a blend of guided city tours and scenic excursions. You will traverse the historic streets of Istanbul, witness the architectural marvels of the Ottoman era, and experience the natural wonders of the Aegean and inland regions.
Your journey begins in the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul, where you will visit the Eyup Sultan Mosque, the historic Topkapi Palace, and the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. The tour continues with a Bosphorus cruise, offering unique perspectives of imperial palaces and fortresses. Moving beyond the capital, you will explore the cradle of the Ottoman Empire in Sogut and Bilecik, visiting the tomb of Ertugrul Gazi and the historic Orhan Ghazi Mosque, before heading to the charming city of Bursa to experience its traditional bazaars and the serene Uludag Mountain.
The latter half of your adventure takes you to the ancient world of Ephesus, where you will walk among the ruins of the Celsus Library and the Temple of Artemis. You will also enjoy the authentic atmosphere of Sirince village, known for its traditional architecture and local fruit wines. The tour concludes with a visit to the breathtaking white terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient thermal city of Hierapolis, before your final departure from Izmir. This itinerary is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive look at Turkey's diverse heritage.
| Tour type | Private Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 Days 7 Nights |
| Price | From β¬2,147 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 9 |
| 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 International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Istanbul, formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, straddles the Bosphorus with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, and remains a vibrant hub of history, featuring a unique blend of minarets, mosques, churches, and palaces. After checking in, you are free to settle in and prepare for the cultural journey ahead. Overnight in Istanbul.
Begin your day with a visit to the Eyup Sultan Mosque, followed by the tombs of the Sahabe. Continue to the Topkapi Palace to view the Imperial Treasury and sacred relics. Explore the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, famous for its blue Iznik tiles, and the Ancient Hippodrome. Visit the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a pinnacle of Byzantine architecture. Conclude the day with a visit to the Grand Spice Bazaar, where you can discover exotic spices, Turkish delights, and local handicrafts. Overnight in Istanbul.
Experience a traditional boat excursion along the Bosphorus, the waterway separating Europe and Asia. View magnificent landmarks including Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Palace, Ciragan Palace, and the Rumeli Fortress from the water. After a lunch break, immerse yourself in the Grand Covered Bazaar, a labyrinthine marketplace home to over 4,000 shops. Here, you can browse through fine goldsmithing, carpets, and traditional Turkish arts and crafts before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Depart for an insightful tour of Sogut, the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire in 1299. Visit the tomb of Ertugrul Gazi, the father of the Ottoman founder, Osman Bey. Continue to the Bilecik Museum to view archaeological exhibits, followed by the Shaykh Edebali Tomb and the cliff-side Orhan Ghazi Mosque. Explore the historic Clock Tower and enjoy the natural scenery of Pelitozu Pond. Transfer to Bursa for your overnight stay. Overnight in Bursa.
Explore the historical Covered Bazaar and the grand Ulucami Mosque in Bursa. Take a cable car ride up to Uludag Mountain for panoramic views. Visit the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, both renowned for their exquisite tile work. After a full day of discovery, you will be transferred to the coastal town of Kusadasi, arriving in the evening for check-in. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Discover the ancient city of Ephesus, including the Temple of Artemis, the Roman baths, the Celsus Library, and the Grand Theatre. Visit a traditional carpet weaving center to observe ancient craftsmanship. Continue to the village of Sirince, famous for its Greek-style architecture and fruit wine production. Participate in a local wine-tasting experience and visit regional leather and textile centers to learn about local arts. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Travel to Pamukkale, the "Cotton Castle," to witness the stunning white calcium terraces formed by thermal springs. Explore the extensive ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis and walk across this natural phenomenon, with the option of a dip in the mineral-rich spring waters. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul, connecting to your international flight home. We hope you leave with lasting memories of your Turkish historical and religious journey.
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category β the price adapts.
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Istanbul β Bursa β Kusadasi β 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₯ 50 Seats
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, Bursa, Kusadasi.
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Other private and group tours that visit the same destination.
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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!