Islamic Relics Turkey Travel Package

Duration: 07 Days / 06 Nights
Highlights: Istanbul, Princes' Islands, Bosphorus, Green Bursa, Konya
Departure Dates: Everyday
Note: All Turkey travel packages are modular & we can customize these itineraries to accommodate your personal requirements and desires to find your perfect holiday in Turkey.

Day 01 Arrival to Istanbul
Upon clearing customs at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by one of our staff who will arrange your transfer to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to spend at your own pace exploring the city of Istanbul.

Day 02 Princess’ Islands Cruise Tour
Meet your guide to for your full day tour, escaping the bustle of Istanbul for the day. Start the day by boarding a ferry bound for the charming Princes' Islands, your destination, Buyukkada, the largest of the island chain, passing by four other islands during the trip. The islands are famous for their mild climates, lush vegetation, ornate Ottoman houses and for being vehicle-free. The preferred means of transport is the charming horse-drawn carriage known as the Phaeton, which you will use on your trip around Buyukada, passing by elegant mansions draped in brilliant purple bougainvilleas. Feel as though you have stepped back in time to a more peaceful and graceful era. You can feel the 19th century gradeur that adorned the waterfront on your leisurely stroll along the promenade. Lunch will be at one of the many exceptional traditional fish-restaurants on the waterfront, with time to gaze across the water at the Asian shore of Istanbul, so close, yet feels a world away. After the tour, you will cruise back to Istanbul and transferred to your hotel.

Day 03 Bosphorous Cruise & Asia Sightseeing Tour
Your day starts with journey along the Golden Horn, the arm of the Bosphorus peninsula which separates the old and new cities of Istanbul. Follow the traces of history in Balat at the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, before visiting the Metal Church of St Stephen the Bulgarian, Ahrida Synagouge, Eyup Sultan Mosque and see the 21km long City Walls of Istanbul. Next stop, the Egyptian Market (Spice Bazaar), with mystical aromas of various spices, followed by a cruise along the Bosphorus on one of the iconic ferries of Istanbul, giving you the chance to see the two bridges that link Europe and Asia. Disembark the ferry for a trip over the Intercontinental Bosphorus Bridge to Camlica Hill, the highest hill in Asiatic Istanbul to enjoy breathtaking views of both shores. Travel back to Europe with a stop at Dolmabahce Palace which was the residence of the late royal Ottoman family with 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths and 68 lavatories.

Day 04 Splendors of Empire Sightseeing Tour
08:30 Your guide will take you to visit some of Istanbul’s most fascinating sights such as the Blue Mosque (unique with its 6 Minarets) and St Sophia Museum, the jewel of Byzantine architecture in Istanbul, a 6th Century Church dedicated to Divine Wisdom. You will walk around the Hippodrome, once the home of chariot races and other activities during the Roman period. Next stop is the Grand Bazaar, the world’s oldest and biggest covered bazaar with more than 4000 shops and Topkapi Palace (excluding harem section), the home of the Ottoman Sultans and their families for over 400 years, a city within a city with 3000 residents. Your final stop for the day will be the Rustem Pasha Mosque which is famous for its exquisite Iznik tiles, set in beautiful floral and geometric designs. After the tour you will be driven back to your hotel.

Day 05 Green Bursa & Grand Mosque
Today ou will be driven to Bursa and with your arrival you will start with a visit to Green Mosque called the "Jewel of Bursa" appropriately name because of its beauty, both inside and out continuing with a visit to the Green Mausoleum. Stop and join in an afternoon pray at the Grand (Ulu) Mosque. Spend some time at Bedesten, the Koza Han (Silk Producer's Bazaar) and the covered bazaar. Enjoy dinner at the Daruzziyafe restaurant where you can sample the finest Ottoman cuisine in a historic setting where Sultan Murat II once dined. After the tour you will be driven back to Istanbul.

Day 06 Flight to Konya / Konya Tour / Flight to Istanbul
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for the flight to Konya. On your arrival to Konya Airport, you will be met and start the full day tour of Konya, capital of the Seljuk Empire. During the sightseeing tour of Konya, visit the Mausoleum and Museum of Mevlana, home of the famous Whirling Dervishes. The ceramics museum of Karatay, once an Islamic School, built in 1251. Lunch will be in a local restaurant in Konya. After lunch, Ince Minare, Alaaddin camii & Palace ruins, Aziziye Camii and Konya Bazaar. After the tour, you will take the flight back to Istanbul.

Day 07 17th January 2010 – Departure Transfer
Transfer to the Istanbul Ataturk Airport for your return or onward flight.