Best of Istanbul & Bursa – 7 Nights

Breakfast at the hotel. After you meet with your guide at the lobby, you will begin your tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul. we visit the Blue Mosque** which takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Built by Sultan Ahmet I in the early 17th century and designed by a pupil of Sinan, the greatest of Ottoman architects, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Its courtyard is especially grand. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive. The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style. We continue our tour at Topkapi Palace*, which, from the 15th to the 19th century, was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We will visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapi Palace is now a museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, including the Spoon maker's Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world. It also possesses numerous Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably including one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese celadon ceramics, many of which were gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. We also visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest feature of Topkapi Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees; it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire. Overnight in Istanbul.

Breakfast at the Hotel. Meet the driver at the hotel lobby for your transfers to Bursa Hotel. Evening at Leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.

Located a few hours outside of Istanbul, Sapanca Lake and Masukiye Village are known for their beautiful nature. Visit both on this full-day group tour. Admire the animals and birds at Darica Zoo before continuing on to Sapanca Lake. In Masukiye Village, take time to visit Masukiye Waterfall. Enjoy a midday lunch along the riverside. Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from centrally-located Istanbul hotels Visit the variety of animals and birds at Darica Zoo Take a midday lunch break along the riverside Get out of the city and enjoy a full day in nature

• Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from centrally-located Istanbul hotels
• Visit the variety of animals and birds at Darica Zoo
• Take a midday lunch break along the riverside
• Get out of the city and enjoy a full day in nature

Breakfast at the Hotel. The day is at Leisure or you can choose for an optional shopping tour in Bursa. Overnight at the Hotel.

Breakfast at the Hotel. Meet the driver at the lobby for your transfers to Istanbul Hotel. Evening Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show. Make the most of an evening in Istanbul with a sparkling 5-hour dinner cruise experience on the Bosphorus Strait. Admire spectacular views of Istanbul’s beautifully illuminated palaces, mosques and Bosphorus bridges, and enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner with select drinks. Glittering entertainment from belly dancers, whirling dervishes and other artistes is included, along with hotel pickup and drop-off. Upgrade to an unlimited alcoholic drinks package if you wish. Overnight at the Hotel.

Experience the serenity of the biggest Princes' Island in Turkey, Büyükada, on this full-day guided tour from Istanbul. After traversing the Sea of Marmara by boat. On Büyükada, learn about the island’s history from your guide.

• Full-day trip from Istanbul to Büyükada by boat Marvel at top Istanbul sights like Topkapi Palace and Kiz Kulesi
• Spend time at leisure on the largest of the Princes’ Islands and embrace laid-back island life
• Hear the island’s history from your guide and learn of its role as a place of exile for banished Turkish aristocrats
• Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned coach included

After breakfast, check-out from your hotel and transfer to the airport. Return home with beautiful memories of your holiday.