ISLAMIC HERITAGE (07 Days)

The mosque is one of several mosques known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. It was built between 1609 and 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I.

The Selimiye Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Selim II and was built by architect Mimar Sinan between 1568 and 1574. It was considered by Sinan to be his masterpiece and is one of the highest achievements of Islamic architecture.

Ulu Camii is the major mosque of Bursa and a landmark of early Ottoman architecture. It was built by Ali Neccar in 1396-1399, at Sultan Bayezid I's command.

The city is frequently cited as "Yeşil Bursa" (meaning "Green Bursa") in a reference to the beautiful parks and gardens located across its urban tissue, as well as to the vast forests in rich variety that extend in its surrounding region.

Duration: 07 Days / 06 Nights
Sites: Istanbul, Edirne, Selimiye, Bursa, Cumalikizik
Run: Everyday

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 – Blue Mosque and Museum of Islamic Art
Your tour will start with a visit to the legendary Sultanahmet Mosque, decorated with beautiful 17th cent Iznik tiles. Continue with a stroll around the historical Hippodrome where chariot races were held in the Roman and Byzantine era. Continue on to the Museum of Islamic Art or enjoy an aftenoon noon pray at Suleymaniye Mosque. Spend the rest of the day at the exhilarating Grand Bazaar of Istanbul.

Day 03 – Topkapi Palace and St Sophia Musuem and travel on to Edirne
In the morning, visit the Topkapi Palace, more than a palace, it is an assembly of museums, containing the collections amassed by the Sultans over almost five centuries. Continue to St. Sophia - a Christian Basilica (church) conceived by Constantine in the 6th century which became a mosque during the Ottoman Empire and now is a museum. See the beautiful mosaics displayed at the museum. In the afternoon, take a trip to Edirne, one of the former capitals of Ottoman Empire, famous for its many mosques with their elegant domes and minarets that dominate the panoramic appearance of the province. Enjoy a lovely evening with dinner at one of the Hamam restaurant renowned for its typical local food.

Day 04 – Edirne, Selimiye Mosque and travel on to Bursa
In the morning, start your tour of Edirne with a visit to the ruins of the ancient palace of the Sultans, which also hosts many beautiful mosques. One of the most important monuments in this ancient province is the Selimiye Mosque, built in 1575 and designed by Turkey's greatest master architect, Mimar Sinan, hosting the tallest minarets in Turkey, at a high of 70.9 meters. Continue to another famous site, the Beyazit II Mosque, a great monument with its complex construction comprising many facilities used in those times. In the afternoon, depart for Bursa, once the capital of the Ottoman empire before Edirne.

Day 05 – Bursa, Grand Mosque
Your tour of Bursa 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.

Day 06 – Bursa, Cumalikizik and drive to Istanbul
In the morning your tour will travel to the old Turkish village of Cumalikizik, one of the best preserved Ottoman villages which scores of picturesque houses built in the traditional style. Once you tour is completd, you will return to Istanbul with the remainder of evening at your disposal to take advantage of last minute shopping or relax with a Hamam ‘’Turkish Bath’’.

Day 07 – Departure Transfer
Following check-out from your hotel, we will arrange for transfer to the Istanbul International Airport for your return or onward flight.

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Please take note of the following:
* This tour can only be done on private basis.
* Please use the ''Travel Enquiry/Reservation Form'' to receive a quote on the above travel itinerary as per your preferred travel dates/month and preferred class of hotel accommodation.

What's Included: 
* Hotel accommodations in choice of preferred class
* All noted sightseeing tours on private guided basis
* Professional Tour Guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
* Main entrance fees to sights visited
* Transportation by comfortable, air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle with driver, fuel, road tolls and parking fees
* Local taxes and handling services
* Tour Package Service Insurance

What's NOT Included:
* International flights to/from Turkey and personal travel insurance, any other expenses not noted in the above included section or airport tax, visa for Turkey (if required), any tips to guide, driver or staff at hotels, items of a personal nature, hotel extras (minibar, telephone/internet usage, laundry, etc), drinks with meals (except the drinks served with breakfast) and medical services.