Discover Turkey: 5-Day Escape Through History and Charm
Experience the allure of Turkey on this five-day getaway, where timeless culture meets breathtaking scenery.
Enjoy an enchanting Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, take a guided tour of Istanbul’s historic Old City, and explore Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.
This package includes:
- Expert-guided tours
- Comfortable accommodations in your chosen hotel
- All airport transfers for a hassle-free journey
Let the magic of Turkey’s past and present captivate you on this unforgettable adventure.
Itinerary
Arrive at Sabiha Gökçen Airport with peace of mind, knowing a friendly guide will be waiting to greet you at the arrival area. After a warm welcome, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Istanbul (approximately 1.5 hours).
Upon arrival, check-in to your accommodation (standard check-in time is 12:00 PM) and take time to settle in. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring Istanbul at your own pace.
Begin your day around 08:00–08:30 hrs with a guided exploration of Istanbul’s historic heart, uncovering the rich legacies of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, your journey will take you through some of the city's most iconic landmarks:
- Hagia Sophia – A 1,400-year-old architectural masterpiece that served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum.
- Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) – Known for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and six elegant minarets.
- Hippodrome Square – Once the sporting and social center of Constantinople, home to the German Fountain, Obelisk of Theodosius, and other ancient relics.
- Topkapi Palace – The opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, filled with treasures and historical significance.
- Grand Bazaar – One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, featuring over 1,200 shops of jewelry, textiles, spices, and souvenirs.
Midday, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The tour concludes around 16:00–17:00 hrs, after which you can return to your hotel or continue exploring the city independently.
Start your day with a comfortable three-hour drive to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and a city steeped in cultural and historical significance. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll explore some of Bursa’s most iconic landmarks:
- Green Mosque (Yeşil Camii) – A masterpiece of early Ottoman architecture known for its exquisite tile work.
- Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe) – The beautifully tiled mausoleum of Sultan Mehmed I, built in the 15th century.
- Uludağ Mountain – Renowned for winter sports and breathtaking natural scenery.
Enjoy a scenic cable car ride offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Midway through the tour, you'll stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors.
After an enriching day, return comfortably to your Istanbul accommodation in the evening.
Enjoy a free day at your leisure to relax or explore Istanbul at your own pace—shop in local bazaars, visit hidden cafés, or simply unwind at your hotel.
In the evening, be ready by 19:00–19:30 hrs, when your guide will pick you up for a magical experience: the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. As the cruise sails along the Marmara Sea, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Istanbul's illuminated skyline and iconic landmarks, including:
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Çırağan Palace
- Rumeli Fortress
- Bosphorus Bridge, connecting Europe and Asia
While taking in these spectacular sights, enjoy a delicious dinner and an array of cultural performances, including:
- Traditional belly dance
- Caucasian and Turkish gypsy dances
- A mesmerizing whirling dervish show, echoing a 700-year-old Sufi tradition
After a night of unforgettable entertainment and dining, you'll be transferred back to your accommodation for a restful night.
Your memorable journey through Turkey comes to an end today. Standard hotel check-out is at 12:00 hrs, so you’ll have the morning free to relax or do some last-minute exploring.
Our representative will pick you up at your hotel approximately four hours before your flight, ensuring a smooth and timely transfer to Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, giving you ample time to complete check-in and airport formalities with ease.
We hope you leave with cherished memories and experiences that will stay with you long after you return home.
Includes/Excludes
Inclusions
- • 4 nights’ accommodation in Istanbul at the listed hotel or a similar category
- • Daily breakfast at the hotel
- • Additional meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- • Full-Day Istanbul City Tour with English-speaking guide
- • Evening Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with entertainment and dinner
- • Full-Day Bursa City Tour with guide and cable car ride
- • All tours conducted in a comfortable, air-conditioned shared coach
- • Private airport transfers in Istanbul (arrival and departure)
- • Return economy-class flight from Sharjah to Istanbul
- • 20 kg checked baggage allowance plus hand luggage
Exclusions
- • Optional tours and activities not specified in the itinerary
- • Admission tickets unless explicitly mentioned
- • Personal expenses such as laundry, beverages, and meals not listed in the inclusions
- • Travel insurance, tips, and other items of a personal nature