Culture Tours
Western Anatolian Tour
ISTANBUL – BURSA – KUSADASI – EPHESUS – PAMUKKALE – ISTANBUL
4 Nights
Bursa is a city in northwestern Turkey, located at the foot of UluDağ Mountain. Among its main attractions are the Bursa Grand Mosque and the Green Mosque. The Bursa Grand Mosque, also known as the Ulu Camii, is a landmark of the city with its impressive Ottoman-style architecture. The Green Mosque, on the other hand, stands out for its beautifully decorated interior and exterior, adorned with green tiles that give the mosque its name. Visitors can also hike up the UluDağ Mountain for a scenic view of the city and surrounding areas. For a more urban experience, the Bursa Cover Bazaar offers a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes for locals and tourists alike. Overall, Bursa is a city that offers a mix of natural, historical, and cultural attractions to explore.
Highlights
Istanbul
- Topkapı Palace
- Hagia Sophia
- Cistern Basilica
- Hippodrome
- Obelisk & Serpentine Column
- Bosporus cruise
- Spice Bazaar
Kuşadası
- Ephesus Ancient City
- House of Virgin Mary
- St. John Basilica
- Pamukkale
- Cotton Castle
Bursa
- Grand Mosque
- Green Mosque
- UluDağ Mountain
- Cover Bazaar
Ephesus Ancient City
Ephesus was an ancient Greek city located in modern-day Turkey. Founded in the 10th century BCE, it became an important center of trade, culture, religion, and philosophy. It was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis, as well as significant structures such as the Celsus Library, the Great Theater, and Hadrian’s Temple.
The city was also a significant center of early Christianity and was visited by the apostle Paul. Ephesus was an important port city and played a crucial role in the trade network of the Mediterranean region. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and its well-preserved ruins offer a glimpse into its rich history and cultural legacy.
House of Virgin Mary
The House of Virgin Mary is located in the mountains near the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey. According to the tradition of the Catholic Church, it is believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, lived her final years.
The house was discovered in the 19th century and has become a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. It is a small, stone structure with a simple interior that includes an altar and a terrace that overlooks the surrounding landscape. The site is considered sacred and is recognized by both the Catholic and Orthodox churches. Visitors can explore the house, light candles, and pray at the site. It is a peaceful and serene place that attracts people from all over the world, seeking spiritual connection and a glimpse into history.
St. John Basilica
The St. John Basilica is a significant historical landmark located in the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey. The basilica is believed to have been built on the tomb of St. John the Evangelist, who is said to have spent his last years in Ephesus.
The original basilica was built in the 4th century and was later rebuilt in the 6th century after being destroyed by an earthquake. The site also contains the remains of a baptistery and a small chapel. Over the years, the St. John Basilica has been used as a church, a mosque, and a hospital. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to see the impressive ruins and learn more about the history of the region.
Cotton Castle
Pamukkale is a natural wonder located in southwestern Turkey. Its name means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, and it’s easy to see why: the site features a series of white, terraced pools filled with mineral-rich, thermal water. For thousands of years, people have visited Pamukkale to swim in the pools and bathe in the hot springs, which were considered to have healing properties.
In addition to the thermal pools, Pamukkale also features a complex system of caves, hot springs, and underground rivers. Visitors can hike along the terraces to see the pools up close or take a dip in one of the many natural hot springs.
Pamukkale has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Turkey’s most visited tourist attractions. Its unique natural beauty and cultural significance make it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Turkey.
Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque Bursa, also known as the Ulu Mosque, is an impressive religious monument located in Bursa, Turkey. It was built in the 14th century during the Ottoman Empire‘s reign and has since become one of the most significant symbols of the city. The mosque is famous for its massive size, with 20 domes and two minarets, and its beautiful architectural design, featuring intricate calligraphy and colorful tile work.
The interior of the mosque is equally awe-inspiring, with large prayer halls and a highly ornate mihrab, the prayer niche indicating the direction of Mecca. Visitors can also see the impressive wooden pulpit, or “minbar,” which was used by the Ottoman sultans to deliver sermons during Friday prayers.
Green Mosque
The Green Mosque (or Yesil Camii in Turkish) is an iconic historical landmark located in Bursa, Turkey. It was built in the 15th century during the reign of Sultan Mehmed I and is renowned for its exquisite architectural design and unique decorations. The mosque is named after the green tiles that adorn its interior, which create a stunning visual effect.
The Green Mosque is also known for its intricate calligraphy and woodwork, as well as its impressive courtyard and fountain. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in Turkey and is a popular tourist attraction. The mosque is still used for daily prayers, and visitors can observe the prayers from a designated viewing area.
Cover Bazaar
Bazaar BURSA is a popular shopping destination located in the heart of Bursa, Turkey. The bazaar offers a wide range of products and goods such as spices, textiles, traditional Turkish handicrafts, and many more. Bazaar BURSA is also a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine. There are many local food stalls and restaurants serving traditional Turkish dishes such as kebab, baklava, and Turkish coffee.
One of the unique features of Bazaar BURSA is its silk market, where visitors can find high-quality silk products such as scarves, dresses, and bed sheets. The bazaar is always buzzing with activity and is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Bursa.
UluDağ Mountain
UluDağ is a mountain range in Bursa, Turkey, situated in the western part of the country. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly during the winter months when it is one of the few places in the country where skiing is possible. The mountain range is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem.
Visitors to UluDağ can enjoy hiking, camping, and picnicking during the warmer months or skiing and snowboarding during the winter months when the mountain range is covered in snow. The region is also known for its hot springs and spas, which offer a relaxing and therapeutic experience. Overall, UluDağ is a beautiful destination that provides a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and allows visitors to connect with nature.
Included
- 2 Nights accommodation in Istanbul – hotel 4* on BB Basis
- 1 Night accommodation in Kuşadası – hotel 4* on HB basis
- 1 Night accommodation in Pamukkale – hotel 4* on HB basis
- 2 Dinners at Restaurant Hotels
- Transfers Istanbul New Airport – Hotel – Istanbul New Airport
- Transportation in Private A/C Vehicle according to the tours program
- All excursions which are mentioned on itinerary
- Meet and Assist
- Professional Licensed Tour Guide during the tours
- Bus park, Gasoline, Highway & Bridge fees
Excluded
- Entrance fees which are mentioned on itinerary
- Air Tickets International and Domestic fly
- Travel Insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Drinks
- Visa to enter Turkey
Terms & Conditions
- All prices quoted are Per Person on BB/HB basis EURO
- Rates are applicable for Min. 40 Pax -45 Pax traveling at one time
- Rates are based on Superior or Standard category of rooms depends on the Hotels Classes
- Prices may vary according to the number of people participating in the tour and the requested dates
- For Additional Information and details or different type of tour that you want , please contact with us
Tour Program
Day 1: ISTANBUL
Arrive to Istanbul New Airport, meet and transfer to your hotel, half day Old city Sultanahmet tour; The heart of Istanbul remains its fascinating Old City, home to some of the most historic sites of this vibrant mega polis. Dramatically located on a peninsula pointing across the Bosporus Strait to Asia, Sultanahmet was formerly the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
Visit; Sf. Sophia the original church on the site of the Hagia Sophia is said to have been ordered to be built by Constantine I in 325 on the foundations of a pagan temple. His son, Constantius II, consecrated it in 360. It was damaged in 404 by a fire that erupted during a riot following the second banishment of St. John Chrysostom, then patriarch of Constantinople.
Topkapı Palace; following the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the construction of the Topkapı Palace was started in 1460 at the request of Fatih Sultan Mehmet and was completed in 1478. Topkapı Palace, which was not built simultaneously with all the additional buildings, such as the case is with Dolmabahçe Palace, was enlarged with the supplementary buildings added until the 19th century. Overnight at Marmaray hotel in Istanbul.
Day 2: ISTANBUL – BURSA – KUŞADASI / 560 km – 6 hrs.
After breakfast drive to Bursa, former Ottoman Capital which was founded by the Bithynian King Prusias I Cholus “the Lame” (reigned 228-185 BC), and he also gave his name -altered to the Hellenistic “Prusa”- the city. Legend has it that the great Carthaginian general Hannibal helped him to choose the site. 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. Continue the way to Kuşadası, dinner and overnight at Royal Palace hotel in Kuşadası.
Day 3: KUŞADASI – EPHESUS – PAMUKKALE / 290km
Drive to Ephesus and visit the ancient city of Ephesus. There you walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings such as the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Theatre. Later we drive to the House of Virgin Mary where she spent her last days and the ascension took place. After that, you visit the Basilica of St. John and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Continue the trip to Pamukkale, city of Hierapolis, actually, Pamukkale, where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over steep cliffs forming pools, channels, and stalactites, there we visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip. Then we drive to Laodicea. There you walk among the ancient streets of the city and see the ancient structures. Dinner and overnight at Ninova Hotel in Pamukkale.
Day 4: PAMUKKALE – ISTANBUL 590 km – 7 hrs.
After breakfast drive to Istanbul, overnight at Marmaray hotel in Istanbul.
Day 5: ISTANBUL
After breakfast, free time, transfers to Istanbul New Airport to fly in your country.
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