Iconic Marmara Historical Capitals Tour | 3-Night Stay | By Bus | Departing from Istanbul

"From İznik's thousands of years of heritage to Bursa, the founding city of the Ottoman Empire..."

05:00 In front of Kadıköy Municipality Marriage Office
05:15 In front of Kozyatağı Hilton Hotel
05:30 Kartal Bridge

Departing from these meeting points, we set off towards our first tour destination, İznik. Along the way, we will stop at a suitable facility for an optional breakfast break for guests who wish.

After our break, we arrive in İznik, one of Anatolia's most important historical centers with a rich history spanning from Antiquity through Rome and Byzantium, Seljuks, and into the Ottoman era. We begin our tour by entering the city through the Istanbul Gate of the historic walls.

Our first stop is Hagia Sophia Mosque, one of İznik's iconic structures that hosted significant meetings in Christian history. After getting acquainted with this building, which was used as both a church and a mosque in different periods, guided by our guide, we visit Süleyman Paşa Madrasa, an early Ottoman work left in İznik, and Yeşil Mosque, one of the city's symbols known for its elegant tile decorations. Afterwards, we receive information from our guide about İznik Turkish Islamic Artifacts Museum, Nilüfer Hatun Imaret, İznik Fortress, and the historic walls.

Following our tour in the city center, we move to the shores of İznik Lake to see the Aziz Neophytos Basilica, whose remains have emerged due to the receding waters. After a short tea-coffee break with a view of the lake, we depart from İznik and head towards Mudanya.

In Mudanya, our first visit is to the Mudanya Armistice House Museum, where the Mudanya Armistice was signed, opening the door to a new diplomatic period after the military phase of the War of Independence ended. After touring this structure, one of the important witnesses of our Republican history, we visit Kumyaka Church, which carries traces of the region's multicultural past, and Tahir Paşa Mansion, one of the distinguished examples of Ottoman civil architecture.

After our tour in Mudanya, we provide free time for lunch. Guests who wish can take advantage of the local flavors of the region during this time at their own expense.

After our free time, we head towards Bursa, witnessing the founding period of the Ottoman State. Our Bursa tour begins with Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque), one of the city's most magnificent structures with its multi-domed architecture and exquisite examples of calligraphy. Then, we visit Yeşil Mosque, an important work of early Ottoman architecture, and the Yeşil Türbe (Green Tomb), famous for its unique tiles.

After seeing Koza Han, one of the centers of Bursa's centuries-old trade tradition, the final stop of the day is Tophane. At this historic vantage point overlooking Bursa, we enjoy the panoramic view of the city and are given free time. Guests who wish can use this time to have dinner at their own expense or shop for products specific to Bursa. After our free time, we move to our hotel and spend the night at our hotel in Bursa.

Food, Drink, and Accommodation Information:

Breakfast: Taken at a suitable facility in Istanbul or İznik. (Extra/Optional)
Lunch: Will be taken during free time on the route. (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Taken during free time in Bursa. (Extra/Optional)

Accommodation: Bursa / Velmore Horel Spa, Kervansaray Bursa City Hotel, Euro Park Hotel Bursa, Royal Residence Bursa, Royal Termal Hotel Bursa, Anemon Hotel Bursa and similar hotels.

"From the nature of Marmara to the thousands-year-old legend of Troy..."
 

After our breakfast at the hotel, we depart from Bursa and begin our journey towards Çanakkale. Our first stop is Nilüfer Lake, which stands out with its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. During a short break by the lake, we enjoy nature and the scenery, take photos, and then continue our journey towards Biga.

Upon reaching Biga, we view the district center panoramically and receive information from our guide about the region's historical development and local life culture. Then, we visit the Halim Bey Mansion City Museum, which serves as a window into daily life in the past. In this building, one of the beautiful examples of traditional mansion architecture, we closely explore the social life of Biga and its surroundings, production culture, and local values carried from the past to the present.

After our tour of Biga, we turn our route towards one of the most important archaeological legacies gifted by Anatolia to world history: the Ancient City of Troy.

With its thousands-year settlement history, superimposed city layers, and its story immortalized by Homer's Iliad, Troy is a unique cultural area where history and mythology intertwine. Upon reaching the ancient city, we encounter the Trojan Horse, the symbol of the Trojan War etched in memory.

During our tour guided by our guide's narratives, we follow the traces left by different civilizations in the same geography. We learn about Troy's defense system by seeing its defensive walls, monumental entrances, and ramps; we move among sacrificial areas, bathhouse, and odeon ruins. While receiving information about the ancient sewage system reflecting the urban planning understanding of that period, we listen to the stories of Troy's different settlement layers, which were destroyed and rebuilt many times.

After completing our tour in this ancient city that has witnessed legends, wars, and civilizations, we head towards Çanakkale city center.

In Çanakkale, we first go to the Aynalı Çarşı (Mirror Bazaar), which holds a special place in the city's memory and carries its name from generation to generation with its famous folk song. During the free time given here, guests who wish can shop for local products and souvenirs in the bazaar shops or explore the city center.

After our free time, we move to our hotel. After having dinner at our hotel, we stay overnight at our hotel in Çanakkale.

Food & Beverage and Accommodation Information:

Breakfast: Served buffet-style or set menu at the hotel. (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken during free time in Biga or Çanakkale (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served buffet-style or set menu at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)

Accommodation: Çanakkale / Remida Managed by Dedeman, Kule Hotel, Çanak Hotel, Avec Hotel, Hotel Pelit, Büyük Truva Oteli and similar hotels.

"On the lands where a nation's destiny is written, following in the footsteps of Çanakkale..."
 

After our breakfast at the hotel, we will take the ferry to Eceabat and begin our tour of the Gelibolu Peninsula, which witnessed one of the most important struggles in Turkish history. Today, guided by our guide, we will visit the battlefields, defensive lines, and cemeteries where the Çanakkale Wars took place, tracing the footsteps of 1915 on-site.

First, we visit the Kilitbahir Fortress, rising at one of the narrowest points of the Çanakkale Strait. Built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet to ensure the security of the strait before the conquest of Istanbul, the fortress has been an important part of the Çanakkale defense for centuries due to its strategic location.

Next, we move to the Rumeli Mecidiye Battery, associated with Seyit Onbaşı, one of the symbolic names of the Çanakkale Naval Victory. We listen to the story of the great struggle shown during the naval battles of March 18, 1915, from our guide, and visit the batteries and the Seyit Onbaşı Monument.

Continuing our tour, we reach the Şahindere Martyrs' Cemetery. In Şahindere, one of the important medical areas where wounded soldiers were treated on the front, we respectfully remember the sacred memories of our soldiers who lost their lives for the homeland.

Moving towards the south of the peninsula, we visit the Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial, which has become a symbol of Çanakkale. Standing before this magnificent structure that keeps alive the memory of the soldiers who fell in the Çanakkale Front, we once again recall the importance of the war for Turkish and world history through our guide's narration.

Afterwards, we proceed to the area of Ertuğrul Cove and Yahya Çavuş Martyrs' Cemetery. After listening to the unforgettable story of the defense given by Yahya Çavuş and his comrades during the April 25, 1915 landings, we are given free time for lunch.

After our break, we visit the Hilal-i Ahmer Museum, which examines the health services carried out on the front during the Çanakkale Wars and the treatment processes of wounded soldiers from a different perspective.

Continuing our tour, we arrive at Anzac Cove. By visiting the shores where Anzac troops landed on the morning of April 25, 1915, we listen to our guide about what happened on this front and the military importance of the region.

Next, we move to the 57th Regiment Martyrs' Cemetery, which holds a special place in the memory of the Çanakkale land battles. Here, we once again remember the struggle and sacrifice of the 57th Regiment, which was rushed to the front at the most critical moments of the war under the command of Mustafa Kemal.

The final stop of our historical journey on the Gelibolu Peninsula is Conkbayırı. At Conkbayırı, one of the most important points determining the course of the land wars, we listen to our guide about the decisions made by Mustafa Kemal at the critical moments of the war and the struggles that took place in the region.

After completing our tour on the lands of Çanakkale that have shaped our recent history, we head towards Edirne. Arriving in Edirne in the evening, we check into our hotel. After having dinner at our hotel, we stay overnight at our hotel in Edirne.

Food and Accommodation Information:

Breakfast: Buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken during free time in Çanakkale (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served as buffet or set menu at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)

Accommodation: Edirne / The Rest Port Hotel, Concept Royal Edirne, Westdoor Hotel, The Rest Port Nd DownTown Hotel and similar hotels.

 

"In the ancient capital of the Ottoman Empire, from the shadow of Selimiye to the banks of the Meriç..."
 

After our breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Edirne to explore its historical and cultural heritage. With a history stretching from Roman-era Hadrianopolis to one of the capitals of the Ottoman Empire, Edirne is today a living city of history with its mosques, complexes, bazaars, and bridges.

We begin our tour with the Three Minarets Mosque (Üç Şerefeli Camii), one of the most important works marking the transition from early Ottoman architecture to the classical period. After getting acquainted with this building, named after its three minarets with distinct decorations, guided by our guide's explanations, we move on to the Eski Camii (Old Mosque). Following the mosque, which houses impressive examples of calligraphy, we visit the historic Bedesten, once a central hub of commercial life in the city during the Ottoman era.

Next, we reach the Selimiye Mosque, the first structure that comes to mind when Edirne is mentioned. We explore Selimiye, which represents the pinnacle of Mimar Sinan's artistic career and was described by him as his "masterpiece"; with its magnificent dome, slender minarets, and balanced architecture, we discover it alongside our guide's commentary. If restoration work allows, we visit the sections open to visitors.

Following our visit to Selimiye, we have free time in Arasta Bazaar, located right next to the historic complex. Guests who wish may use this time to shop for Edirne-specific items such as fruit soaps, mirror-handled brooms, and traditional souvenirs.

Then, we provide extra free time for lunch. Guests who wish can try Edirne Tava Ciğeri (Fried Liver Slices), one of the most famous flavors of Edirne cuisine, thinly sliced, fried, and known for its unique presentation, becoming a symbol of the city's gastronomic culture.

After our lunch break, we head towards the II. Bayezid Complex, which reflects not only the Ottoman Empire's achievements in architecture and art but also its accumulated knowledge in science and healthcare.

Proceeding through the tree-lined paths of this historic region, now within Turkey's borders, we visit the Monument of the Treaty of Lausanne and the Historical Karaağaç Train Station. Here, we receive information from our guide about the Treaty of Lausanne, a pivotal moment in our Republic's history, and the process of Karaağaç joining Turkey.

After our visit to Karaağaç, we move on to the Meriç Bridge, one of the symbols of Edirne. Alongside the elegant example of Ottoman stone bridge architecture and the view of the Meriç River, we conclude our Edirne tour with a short tea-coffee and photo break.

Finally, we set off towards Istanbul and complete our tour. We bid farewell with beautiful memories, concluding our journey filled with history and culture extending from Iznik to Bursa, from Troy to Gallipoli, and to Edirne, looking forward to meeting again in another tour program.

Food, Drink, and Accommodation Information:

Breakfast: Buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: To be taken during free time in Edirne (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Dinner on the return day will be scheduled according to timing. (Extra/Optional)

Accommodation: There is no accommodation on the return day.