Istanbul to Bursa & Gallipoli: A Tailored 8-Day Journey Through Turkey
This 8-day customized tour allows you to experience the fundamental elements of Turkey which include its historical heritage, cultural diversity and its beautiful natural scenery. The city of Istanbul starts at its center where its ancient past manifests through its famous monuments and active public areas. Bursa serves as your next destination because it was the first Ottoman Empire capital where you can discover its ancient mosques and silk market. The peaceful landscape of Uludağ Mountain welcomes you to experience its natural wonders and exciting activities before you visit the historic site of Gallipoli. Visit the ANZAC memorials and the ancient ruins of Troy to experience Turkey's historical legacy from World War I. The tour package provides a balanced experience through its combination of historical sites with natural attractions and genuine local interactions which expert guides lead throughout the entire journey.
What's included
Itinerary
Arrive in Istanbul and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and flavors with a street-food-focused welcome. On arrival at Istanbul Airport, you’ll be met by your private driver who will escort you to your centrally located hotel. After settling in, meet your guide in the late afternoon or early evening for a gentle walk through one of Istanbul's lively neighborhoods such as Karaköy, Beyoğlu or the Old City.
The welcome introduction has been designed to match your arrival schedule and your current state of energy because it creates a comfortable beginning for your urban experience. The area offers visitors the chance to taste Istanbul's popular street foods which include simit which are sesame bread rings, döner kebabs, stuffed mussels and börek pastries. Your guide will present stories about the city's food traditions while showing how street food functions as an essential part of people's everyday routines. The introduction will present essential information about major attractions together with travel advice and local suggestions which will help you during your remaining time in this active metropolis.
At the end of the walk, the evening is yours to enjoy. Return to your hotel or head to a nearby restaurant for a relaxed first dinner to unwind from your flight.
*Inclusions: Approx. 2-hour early evening orientation and street food walk with guide, Private airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel, A small selection of street food tastings*
**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Additional snacks beyond planned tastings, Personal expenses and gratuities**
Discover the meaning of Istanbul’s historic heart with a full-day exploration of Sultanahmet’s iconic monuments. After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and head to Sultanahmet Square, where you’ll begin your journey through the centuries-old heart of the city. Your first stop is the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the architectural wonder that has served as both a church and mosque throughout history. The site features its stunning mosaics together with its elevated domes while visitors can discover its historical value to local culture and religious practices.
Continue your day with a visit to the Blue Mosque (if open), famous for its beautiful blue tiles and grand domes. The Hippodrome area follows after your visit to this historic site which used to host chariot racing events. The Basilica Cistern welcomes visitors to its underground water storage space which uses columns to create a forest-like atmosphere.
After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, continue your day by exploring the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Bazaar, depending on your preferences. The guide will show you how to move through crowded markets, teach you about the process of negotiating prices and direct you to stores which sell genuine products.
In the late afternoon, you’ll visit a traditional Turkish bath (hamam), where you can experience a centuries-old ritual. Enjoy the warm rooms, steam, body scrub and foam massage before returning to your hotel feeling completely refreshed.
*Inclusions: Approx. 7-hour private guided tour of Sultanahmet and its major sites, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Entrance fees to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Reservation and basic package at a selected Turkish bath*
**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Upgrades or additional spa treatments, Personal expenses and gratuities**
Today, enjoy the culinary traditions of Istanbul with a day dedicated to exploring the city through its food. Your expert culinary guide will meet you in the morning to start your exploration of Istanbul's diverse culinary attractions. Depending on your chosen focus, you’ll either:
- **Option 1 – Asian Side**: Cross the Bosphorus by ferry to Karşıyaka or Kadıköy, exploring busy food markets filled with fresh fish, meze counters, pickle shops, spice stalls, bakeries and dessert shops.
- **Option 2 – Old City & Beyoğlu**: Walk through small streets and hidden passageways where local places serve pide (Turkish pizza), döner, börek and regional specialties.
The journey includes various taste experiences which start with Turkish breakfast staples including simit and olives. Continue with savory pastries and delicious street food. Your guide will show you the regional elements which affect the local food traditions of the city while explaining how people in present-day Istanbul consume their meals.
After a break for lunch, spend the afternoon at leisure before heading out in the evening for a classic meyhane experience in a historic neighborhood like Beyoğlu or Karaköy. Here, you’ll enjoy a table filled with meze (small dishes) and grilled specialties together with local wine or rakı (aniseed spirit). Live folk or fasil music adds to the lively atmosphere. The evening is yours to enjoy before returning to your hotel.
*Inclusions: Approx. 7-hour culinary day with mid-day break with a food-focused guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Multiple tastings during the food tour, Dinner reservation and guidance at a traditional meyhane*
**Exclusions: Main dinner bill (food and drinks) unless pre-arranged, Additional food orders beyond planned tastings, Personal expenses and gratuities**
Today’s schedule allows you to take a break from the city and enjoy the calmness of Istanbul’s Belgrad Forest. Meet your driver and guide at your hotel for a private transfer to this serene woodland, known as the “green lungs” of Istanbul. The walking trails at your destination will be available for exploration after your arrival. They offer different difficulty levels which match your physical abilities and personal preferences. Your guide will describe the historical significance of the forest's water supply network which operated to provide water to the city during your walking tour.
The peaceful surroundings of pine and deciduous trees will offer a much-needed break from the city, allowing you to enjoy the sounds of birds and the cool shade. After your walk, head to a nearby village or countryside café for a relaxed lunch, featuring Turkish dishes like grilled meats and seasonal vegetables.
In the afternoon, return to Istanbul. You’ll be dropped off either at your hotel or in a neighborhood of interest for independent exploring.
*Inclusions: Approx. 7-hour private nature excursion with a state-licensed guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Transportation to/from Belgrad Forest*
**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Park entry/parking fees (if applicable), Personal expenses and gratuities**
Travel from Istanbul to the historic city of Bursa, the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. After breakfast, transfer to the pier for a ferry crossing across the Sea of Marmara, offering beautiful views of the environment around. Upon arrival in Bursa, your guide will take you on a tour of the city’s highlights, starting with the beautiful Green Mosque and Green Tomb complex, famous for their turquoise tiles and serene atmosphere.
Next, explore Bursa’s busy bazaar and historic silk market (Koza Han), where merchants once traded silk on the old Silk Road. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant where you can try the city’s famous İskender kebab, a delicious dish made of thinly sliced grilled meat served over pide bread with tomato sauce, melted butter and yogurt.
After your tour, check into your hotel in Bursa and enjoy a free evening at your own rhythm, perhaps walking around the historic center or relaxing in a café.
*Inclusions: Approx. 7-hour combined transfer and city tour with a state-licensed guide, Private hotel–pier and pier–hotel transfers, Ferry tickets from Istanbul to Bursa, Entrance fees to Green Mosque & Green Tomb*
**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Personal expenses and gratuities**
Visit Uludağ Mountain which stands as Turkey's leading ski and nature destination that offers refreshing mountain air. Your guide will meet you after breakfast to take you to Uludağ National Park for a cable car ride which will transport you to the mountainous area of Mount Uludağ. The panoramic views of Bursa and its surrounding landscape become visible during your climb to the top.
The top section requires visitors to discover the plateau region through their choice of walking along forest trails or visiting scenic viewpoints based on the current season. The area offers light hiking and local product picnics during summer months but transforms into a well-known ski destination during winter season where visitors can book their own skiing and snow activities.
Lunch will be enjoyed at a mountain restaurant or as a picnic, offering a selection of local products. Return to Bursa in the afternoon, where you can visit another neighborhood or relax at a local café.
*Inclusions: Approx. 7-hour private excursion with a state-licensed guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Cable car tickets to/from Uludağ (weather permitting)*
**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Optional ski passes or thermal bath entry, Personal expenses and gratuities**
The current day allows visitors to experience Turkey's interesting World War I heritage while they visit the historic site of ancient Troy. Your day will begin with an early departure to Gallipoli where you will explore the ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials which contain extensive historical accounts from the Gallipoli Campaign. Your guide will explain how the campaign affected Turkish and Allied national identities while leading you through trenches and memorial sites and cemeteries.
After lunch, cross the Dardanelles to the archaeological site of Troy, where you’ll walk among ruins that inspired the legendary Trojan War. Explore the different levels of ancient settlements that go back thousands of years.
In the late afternoon, head to Çanakkale for an overnight stay. The evening is yours to explore the waterfront or enjoy a relaxed dinner.
*Inclusions: Approx. 11-hour private touring and transfer day with a state-licensed guide, Private services of a state-licensed guide, Ferry/bridge crossing of the Dardanelles, Entrance fees to Gallipoli and Troy archaeological site*
**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Personal expenses and gratuities**
This is the last day of your trip. End your trip with a comfortable return to Istanbul for your international flight. After breakfast and check-out, your driver will meet and drive you back to Istanbul. During the drive, you will be able to make some last stops in scenic places on this trip. Cross the Dardanelles and enjoy the landscape as you travel toward the city.
Arrive at Istanbul Airport (or Sabiha Gökçen) in time for check-in and departure procedures. As you depart, you will retain the many brilliant memories, a collection of different experiences that will resonate with you long after your return. However, the idea of planning your next Tailored by Locals adventure will be ready to come back to life whenever and wherever you are.
