CAPITALS OF OTTOMAN DYNASTY
Bursa-Istanbul-Edirne 

Days of operation  :Please ask

Day 1-Arrival in Istanbul

Upon your arrival in Istanbul,you will be met by our staff holding a panel-board which your name written on it and transfer to your hotel in the Old city-Sultanahmet area.After check-in procedure,while you are sipping your turkish coffee you will be informed about the area and your tour itinerary.Free time and Overnight in the Hotel.

Day 2-Istanbul

After breakfast in the hotel you will meet your guide in the lobby and commence a full day walking tour of Istanbul classical monuments
Hagia (St.) Sophia Museum: which was built by Emperor Justinian is one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century A.D. stands over much older remains of a church.While you’re watching the beautiful frescoes of biblical scenes you will also get informed by your guide about their meanings.Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia,is  famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets,that was built in the name of Sultan Ahmet in the 17th century.Hippodrome,which was a stadium,center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the city during the byzantine era. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome.Caferaga Madrahsah(Ottoman theological school) which was designed by the famous ottoman architect Sinan in 1560 and nowadays is used for workshops in traditional Ottoman arts.Turkish Islamic Arts Museum: which was originally built as the palace of İbrahim pahsa in 1524 with fine examples of islamic Calligraphy,tiles and carpets.
Lunch in a Turkish restaurant.While tasting the  turkish cuisine you can have some chat and learn more about city’s daily life  with your guide.
We commence the afternoon part  with Topkapi palace which was the home of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th-19th centuries.we will visit the Baghdad kiosk,the Armory with its collection of Ottoman weapons and a  fine collection of ceramics.After the main part finishes your guide will let you go as you please in the palace for a while then meet your guide at meeting point as stated by your guide.
(Harem and treasure section is subject to additional entrance fee other than the main entrance and not included in the tour price) Grand Bazaar:We will walk appx.600meters to reach Grand bazaar from Topkapi palace and enjoy the 4000 shops full of treasures.

Day 3-Bursa

Early morning departure from your hotel in Istanbul and drive all the way down to Bursa
became the first major capital city of the early Ottoman Empire following its capture from the Byzantines in 1326. As a result, the city witnessed a considerable amount of urban growth throughout the 14th century.
We commence our tour with Grand Mosque(Ulu camii) which was ordered to be built between 1396 and 1400 by Sultan Bayezit.Fully made up of cut-stones with very thick and high walls.This mosque is the most classical and monumental samples of the multi-domed mosques that has the biggest size among Turkish mosques with its rich and roomy space. Green Mosque(Yesil camii)which was constructed between 1419-1420 and called green mosque due to the green turquoise tiles used on adornments.It is one of the most important Ottoman period structure in Bursa. Green Mausoleum(Tomb):this unique structure is the symbol of Bursa and is one of the most beautiful samples of Ottoman tomb architectures ,its interior covered with spectacular tilework by the Masters of Tabriz.Lunch in local restaurant
Muradiye Complex(Theological College): built in the reign of Murat II it was the last of the imperial mosque complexes to be built in Bursa Koza Han(Silk Cocoon Market):was built in 1491 by Sultan Beyazit II to be used as Caravansarai and Silk market at the same time due to Bursa was the last stop on the great silk road coming all the way from China. The Covered Bazaar:is much smaller when compared to Grand Bazaar's 4000 shop labyrinth in İstanbul but is the only centerpiece among the  Bursa street bazaars.Cable car to Mt.Uludag(Olympus Misios) which has 2543 mt high and is one of the country's most favorite winter sports centers such as skiing.Also its richness of flora and fauna has made it into a National Park and summer activities such as trekking and camping.When we finish the tour drive to Istanbul.Overnight in Istanbul-Old city.

Day  4- Edirne (Adrianopolis)

Early morning departure from your hotel and drive appx. 2 hrs by A/C minibus.
In the 1360’s the centre of Ottoman government was transferred from Bursa to Edirne and long after the capture of Istanbul in 1453 Edirne was prominent, several sultans adorning it with splendid buildings. We visit the Old Mosque (Eski Cami) built between 1402-1414, it is very impressive with its fine white marble portal and decorative calligraphy on the interior walls and pillars.Lunch in a local restaurant
Beyazit Kulliyesi (the mosque complex of Sultan Beyazit I), and the Selimiye mosque, finished in 1575, when Sinan was 79 years old. The imperial architect considered this one is his masterpiece and in many ways it is the zenith of classical Ottoman architecture.Arasta bazaar which is also a work of Sinan and you may buy specialities of the city like soaps shaped like fruits or vegetables.Return to Istanbul.Overnight in Istanbul

WHAT'S INCLUDED

*Admission fees to the museums

*All sightseeing tours as described

*Transportation by A/C Minibus

*Professional english speaking guide escort

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

*Beverages at lunch

*Personal expenses