A Seven-Day Journey Through Imperial Istanbul & Beyond
Imagine beginning your Turkish journey beneath the monumental domes and minarets of Sultanahmet, sailing between Europe and Asia on the legendary Bosphorus, escaping to the peaceful islands of the Sea of Marmara, breathing the fresh mountain air of Sapanca and Maşukiye, and following the footsteps of the early Ottoman sultans through historic Bursa.
This 7-day Istanbul, Princess Islands, Sapanca and Bursa tour package is built for travelers who want far more than a conventional city break. It is an Istanbul tour package, an Istanbul Old City tour, a Bosphorus cruise, a Princess Islands escape, a Sapanca & Maşukiye nature day and a Bursa Ottoman-heritage day — all woven into a single, effortless itinerary that never requires you to change hotels.
The journey opens in Istanbul's Old City, where centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman history sit within walking distance of one another: the Hippodrome, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, the Column of Constantine, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar.
The following day reveals a different Istanbul — the elegant, later-Ottoman city of Dolmabahçe Palace, the sweeping panoramas of Çamlıca Hill, a memorable Bosphorus cruise between two continents, the romantic Pierre Loti cable-car ride over the Golden Horn, and the fragrant Spice Bazaar.
Then the atmosphere changes completely. A full day at sea carries you to the Princess Islands — Heybeliada and Büyükada — with Kınalıada and Burgazada passing by the boat's rail. Car-free streets, pine-scented air and horse-drawn carriages replace Istanbul's urban rhythm for a day.
Next comes Sapanca, where a peaceful lake, the countryside village of Mahmudiye and the forested landscapes of Maşukiye provide a genuinely refreshing natural escape, before the final touring day carries you to Bursa — the first capital of the Ottoman Empire — for the ancient Inkaya Plane Tree, the Uludağ cable car, the Green Mosque and Green Tomb, and Bursa's centuries-old silk heritage.
Throughout, you travel in air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles with an English-speaking guide, selected entrance fees, five set-menu lunches and private airport transfers included — everything handled, so you can simply experience Türkiye.
Why Choose This 7-Day Istanbul & Turkey Package?
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Historic Areas of Istanbul
- Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace
- Cruise the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia
- Spend a full day on the Princess Islands
- Breathe the mountain air of Sapanca & Maşukiye
- Discover Bursa's Ottoman heritage and silk culture
- Travel with an English-speaking guide on five guided days
- Enjoy hotel pickup, drop-off and private airport transfers
The Journey at a Glance
Detailed 7-Day Itinerary
Five guided touring days combine Istanbul's monuments with the region's most rewarding excursions. Tap any day to see the full details, included stops and travel notes.
Your Turkish adventure begins on arrival at Istanbul Airport. After completing airport procedures, meet our welcoming representative at the designated meeting point — they will assist you with the transfer and escort you to your private vehicle for a comfortable ride to your Istanbul hotel.
Optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
If your arrival schedule allows, begin your first evening with an optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise combining Turkish cuisine, live music and entertainment — Turkish classical dinner music, a Whirling Dervish (Sema) presentation, Turkish belly-dance and folk performances, and DJ music, while cruising the waters separating Europe and Asia. Dinner includes Turkish meze, a seasonal salad, a main-course choice, dessert and fruit, with vegetarian options available on request. This activity is optional and excluded from the package price.
Overnight: Istanbul · Meals: Optional dinner cruise · Accommodation: Not included in the package price
Today is devoted to the extraordinary historic heart of Istanbul, whose Byzantine and Ottoman monuments form part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Areas of Istanbul.
Hippodrome, Obelisk, Serpentine & Constantine's Columns
Begin at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once one of Byzantium's great public spaces for chariot racing and imperial ceremony. Around its open square stand the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius (moved here from ancient Egypt during the Roman period), the Serpentine Column recalling ancient Delphi, and the Column of Constantine — three extraordinary reminders of Istanbul's Roman and Byzantine roots.
Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia
Continue to the magnificent Sultan Ahmed Mosque — the Blue Mosque — commissioned under Sultan Ahmed I in the early 17th century, famed for its İznik tile decoration and six minarets. Then visit Hagia Sophia, created under Emperor Justinian I in the sixth century, whose vast dome and layered history make it one of the most extraordinary buildings on earth.
Topkapı Palace & Grand Bazaar
Explore Topkapı Palace, the imperial residence of the Ottoman court for centuries, before ending at the legendary Grand Bazaar — a maze of historic covered streets filled with Turkish souvenirs, jewelry, leather, textiles, traditional crafts, Turkish coffee and gifts.
17:00 — Tour ends, transfer back to your hotel. · Overnight: Istanbul · Meals: Lunch included
Today reveals Istanbul beyond the Old City, beginning at Dolmabahçe Palace — one of the most spectacular palaces on the European shore of the Bosphorus, reflecting the Ottoman Empire's later, more Europeanized period. (Beylerbeyi Palace may be visited instead of Dolmabahçe depending on current tour conditions.)
Dolmabahçe Palace & Çamlıca Hill
After Dolmabahçe, cross to Istanbul's Asian side and continue to Çamlıca Hill, whose panoramic outlook can sweep across the Marmara Sea, the Princes' Islands, the Golden Horn, Beyoğlu, the Bosphorus and, on clear days, the Black Sea — one of the finest viewpoints for understanding Istanbul's extraordinary geography.
Bosphorus Cruise & Pierre Loti
Continue to Eminönü for a memorable Bosphorus Cruise along the waterway separating Europe and Asia, passing Ottoman palaces, historic mosques and waterfront neighborhoods. Afterwards, ride the Pierre Loti cable car above the Golden Horn for one of the city's most romantic viewpoints.
Spice Bazaar
Finish at the colorful Spice Bazaar in Eminönü, rich with the aromas of Turkish spices, sweets, nuts, coffee and tea. Guests interested in the nearby Rüstem Paşa Mosque may ask the guide about a visit if timing allows.
17:30–19:00 — Transfer back to hotel. · Overnight: Istanbul · Meals: Lunch included
Leave the energy of Istanbul behind and sail across the Sea of Marmara to the Princess Islands — a group of nine islands, five with permanent settlements. The boat journey itself is part of the experience, as Istanbul's skyline gradually gives way to open sea and island scenery.
- Heybeliada — the second-largest and one of the greenest of the islands; enjoy roughly an hour of free time to explore its car-free streets and historic character.
- Kınalıada — seen from the boat, historically associated with religious exile and Byzantine imperial history.
- Burgazada — also seen from the sea, with important Byzantine religious associations including the Church of Aya Yani.
- Büyükada — the largest and most famous of the islands; free time for walking, optional cycling, seasonal swimming, café time and photography, followed by lunch and a shopping stop before the return journey.
~18:00 — Return to Istanbul and hotel transfer. · Overnight: Istanbul · Meals: Lunch included
Today's journey trades Istanbul's monuments for the peaceful landscapes surrounding Sapanca. The centerpiece is beautiful Sapanca Lake, where you can enjoy the lakeside atmosphere, nature walks and, where available, cycling. Continue through the countryside to Mahmudiye, a charming village in Sakarya province, for a local lunch, before reaching Maşukiye — a region known for forest landscapes, streams and outdoor activities such as ATV safari, UTV experiences, zipline and nature walks (optional, additional cost).
Seasonal alternatives: the Glass Terrace and Darıca Faruk Yalçın Zoo & Botanical Park (summer) may be visited as optional, additionally-paid stops; Kartepe Ski Resort is offered as a winter-season alternative. None of these are included in the package price — see the Seasonal Information below.
~18:00 — Return journey toward Istanbul; arrival at your hotel around 20:30 depending on traffic. · Overnight: Istanbul · Meals: Lunch included
Today is devoted to historic Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Bursa and nearby Cumalıkızık are recognized by UNESCO for their outstanding connection to the formation of the early Ottoman capital.
- Inkaya Plane Tree — a monumental tree said to be more than 600 years old, with enormous branches and a memorable presence.
- Uludağ — the "Mount Olympus" of Ottoman and Byzantine tradition, one of Türkiye's most famous mountains, reached by a scenic cable-car ride (one-way ticket included).
- Green Mosque (Yeşil Camii) — commissioned by Sultan Mehmed I in the early 15th century, a defining masterpiece of early Ottoman Bursa, famed for its glazed tile decoration.
- Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe) — standing beside the Green Mosque, one of Bursa's most recognizable and atmospheric monuments.
- Bursa Silk Heritage — a visit introducing the city's centuries-old relationship with silk production, sericulture and the Silk Road trade that made Bursa a key commercial center.
~18:30 — End of Bursa touring; return toward Istanbul, arriving around 22:30 depending on traffic. · Overnight: Istanbul · Meals: Lunch included
Your final morning in Türkiye is reserved for departure. You will be collected from your Istanbul hotel and privately transferred to the airport approximately 4–5 hours before your scheduled flight. Your seven-day Turkish journey concludes with memories of Byzantine Istanbul, Ottoman palaces, historic mosques, the Bosphorus, the Princess Islands, Sapanca, Uludağ, Bursa and Turkish silk culture.
The Places That Make This Journey Unforgettable
Hagia Sophia
Few buildings anywhere possess a history as layered as Hagia Sophia. Raised under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the sixth century, it became one of the defining structures of Constantinople before its transformation into an Ottoman mosque in 1453. Its vast dome and monumental interior make it not simply a monument to photograph, but a place where two great civilizations can be experienced within a single space.
The Blue Mosque
Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and completed in the early 17th century, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque remains an active place of worship and one of Istanbul's most recognizable landmarks. Its elegant cascading domes, six minarets, monumental courtyard and İznik-tile-lined interior earned it the popular name "Blue Mosque," and it stands directly across the historic Hippodrome from Hagia Sophia.
The Bosphorus
The Bosphorus is the geographical and cultural strait that divides Istanbul's European and Asian sides, and a cruise along its waters is one of the defining experiences of any Istanbul itinerary. From the boat, the city reveals itself from an entirely new perspective — Ottoman waterfront palaces, historic mosques, wooden yalı mansions and the bridges linking two continents.
The Princess Islands
A group of nine car-free islands in the Sea of Marmara, the Princess Islands offer the strongest contrast to Istanbul's busy streets anywhere in this itinerary. Horse-drawn carriages and bicycles replace traffic on Büyükada and Heybeliada, while pine forests, 19th-century mansions and calm harbors make for a genuinely restorative day among sea views and quiet lanes.
Bursa & Uludağ
Bursa served as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, and its historic core — along with nearby Cumalıkızık — is recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding connection to the formation of the early Ottoman state. The Green Mosque and Green Tomb showcase the empire's finest early tilework, while a cable-car ride up Uludağ, the legendary "Mount Olympus," rewards visitors with sweeping views over the city and countryside.
More Highlights Along the Way
Hippodrome & Ancient Columns
The Roman Hippodrome, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column and Column of Constantine — four layers of ancient history in one square.
Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar
Centuries-old covered markets for jewelry, leather, textiles, Turkish coffee, spices and sweets.
Çamlıca Hill
Istanbul's most rewarding viewpoint, sweeping across the Marmara Sea, the Princes' Islands and the Bosphorus.
Pierre Loti Hill
A charming cable-car ride to a legendary Golden Horn viewpoint favored by the writer Pierre Loti.
Sapanca Lake & Maşukiye
Lakeside walks, forested valleys and optional outdoor adventure activities in Sakarya province.
Inkaya Plane Tree
A monumental, centuries-old plane tree in Bursa — one of the region's most memorable natural landmarks.
What's Included & Excluded
Included in Your Package
- Five guided group tour days with an English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees for the places specified in the itinerary
- Five set-menu lunches on touring days
- Pierre Loti cable-car one-way ticket
- Bursa cable-car one-way ticket (Uludağ)
- Private Istanbul airport arrival transfer
- Private Istanbul airport departure transfer
- Hotel pickup and drop-off on all tour days
- Air-conditioned, non-smoking transportation throughout
Not Included
- Accommodation (guests may request assistance — see below)
- Dinners, and the optional Bosphorus dinner cruise
- Drinks with included lunches
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Darıca Zoo entrance (summer, optional)
- Glass Terrace entrance (optional)
- Optional activities: ATV, UTV, zipline, Kartepe ski passes
- International flights and visa fees
- Any service not explicitly listed under inclusions
Accommodation Assistance
Accommodation is not included in the package price shown above. On request, The History Travel Agency can help arrange hotel accommodation to match your dates, budget and preferred district of Istanbul — simply mention it in your inquiry or reservation message.
Seasonal Information
The Glass Terrace and Darıca Faruk Yalçın Zoo & Botanical Park may be offered as optional, additionally-paid stops on the Sapanca day (typically warmer months); Kartepe Ski Resort is offered as a winter-season alternative. Your guide will confirm what is running on your travel dates.
Travel Tips for This Itinerary
Smart Recommendations For Your Trip
Based on the structure of this itinerary, here's how to get the most out of each day — matched to what travelers usually care about most.
Best for First-Time Visitors
This itinerary suits first-time visitors especially well, combining the essential Istanbul landmarks with the region's most popular day trips in one package.
Best Photography Day
Day 3 is the strongest for photography — Dolmabahçe, Çamlıca Hill, the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and Pierre Loti all in one day.
Best Relaxation Day
Day 4 on the Princess Islands offers the strongest contrast to Istanbul's busy streets — car-free lanes, sea air and café time.
Best Nature Experience
Day 5 in Sapanca & Maşukiye delivers lakeside scenery, forest landscapes and optional outdoor activities.
Best Ottoman History Day
Day 6 in Bursa offers the strongest connection to the origins of the Ottoman state, from the Green Mosque to Uludağ.
Best Family Experience
The Princess Islands, Bosphorus cruise and Sapanca day tend to work particularly well for families traveling with children.
Prioritize Days 2, 3 & 6 if Byzantine and Ottoman history is your main interest — they cover the richest concentration of monuments.
Shop smart: the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Princess Islands and Bursa's silk-related trade each offer a different shopping experience — spread your souvenir budget across the week rather than spending it all on Day 2.
Confirm accommodation early since it is not included in the package price — booking your hotel in the Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu districts keeps you close to daily pickup points.
Tour Price & Payment Policy
Comparable 6- to 7-day Istanbul, Bursa & Princess Islands packages on the market typically range from roughly €650 to €900 per person for a group departure without accommodation, and considerably more for a fully private itinerary. Our pricing reflects five full guided days, all listed transfers, entrance fees and lunches at a competitive, transparent rate.
Group Tour
- per adult, cash, shared group departure
- Five guided days, all inclusions listed above
- Ideal for solo travelers & couples wanting a social, budget-friendly experience
Private Tour
- per adult · €620 per child, private vehicle & guide
- Flexible timing, your own vehicle and guide throughout
- Ideal for families and travelers wanting a fully personalized pace
Payment policy: a 30% advance payment is requested to confirm your reservation; the remaining 70% balance is payable upon arrival in Istanbul. The advance payment secures arrangements such as guide scheduling and transfers, and is non-refundable in the event of cancellation.
Prices are per person and exclude accommodation. Rates may vary with season, group size and current availability — please confirm the latest price with our reservations team before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 Stars Excellent Service — The History Travel Agency
"Five very different days in one trip — the Old City, the islands and Bursa all felt completely different from each other. Our guide made the history genuinely come alive."
"The Princess Islands day was the highlight for our family — such a nice break from sightseeing. Transfers were always on time and the driver was excellent."
"Sapanca and Bursa were the surprise of the week — beautiful scenery we hadn't expected on an 'Istanbul' tour. Well organized from airport pickup to drop-off."
Book Your 7-Day Istanbul, Princess Islands, Sapanca & Bursa Tour
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- 5 traditional Turkish lunches
- Selected entrance fees
- Private airport transfers
- Pierre Loti & Bursa cable cars
- Secure payment options
- 30% advance, 70% on arrival
0090 536 560 10 38
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Cancellation Policy
The 30% advance payment secures your reservation and is non-refundable in the event of cancellation. The remaining 70% balance is payable upon arrival in Istanbul. Date changes are accommodated subject to availability.
Payment Options
More Ways to Discover Türkiye
Planning more than one trip, or want to compare this package against a shorter day tour? Explore these related itineraries from The History Travel Agency.