Your Journey
The Ottoman Legacy: Waterfront Mansions & Emerald Forests of Istanbul & Bursa, Turkey
A 13-Day Journey Through Imperial Mosque Complexes, Bosphorus Yachting & Silk Road Heritage
Destination Overview
Step into the former Ottoman Empire, where history spans two continents. This 13-day expedition provides an passage through Istanbul, the historic imperial capital, and Bursa, the cradle of the Ottoman dynasty. Beyond standard access, explore private sultanate quarters, cruise the Bosphorus on a luxury yacht, and retreat to the pine slopes of Mount Uludağ. Combining quiet sanctuary spaces with deep Islamic heritage, this narrative is tailored for privacy, Halal dining, and Anatolian natural landscapes.
Best period
April to October(Dry Season)
Ideal duration
13 Days
Airport
Istanbul (IST)
Transfer
Executive Maybach Fleet, Private Bosphorus Yacht & Scenic Helicopter Charter.
Your Tour
Indicative price range
5800 – 8200 EUR per person
What's Included
12 nights in hand-selected private sanctuaries (Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, Splendid Palace & Swissôtel Uludağ)
Gourmet Full Board: Daily chef breakfasts, curated garden picnics & fine-dining Halal Ottoman gastronomy
Executive Mobility Fleet: Chauffeur-driven Mercedes-Maybach fleet, private Bosphorus yacht & helicopter transfer
Dedicated private historian, art curators, and native Anatolian heritage experts throughout
Silk Road & Mountain Expeditions: Princes' Islands helicopter charter, Koza Han Silk Market & 16th-century private Hammam rituals
24/7 Elite Logistics: Dedicated concierge support & private airport fast-track coordination
The price indicated below is for informational purposes only. Prices depend on various factors. The final price of your handcrafted journey will be curated by our Travel Designers on your personalized quote.
Your Journey
13 Days of Bosphorus Palaces, Island Retreats & Anatolian Peaks
Discover Türkiye through a route that contrasts bustling imperial cityscapes with quiet island retreats and pine-forested mountain sanctuaries. Stand beneath intricate Iznik tilework, sail past historic wooden mansions on the Bosphorus, explore centuries-old silk markets, and unwind in thermal mineral springs. Built for privacy, cultural depth, and uncrowded access, every detail ensures a smooth transition from Bosphorus waterfronts to mountain slopes.
Day 1
Arrival in the City of Two Continents
Touch down at Istanbul Airport, where a priority fast-track greeting leads to your executive Mercedes-Maybach transfer to the Bosphorus shore. Check into your restored 19th-century Ottoman mansion at Six Senses Kocataş Mansions. Spend your first evening relaxing on the waterfront terrace, followed by a welcome dinner featuring traditional Halal Ottoman dishes.
Day 2
The Spiritual Heart of Sultanahmet
Stand beneath the 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles of the Blue Mosque alongside your private historian. Continue to the historic Hagia Sophia to view its soaring dome and marble calligraphic medallions. In the evening, descend into the Basilica Cistern for a private, after-hours viewing of its carved column bases and Medusa heads away from public crowds.
Day 3
Harem Secrets & Palace Intrigue
Explore Topkapi Palace with a focus on the Sultan’s private Harem quarters, walking through tiled chambers and inner courtyards. In the afternoon, visit the Spice Bazaar alongside your historian to sample high-grade saffron, rare spices, and traditional Turkish delight from historic merchants.
Day 4
Between Two Continents
Board your private luxury yacht for a morning cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, passing waterfront wooden mansions (yalı) and historic fortresses. In the afternoon, visit Dolmabahçe Palace, the 19th-century administrative center of the empire, touring its ceremony hall and crystal chandelier displays.
Day 5
The Grand Bazaar Masterclass
Spend your day exploring the Grand Bazaar alongside a personal shopping specialist. Gain access to hidden rooftop ateliers, antique carpet masters, and artisan jewelry workshops. In the late afternoon, visit the Süleymaniye Mosque complex, designed by architect Mimar Sinan, for views over the Golden Horn.
Day 6
Fatih & The Local Soul
Wander through the historic Fatih district, exploring its traditional neighborhoods, craft shops, and public squares. Tour the Fatih Mosque complex and enjoy a private lunch at a local heritage restaurant specializing in slow-cooked Anatolian lamb recipes passed down over generations.
Day 7
The Aerial Escape to Büyükada
Board a private helicopter for a short flight over the Sea of Marmara to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes' Islands. Arrive on an island free of motor vehicles, where quiet streets are lined with pine trees and historic wooden mansions. Transfer by private electric carriage to check into the Royal Suite at Splendid Palace.
Day 8
Victorian Villas & Pine Forests
Explore Büyükada's pine-covered hills and 19th-century Victorian villas by private electric carriage or bicycle. Ascend to the hilltop site of Aya Yorgi for views across the Marmara archipelago back toward the Istanbul skyline.
Day 9
Return to the Bosphorus
Spend your morning at leisure along the private beach club, swimming in clear Marmara waters. Board a private speedboat for your return transfer to the mainland Bosphorus shoreline. Settle back into Six Senses Kocataş Mansions for an afternoon of traditional hammam spa rituals.
Day 10
The Green City & Great Mosque
Travel south to Bursa in your private Maybach via the Osmangazi Bridge. Upon arrival, visit the Great Mosque of Bursa (Ulu Camii), famous for its 20 domes and internal marble fountain. Drive into the pine forests of Mount Uludağ to check into your mountain wellness sanctuary at Swissôtel Uludağ.
Day 11
Silk Roads & Green Tombs
Visit Koza Han (the historic Silk Market) in central Bursa to learn about its centuries-old trade history. Explore the Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe), an octagonal mausoleum covered in turquoise tilework. In the late afternoon, ride the teleferik cable car up Mount Uludağ for panoramic sunset views over the valley.
Day 12
UNESCO Villages & Thermal Bliss
Visit the 700-year-old UNESCO village of Cumalıkızık, exploring its early Ottoman timber-and-stone house architecture. Spend your final afternoon taking advantage of Bursa’s famous natural thermal mineral waters with a private thermal bath and spa treatment at your resort.
Day 13
Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the pine forest mist on Mount Uludağ. Your private Mercedes-Maybach master chauffeur provides an executive transfer back to Istanbul Airport (IST) for your departure flight.
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