Are you interested in exploring what Turkey has to offer outside Istanbul? Then, the Yalova Tour From Istanbul is definitely what you are looking for. This full day exploration adds an extra touch of adventure in your holidays, while it enhances your sightseeing schedule. Visit some important monuments of the Ottoman Empire, admire spots of impeccable natural beauty, and purchase nice souvenirs form a ceramics bazaar.
Are you interested in exploring what Turkey has to offer outside Istanbul? Then, the Yalova Tour is, definitely, what you are looking for. This full day exploration adds an extra touch of adventure in your holidays, while it enhances your sightseeing schedule. Visit some important monuments of the Ottoman Empire, admire spots of impeccable natural beauty, and purchase nice souvenirs form a ceramics bazaar.
The tour begins during the morning time. A bus will pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul and drive you towards the Asian side of the city, until you reach Yalova. From there, you will enjoy a short boat trip to Iznik, a district of Bursa. Accompanied by a professional tour guide, you will visit the Iznik Hagia Sophia. It was constructed during the 6th century by the Byzantines as a basilica and then it was turned into a mosque. In 1932 the mosque was converted into a museum which is divided into 3 different periods of history.
The next stop of the Yalova Tour is set to take place at Lefke Gate, which forms the biggest gate of the city that was constructed around the 4th century. An interesting highlight is that on the left side of the gate, there is a frieze and drawings of human figures. The tour guide will explain everything you need to know about the history and the importance of Lefke Gate.
Iznik Museum is another interesting stop. What makes this museum special is in fact its architectural style. This is because if forms the first example of a reversed “T” plan in the Ottoman architecture, which later influenced many other architects. The interior and exterior designs are also interesting aspects with colourful bricks and a dome. The museum hosts various collections of items dating back to Prehistoric, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods.
You will also visit the Green Mosque which includes a mausoleum, madrasah, cultivation and Turkish Baths. However, it is known because of its blue, turquoise and blue tiles that decorate the interior. Before lunch close to Iznik Lake, you will also visit a ceramics bazaar in order to learn important facts about this tradition and purchase some souvenirs.
After lunch, the bus will drive you to Yalova at Sudusen Waterfall. Nature environment at its finest surrounds this breath-taking location and the flawless tranquil atmosphere will make you relax and release the pressure.
The last stop of the day is at Thermal village where you can swim at the thermal pool and receive the therapeutic and relieving benefits of the water. By the end of your last stop you will return to Istanbul. Arrival at your hotel is expected during the night.
Istanbul Hotels – 08:00
Cınarcık, Yalova Thermal Baths, Ataturk Mansion, Susdusen Waterfall
If you want to join some other activities from istanbul, Istanbul Excursions link will help you to find the best tours in the city.
Join the ultimate sightseeing experience away from Istanbul and get the opportunity to explore both, history and spots of natural beauty. The Yalova Tour from Istanbul promises to offer you an incredible full day experience full of interesting and important sites in Iznik and Yalova. This tour is ideal for people of all ages as it combines history, nature exploration and relaxation.
Pick up: A bus will pick you up from your hotel during the morning and drive you to the Asian side of the city, until you reach Yalova. From there, you will enjoy a short boat trip to Iznik, a district of Bursa.
Iznik Hagia Sophia: This particular monument was constructed during the Byzantine period as a basilica and then it served also as a mosque. However, in 1932 the mosque was converted into a museum and today it’s divided to represent three different periods of history.
Lefke Gate: The schedule includes also a visit at Lefke Gate which is the biggest of the gates protecting the gated city that was built during the 4th century. It is important to note that on the left side of the gate there is a frieze and drawings of human figures. The guide will explain everything you need to know about the history of this site.
Iznik Museum: This museum is another interesting stop. It has items from the Prehistoric, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. However, it is known for its incredible design as a reversed “T”, the first of this type in the Ottoman architecture.
Green Mosque: The tour continues to the Green Mosque which is the reason Bursa is called “Green Bursa”. The blue, turquoise and green tiles of this mosque create a unique and beautiful design like no other. The mosque includes other structures as well such as Turkish baths and a mausoleum.
Ceramics Bazaar: The guide will then take you to a ceramics bazaar to observe these beautiful handcrafts. If you are interested you can purchase some souvenirs to take back home.
Sudusen Waterfall and Thermal village: Another stop will take place at the Sudusen waterfall where you can relax and admire the beauty and the serenity of this location. The last stop will be at Thermal village and if you wish you can swim into the thermal pool.
Return: During the night, the bus will drop you off at your hotel in Istanbul full of new memories and great images.
What a great day that was!!! Went on with the family, as my mom likes to visit museums and sites. This day was full of them!!! I had no idea there were so many things to see there, but yes, it is true!!! I got seriously impressed by the Gate. A guide was with us (friendly and professional!) and told us many infos about the history of this site. Another amazing spot was the waterfall! Such an incredible natural wonder. We couldn’t stop taking photos during our time there. I’ happy I went on this tour with my parents, we all have precious memories from that day
