Garden and History Tour of Türkiye (İstanbul, Bursa, İzmir)

Name: Garden and History Tour of Türkiye (İstanbul, Bursa, İzmir)
Start: 2025-05-08T08:00:00+03:00
End: 2025-05-18T20:00:00+03:00
Location: İstanbul

Schedule

Thu, 08 May, 2025 at 08:00 am to Sun, 18 May, 2025 at 08:00 pm

UTC+03:00

Location

İstanbul | Istanbul, IB

Triangle Gardener and Garden Destinations are partnering with Unison Travel & Events for a garden tour of Türkiye. This 10-day horticultural tour will explore the history and culture of Turkey through its gardens, botany, and horticulture! Get ready for an immersive journey full of historical sites, educational lectures, nature walks, organic farms, vineyards, artists’ studios, botanical gardens, nurseries, and authentic local experiences.
Türkiye boasts nearly 10,000 species of vascular plants and ferns, making it the richest flora of all temperate zone countries, with almost 34% found only in Türkiye. New plant species are still being discovered in Turkey more than once a week.
Let’s embark on this fascinating adventure!
Details: https://unisonturkey.com/tours/small-group-tours/garden-and-history-tour-of-turkey-8-18-may-2025/
Day 1 - İstanbul
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Welcome to Istanbul! Upon your arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, Gursan Ergil and Beverly Hurley (editor of Triangle Gardener) will introduce the group and talk about the tour over a welcome dinner.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 2 - Istanbul
Friday, May 9, 2025
Breakfast included at the hotel.
We will start with a walking tour, taking you through the colorful and fragrant Spice Market, followed by a visit to the famous Grand Bazaar, an iconic place full of history and culture.
After lunch, we will explore the Hippodrome of Constantinople and end our day at the stunning Blue Mosque, famous for its dazzling Iznik tiles.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 - Istanbul
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Breakfast included at the hotel.
Today, we’ll visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Yerebatan Underground Cistern, diving into the rich history and magnificent architecture of Istanbul.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 4 - Istanbul
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Breakfast included at the hotel.
We will take a private cruise on the Bosphorus, followed by visits to several private gardens, including a beautiful historical garden in Bebek.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 5 - Istanbul
Monday, May 12, 2025
Breakfast included at the hotel.
Today, we head to the Princes’ Islands, where we will visit Buyukada and explore its lush gardens, historical mansions, and famous landmarks, including The Vatican Consulate Gardens and the Mizzi House Gardens.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 6 - Iznik, Bursa
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Breakfast included at the hotel.
We will travel to Iznik and Bursa, exploring historical sites and visiting the Mehmet Aksoy workshop and sculpture garden.
Overnight stay in Bursa.
Day 7 - Bursa
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Breakfast included at the hotel.
We will visit Grand Mosque, Green Mosque, and Bursa Botanical Park. You’ll also have time to enjoy the thermal facilities at your hotel.
Overnight stay in Bursa.
Day 8 - Odemis, Birgi
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Breakfast included at the hotel.
We will travel to Odemis to explore its renowned nurseries, then visit the picturesque village of Birgi and its beautiful private gardens.
Overnight in Izmir.
Day 9 - Ephesus, Sirince
Friday, May 16, 2025
Breakfast included at the hotel.
Today, we will explore the ancient city of Ephesus and visit the village of Sirince and the Can Carpet Atelier.
Overnight in Izmir.
Day 10 - Izmir, Urla
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Breakfast included at the hotel.
We will visit the Mattheys House and Gardens in Izmir, followed by a trip to Urla for a farewell dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant, OdUrla.
Overnight in Izmir.
Day 11 - Izmir
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Breakfast included at the hotel.
Check out and transfer to the Izmir airport for your return flight home.
Hotels:
Istanbul: Galata Decamondo Hotel - https://www.decamondo.com.tr/en/
Bursa: Kervansaray Thermal Hotel - https://kervansaraytermal.com.tr/
Izmir: Swissotel - https://www.swissotelbuyukefesizmir.com/