1. Istanbul: Private Bursa, Inkaya Tree & Uludag Mountain Tour
Drive to Bursa, which was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, from 1335 to 1363. The city’s nickname is Yesil Bursa (“Green Bursa”), in reference to the many parks and gardens dotted throughout the city, and the rich forests of the surrounding region. First stop in the city is the Green Mosque, built at the request of the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet Celebi and completed in 1419. Visit the mosque’s mausoleum, madrasah (Islamic school) and Turkish baths, before learning how candy is made at a local factory. Then head to the village of Inkaya, famous for an enormous tree that has stood for over 600 years. Stop for lunch where you can enjoy a traditional Turkish kebab and a desert such as baklava. After lunch, head to Uludag Mountain, a popular center for winter sports. Enjoy free time to go walking or join a jeep safari. You’ll then take the cable car from Uludag Mountain back to Bursa, admiring the breath-taking panoramic views on the way.