Tour Description
Western Türkiye – Gardens, Crafts & Flavors of the Aegean
May 8 – 16, 2026
(Iznik / Bursa / Birgi-Ödemiş / Izmir / Urla)
This final leg takes you through the fertile lands and coastal gems of Western Türkiye, a region known for its crafts, agriculture, and culinary excellence.
Visit Iznik, famous for its tiles and lakeside charm
Explore Bursa’s historical gardens and the wild flora of Mount Uludağ
Meet local artisans in Birgi and Ödemiş
Discover ancient sites like Ephesus and the vibrant city of Izmir
Taste regional wines and olive oils in Urla
Conclude your journey with a farewell dinner at OD Urla, one of the country’s top farm-to-table restaurants
About the Leaders
Gursan Ergil
Gursan Ergil spent six years living in the United States and studying landscape design, history, and preservation at Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum, where he later lectured on Islamic Gardens for two years. After moving United Kingdom from US, he continued studying at Cambridge Universtiy’s advanced garden history program. We celebrate two decades of collaboration with Unison Travel & Events through an inspiring tour titled “Gardens of Humanity.”
Itinerary
Day 1
May, 7
Arrival in Istanbul & Welcome Dinner Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Settle in and take some time to rest or explore the neighborhood. In the evening, join the group for a special welcome dinner where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and guides. The setting offers a taste of Turkish cuisine and views of the vibrant city an ideal start to your journey. Overnight in Istanbul
Day 2
May, 8
Iznik: Glass Art & Lakeside Stay After breakfast, we depart from Istanbul by private transportation toward Iznik. En route, we visit the studio and sculpture garden of renowned Turkish sculptor Mehmet Aksoy, where art, nature, and architectural imagination blend. We then enjoy a traditional lunch before arriving in Iznik, a UNESCO-nominated town known for its historical significance and beautiful natural setting by the lake. We explore a local glass workshop and visit the Iznik Foundation Workshops and Gardens, where traditional hand-crafted Iznik tiles are produced using 16th-century techniques and modern innovation. The foundation’s gardens are a serene highlight of the day. Later, we enjoy a brief walking tour of Iznik’s historic core, including ancient city walls and Byzantine-Roman-Ottoman-era landmarks, before checking in to a peaceful guesthouse surrounded by nursery gardens. Overnight in Iznik
Day 3
May, 9
Foundations & Tiles in Iznik – Transfer to Bursa Following breakfast, we delve deeper into Iznik’s heritage with a visit to a charitable foundation supporting the preservation of traditional tile-making. Here, we take part in a hands-on tile painting workshop (çini), learning firsthand about this UNESCO-recognized art form. After lunch, we enjoy a final look at Iznik’s significant monuments, including remnants of early Christian councils and Ottoman-era structures, before heading toward Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Along the way, enjoy views of Lake Iznik, olive groves, and fruit plantations. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight in Bursa
Day 4
May, 10
Bursa Heritage & Botanical Delights After a relaxing morning at your leisure—perhaps enjoying the thermal facilities at your hotel—we gather for a guided tour of Bursa’s architectural gems. Highlights include: • The Grand Mosque, built in 1399 and topped with 20 domes • The Green Mosque and Green Tomb, known for their turquoise-tiled interiors • The historic Koza Han, once the center of silk trade and still a vibrant bazaar • The Covered Bazaar, known for traditional bath accessories and textiles We end the day with a visit to the Bursa Botanical Park, home to themed gardens including Japanese, French, English, Rose, and Topiary sections. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Bursa
Day 5
May, 11
Day 6
May, 12
Day 7
May, 13
Day 8
May, 14
Day 9
May, 15
Day 10
May, 16
Gursan Ergil
Price Details
Popular
Price Includes:
Accommodation
– 9 nights in carefully selected boutique hotels and guesthouses in Istanbul, Iznik, Bursa, Birgi, and İzmir
Meals
– Daily breakfast at all accommodations
– Welcome dinner in Istanbul
– BBQ lunch on Mount Uludağ
– Wine tasting and dinner at Lucien Arkas Vineyard
– Farewell dinner at OD Urla
– Selected lunches as stated in the itinerary
Transportation
– All private ground transportation throughout the tour, including intercity transfers
– Scenic mountain drive from Bursa to Birgi
– Airport transfer on departure day from İzmir (if within designated group time)
Entrance Fees & Guided Visits
– All site and museum entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
– Visits to Mehmet Aksoy’s studio, glass and tile workshops
– Guided visits to Ephesus, Iznik, Bursa heritage sites, and botanical gardens
– Guided village walk in Birgi
– Visit to Uzbaş Arboretum and Köstem Museum
Workshops & Experiences
– Tile-painting experience in Iznik
– Weaving center visit at Can Carpet
– Wine tasting experience in Selçuk
– Cultural garden and art visits throughout the program
Local Expertise
– English-speaking local guides and cultural facilitators
– Botanical and heritage interpretation during key visits
Taxes and service charges
– All applicable local taxes and VAT included
Price does not Include:
International airfare to/from Türkiye
Domestic flights (unless specifically included in your package)
Visa fees, if applicable
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional activities not listed in the program
Personal expenses such as laundry, minibar, and souvenirs
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
Airport transfer on arrival day unless pre-arranged
Gallery
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