Take a captivating journey through Turkey’s rich history and culture as revealed through its horticulture, gardens, and botany. This 12-day tour offers an immersive experience that highlights the natural beauty and cultural treasures of Turkey.

Tour Highlights: What You’ll Explore

• Historical Parks & Gardens

Walk through scenic parks and historic gardens that have stood the test of time.

• Educational Lectures

Enjoy expert-led discussions that deepen your understanding of Turkey’s unique flora.

• Private Landscapes and Arboretums

Gain exclusive access to beautifully curated private gardens and arboretums.

• Nature Walks for Wildflowers

Witness Turkey’s stunning wildflower blooms along serene nature trails.

• Organic Farms and Vineyards

Discover the art of sustainable farming and taste locally-produced wines.

• Artists’ Studios and Nurseries

Explore creative spaces where nature meets artistry and discover rare plant species.

• Botanical Gardens

Visit lush botanical gardens showcasing Turkey’s vast plant diversity.

• Authentic Local Life

Immerse yourself in the daily life of quaint towns and cities along the journey.

The Crossroads of Nature: Why Turkey Stands Out

Turkey: Neither East Nor West

Positioned at the junction of three continents, Turkey’s location has shaped its ecological richness. This unique geographical position has created an unparalleled environment with diverse ecosystems and agro-landscapes.

As a global biodiversity hotspot, Turkey holds a wealth of fragile natural assets, including endemic plant species that thrive in this transitional zone. No other region in Eurasia merges such vast biological diversity.

Join the Journey

Embark on this exceptional adventure through Turkey’s natural and cultural heritage. From wildflower meadows to historic gardens, this horticultural tour promises unforgettable memories.

About the Leaders

Gursan Ergil

For more information

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.

Itinenary

Istanbul Arrival

Sunday

Welcome to Istanbul. Today is the arrival day. This evening you will meet Gursan Ergil, your tour leader for an introduction about our tour, over a welcome dinner we will have together. Overnight in Istanbul.

Istanbul

Monday

Today Gursan Ergil will lead the group to various gardens of Istanbul along Bosphorus.. Emirgan Park: Emirgan Park is one of the largest urban parks in Istanbul with Europe’s biggest grotto. These dates will coincide with the tulip festival, and the park will be very pretty. Sakip Sabanci Museum and gardens: One of the most interesting private museums of Istanbul also has a beautifully designed garden worth a visit. Private garden: We will be visiting gardens of historic house in Bebek facing Bosphorus with spectacular panorama. Overnight in Istanbul.

Istanbul - Iznik

Tuesday

Taking a very early departure, our first visit is to a private garden of an internationally renowned Turkish sculptor. His sculpture garden and workshop is located on the Asian side. Visiting sculpture park and his workshop, now we are heading to Karaca Arboretum. It is run by a foundation. We will have a traditional lunch on the way to Iznik, important and historical town where Councils of Nicaea took place. Iznik is a lovely town located by Iznik Lake and famous for its ceramic tiles, plus monumental Cypress trees. Overnight in Iznik

Iznik - Bursa

Wednesday

After breakfast, We are visiting gardens of Iznık Foundation and learn about procedure of tile making. We will drive around two hours to reach Bursa. On the way we will drive through Iznik Lake, fruit orchards, walnuts and olive trees. Before arriving our hotel in Bursa we are visiting Cumalikizik, a well preserved Ottoman Village. We will walk amongst the picturesque old houses, reflecting the medieval Ottoman architecture. The village is also home to fruit gardens famous with raspberry and other type of berries. Resting at the hotel we are climbing up to ancient Mysian Olympus, Mount Uludag. This is the highest mountain in the region and a national park with a rich flora and fauna. On our way to the top, we will visit a monumental plane tree, Inkaya Cinari. Spend your free evening walking around in Bursa town visiting Kozahan and Covered Bazaar or treatment in the healing hot springs. We recommend trying famous Iskender Kebab for dinner. Overnight in Bursa.

Bursa - Kula

Thursday

Today, we are heading to Karacabey to visit an Organik Farm and have lunch before driving to Kula. After 3 hours drive, we reach Kula. Kula houses constitute a rich example of Ottoman architecture that survived until today. We will walk along the historic district visiting old houses and historic arts and crafts bazaar. We will stop at one of the famous vineyards of the region and taste their products. Overnight in Kula Friday - Kula, Birgi (B) Leaving Kula behind, we continue to drive through the land of Anatolia towards Sardis. Sardis is located off the track so is away from tourist masses. We are now starting famous route called ’Royal Road’ , from Sardis to Ephesus We are driving two hours to reach to Birgi on our route, a very well preserved village, with a lovely river cutting through its streets. Enjoy an afternoon walk in town visiting the Cakiraga Konagi (Old Ottoman Mansion), a Monumental Cypress Tree, lovely private gardens and a local silk producer (from cocoon) - weaver. Overnight in Birgi.

Birgi - Şirince

Saturday

We start our seventh day visiting Ödemiş plain to see some of the biggest nurseries in Turkey. We will also stop by the Odemis Handcrafts Market, where the women of the region exhibit their art, mostly textile on a street market every Saturday. Before reaching our hotel in Sirince we are visiting Ephesus. Breathtakingly beautiful and very well preserved ancient city, Ephesus. We will spend a memorable two hours visiting the Fountains of Trojan, the Temples of Hadrian, the Library of Celsius and the Great Theatre with capacity of 24,000 spectators. Prepare to be amazed. Tonight’s accommodation is in Sirince is a beautiful Old Greek Town on top of a hill close to Ephesus. Overnight in Sirince.

Sirince - Isparta

Sunday

We are having an easy morning in Şirince. Walk around Sirince streets with historic houses or walk through peach & cherry fields. We will drive a short distance to experience a carpet workshop. This is an atelier located in Camlik village. Here, we will learn about the art of extracting colors from plants and roots to dye wool. Then, we’re driving another long distance, around 3.5 hours, to reach to City of Isparta. Overnight in Isparta.

Isparta - Olympos

Monday

We are starting our tour early in the morning to visit rose fields and picking rose petals for rose oil. We will then drive through poppy fields to reach a rose oil production factory. Swimming inside rose petal sea with happy smiles. Learning about procedure and compost technology. Our second stop is in Elmali. Three hours ride to reach Elmali than we change our vehicle to climb Taurus mountains. We are visiting, biggest and oldest cedar forest in the world, Ciglikara Natural Reserve. We will see traditional wood cutters with moles and learn about their customs. Now we are heading to Olympos taking around 2 hours. Overnight in Olympos.

Olympos - Antalya

Monday

We are having easy start with breakfast and visiting lush greenery, the village is a bohemian sanctuary and the beach is alongside ancient ruins. There are various eco-friendly architecture and tree houses. Today, we are enjoying a yacht tour of Mediterranean with lunch. This evening, we are heading to Antalya. Overnight in Antalya

Antalya - Akseki - Antalya

Tuesday

After breakfast, we start our wandering in Akseki region. We will be seeing rare species of orchids, flowers and also the authentic Ottoman “Button Houses” in Ormana Village. We will enjoy a farewell dinner tonight. Overnight in Antalya

Antalya

Wednesday

After breakfast, our tour ends. You may want to take some time on the Mediterranean Coast or take a flight towards Cappadocia if you still have time before returning home.

Details

Duration

12 - Day Tour

Tour Leader

Gursan Ergil

Book the Tour

Gallery

Testimonials

Proud to receive great feedback from our customers!

A Good Experience ❤️
Huge gratitude to Unison Turkey! Traveling abroad can be intimidating, but finding a quality tour company makes all the difference.
Tony & Julie S.
The Perfect Trip to Embark On 💃
If you love dance, history, and colorful cultures, this trip is perfect for you. The hosts are knowledgeable and incredibly welcoming.
Bozenka A. - USA
Well Beyond the Call of Duty 🌍
Thank you, Gursan & Nazan, for going above and beyond. Your care and attention were truly appreciated.
Sara W. - Canada
A Perfect Holiday 🏖️
Thank you, Burcu! We had a fantastic holiday, and everything exceeded our expectations.
Natasja B. - Holland
☀️ Peace of Mind
We’ve worked with Unison Turkey for 8 years. Every detail is handled with care, and they are always available when needed.
Paula A. - Portugal
🍽️ A Fabulous Cuisine and Cultural Tour
I was lucky to join this incredible food and culture tour by Unison Turkey and Nathan Fong. Every detail was perfectly planned!
Larae C. - Canada
🌟 Amazing Vacation
Everything was magnificent! Thanks to the Unison Turkey team, we had a truly amazing vacation.
Amy S. - USA
🌍 A Nice Turkey Experience
We recently visited Turkey and had an amazing time. Unison Turkey took care of all our needs, from transportation to booking tours. Zehra was incredibly helpful!
Hemita Sagar & Family - USA
🙌 Thank You SO MUCH for Everything!
Huge shout-out to Burcu and Yoko! The trip was wonderful from start to finish. If you’re in the dance community, just go!
Saroya A. - Panama
🇹🇷 Hosted Very Well in Stunning Parts of Turkey
I always have a great time with Unison Turkey, knowing my students will be well taken care of. One of the best experiences ever!
Ozgen O. - UK
✅ Recommend Them Without Hesitation!
Unison Turkey is a wonderful company—welcoming, knowledgeable, and accommodating. I would highly recommend them!
Artemis M. - USA