Turkey: Istanbul, the Bosphorus, islands, mountains and hot springs

Welcome to Istanbul. The program starts on the first or last Friday of the month when you land at Istanbul Airport, whichever country you are flying from. A Fable Tour representative meets you in the arrivals hall and takes you by private air-conditioned car to your 5-star hotel, so you can rest after the flight.

In the afternoon, depending on your arrival time, we head to the Istanbul Aquarium in Florya on the shore of the Sea of Marmara, one of the largest aquariums in the world. You walk through glass tunnels while sharks, turtles and thousands of sea creatures swim over your head. We end the day with a short walk along the coast at sunset before returning to the hotel.

After breakfast our landmarks tour begins in Ortaköy, a small Bosphorus village with an elegant white mosque beneath the suspension bridge, with time for its cafés and little shops. We continue to Balat, with its colourful wooden houses and cobbled lanes that tell the story of old Istanbul.

Next is Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of the most revered places in the city, and a cable car ride up to Pierre Loti Café for Turkish tea above a panoramic view of the Golden Horn. In the afternoon we move to nearby Isfanbul (formerly Vialand), one of the largest theme parks in Turkey, with an unlimited-rides ticket; if you prefer shopping, you can spend the time at the neighbouring Venezia Mall instead.

At 10:00 we leave the hotel for the pier and board a scenic cruise across the Sea of Marmara to the Princes' Islands, where there are no ordinary cars and people get around by bicycle and eco-friendly electric carts. Enjoy the sea breeze as the small islands pass by one after another.

We stop at Büyükada, the largest island, to wander among old Ottoman wooden mansions, flowering gardens and quiet streets overlooking the sea, and have lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening we sail back past the coastline, with drop-off at your hotel around 19:30.

Your guide meets you at the hotel in the morning and we head north to the Black Sea coast. We start in Ağva, a village of thick forests and two rivers flowing into the sea, with a boat tour on the Hidden Lake surrounded by quiet nature, then the clear waters of the Göksu River (swimming is possible in summer).

After lunch at a local restaurant we drive to Şile to see its historic lighthouse above the Black Sea and relax on one of its finest beaches. We return to Istanbul in the evening, reaching the hotel around 20:30.

A lighter day to recharge after the long excursions. At 11:00 we set off on a two-hour Bosphorus cruise between Asia and Europe, passing Ottoman palaces, fortresses and grand wooden waterside mansions on both shores, and sailing under the famous bridges.

We stop on the European shore to visit Dolmabahçe Palace with its gilded halls and crystal chandeliers, then cross to Çamlıca Hill to see the whole of Istanbul from its highest point. The day ends with free time for shopping at İstinyePark before returning to the hotel around 18:30.

At 08:00 we drive east to Sapanca and stop at its wide lake framed by mountains and forest. We then climb to Maşukiye, a village known for its waterfalls, streams and waterside restaurants, with the option of an ATV ride or a visit to the adventure park. In winter we also go up Mount Kartepe to enjoy the snow.

Lunch is at a restaurant in the green countryside, followed by free time for walks and photos. Instead of returning to Istanbul, you spend the night at a 5-star resort on the shore of Lake Sapanca; on request this can be replaced by a luxury countryside cottage in Maşukiye.

A peaceful morning in nature: we explore the nearby mountain reserve with horse riding, hiking or mountain biking, settle in for a forest picnic and barbecue, and shop for organic country produce such as honey and nuts.

On the way back we visit İzmit and stop at a viewpoint over its green forests, with free time to relax and some light shopping at local markets. On Istanbul's Asian side we visit the Viaport Aquarium and Lion Park, reaching the hotel around 20:00.

At 08:00 we cross the Sea of Marmara by ferry to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman state. We visit the ancient plane tree, more than six centuries old, then ride the cable car up Mount Uludağ for panoramic views over forests and city, with an open-air barbecue lunch in nature.

In the afternoon we stroll through the historic silk market (Koza Han), see the Bursa waterfalls and stop at a Turkish delight shop to taste and buy local sweets. We return to Istanbul in the evening, reaching the hotel around 21:30. The cable car ticket and barbecue are included.

A relaxing day after Bursa. At 08:00 we cross the Sea of Marmara by car ferry to Yalova and visit its beautiful forest waterfalls, perfect for nature lovers and photography.

We walk through the green Termal park, followed by free time to enjoy the hot sulphur baths known for their therapeutic properties, with optional mountain hiking or a safari ride. Lunch is at a local restaurant surrounded by nature, and we are back at the hotel around 20:00.

At 08:00 we head into Anatolia and stop in Söğüt to visit the tomb of Ertuğrul Gazi, father of Osman I, founder of the Ottoman state. We continue to Eskişehir, a lively modern city, and walk through Odunpazarı with its colourful Ottoman houses.

We take a boat ride on the Porsuk River through the city centre, visit the Wax Museum with its lifelike figures, and explore Sazova Park with its fairy-tale castle and pirate ship, with time for souvenirs at local bazaars. Lunch is included, and we are back in Istanbul around 21:30.

Farewell day. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel and free time, depending on your flight, for some last shopping or a short walk in the city. Our team takes care of your luggage and every detail.

At the right time our private driver takes you to Istanbul Airport well before departure, and our representative accompanies you to the entrance. Have a safe flight, and we hope to see you on another Fable Tour program.