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
Sobre los líderes
Gursan Ergil
Gursan Ergil spent eight 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 to the United Kingdom from the US, he continued his studies in Cambridge University’s advanced garden history program. We celebrate two decades of collaboration with Unison Travel & Events through an inspiring tour titled “Gardens of Humanity.” Today, based in Istanbul, Turkey, he splits his time between lecturing, leading tours and writing books on gardens. Ergil’s eco-friendly furniture and sustainable landscape designs are published in international media, and his mobile gardens series was exhibited at Marta Herford Museum in Germany. Ergil currently works as a landscape curator at Prince’s Island Museum in Istanbul, and he is the author of the book ‘Gardens of Princes Islands’.
Galería
Itinerario
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
Mount Uludağ & Wild Flora
Today we head up to Mount Uludağ, known in antiquity as Mount Olympos. This is a rich site for viewing wild flora and endemic plant species. We’ll enjoy a scenic BBQ lunch in nature, and there’s an optional visit to a dervish lodge nestled in the mountains.
Uludağ’s diverse landscapes and cool highland air offer a peaceful contrast to the city.
Overnight in Bursa
Day 6
May, 12
Scenic Drive to Birgi via Mountains
We depart early for a scenic drive through the mountains toward Birgi, a well-preserved village nestled in the Ödemiş district. On the way, enjoy views of the Aegean hinterland.
Upon arrival, we’ll explore Birgi’s rich heritage:
• Stroll through its Cittaslow-certified town center
• Visit Çakırağa Konağı, a grand Ottoman mansion
• See ancient cypress trees and local gardens
• Engage in a silk demonstration with a local artisan
Lunch is included, followed by a relaxed village walk and workshop experience.
Overnight in Birgi
Day 7
May, 13
Nurseries, Weaving & Ancient Ephesus
This morning we visit horticultural nurseries in Ödemiş, a town with deep roots in agriculture and plant production. We then visit the Can Carpet Center, where we explore the natural dye and carpet weaving processes.
In the afternoon, we drive to the world-famous site of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities. Highlights include:
• The Library of Celsus
• The Great Theater
• The Temple of Hadrian and many more
On the way back to İzmir, we stop at Lucien Arkas Vineyards for a wine tasting and vineyard dinner amid olive trees and aromatic gardens.
Overnight in İzmir
Day 8
May, 14
İzmir Gardens & City Life
Today we explore İzmir’s cultural life, beginning with a visit to the Mattheys Mansion, home to a collection of Anatolian rugs and elegant landscaped gardens. Stroll through Bornova, a leafy historical district.
Then explore İzmir’s lively street food scene, and take time to enjoy the local culture.
Overnight in İzmir
Day 9
May, 15
Urla Day: Gardens, Arboretum & Farewell
Today we head to Urla, a charming coastal town with deep culinary and botanical roots. Stops include:
• The Köstem Olive Oil Museum, with exhibitions on traditional olive production, soap making, and regional plant varieties
• A private garden visit and some free time in Urla’s town center
• Late afternoon visit to Uzbaş Arboretum, home to hundreds of native plant species
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at OD Urla, a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its open-fire cooking and locally sourced ingredients.
Overnight in İzmir
Day 10
May, 16
Departure from İzmir
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Group airport transfers will be provided for your departure from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
Gursan Ergil
Detalles del precio
Popular
El precio incluye:
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
El precio no incluye:
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
Testimonios
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