The Ports of Marmara Sea

Istanbul
Istanbul, the former capital of three successive empires – Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman honors and preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward to its modern future. “There, God and mankind, nature and art altogether have created such a magnificent place on earth that it is worth a visit,” says Lamartine to describe the city encompassing two continents, Asia with one arm and Europe with the other. The city’s heart, the Bosporus strait courses the waters of the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. The seas and lands divide the geography into four. On both flanks of the Golden Horn are the historical peninsula of Istanbul and Galata while on both flanks of the Bosphorus are the ex-villages, which have now joined the grand city. The settlements along the shores of the Sea of Marmara- the smallest sea in the world- bear witness to the present day size of the city. Istanbul fascinates visitors with countless museums, churches, palaces, great mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty.

Some Excursion Highlights; * Topkapi Palace  * Hagia Sophia * Tiled Pavilion * Mosaic Museum  * Historical Bazaars * The Basilica Cistern   *  Sultan Ahmet Square  * Museum of the Ancient Orient  *  Archaeological Museum * Churches & Mosques

Bursa – Mudanya
Mudanya is a small fishing town of Bursa on the Gulf of Gemlik. Part of the south coast of the Sea of Marmara Mudanya was first founded by Dionies 1400 BC. It is a nice coastal city that called the attention of people because of its historical and geographical features. It is known that it was first named as Myrlea. Myrlea was occupied many times according to the archaeological quests. Macedonian King Philiposs 5 invaded Myrlea and founded a new city named Apemia in its place. After another invasion of Apemia, the city was rebuilt and then named Montania. It is suggested that name of Mudanya came from Montania.

Some Excursion Highlights ; * Monument of Martyrs  * Mudanya Truce * Creatan Quarter *Tahir Papa Mansion *Iznik (Nicea) * Green Mosque, Green Tomb *  Ulucami  * Silk Cocoon Han *Turkish Bath Experience