Garden and History Tour of Turkey

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Today we travel by ferry to the Princes’ Islands. The nine islands are only about an hour's ferry ride from mainland Istanbul. We visit Buyukada, literally translated as "big island", the largest of the islands and the most popular. This car-free island is known for its lush landscape, historic mansions and gardens. We will visit several famous gardens and architecturally remarkable landmarks. These 19th and early 20th century gardens are normally closed to the public and will only be made accessible to our group. -Summer Palace of the Vatican Consulate Gardens: The Italian-style garden consists of four terraces-. We reach the palace by walking through carefully laid out flower beds. The lower terrace, where the orchard, fountain and outbuildings are located, ends with old cypress trees. The arrangement of the fruit trees in the lower front garden rather than in the backyard enhances the panorama. The original wrought iron pergola, covers the path leading from the centre of the orchard to the old cypress trees. An exquisite fountain has been installed on the wall of the landing from the terrace of the palace. Two higher terraces at the back of the palace, which can be reached via a few steps, are intended for different needs. Some terraces are equipped with water features.The upper terrace of the garden of the Vatican Summer Palace was naturally left as a grove. Behind the old pines and this small grove, you can see something like a glass cabinet built into the back wall of the garden. Behind the frosted glass-covered iron doors, you are greeted by a saint with a bunch of daffodils to protect the estate. Lunch included. -The gardens of the Mizzi house: The garden was designed in 1894 by Italian architect Raimondo D'Aranco for the Mizzi family. The outstanding feature of the three-storey masonry is the high tower. It is still said on the islands that this tower served as an observatory and that Mizzi observed the sky with a telescope. The cast-iron gate and railings at the entrance to the garden and the magnificent wrought-iron work on the tower's balcony railings are eye-catching. A few steps lead from the entrance area to the intermediate terrace where the grotto is located. The grotto, in which bubbling water once flowed. The pond is surrounded by roses and hydrangeas. Various palm trees, magnificent bougainvillea and old ligustrum are a real eye-catcher. Access to the mansion at the upper terrace is via a staircase made of colored concrete, which leads up in a curve from both sides of the grotto. The flat roofs of these service buildings have become a destination as a viewing platform. -The gardens of the Con Paşa Mansion. The mansion was designed in 1880 by architect Achileas Politis for Con Pasha. The most recent owner, had the property restored to its former glory. The two-hectare garden is laid out on five terraces, has five gates. The main entrance to the property is on the upper narrow terrace, from which a wrought iron pergola overlooks the street. The sloping terrain of the property is softened by two large terraces. On the upper large terrace, which is modeled on the natural atmosphere of a forest, there is an ornamental marble basin, various statues, marble vases, original wrought-iron flower pots and a historic marble fountain. This marble fountain from the 18th century is a masterpiece of art with its naturalistic motifs. Greek-style statues of women placed on either side reflect the eclectic style of the garden. The large upper terrace, where the mansion and the historic fountain are located, is designed in the classic Ottoman garden style. In contrast to the large upper terrace, the lower terrace is laid out in a formal Italian garden style. The formal garden with ornamental ponds accessed via a Baroque-style marble staircase. The main path running through the center of the formal garden leads to the heated greenhouse, semi-open recreation area and water lily pond. Most of the old cedars, palms and pines live together in a natural style. Return to Istanbul via the ferry. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Istanbul.