Ancient Iznik: A Private Day Trip to the Heart of Nicea

Everyday Guarantee Departures

6 Hours

Istanbul

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Places to VisitTour ID 881

IznikHagia Sophia of IznikAncient City NicaeaGreen MosqueLake IznikSt. Sophia ChurchBursa

Featured Details

Sacred Councils and Ceramics: A Day in Iznik

Step back in time with a full-day private excursion to Iznik, the legendary city of Nicaea, where pivotal moments of early Christianity unfolded. Travel in comfort from Istanbul and walk the ancient Roman-Byzantine city walls, admire the elegance of the Green Mosque, and stand at the site of the Second Ecumenical Council in Hagia Sophia of Iznik. Enjoy a lakeside lunch and witness traditional craftsmanship at the Iznik tile workshops, famous worldwide for their beauty.

Inclusions:

✅ English Speaking Guide
✅ Air-conditioned vehicle
✅ Hotel pickup and drop-off (for central hotels)
✅ Entrance fees

Exclusions:

☑️ Personal expenses
☑️ Meals and drinks

Optional extras (add when booking):

☑️ Whirling Dervishes Show Istanbul Hodjapasha – $30

Departure Place: Hotel, Istanbul

Duration : 6 Hours

➤ Private Tour

Departures : Everyday Guarantee Departures

Schedule

The tour starts at 08:00 and ends around 18:00.

Hotel Pickup (Istanbul): Start the day with pickup from your hotel around 08:00.
Drive to Iznik (Nicea): A 2-hour journey in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
Iznik (Nicea): Visit the ancient city walls from Roman and Byzantine periods, and the Green Mosque, renowned for its turquoise tiles.
Hagia Sophia of Iznik: Explore the remains of the St. Sophia Church, site of the Second Council of Nicea, and admire the mosaics and frescoes.
Lake Iznik: Enjoy a break by the lake and visit traditional tile workshops, where artisans create iconic Iznik ceramics.
Return to Istanbul: Drive back and drop-off at your hotel around 18:00.

Know Before You Book

The drive from Istanbul to Iznik takes about 2 hours each way, depending on traffic.
Pickup and drop-off are from central hotels in Istanbul.
Lunch is at a local restaurant by the lake, so bring money for your meal.
You walk along parts of the old Roman and Byzantine city walls, so wear comfortable shoes.
Dress modestly for the mosques: cover shoulders and knees, and women should bring a headscarf.