The Grand Mosque and Green Tomb are two icons of Bursa, a city a few hours south of Istanbul.

When my time with Turkish Airlines drew to a close, after exploring Istanbul, Ephesus, and Pamukkale together, it was time to strike off on my own.

I paid $8.50 for a ferry ticket from Istanbul to Bursa, a city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014:

"This property is a serial nomination of eight component sites in the City of Bursa and the nearby village of Cumalikizik, in the southern Marmara region. The site illustrates the creation of an urban and rural system establishing the Ottoman Empire in the early 14th century."

UNESCO

Ulucami (Grand Mosque)

The main attraction is Ulucami, the Grand Mosque of Bursa, featuring 20 domes, two minarets, and a large water fountain in the middle.

This monumental mosque was built between 1396 - 1399 and is famous for its Islamic calligraphy.

The interior is quite beautiful and well worth a quick look.

Yesil Mosque (Green Mosque)

Another excellent example of early Ottoman architecture is the Green Mosque, built from 1419 - 1421.

Similar to how the Blue Mosque in Istanbul was named after the blue tiles used inside, the Green Mosque features blue and green tile work.

Yesil Turbe (Green Tomb)

More interesting to me was the Green Tomb, a mausoleum where Ottoman Sultan Mehmed I was laid to rest in 1421.

It was ordered by the Sultan's son and designed by the same architect as the Green Mosque.

Unlike the mosque, however, the mausoleum features colorful tiles on the exterior and the interior.

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Bursa and Cumalikizik: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Click here for the complete list of UNESCO sites I've visited.

Sneakers and socks removed, I gingerly stepped onto the path with running water which led down the face of Pamukkale ("Cotton Castle" in Turkish).

My eyes were convinced the ground would be slippery; however, I quickly realized it was only an illusion.

Far from hard and slick, it was soft and spongy, giving a sense of traction I didn't expect.

A natural landscape derived from mineral deposits, Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) has been fascinating visitors and bathers for over a thousand years!

The site was recognized by UNESCO in 1988 and is described as follows:

"Deriving from springs in a cliff almost 200 m high overlooking the plain, calcite-laden waters have created at Pamukkale (Cotton Palace) an unreal landscape, made up of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of terraced basins.

At the end of the 2nd century B.C. the dynasty of the Attalids, the kings of Pergamon, established the thermal spa of Hierapolis. The ruins of the baths, temples and other Greek monuments can be seen at the site."

- UNESCO

The scene reminded me of a cross between a ski resort melting away in Spring and the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia.

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Hierapolis-Pamukkale became a World Heritage Site in 1988. Click here for the complete list of UNESCO sites Dave has visited during his travels.

My visit was in partnership with Turkish Airlines.

Turkey is full of historical surprises, as I learned on my third day. It all began with an early morning Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Izmir on the Aegean coast.

The highlight on our itinerary was a visit to Ephesus, an ancient city with a history dating as far back as the 10th century B.C. But first, we had the opportunity to visit the former House of the Virgin Mary.

House of the Virgin Mary

Situated near Ephesus, a small stone structure discovered in the 19th century is thought to be the Virgin Mary's last home.

Restored, it now functions as a chapel and place of pilgrimage for Catholics. The interior is sparsely decorated, with a Virgin Mary statue on an altar in an alcove at the far wall.

Off to the side is a smaller room where she was thought to sleep. No photography is allowed inside.

Outside, candles are available for the faithful to light, three fountains offer water for drinking (some believe these waters have special powers), and there's a wall of visitors' wishes written on napkin-sized pieces of cloth.

The claim that the Virgin Mary lived her final years here may still be up for debate, but that more than a few popes have visited it in the 115 years since its discovery lends the site credibility.

Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus, first inhabited by the Greeks as far back as the 10th century B.C. and later by the Romans, was in use until the 15th century A.D., totaling 2,500 years. That's a lot of history!

The entrance to Ephesus is rather humble. It's not until you begin walking deeper into the site that the grandeur of this former city starts to show itself.

A highlight for everyone who visits is the reconstructed two-story facade of The Library of Celsus.

Its height towers over all other structures, aside from the theater built into the hillside at a distance. 

Up close, the details of the sculptures and columns become clearer.

Less grand though just as interesting to me were the bathrooms, which featured holes cut in stone, one after the other, leaving one wondering whether there was any sense of privacy back then.

Related: Best Places to Visit in Turkey

Past The Library of Celsus is the 25,000 person theater, possibly the largest in the ancient world.

Here, theatrical performances were held as well as gladiator fights.

The theater faced the road leading to the old harbor, back when the sea level was high enough to meet Ephesus's edge. The city must've been an incredible sight in its heyday.

Basilica of St. John

If learning the Virgin Mary may have spent her last years around Ephesus was a surprise, so too was it to find out the same of St. John, author of the Book of Revelation.

In the 4th century, 300 years after he died, a small chapel was constructed over his grave. In the 6th century, the larger basilica was built.

Above the basilica is a castle, though we didn't have time to explore it during our visit.

Temple of Artemis

The biggest surprise of the day came in the form of a single unassuming column in the middle of a field.

It's viewable from the hill upon which the Basilica of St. John was built. In the photo above, it's barely visible at the center far right.

This column represents the Temple of Artemis's location, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Based on the foundation, the Temple of Artemis was four times the Parthenon's size in Athens.

The temple marked my second visit to a wonder of the ancient world (the first being the Great Pyramids at Giza).

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My visit to Ephesus was in partnership with Turkish Airlines. 

Stepping into the 435-year-old Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami for my Turkish bath in Istanbul, I immediately left the city noise and stress of daily life behind. It was 4:30 p.m. on a Monday, and the hamam had just switched from servicing women (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to men (4 p.m. to 11 p.m.).

The cordial receptionist invited me to sit at one of the tables surrounding the water fountain under the central dome, one of the largest in Istanbul.

This room, known as the camegah, was beautifully decorated, a grand payoff for a seven-year restoration project. The exposed stonework reminded me of the centuries-old tradition I was getting ready to experience.

The modern wooden changing rooms on the second floor offered the comfort and cleanliness I desired. I was provided a welcome drink, a refreshing glass of homemade strawberry sherbet.

Once I'd finished my sherbet, I was directed to a designated changing room, where I exchanged clothes for a traditional cotton wrap called a pestamal and a pair of slippers. When I finished my sherbet, I walked upstairs and undressed.

A list of rules was posted in the changing room (paraphrased below):

• Don't use cell phones or electronic devices in the bath.
• Don't speak loudly.
• Don't walk around the common areas naked (whew!), and respect the rules.
• Don't take or share pictures or audio that violates the privacy of other guests.
• Leave any dangerous objects with reception.

Having gone fully naked like a local at a Japanese onsen in Kyoto once before, I left the boxers behind and walked back downstairs with only the pestamal tightly tucked around my waist.

I was greeted by a short, thin male attendant who I estimated to be in his early 40's. For men, the attendant is known as a tellak; for women, the female attendant is a natir.

The Göbektasi

The attendant led me into a large steamy room and asked if it was my first time at a Turkish bath, to which I responded, "Yes."

A heated slab of marble in a hexagonal shape, known as a Göbektasi, dominated the space. The perimeter was lined with nooks, each containing a kurna or marble sink.

Several attendants were actively washing their clients while other customers were lying peacefully on the marble, awaiting their turn. The others appeared to be mostly tourists, like me.

I was asked to lie down on the hot marble slab. I did so slowly, as my body was still acclimating to the change in ambient temperature. Lying on hot marble for 10 minutes softens one's skin and helps one's body adapt more quickly to the warmer room.

As I lay on the marble, looking up at the diffused light coming through the star-shaped glass windows in the dome, I wondered whether the heat would leave my back red like the traumatic fire-cupping experience I had in Chengdu, China. I tried not to think about it.

The Kurna

After 10 minutes, my attendant stirred me from my internal dialog and ushered me to the kurna, where he began showering me with cups of hot water. He donned an exfoliation mitten called a kese and scrubbed my back, arms, and legs.

His pressure was perfect, making for a pleasant experience. But he also made it a point to show me how much dead skin he removed, something I could've done without.

I took the opportunity to ask him how long he'd been working at Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami, to which he said a few years. Before that, he'd been working at the Ritz Carlton. Altogether, he'd been working in Turkish baths for 20 years.

He roused me with hot water again, and then things turned soapy with the köpük. In this last stage, he would dip a small towel into a bucket of sudsy water and wring the bubbly soap out over me. The bubbles transferred from his towel to my skin, and after seven or eight repetitions, I was covered from head to toe in soap bubbles.

It was like taking a bubble bath without the bath (and the rubber duckies). Encased in a cocoon of bubbles, I waited to be cleansed, which came in the form of more cupfuls of water generously splashed over my head and body.

The last few splashes were with cold water, sending my skin into a state of shock after it'd so perfectly surrendered to the heat. "Bastard!" I screamed internally. And then it was over.

The Camegah

My attendant walked me into a smaller room, where he wiped my head dry and offered me a dry pestamal to put around my waist. I was led back to the camegah, where I was directed to one of the sofas lining the room's perimeter.

Only those who've gone through the bath can sit on them, and then only if they're still in a pestamal. New arrivals in street clothes must sit at the tables closer to the fountain in the room's center. I relaxed for thirty minutes, sipping an apple tea, before beginning a 30-minute massage.

Turkish Massage

As with the bath, the massages are provided by someone of the same sex as the client. The massage room was surprisingly nice, similar to what you'll find in a mid-level spa.

I asked the masseuse to focus on my back and shoulders. Aside from the unexpected cracking of my back, he did an excellent job, but I wish I'd saved the 120 lira ($44) for something else.

Overall, my Turkish bath experience was a fun, relaxing time. Others may be better in touch with changes to their skin as a result, but I didn't notice a difference. I enjoyed it for the ritual and the chance to escape the business and congestion of Istanbul.

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Notes: The Turkish bath experience at Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami was 140 lira ($50), but it was well worth the cost, given the atmosphere, friendly service, and cleanliness of the facilities. After the bath, you can lounge in the waiting area as long as you want.

If you get a massage, factor a 10% to 20% tip into your Istanbul travel budget for the bath attendant and the masseuse. You can learn more and make reservations through their website.

Fresh from my first experience flying Turkish Airlines and a good night's rest, my trip's focus turned to discovering Istanbul (not Constantinople).

The city where East meets West along the Bosphorus Straits was more extensive than I realized. 

My first few days were spent with fellow bloggers. However, I would later return to continue exploring on my own.

Most of the sites on my list of top ten things to do in Istanbul can be found in Sultanahmet, the Old City.

The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you'll spend time sightseeing, but I recommend basing yourself in the more modern Galata area instead. I chose Rapunzel Hostel.

Istanbul Attractions

1. The Blue Mosque

An icon of Istanbul, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is better known as the Blue Mosque after its beautiful blue mosaics.

Built over only eight years, between 1609 and 1616, the mosque has a capacity of 10,000 worshippers. The ceiling is truly stunning, so step inside. It's free.

This is a working mosque, meaning it's closed to tourists five times a day during the Muslim call to prayer.

Check prayer times in real-time here and plan your visit accordingly.

Proper etiquette dictates shoes must be removed before entering this or any mosque.

Complimentary plastic bags are provided, and there are wooden cubby holes inside if you don't want to carry them around.

Women must wear a head covering, which is also available for free at the entrance.

Once inside, be respectful of those who are there to pray as you crane your neck up toward the intricate, 400-year old tile work and stained glass above.

Photo Tip: To get a clear, balanced exterior photo of the Blue Mosque, head for the nearby Blue House Hotel (Dalbasti Sokak No:14, Sultanahmet, Istanbul) mid-morning. The staff allowed me up to the rooftop restaurant even though it didn't open until noon.

Related: The Grand Mosque and Green Tomb, Icons of Bursa

2. Hagia Sophia

Built in just six years during the 6th century A.D., Hagia Sophia ("holy wisdom") was established as an Orthodox Christian cathedral.

In 1453, the Ottomans took control of Constantinople and converted it into a mosque.

As Turkey became a secular country in the 1930s, the government converted Hagia Sophia into a museum.

Surrounded by attractive gardens, Hagia Sophia is only a few hundred meters from the Blue Mosque, making them both easy to visit on foot.

Glimmering gold mosaics adorn the entrances, but the continued use of gold and black as a color palette creates a rather stark interior.

Perhaps it was the extra 1,000 years in age, with the paint peeling and the scaffolding erected for restoration work, but I found the Blue Mosque more visually appealing. Admission is 30 lira ($11).

3. Cruising the Bosphorus

The Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea to the north with the Mediterranean Sea, creating a natural border between the European continent to the West and the Asian continent to the east.

As part of our Turkish Airlines media tour, they organized a private sunset cruise on the Bosphorus our second night.

We departed at 7:30 p.m. The journey lasted two hours, and we went as far north as the second suspension bridge before turning around.

If doing a sunset cruise, dress warmly. Once we were moving, and especially after the sun went down, the temperature dropped quickly.

The ferries provide blankets, but a jacket is still recommended, at least in May.

To save money, ride a ferry like a local instead of doing a tourist cruise for sightseeing. For routes, see Turkey Travel Planner.

4. Shopping at the Spice Market

The Egyptian Market, aka the Spice Bazaar or Spice Market, is in the Old City near the bridge to Galata.

A long hall with spice and food stalls on either side, it feels more like a tourist trap these days than the vital trading post it was for hundreds of years.

If you're not interested in shopping, it only takes a few minutes to walk the length of the bazaar.

Related: 13 Best Places to Visit in Turkey

5. Getting Lost in the Grand Bazaar

"The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and 5,000 shops, and attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily."

- Official website

Whether or not you typically explore markets when traveling abroad, spend a few hours getting lost in the 15th century Grand Bazaar.

If you grow tired, stop for Turkish tea or coffee. It's the quintessential Istanbul experience.

Inexperienced hagglers should avoid buying anything, especially high-priced items like carpets, as the Grand Bazaar is primarily for tourists now.

The vendors are likely much more skilled than you when it comes to negotiating for their goods.

In 2014, Travel and Leisure listed the Grand Bazaar as the world's #1 tourist destination with 91 million visitors!

6. Scenic Views from Galata Tower

When completed in 1348 A.D., the 220-foot (67-meter) tall Galata Tower was Istanbul's tallest building.

Perched on a hill in the Galata district, it still offers excellent 360-degree views of the city. For 25 lira ($9), an elevator will whisk you skyward.

You'll exit on a floor with a reasonably priced restaurant for the views, and from there, it's a short set of stairs to a cheaper café and the outdoor observation deck. You can visit day or night.

7. Walk Istiklal Avenue to Taksim Square

A few blocks uphill from Galata Tower is Istiklal Avenue, a pedestrian-only street with an old trolley running its length, terminating in Taksim Square.

Skip the trolley and instead take your time walking the street.

It offers plenty of people-watching opportunities, shopping, dining, and a bit of Americana, courtesy of a Starbucks and Shake Shack.

As one of Istanbul's most popular nightlife areas, you'll also find lots of locals hanging out in the hookah bars that line the smaller streets and alleys off Istiklal Ave.

The unassuming Taksim Square is at the center of modern Istanbul and is the preferred gathering place for mass demonstrations.

8. Traditional Turkish Bath

Visiting a traditional Turkish bath was atop my Istanbul bucket list, and I checked it off with a visit to the gorgeous 425-year old Kili Cali Pasa Hamami.

At the cost of 120 lire ($45) plus tip, it wasn't the cheapest option, but if I were only to visit one Turkish bath in my life, I wanted it to be an experience worth remembering.

It all begins when you enter the peaceful hammam and leave the city's stress and noise at the door.

Lying on hot marble, an exfoliation and bubble bath soon follow. I'll be writing more in a future story.

9. The Eery Basilica Cistern

Located underground near Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern also dates back to the 6th century A.D., though it was initially constructed as a cathedral even earlier, in the 3rd and 4th centuries.

The largest of hundreds of underground cisterns under Istanbul was used to provide water filtration for nearby palaces.

According to Wikipedia, it could hold 2.8 million cubic feet (80,000 cubic meters) of water and was suspended by 336 marble columns. Admission is 20 lire ($7.30).

You can see schools of fish in the shallow waters, and two particular columns of interest feature the head of Medusa at their base.

10. The Topkapi Palace and Harem

The last major site I visited in Istanbul was the sprawling Topkapi Palace.

Highlights included the Treasury, where you can see enormous jewels and what I imagine must be priceless jewelry though long lines await each room, and no photography is allowed.

Access to the Harem Apartments, the lavish private quarters of the Ottoman Sultans, is well worth the extra cost of 15 lira ($5.50 ) in addition to the palace entrance of 30 lira ($11).

I wouldn't have enjoyed my visit to the palace nearly as much had I not seen the harem too.

Lunch is available via self-service or in a restaurant; both have tables with a Bosphorus view.

I recognize this list is merely the "must-see" attractions in a city too big to fully appreciate in a few days or even weeks.

Still, I think most visitors to Istanbul will find it a good starting point to begin their explorations. I know I did.

A word about taxis

Avoid taxis if possible, as two of the three I took on my own were blatantly trying to rip me off (and not by a small amount).

One claimed his meter was broken after I realized it wasn't running once the ride was underway, and the other had his meter running, but it must've been set to "tourist rates" as he tried to charge me triple the cost of the same ride I'd taken with another taxi before.

It's not hard to get around on foot, but it can be tiring if you try to do too much at once.

To give your feet a break, use the inexpensive mass transit system, including a modern light rail, a few underground metro lines, and buses.

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The Historic Areas of Istanbul became a World Heritage Site in 1985. Click here for the complete list of UNESCO sites I've visited during my travels.

The first half of this list was experienced in partnership with Turkish Airlines.