Istanbul – Princes’ Islands

Istanbul – Princes’ Islands

4 days, every Thursday, from 199 €/person.

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. A modern city with a population of 15 million people, it is highly populated and multicultural. It was built on the site of the ancient Greek city of Byzantium, named after Byzantius of Megara in the year 667 BC. In its long history it has been the capital of four successive empires: the Roman, the Byzantine, the Latin and the Ottoman Empires, resulting in the emergence of cultures in a mixed presence today.

Schedule:

Day 1: Thessaloniki – Kavala – Istanbul

Departure early in the morning from Thessaloniki and Kavala and with the necessary stops, we arrive at the border. Passport control and free time for duty-free items. Entering Eastern Thrace we pass outside of Kesan, Malkara and Rhaedestus, travelling parallel to the coast of Marmara Sea. Arrival in Istanbul in the afternoon. Check-in at the hotel and free time. In the afternoon, a first acquaintance with the city by walking through the beautiful and picturesque streets of the pedestrian street of Pera and the Genoese Magnifica Comunita di Pera, centred on the Tower of Galata, will delight you.

Day 2: Keratian Bay – Bosphorus Cruise – Asian Istanbul – Princes’ Islands

After breakfast at our hotel, our day begins with the most beautiful part of the tour, the optional cruise through the straits of the serene Bosphorus. Departing from Keratian Bay and sailing alongside the European coast, we will admire the old Greek villages marked to this day by the Roman presence and the modern aristocratic districts with their luxurious villas, arriving at the second suspension bridge of the Bosphorus. Our return will be by sailing alongside the Asian coast to where our bus will be waiting. Boarding the bus and after crossing the first suspension bridge and passing outside the city of the blind, Chalcedon (Kadıköy), we will arrive at the port of Bostaji and head to the enchanting and green Prinkipos. Arrival and free time to tour the island to admire the magnificent stately wooden mansions and majestic pavilions of past centuries. Those who wish can visit by themselves the Monastery of Saint George Koudounas high on the hill of the island. Lunch in private at the seaside fish taverns with their delicious fresh fish and return to Istanbul in the late afternoon. Overnight stay.

Day 3: Church of Saint Mary of Blachernae – Hagia Sophia – Basilica Cistern – Byzantine Hippodrome – Closed Market – Egyptian Market

After breakfast we will visit the Church of Saint Mary of Blachernae where the Byzantines first sang the Hymn of Praise in 626 AD to thank the Virgin General who redeemed the City, and in memory of this miracle we sing it every year in all Orthodox churches to this day. Afterwards we will head by bus to the historic center, to visit the womens’ shrine of Hagia Sophia with its magnificent mosaics, which now functions as a mosque with all the rules imposed. Next we visit the Basilica Cistern of Justinian with its very atmospheric environment, which is yet another marvel of Byzantine architecture. We end up in the park that was once the site of the Byzantine Hippodrome to climb up to the Closed Market (Kapali Çarşi). Free time in the winding alleys of the Closed Market and continuing our wanderings, we end up at the Egyptian Market in Eminonou. Here in the bustling alleys of the area we will feel the true pulse of the City, without missing to try a traditional balik ekmek (fish sandwich) in the company of thousands of seagulls. Back to the hotel, rest and in the evening optional entertainment in a night club with traditional oriental dances.

Day 4: Ecumenical Patriarchate – Holy Monastery of Zoodochos Pege (Balukli) – Kavala

After breakfast, we visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which has been housed since 1601 in the Holy Church of Saint George in the Phanar. Guided tour, pilgrimage and free time as long as there is a divine liturgy to attend part of it, or to wander through the beautiful alleys of Phanar and admire the adjacent Greek Orthodox College, housed in the architectural masterpiece of Constantine Dimadis, and is today one of the three minority Greek-speaking schools. The visit – guided tour to the Holy Monastery of Zoodochos Pege follows, where according to legend the miracle with the fish took place on the day of the Fall of Constantinople. Departure and with the necessary stops we reach the border. Customs control and with intermediate stops on the way, arrival in Kavala and Thessaloniki with engraved in our hearts images and feelings from the visit – pilgrimage to the City of Cities.

What is included:

• Transportation – travel with a modern, elevated bus, which meets all the specifications for a comfortable and safe journey.
• Overnight stays at the hotel of your choice.
• Breakfast daily at the hotel.
• Experienced escort/leader.
• Local guide.
• Guided tours – tours according to the programme.
• Civil liability insurance.

Not included:

• Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites, extra meals, drinks, porters, gratuities and everything mentioned in the programme as optional, suggested or own.
• Cruise on the Bosphorus price: adult: 20€, child 2-12 years old: 15€.
• Excursion to the Prinkipos: 15€ per person.
• Total taxes and other expenses: 10€.

NOTES

• Travel with new type of ID cards with Latin characters within the last 10 years according to the new Government Gazette B’ 824/17-02-2023 or a passport with six months validity.
• It is possible to run the programme in a different order, depending on local holidays or public holidays.
• The excursion to the Princes’ Islands is subject to weather conditions.
• As of 01/01/2023 the Turkish state has imposed a residence tax.