## Istanbul – Where two worlds meet
**Istanbul** is a unique city, full of history, pictures, flavors and contrasts. Built between **Europe and Asia**, with the imposing **Bosphorus** crossing it, combines centuries of history with the pulse of a modern metropolis. Palaces, mosques, Byzantine monuments, colorful markets and picturesque neighborhoods make for an unforgettable trip.
We discover some of the most important points of the City, from the famous **Blue Mosque** and the historic **Ancient Agora**, to the busy **Taksim Square**. A special place in our journey is occupied by the **Ecumenical Patriarchate**, a place of enormous historical and religious importance for Hellenism and Orthodoxy.
The experience continues in the waters of the **Bosphorus**, where a different face of Istanbul unfolds, with mansions, palaces and impressive images on both banks. And a little further, the **Princesses** welcome us with a completely different rhythm, offering beautiful images and a special escape from the bustling City.
A trip to **Istanbul** is not just an excursion. It is a journey through time, in the traditions and memories of a city that for centuries was a crossroads of cultures and still enchants every visitor.
Select departure date — price per person may vary by date.
We are leaving for the Excursion to Istanbul 06:45 with destination Komotini with intermediate stops we will arrive at our hotel. Accommodation and overnight stay.
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Istanbul. Border crossing. Passing through Eastern Thrace, we will reach Raidesto, stop for food. We continue to Istanbul and Optional Bosphorus Cruise with Private Boat, the strait that separates Europe and Asia. Its banks offer a wonderful blend of past and present, the glittering grandeur and simple beauty where modern hotels sit next to old mansions (wooden beach villas), where marble palaces border stone-built fortresses and elegant neighboring small fishing villages. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner. Overnight.
After breakfast, departure for a guided tour of the most important sights of the City. We will start with the greatest monument of Hellenism and Christianity, the majestic Hagia Sophia, which is a unique architectural achievement, with its impressive dome reaching a height of 55 m. and diameter the 31 m. Next, we will pass by the Palace of the Sultans, Top Cap, which we will see externally, as well as from the Byzantine Hippodrome, where the famous "Stance of Nice" took place. There we will admire the Bronze Tripod of Delphi, the Column of Constantine Porphyrogenitus and the Obelisk of Theodosius. Followed by a visit to the legendary Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed), known for its brilliant blue-hued tile decoration and its six impressive minarets. Next, we will visit Justinian's Royal Cistern (Byzantine Aqueduct – Yerebatan), with them 336 Doric and Corinthian style columns, as well as the famous heads of Medusa, which, according to mythology, they turned to stone anyone who looked into their eyes. This will be followed by lunch at a local restaurant and then a visit to the world's largest covered market, the impressive Skapasti or Great Agora (Kapali Charsi), with more than 5.000 shops and above 60 streets and alleys, where you will have free time for your shopping. Return to the hotel.
After breakfast, visit to the impressive Dolma Bakhce Palace, which is famous for the largest collection of Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world. There we will admire the famous crystal staircase in the shape of a double horseshoe, made of Baccarat crystal, brass and mahogany, as well as the unique collection of Hereke rugs and bearskin rugs. Right after, from Kampatas, boarding a ship bound for the Princes' Islands. First stop is Halki, where we will see the famous Theological School and the Holy Trinity Monastery on the Hill of Hope. Next, we will visit Prince, the largest island of the complex, known for its picturesque streets, the impressive mansions and the greenery, its blooming gardens. Lunch at a beach restaurant and then return to the City. For the evening, we recommend entertainment in a traditional nightclub with a live orchestra and an impressive program with traditional belly dances (oriental). Overnight.
After breakfast, visit to the most important Byzantine churches of Constantinople. The first stop is the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in Fanari, where we will see the Closed Gate, place of martyrdom of Patriarch Gregory V, the Patriarchal House and the Patriarchal Church of Agios Georgios. Next, we will visit the Holy Church of Panagia of Blacherna, where, according to tradition, the Akathistos Hymn was sung for the first time after the miracle of the salvation of the City in 626 A.D. This is followed by a visit to the most important sanctuary of Orthodoxy, the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi in Baloukli, which is associated with the legends of half-fried fish and the Fall of Constantinople. The site also houses the tombs of many Ecumenical Patriarchs. Next, departure from Istanbul and crossing the border. Arrival in Xanthi or Komotini and check-in at the hotel. Overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Athens with intermediate stops for food and coffee. We come back with the best memories.
Reservation numbers: 210 3312333 – 210 6001810 ( daily 10:00-17:00 )
For seat reservations you can also stop by our office:
University 67 Mezzanine, Concord
THE DEPOSIT NUMBERS:
Piraeus Iban:GR6201721180005118108455062
Eurobank Iban: GR3202603820000580200604484
Iban National Bank:GR7501100870000008700484028
Alpha Bank Iban:GR7901409850985002002007339
Beneficiary: ATHANASIADIS I. – ANGELEAN NEK. E.E
If you wish to make a payment from another bank, your charge is +4€
As Reason in the deposit, your last name and the destination are noted: (Athanasiadis Ioannis Syros)
Your deposit to secure your seats is 40% of the total value of the package you choose.
You pay for the excursion 5 days before her departure.
When you complete your deposit if possible the receipt is sent to us at
e-mail: [email protected]
In case of seat cancellation, your deposit is fully refunded up to 14 days before the departure of the trip.
After this period, your money is not refunded or transferred to another excursion.
All participants of our excursions will be informed by phone or will receive a text message with detailed information about the departure of their package 1 day before the excursion.