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“You don’t go to the City—you return to it…” The only transcontinental city in the world, the border between West and East, Europe and Asia. A place that is both historic and modern, preserving its traditions while evolving with the times. A place that will captivate you with its bustling daily life but win you over with its charm. A place rich in colors and scents, a multicultural hub that is guaranteed to win you over. No words can describe the magic one feels when walking across the Galata Bridge at dusk, with dozens of fishermen baiting their hooks in the waters of the Bosphorus and seagulls “adorn” the sky like white, flying flowers. No words can describe the feeling of getting lost in the endless, fragrance-filled bazaars of Sultanahmet, or enjoying a relaxing steam bath in one of the traditional hamams.
Travel with us to Istanbul because…
The itinerary is tailored to the realities of this city of millions, with a well-planned schedule and no unnecessary detours.
We use meticulously maintained luxury coaches.
The tour guide is experienced and knowledgeable about this historic city of millions.
We stay exclusively in the city center, at Taksim Square and in the Pera district.
You can choose a hotel ranging from budget options to 5-star accommodations.
The accommodations we offer are carefully selected to perfectly balance location, quality, and price.
The itinerary includes a visit to the city’s famous Kapalı Çarşı market.
We have been organizing tours in Istanbul since 1988.
Thessaloniki "Macedonia" Airport (Google Maps)
We depart early in the morning from our offices, heading for Istanbul. After making a first stop before Kavala, we continue on to the Kipoi border crossing, where, following the necessary checks, we’ll have free time to shop for duty-free items. We’ll continue our journey through Eastern Thrace, and near Raidestos—now known as Tekirdag— we’ll make one last stop before our final destination so you can sample the famous traditional soutzoukakia, with a view of the beach! We’ll arrive in Istanbul late in the afternoon and check into our hotels. For this first night, we recommend a stroll through the magnificent Taksim Square to explore the famous Grand Boulevard of Pera. Along the pedestrian street and in the surrounding alleys, you’ll find a multitude of shops and historic buildings. You’ll get your first glimpse of the Greek influence, as the pedestrian street is home to the Sismanoglio Mansion, a magnificent 19th-century building. The Flower Arcade, or Christakis Arcade—known as Cité de Péra—is the building constructed in 1876 by Christakis Zografos and now home to numerous restaurants. The imposing Church of the Holy Trinity and the Church of Panagia tou Peran (Presentation of the Virgin Mary) are located on perpendicular alleys at the beginning and end of the pedestrian street. Don’t be surprised if you hear their bells ringing. You’ll also find the Zografio Lyceum, the Zappeion, and many other sights you’ll discover as you stroll through the alleys. It’s home to the nostalgic red-and-white tram on Istiklal Street, which runs up and down the shopping promenade and connects to the funicular station that descends all the way to the Galata Bridge.
Right after breakfast, our day begins with a visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Phanar, home to the Patriarchal Church of St. George, one of the oldest centers of our traditional Church. After our church service ends, we’ll also see the Great School of the Nation along the way. We’ll end up at a church of paramount importance throughout the centuries, the Church of Panagia Vlacherna, where the faithful first chanted the Akathist Hymn in 626 AD, attributing the lifting of the siege by the Avars and Persians to the Virgin Mary. From there, we will depart for the optional cruise that begins in the Keratian Gulf and winds through the straits of the much-sung-about Bosporus, where we will admire the ancient villages, as well as the modern, upscale neighborhoods, reaching all the way to the second suspension bridge across the Bosphorus. We’ll end up at the port, where our bus will be waiting to take us on the rest of our tour of the Asian side of the city. We’ll take the ferry to Princes’ Islands, an idyllic archipelago that offers a respite from the frenetic pace of Istanbul, as time here seems to move more slowly. While the streets of Istanbul are bustling with traffic, cars are banned on these islands and the pace of life is more relaxed. Those who have visited them have enjoyed the beautiful landscapes, the stunning 19th-century wooden houses, and the Ottoman architecture. In fact, one of Princes’ Islands’ most popular attractions is the 6th-century church and monastery of St. George of Koudounas. Perched atop the island’s highest hill, it offers a fantastic view of Istanbul. After this wonderful tour, we’ll return to the hotel, and you’ll have free time for shopping, strolling, or even a visit to a hammam! You can also visit Galata Port, a new complex in the Karaköy area. In addition to a shopping center with numerous stores, it includes the cruise ship terminal, the Istanbul Museum of Contemporary Art, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. This is also where you’ll find the restaurant of the world-famous Turkish chef Nusret, also known as Salt Bae. It’s within walking distance of Besiktas, if you enjoy long walks. Alternatively, you can take either the tram or any of the buses heading toward Karaköy.
After breakfast, we’ll set out for the architectural marvel, Hagia Sophia. We’ll take a guided tour of both the courtyard and the interior of the church and pay our respects to this colossal creation by Isidore and Artemius. Ladies, be sure to bring a headscarf (otherwise, street vendors sell them outside the church). We’ll also see the famous Blue Mosque, the 3,500-year-old Egyptian obelisk, and, of course, the site of the Byzantine Hippodrome. Just a few meters away, we’ll visit the Basilica Cistern, the largest underground water reservoir built to supply the city with water during the Byzantine period, and today, in addition to being a tourist attraction, it is used for concerts due to its exceptional acoustics and has recently reopened to the public following its complete renovation. We end up at the famous Covered Market, the Kapalı Çarşı (Kapali Carsi) with its 3,600 shops, where you’ll also get to enjoy the essential haggling with Turkish merchants to get the best possible price. In your free time, we’d recommend visiting the Egyptian Bazaar as well, which is about 800 meters away and located across from the Galata Bridge— perhaps the best stroll in the city. In the evening, we suggest you join us for an optional night out.
It’s the last day of our trip, and after enjoying breakfast, we set out for the Holy Spring of the Church of the Life-Giving Spring (Balouklí), where the palaces of the springs once stood, and where the Byzantine emperors spent their summers in the spring. It takes its name from the word “balik,” which means “fish.” From there, we’ll head back. Our next stop will be in the Raidestou area, and once we reach the border and clear customs, we’ll take the Egnatia Highway back to our city.
Notes:
You can sign up for optional activities when you register at the office
Don’t forget to provide your ID or passport information when making your reservation to avoid unnecessary delays at the border!
The possibility of a refund and/or any deductions depends on the terms of the specific package, the time of cancellation, and the respective providers. For your specific case, please review the General Terms and Conditions or contact us.
Some packages include travel insurance, or optional coverage may be available, depending on the destination and itinerary. For available options and coverage terms, please contact us or refer to the General Terms and Conditions.
The reservation is finalized in accordance with the procedure set forth in the General Terms and Conditions (e.g., confirmation and payment of the amount/deposit, where required). For specific steps and deadlines applicable to this particular package, please contact us.
The itinerary is based on available routes and services; however, changes or adjustments may occur before and/or during the trip for operational reasons and/or due to unforeseen circumstances. In any case, the General Terms and Conditions of Participation apply, and relevant updates will be provided.