A date change may be possible subject to availability and provided that the terms of the package and/or suppliers allow it. There may be an additional charge and/or a price difference. Please contact us to verify and for details.
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 will 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 bazaars of Sultanahmet, filled with fragrances, or enjoying a relaxing steam bath in one of the traditional hamams. The itinerary we’re offering has been updated and specially designed to reflect the current reality of historic Istanbul; so just pack your bags and enjoy a trip that shouldn’t be missing from your bucket list…. “You don’t just go to the City—you return…”
The most comprehensive itinerary with additional visits:
and to both markets—Kapalı Çarşı & the Egyptian Market
to the Chora Monastery—now open again—one of the greatest masterpieces of Byzantine art
to the magnificent Beylerbeyi Palace
the villages along the Bosphorus
in Asian Istanbul
Travel with us to Istanbul because…
The itinerary is tailored to the new realities of this city of millions, with an optimal use of time and no unnecessary driving.
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.
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.
We’ve also added a visit to the Chora Monastery —which has reopened after many years and is renowned for its beautiful mosaics and frescoes, making it one of the greatest masterpieces of Byzantine art in the world.
The tour also includes visits to the city’s two famous markets, the Kapalı Çarşı and the Egyptian Bazaar
The tour also includes a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace!
We’ve been organizing tours to Istanbul since 1988!
Thessaloniki "Macedonia" Airport (Google Maps)
We depart early in the morning for Istanbul. After making a first stop before Kavala, we continue 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! 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 promenade 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 alleyways. It’s home to the nostalgic red-and-white tram on Istiklal Street, which travels up and down the shopping promenade and connects to the funicular station that descends all the way to the Galata Bridge.
Breakfast at the hotel, and our day begins with a visit to the holy spring of Zoodochos Pigi (Balouklis), where, according to legend, the miracle of the fish took place on the day of the fall of Constantinople. The courtyard of Zoodochos Pigi also houses the tombs of the last 15 Patriarchs. Next is our optional cruise through the Keratian Gulf and the straits of the much-sung-about Bosporus, where we’ll admire the old villages, as well as the modern, upscale neighborhoods, reaching as far as the second suspension bridge across the Bosphorus, before returning by sailing along the Asian shore back to where we started. We continue our tour through the historic center, passing by the Blue Mosque and leaving behind the spot where the cheers of the Byzantine Hippodrome and the ceremonial processions of the Augustus once echoed, we arrive at Hagia Sophia to visit the women’s gallery with its magnificent mosaics. Next, we’ll visit the Basilica Cistern of Justinian, with its atmospheric setting—yet another marvel of Byzantine architecture. Return to the hotel. In the evening, an optional outing to a nightclub featuring traditional dances and belly dancing.
After breakfast, we set out for Asian Istanbul, crossing the first suspension bridge over the Bosphorus. We arrive at the seaside Beylerbeyi Palace, located beneath the Bosphorus suspension bridge. The palace, with its countless rooms and its harem decorated in the Rococo style, looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. We’ll continue along the coastline, passing through Skutari, where the famous Tower of Kori stands at the junction of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, before arriving at the City of the Blind, Chalcedon. In Chalcedon, we’ll visit the church dedicated to the patron saint, Saint Euphemia, and we’ll also have free time to stroll through the picturesque alleyways, which, filled with their scents and colors, constantly remind usconstantly remind us of the Greek presence in the area. Passing through the neighborhoods of Modio, Fanaraki, Kalamisi, and Bostanci, we’ll reach the port to board a private ferry bound for the enchanting and lush island of Prinkipo. Arrival on the island of Agios Georgios Koudounas, home to the world-famous monastery known for its countless miracles for both Christians and Muslims. Prinkipo is filled with magnificent stately wooden mansions and grand “kiosks” from centuries past. Lunch on your own at one of the picturesque seaside taverns. Return to Istanbul in the late afternoon, free time, and overnight stay.
Today is dedicated to a road trip along the European coast. We’ll pass through the villages of the Bosporus (Mesochori, Xirokrini, Mega Revma, Bebek, the Castle of Romylia, Steni, Nichori, all the way to Therapia). Along the way, we’ll admire both the past and the present, with the historic mansions and modern luxury residences, before arriving in Levent (the “Manhattan of Istanbul”) with its imposing skyscrapers and state-of-the-art shopping centers. A visit to the top floor of the Sapphire skyscraper will treat you to a unique view of the entire city all the way to the Black Sea. Immediately afterward, we’ll head to the city’s famous covered market, the Kapalı Çarşı, with its 4,000 shops selling leather goods, alabaster, gifts, jewelry, antiques, and more—all while engaging in the essential “bargaining.” Free time in the labyrinthine alleys of the covered market, and as we continue our stroll, we end up at the Egyptian Bazaar in Eminönü. Here, in the bustling alleys of the neighborhood, we’ll feel the true pulse of the City. Return to the hotel, free time, and overnight stay.
After breakfast, a visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which has been housed since 1601 in the Church of St. George in the Phanar. Guided tour, pilgrimage, and free time—provided there is a Divine Liturgy in progress so you can attend part of it— or to stroll through the beautiful alleys of the Phanar and admire the adjacent Great School of the Nation, which is housed in the architectural masterpiece by Konstantinos Dimadis and is today one of the three Greek-speaking minority schools in Istanbul. Next, we will visit a church of paramount importance throughout the centuries, the Church of Panagia Vlacherna, where the faithful first sang the Akathist Hymn in 626 AD, attributing the lifting of the siege by the Avars and Persians to the Virgin Mary. And our day concludes with a visit to the Monastery of Chora, which, after many years, has reopened its gates to the general public. We’ll admire the magnificent mosaics that adorn the narthex and the inner sanctuary of the church, which are dedicated to the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The Monastery of Chora is a monument that epitomizes Byzantine artistry, the dazzling vividness of its icons, and the unique architecture that inspires awe, emotion, and serenity in the viewer. From there, we’ll begin our return journey. Our next stop will be in the Raidestou area, and upon reaching the border, after passing through customs, we’ll head back to our city via the Egnatia Highway. We’ll arrive in the evening with the fondest of memories.
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 of Participation or contact us.
Some packages include travel insurance, or optional coverage is 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 of Participation apply, and relevant information will be provided.