5 Days in Constantinople... The City of Cities

Description

Flight Information

Dates	From	To	Airline	Flight Code	Departure	Arrival
08/03	Larnaca	Athens	Aegean Airlines	A3 901	05:10	06:55
	Athens	Constantinople	Aegean Airlines	A3 990	08:05	10:35

12/03	Constantinople	Athens	Aegean Airlines	A3 993	16:50	17:15
	Athens	Larnaca	Aegean Airlines	A3 906	18:15	19:50

Price per person

Dates	DOUBLE	SINGEL	1st CHILD
8/03	€839	€1035	€799

Booking Confirmation and Cancellation Policy

Booking Confirmation: A 30% deposit of the trip’s total cost is required.
Full Payment: Must be made at least 21 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy:

Up to 45 days before departure: Cancellation is allowed with a deduction of €100.00 for administrative costs.
Between 44 and 31 days before departure: A 30% deduction of the total trip cost will apply.
Between 30 and 21 days before departure: A 50% deduction of the total trip cost will apply.
20 days or less before departure: No refund, the full amount will be retained.

For chartered services, cruises, skiing, exhibitions, conferences, and similar international events, cancellation fees can reach up to 100% of the total cost, regardless of the notice date.

Itinerary

Gathering at Larnaca Airport and departure for Istanbul, with a stopover in Athens for a change of aircraft. Upon arrival, meet our Greek-speaking tour guide and depart for a tour of the charming city of Istanbul. We will start with a visit to the Holy Spring of the Virgin Mary of Balukli, where the legend of the monk and the fish during the fall of Constantinople is told. Alongside the Byzantine land walls of Theodosius, we will head to the Church of the Virgin of Blachernae, where the "Akathist Hymn" was sung. We will then proceed to our hotel for check-in. The evening is free for dinner at one of the restaurants in Pera.

Breakfast and departure for the Bostancı pier, after crossing the famous first suspension bridge over the Bosphorus, we will arrive at the Asian side of Istanbul. Upon arrival at Bostancı, we will board a boat to Heybeliada (Chalki Island), where we will visit the Holy Trinity Monastery and the Theological School located on the "Hill of Hope" at the top of the island. After touring the school, the boat will take us to Büyükada (Princes' Island), where we will stroll through the charming streets. For lunch, we recommend a meal at a seaside tavern with delicious mezes and seafood. On our way back, we will drive along the famous Bagdat Avenue, the most beautiful, modern, and expensive street on the Asian side, and cross the bridge back to the European side. Next, we will visit Dolmabahçe Palace, the last and perhaps most extravagant residence of the Ottoman sultans. The palace has 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets, and 6 hammams and is located along the Bosphorus. Our final stop will be the seaside, picturesque village of Ortaköy, one of the most beloved spots in the city. Free time for drinks and a leisurely stroll, before returning to our hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we will explore the most important Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks. We begin at the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square, where we will see the impressive Blue Mosque with its six minarets and the magnificent Hagia Sophia with its towering dome. Next, we head to the famous Topkapi Palace, a unique museum housing sultanic weapons, jewelry, and lavish clothing. After some free time for lunch, we continue to the Basilica Cistern, the royal underground water reservoir, which is one of the most striking sights in the city. We will then walk to the renowned Grand Bazaar, which today boasts 100 alleys and 4,000 dazzling shops. Free time to explore and shop. In the late afternoon, we return to our hotel.

After breakfast, we will walk along the famous Istiklal Avenue (the Grand Avenue of Pera), one of the most well-known streets in the city, stretching about 3 km and lined with shops and historic buildings. We will begin at Taksim Square and walk towards Galata, passing many historical landmarks such as the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Sismanoglio Mansion, the Flower Passage, and the Galata Lyceum. Next, we will board a boat for a Bosphorus cruise, offering a scenic view of Istanbul’s waterfront. We will see beautiful seaside buildings of the Turkish aristocracy, Dolmabahçe Palace, the Çırağan Palace (a former Ottoman palace now a hotel), and the Küçüksu Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side, built between 1861 and 1865 for the Ottoman sultans. The cruise will also pass under the iconic suspension bridges and the Rumeli Fortress. After returning to Eminönü, we will visit the famous Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar), where you will have free time to explore the bustling market’s narrow alleys, vibrant stalls, and small restaurants. In the evening, we recommend a stroll through the chic Nişantaşı district, known for its elegant shops, stylish streets, exquisite restaurants, and cafes. This area is a popular attraction for the city's elite. Return to your hotel after your visit.

After breakfast, we will depart for the Orthodox Patriarchate. We will see the Closed Gate, the martyrdom site of Patriarch Gregory V, the Patriarchal Residence, and visit the Patriarchal Church of St. George, admiring its ornate old wooden iconostasis, the rare icon of the Virgin Mary of Pammakaristos, and other sacred relics. There will be free time to stroll through the Fener district, where we will also see the exterior of the Great School of the Nation. Next, we will continue to the Chora Monastery, famous for its stunning mosaics. Finally, we will transfer to Istanbul Airport for our flight back to Larnaca, with a stopover for a change of aircraft. We return with beautiful memories and yet another dream fulfilled.

Included/Excluded

Airline tickets: Larnaca – Athens – Istanbul round trip.
Airport taxes and fuel surcharge.
Baggage allowance: One checked bag up to 23 kg and one carry-on bag up to 8 kg.
Accommodation: Four (4) nights at a centrally located 4-star hotel in Istanbul.
Hotel accommodation tax.
Daily buffet breakfast.
Transfers, tours, excursions, and visits as outlined in the itinerary, with luxury air-conditioned coach.
Experienced tour guide throughout the trip.
Private Bosphorus cruise and visit to the Princes' Islands.
VAT (Value Added Tax).

Entrance tickets to visited sites.
Tips and porterage.
Visa for entry to Turkey: €25 (payable on-site at the airport).
Travel insurance: Optional.
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary or listed as optional or recommended.

Durations

5 days

Language

English

5 Days in Constantinople… The City of Cities

Highlights

Day 1 Larnaca – Athens – Istanbu

Day 2 Princes' Islands (Heybeliada and Büyükada), Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy

Day 3 Hippodrome – Blue Mosque – Hagia Sophia – Topkapi Palace – Basilica Cistern – Grand Bazaar

Day 4 Walking Tour of Pera – Bosphorus Cruise – Egyptian Bazaar

Day 5 Patriarchate – Great School of the Nation – Chora Monastery – Athens – Larnaca

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