DAY 1: THESSALONIKI - DEPARTURE FLIGHT TO BASILIKI KINSTERNAS
Meeting in the morning at the airport <Macedonia> and after the necessary control we depart for Istanbul. Arriving in the Queen of Cities, the only city built on two continents, Europe and Asia. Frenetic rhythms, long history, nightlife, its main characteristics. Meet our guide and set off for our visit to the Royal Kinshtarna, which is a sight from the Byzantine era. With a capacity of 80,000 cubic meters of water, it is a marvel of engineering of that era. It was built to supply water to the city in the event of a siege. What is most special is that for the construction of the underground cistern, more than 300 columns from all over the ancient Mediterranean were transported to house the arched roof of the site. Time at leisure and then we transfer to the hotel. Settle into the rooms. In the evening we suggest a stroll along the Istiklal chandesi, the famous and renowned pedestrian street, of the former Peran district. Overnight.
DAY 2: BOSPOROS - DOLMA BAKSHEESH - THE VIRGIN OF THE LIFE-GIVING SPRING - HOLY SOFIA - HIPPODROME
After breakfast, we start having the option of an optional cruise on the unique Bosphorus, the canal that joins or separates European and Asian Istanbul. On both shores, beautiful < yalias >, houses built on the beach, are drowned in greenery, while the two suspension bridges we pass under are impressive. On our way back, we descend to the palace of Dalma Baxe. Built in the years of Abdul Majid I, with ostentatious opulence, it contrasts with the decline of the Ottoman Empire during this historical period. Huge halls, carpets, chandeliers are left to our view. Then we will tour the masterpiece of the centuries, the Church of God, Hagia Sophia, the masterpiece of the architects Anthemios and Isidoros. Words are few compared to the grandeur of the monument... There is also the possibility of visiting the Underground Palace, as Justinian's monumental tank is called. We continue towards the first hill of Constantinople. There, there was the Byzantine Hippodrome. Today, we see the fine German fountain of the Kaiser, a gift to Sultan Murat II, the Egyptian obelisk with hieroglyphics on it, the bronze column of Delphi, the column of Porphyrogenitus, and the Blue Mosque. Free time and return to our hotel. In the evening we suggest you visit the bustling Galata Port area and enjoy a cocktail overlooking the Bosphorus.
DAY 3: VLAHERNA - PATRIARCHATE - PRINCE - CHALKI
After breakfast and gliding alongside the Keratian Gulf, we visit the church of Panagia Vlacherna, where <Ti Hypermacho >, the hymn to the Virgin Mary, was written. We continue our pilgrimage to the ark of Orthodoxy, the Ecumenical Patriarchate. We see the offices of the Patriarchate, the Library, the Holy Myrrh Baking Hall, we visit the Patriarchal Church of St. George. Finally, moving through the first ring road of Istanbul, we head to the Asian side of the city, passing the first Bosphorus suspension bridge. The crossing over it is always unique. Optionally, for those who wish and weather permitting, from the port of Bostanji, we sail to the first island of the Principality of Constantinople, Prigipo, where we stroll around, admiring the remaining Greek houses. Our next visit, conditions permitting, is to the famous Halki Theological School. We take a guided tour inside the Church of the Holy Trinity, as well as in a classroom of the School... We return to the hotel and in the evening we have the option to participate in an optional evening cruise on the Bosphorus, with rich food, unlimited drinks and traditional oriental dances.
DAY 4: KAPALI CHARISMA - RETURN FLIGHT
Breakfast and on our last day, we will visit the City's covered market, the famous Kapali Tsarshi, with its 4,000 shops, where we can find everything produced in Turkey. Shops with jewellery, silk carpets, oriental antiques and textiles add colour and will impress you. The unwritten law of this market, the bazaar. We will have time at leisure and then transfer to the airport for the return flight. Arrival in our city with the best impressions.
