Istanbul-Northern Cyprus

Day 1 - WELCOME

Arrival in Istanbul - the capital of three empires

Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel, acquaintance with the guide, discussion of the program, preparation for the trip.

Overnight at the hotel in Istanbul.

Day 2 - Heart of Istanbul

Istanbul, a universal beauty, where poet and archaeologist, diplomat and merchant, princess and sailor, northerner and westerner scream with equal admiration. The whole world thinks that Istanbul is the most beautiful place on earth.

Edmondo de Amicis

Breakfast in the hotel. Departure for an excursion.

Sultanahmet Square - Ancient Hippodrome

Around this square are the oldest monuments and the most important sights of Istanbul. Such as the Egyptian column, serpentine column,

Palace of Ibrahim Pasha, German Fountain ...

Sultanahmet Mosque

One of the most magnificent architectural monuments of Istanbul in terms of beauty and grandeur. The young Ottoman ruler Sultan Ahmet ordered the construction of this true work of art. Later, the inhabitants of European countries gave the religious shrine another name - the "Blue Mosque" and today on everyone's lips it is even more than the original name.

Saint Sophie Cathedral

The world-famous monument of Byzantine architecture, a symbol of the "golden age" of Byzantium.

"St. Sofia" is the first typical example of Byzantine architecture and is considered an architectural marvel.

Palace of the Sultans "TOKAPY"

Topkapi Palace is the largest and oldest palace in the world that has survived to this day. The palace is located on the site of the first settlement in Istanbul, offering magnificent views of the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of ​​Marmara. The palace complex is surrounded by 6 km of walls and occupies an area of ​​700 thousand square meters on top of the historical peninsula and for 400 years was the political center and the palace of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire.

Visiting the Cistern - Basilica

The construction of the cistern was started by the Greeks during the reign of Emperor Constantine I and completed in 532 under Emperor Justinian. The dimensions of the underground structure are 145 × 65 m, the capacity is 80,000 m³ of water. The vaulted ceiling of the cistern is supported by 336 columns 8 meters high, the columns stand 4.80 meters apart, the 4 meters thick walls are made of refractory bricks and covered with a special waterproofing mortar.

Walk along the Bosphorus on a Yacht

1.5 hours (VIP Yachts for extra charge)

According to one of the most common legends, the strait got its name thanks to the daughter of the ancient Argive king - the beautiful beloved of Zeus named Io was turned by him into a white cow in order to avoid the wrath of his wife Hera.

The unfortunate Io chose the waterway to salvation, diving into the blue of the strait, which since then has been called the "cow's ford" or the Bosphorus.

Return to the hotel, dinner, free time.

Overnight at the hotel in Istanbul.​

Day 3 - Istanbul / Two Continents

Enchanting, alluring Istanbul, with its incredible streets, Wall graffiti, palaces, squares, towers, cathedrals, mosques, hills, smiling cats lying in the shade of ancient trees. A city of contrasts and impressions. A city filled with the aroma of coffee and Turkish sweets, making you freeze when the call to prayer is heard everywhere.

Breakfast at the hotel. Collection in the hotel lobby and departure for the tour.

Suleymaniye Mosque

The mosque was built by the order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent by the architect Sinan in 1550-1557. The height of the dome is 53 meters, the diameter is 27.5 meters, the main dome is supported by two semi-domes. The dome has 32 windows. The building of the mosque is well lit inside - the light falls from 136 windows. With the buildings of baths, madrasahs, kitchens, libraries, hospitals and an observatory, the mosque forms a complex comparable in size to a city block. Part of the architectural complex is the Suleymaniye Library, one of the largest oriental libraries that provides access to manuscripts of the 8th-19th centuries.

There is a cemetery in the courtyard of the mosque, here in two neighboring mausoleums lies Suleiman himself and his beloved wife Hurrem (Roksolana) with their daughter Mihrimah.

The name "Balat" is rooted in the Latin language - "palatium" and translated into Russian means "palace", and in Greek it sounds like "palation". This name, presumably, was given in honor of the Blachernae Palace of the Byzantine era, which was once located nearby. There is a known historical fact that at the end of the 15th century, padish Bayezid (Sultan II. Bayezid) sent many ships to Spanish lands to take Sephardic Jews out of them and settle them in Istanbul, which is more friendly to them. The Jews, of course, were not at a loss and thoroughly took up the improvement of their personal area in the city. So, as many as 12 synagogues were built in Balat very quickly. You should definitely come to Balat at least to enjoy the fading antiquity and take amazing photographs that will certainly reflect the spirit of the past.

St Stephen's Orthodox Church in Istanbul

named after the Great Martyr Stefan, who was once a member of the Bulgarian community of the city. This shrine is sometimes also called "iron" because the monastery is completely constructed of metal. The church has great historical significance. It is known that the Bulgarian Exarch Anfim held a divine service here in the spring of 1872. This happened on the day when the Orthodox honor the memory of Saints Cyril and Methodius. It is noteworthy that the Patriarchate forbade holding the liturgy, but the event took place anyway. The celebration was remembered for the fact that it was on it that the independence of the Bulgarian Church from the Greek was proclaimed.

Modern Camlyca Mosque

one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. The spring of 2019 was marked by a grand event for Istanbul - the opening of the majestic Muslim shrine, called Chamlyca. This is not just a mosque, it is a whole architectural complex that has received the status of the largest in the world among similar structures.

Istanbul TV Tower

observation deck breathtaking 360 degree view of the city

In the Asian part of the city, in the Chamlica region, also known for its largest mosque, in Istanbul since recently, a TV tower rises, 369 meters long (and all 576.5 meters above sea level). It can be seen from almost all points of the city and now it is one of the recognizable objects of the metropolis. The construction of the TV tower in Istanbul began in 2016 - before that, the direction and intensity of the wind in the area was carefully studied in order to carry out the planned project as safely as possible.

The Beylerbey Palace Complex, located in the Asian part of Istanbul, is called a masterpiece of the Baroque architectural style. The snow-white marble palace is surrounded by a chic flowering garden, over which an air pedestrian bridge rises.

The Beylerbey Palace Complex, located in the Asian part of Istanbul, is called a masterpiece of the Baroque architectural style. The snow-white marble palace is surrounded by a chic flowering garden, over which an air pedestrian bridge rises.

At the point where the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn meet, the unique Maiden Tower rises, which has long become one of the hallmarks of Istanbul. A snow-white building 23 meters high has witnessed the long history of the formation of the city. The tower found both the Byzantine period and the Ottoman times. During the entire period of its existence, the building constantly changed its purpose. She played the role of a lighthouse, a collection point for taxes from foreign ships, a defensive citadel, a hospital, a radio station. Many interesting myths and legends are associated with the Maiden Tower, which today houses a chic restaurant, in particular, about the history of its origin.

Return to the hotel, dinner, free time.

Overnight at the hotel in Istanbul.​

Day 4 – Flight ISTANBUL-NORTHERN CYPRUS

Excursion Lefkosa / Nicosia

Initially, a small settlement was called Ledra, later the city was renamed in honor of the son of the Egyptian ruler Ptalimeus, who ruled in these parts, and over time, the Greeks began to call him in their own way - Lefkosia. Throughout its long history, the city was repeatedly destroyed almost to the ground, but over and over again it was reborn and became larger. Nicosia began to develop most actively in the 10th century, when the French feudal lords, the Lusignans, took possession of it. In the Middle Ages, the Venetians came to these lands, they made a huge contribution to the development of the city and gave it a special status. During the Ottoman Empire, mosques grew, lively oriental bazaars began to organize everywhere, Turkish coffee houses appeared and much more. Today Nicosia is the administrative and business center of the island.

Arrival at Ercan airport, Lefkosa.

Departure for an excursion to Lefkosa/Nicosia.

Kyrenia Gate

The Kyrenia Gate was built in Nicosia in 1562 by the architect Savornioni, who was inspired by the huge city gates of Beijing and decided to create a smaller copy of them. The Kyrenia Gate was built in honor of the Venetian governor Francesco Barbaro and was considered the most prestigious entrance to the city, and was also called the "Governor's Gate". Everyone who entered the city through these gates paid a fee, the amount of which varied and depended on whether the person was walking, riding a cart or carriage. Hundreds of peasants passed through these gates every day, selling fruits, vegetables, fish, game, and pottery in the city.

Venetian column

The column was moved from its original location to the temple of Zeus at Salamis, Nicosia, as a gift to the Venetian administration in Cyprus in 1489. For this reason, this column is often erroneously attributed to the Venetians. On top of the granite column, St. Lion of Mark, at the bottom, heraldry of 6 noble Venetian families.

Thought to have been built in the late 17th century, the Kumarcılar Inn is smaller and more modest than the Büyük Han Inn, but is still a classic commercial Ottoman inn in the city. During the Middle Ages, merchants grouped themselves according to the area they traded in. When traveling, merchants from one city or trading group preferred certain inns named after that city or type of trade. Kumarjilar Khan was originally known as Fiddler Khan, but it is unknown when and why his name was subsequently changed.

Inns Buyuk khan

Büyük Han is a landmark located in the center of Nicosia (Lefkosa) in Northern Cyprus, which is still preserved, thanks to the restoration, in excellent condition, an inn built in the 16th century, in the center of a traditional market. One of the most important architectural structures of the Ottoman period.

Cathedral of St. Sophia (Selemiye Mosque)

This majestic building with two spiers of minarets can be seen at the entrance to the capital of Cyprus - Nicosia, or rather on the northern part of the island, in Lefkosa, it happened historically, and the fate of this temple is very interesting and informative. The mere fact that the building of the cathedral has survived to this day and still amazes our contemporaries with its monumentality and size suggests that truly outstanding architects and builders worked on its creation.

Bedesten (Church of St. Nicholas)

The first documentary evidence of the existence of a Byzantine basilica dates back to the period of the 12th-14th centuries. In the annals of history, it is mentioned as the church of St. Nicholas - the patron saint of Nicosia.

The magnificent cathedral, decorated with many marble and granite columns and decorated with a fine arabesque, was erected on the site of a small church of the 6th century. During the XIV-XV centuries, it was expanded and rebuilt several times, which testifies to the influence of the Orthodox Metropolis in Cyprus even during the reign of the Roman Empire.

In the era of Ottoman rule, a storehouse for grain and fabrics was equipped in the building of the former temple, and then the largest food and textile market in the city, Bedesten, opened in the ancient walls. Trade in Nicosia flourished, and dozens of Turkish, Armenian and Greek merchants supplied the townspeople with food, fabrics, and flour brought from Kitrea.

Dervish Pasha House Museum

Walk in the old part of the walled city of Nicosia.

Dervish Pasha is the famous publisher of the first Turkish newspaper in Cyprus, Zaman (translated as “Time”) and the last judge in the state during the existence of the Ottoman Empire. Dervish Pasha built his own two-story mansion in the city of Nicosia in the 19th century. Currently, this house is the only museum of ethnography in North Nicosia. Each visitor of the museum gets a great opportunity to see valuable exhibits that allow you to better know the history of Cyprus. Ahmed Dervish Pasha was an influential person in the Turkish Cypriot community and represented the Union of Printers.

Arrival at the hotel, dinner, free time.

Overnight at the hotel in Northern Cyprus.​

Day 5 - Girne / Kerinia

The earliest settlements on the territory of the city, according to archaeological data, appeared in the Neolithic era around 5800 BC. e., also found graves of the Mycenaean and Achaean cultures, dating back to 1300-600 years. BC e. The legendary founder of the city is Cepheus from Arcadia, although the city of Eion on the northern coast of the Peloponnese had an ancient name of Kerineia. For the first time Kerinia is mentioned in written sources in Egyptian documents of the era of Pharaoh Ramses III as one of the eight kingdoms of Cyprus.

Breakfast. Collection in the hotel lobby, departure for an excursion.

Visiting the castle of St. Hilarion, the church of St. Christopher.

Contrary to popular belief, the castle got its name not from a saint who acted in Palestine and Cyprus in the 4th century, but from a priest who escaped torture and retired to the Holy Land, who lived and died in a cave in the mountains.

Like the castles of Kantara and Bufavento, the Cathedral of St. Hilarion Castle was actually built to see and warn the approaching pirates of the constant attacks on Cyprus and the coast of Anatolia. Although a monastery and a church were indeed built here, the first historical mention of the castle is found in the annals of 1191. Some time in history, this castle was of great strategic importance, but later became the resting place of the Lisignan nobility.

Bellapais Abbey

Bellapais Abbey, which is also known as the Abbey of the Beautiful World, White Abbey, began to be built in the 12th century. The first monks who settled in the monastery were representatives of the Augustinian order. Most of the abbey was built under Kings Hugh III and Hugh IV.

The White Abbey got its name due to the fact that the monks wore white robes with white hoods, which saved them from the hot Cypriot sun. The Abbey reached its peak of power in the 13th century, when, according to the will of the knight Roger Normand, 600 gold coins and a particle of the Life-Giving Cross were transferred to the shrine.

Lunch takes place in a fine Cypriot restaurant.

Kyrenia Fortress, Museum of Ancient Ships, Lusignan Dungeons

The history of the castle dates back many centuries, because originally there was a fortification, which was erected by the Byzantines in the 7th century to protect their lands from the aggressive encroachments of the Arabs. Later, the building was rebuilt and improved, while the power and inhabitants of the castle were constantly changing. At various times, the King of England, Richard the Lionheart, and the aristocratic Lusignan dynasty lived here. The period from 1208 to 1211 was marked by further reconstructions: the territory of the castle was enlarged, new towers were completed, the main entrance of the building changed its appearance, a new residence appeared, which housed the monarchs. The outbreak of war with the Genoese badly battered the fortress, it again had to be restored from ruins. This work was done by the Venetians, who firmly settled in the castle. However, the peace did not last long and the Turks who seized power turned the castle into a military fortification.

Museum of the Neolithic settlement Vouni

BC. In 600 BC The city-states of Cyprus were politically divided, and war broke out between the kingdoms of the island, the Phoenicians and the Greeks, who were supported by the Persians.

During the wars on land and at sea in 500 BC. the pro-Persian royal city of Marion laid siege to the ancient city of Soli and created a sanctuary overlooking a nearby hill. The pro-Persian Phoenician king Doxandros and the ruler of Marion built the palace of Vouni at an altitude of 250 meters above sea level, overlooking the city of Soli. Indeed, its location certainly made it possible to follow both maritime traffic and the activities of the city from a distance without hindrance.

Kyrenia Harbor (Harbour)

Walk along the ancient Kyrenia harbor (Harbor). Kyrenia harbor is not big at all. It is surrounded by old stone houses from the Venetian and Ottoman periods. These buildings used to house customs services and trade warehouses, and now they are cozy cafes and restaurants, as well as small hotels in the "English taste". Right at the terraces of the restaurants, yachts and fishing boats sway on the waves.

Return to the hotel, dinner, free time.

Overnight at the hotel in Northern Cyprus.

Day 6 – Karpas Peninsula

The peninsula Karpas, which is the sharpest and last tip of the island in the Mediterranean Sea, is very different from the hectic bustle of other parts of the island. This peninsula, stretching from one end to the other for eighty kilometers, is the only place where the deep blue of the Mediterranean meets the green, and its tranquility remains untouched. Life in Karpaz is unique, there are fewer people than anywhere else, and it is rich in deserted golden beaches. This is still an untouched area where farmers, who since ancient times have been cultivating crops on horse-drawn carts, are happy to go to work, and donkeys, which abound on the island, run freely.

Breakfast. Pick up at the hotel lobby and departure for the tour.

The excursion to Karpaz begins with a visit to the ancient and modern olive factories, which produce the best olive oil of the Karpaz brand.

Church of Panagia Kanakaria

(where you can make a wish), the church and the chapel of St. Firs with a healing spring located in a cave underground. The early Byzantine basilica of Panagia Kanakaria with a gable roof was erected in the 1st half of the 6th century, but about a hundred years later it was destroyed as a result of Arab raids. In its place, in the 8th century, a vaulted basilica was erected, which was badly damaged by the earthquake of 1169. Side entrance to the church. In the 14th century, the dilapidated church building was rebuilt. In 1738, a monastery was built at the church. The building of the church of Panagia Kanakaria consists of fragments of construction that are different in time. The mosaic apse belongs to the early Byzantine basilica of the 6th century. In the 11th-12th centuries, instead of a vaulted roof, a dome was installed and a narthex was added. In this form, the church of Panagia Kanakaria has survived to this day. In June 2008, the restoration of the church and monastery was completed.

Lunch takes place in a wonderful fish restaurant on the seashore.

Monastery of the Apostle Andrew, a source of holy water, discovered by the apostle himself. According to legend, in the 1st century, this place was visited by the Apostle Andrew, after prayers, a source of healing water was hammered out of the rock and exists to this day. In 1003, the pilgrim Sivulf mentions the “pier of the Apostle Andrew”, by the end of the 12th century, the existence of the monastery is clearly mentioned, and since the 15th century, the most northeastern point of the island has been called the cape of the Apostle Andrew on maps.

Visit the beautiful beach of Karpas, where you can swim in the purest waters of the Mediterranean Sea. There is no shortage of beautiful and sandy beaches in North Cyprus. However, the most beautiful is the Golden Beach on the Karpas Peninsula. Dozens of kilometers of golden sand and crystal clear waters. And it's almost completely empty. Not surprisingly, the beaches are also favored by rare species of sea turtles as nesting sites.

Return to the hotel, dinner, free time.

Overnight at the hotel in Northern Cyprus.​

Day 7 - Famagusta

Salamis, one of the ancient cities of the Cypriot City of the Kings, is home to beautifully preserved Roman ruins. Statues, historical columns, the ruins of a theater and baths have survived to this day. The impenetrable castle of Famagusta inspired the famous English writer William Shakespeare to create the drama series Othello, Michelangelo drew a model of defense, Venetian palaces where the royal family stayed, treasures that have not yet been found, excavated tombs with miraculous revelations and much more made Famagusta the pearl of the north .. Famagusta, with its rich history, is one of the hot stops for those who travel through time. If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself.

Breakfast. Gathering in the hotel lobby, departure for the tour.

Monastery of the Apostle Barnabas, Museum of Icons, Archaeological Museum

The Monastery of the Apostle Barnabas was founded in the 5th century. Since 1974, the territory of the monastery has been under the control of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Since that time, it has housed an archaeological museum, whose collection consists of artifacts found on the territory of Northern Cyprus. According to legend, the monastery was founded in the 5th century by the Cypriot archbishop Anthemius with the financial support of the Byzantine emperor Flavius ​​Zeno. According to legend, the Apostle Barnabas appeared to Archbishop Anthemius three times in a dream, indicating the place of his burial. There the clergyman found a chest with the holy relics of Barnabas and a copy of the Gospel of Matthew. With these relics, he went to Constantinople, where he received recognition and support from the Byzantine emperor. The buildings of the monastery that have survived to this day date back to the 15th century. And after the reconstruction of 1756-1757, the monastery acquired its modern look.

You will visit the ancient city of Salamis, the Roman theater.

The founder of the city is the archer Tevkra, the hero of the Trojan War and the son of Telamon. The place where the city was founded was not chosen by chance: the harbor located in this area could accommodate a whole fleet.

The homeland of Tevkra was the island of Salamis, but after returning from the war, the hero was expelled from there by his father for not being able to save his brother Ajax. Teucer sailed to Cyprus and decided to build a city, which he later named Salamis in honor of his homeland. In those days, the city was a prosperous seaport, through which trade was actively conducted with Egypt, Kalikia and Phoenicia. The inhabitants of the city were brave warriors. Throughout its history, the city of Salamis has often been severely tested in the form of destructive wars and earthquakes.

Walled city of Famagusta

The historical part of the city is surrounded by a colossal fortress wall, the height of which reaches 17 m, and the width is from 6 to 9. Behind the fortification, which stretches for 3.5 km, one of the main attractions of Famagusta is hidden. We are talking about the medieval castle of Castello, built by the Lusignans in the northern part of the city. To get to the citadel, you need to cross the bridge over the moat and enter the gate in the arsenal building. Once the ditch was filled with water, but in the 19th century. it was completely drained, thus avoiding a malaria epidemic.

Othello Tower and a walk through the streets of ancient Famagusta.

Lunch takes place in a fine Cypriot restaurant.

Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Mosque of Lala Mustafa Pasha).

The Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Famagusta was built at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries, modeled on the legendary Notre-Dame de Reims in France. At that time it was the main Catholic church in the region. After Jerusalem fell, it was here that monarchs were crowned to the throne. The cathedral, located on the central square of the ghost town, is decorated in the late radiant Gothic style, which is a rarity for this area. It consists of 3 naves and is 23 meters wide and 55 meters long. A beautiful vaulted ceiling is supported by a colonnade of 12 columns. The facade of the temple faces west. From this side it has 3 entrances in the form of carved pointed portals. Above the main entrance is a round rose window, which resembles a flower.

Venetian Governor's Palace, St. George Catholic Church, Peter and Paul Church

Church of Peter and Paul, built in the 14th century. Its design combines elements of the Byzantine and Gothic styles. Subsequently, this temple was also turned into a mosque, and stained-glass windows, frescoes, icons were painted over and smashed.

In the first half of the 20th century, when this part of Cyprus was part of Britain, there was a warehouse for storing grain in the cathedral. Because of this, the people called it the Wheat Mosque. When the island regained its independence, the Turkish Cypriots held meetings in Sinan Pasha. Now the building houses the city archive and public library.

Return to the hotel, dinner, free time.

Overnight at the hotel in Northern Cyprus.

Day 7 - Final.

Northern Cyprus-Yercan/Istanbul

Breakfast in the hotel. This is our last morning in Northern Cyprus.

After breakfast, we will start packing, getting ready for departure, and making wishes...

After all, good dreams made in magical places have the ability to come true.

And Northern Cyprus is without a doubt one of those places!

By the appointed hour, a comfortable transfer will pick you up from the hotel and bring you to the airport of departure.

As it is customary to say in Turkey "Göryushmek Yuzere"!

Or see you soon!

Important information

What is included in the price?

• Transfer on comfortable transport: airport - hotel - airport
• Flight: Istanbul - Cyprus - Istanbul

• Accommodation in boutique hotels and 4*/5* hotels, 7 nights with breakfast and dinner.

• All transport along the route on a comfortable bus with air conditioning - only for our group.

• All excursions and entrance tickets according to the program.

• Professional guide in Russian

***Price per person in a double room. For single occupancy, there will be a difference of EUR 150 per stay.

The price does not include:

• Airfare from your city to Istanbul and back

• Meals outside the program

• All drinks

• Medical insurance - highly recommended

• Optional excursions

• Personal expenses

*** Tips for guides and drivers (5 people and less 10 €/person/day; 6-9 people 8 €/person/day; 10 people and more 5 €/person/day)