Triad of Turkey

Day 1 - Arrival in Istanbul - the capital of three empires

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

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 - Heart of Istanbul

Breakfast, meeting with the guide, departure for the tour.

Visits:

Sultanahmet Square - Ancient Hippodrome

Around this square are the oldest monuments and the most important sights of Istanbul. Such as Egyptian Column, Serpentine Column, Ibrahim Pasha Palace, 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.

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 at a distance of 4.80 meters from each other, the walls are 4 meters thick made of refractory bricks and covered with a special waterproofing solution.

Walk along the Bosphorus on a Yacht

1.5 hours (VIP Yachts for an additional fee) 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 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.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 - Two continents

Europe / Asia

After breakfast, departure for an excursion. Acquaintance with the Asian part of Istanbul.

Visits:

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[3]. Part of the architectural complex is the Suleymaniye Library, one of the largest oriental libraries, providing access to manuscripts of the 8th-19th centuries. There is a cemetery in the courtyard of the mosque, here in two neighboring mausoleums Suleiman himself and his beloved wife Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska (Roksolana) rest 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 is named after the Great Martyr Stephen, who was once a member of the city's Bulgarian community. 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.

The modern Camlyca Mosque is one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. The spring of 2019 was marked by a grandiose event for Istanbul - the opening of a 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

On the Asian part of the city, in the Çamlıca region, also known for its largest mosque in Istanbul, recently, a TV tower rises, 369 meters long (and all 576.5 m 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. A huge swimming pool is buried in the greenery of the park. The territory is decorated with graceful sculptures of incredible beauty. The palace was built by order of Sultan Abdulaziz to become his summer residence. Important meetings were held within its walls, meetings with foreign ambassadors and other influential foreigners. Inside the palace is divided into 6 main halls and 26 rooms for various purposes. In the interior, both truly oriental and European features are guessed.

At the point where the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn meet, the unique Maiden's 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.

Overnight at the hotel in Istanbul.

Day 4 - Istanbul - Bursa

After breakfast, check out from the hotel, departure to Bursa.

City tour of Bursa - the first capital of the Ottoman Empire

Visits:

Mausoleum of the Founders of the Ottoman Empire

It is this place that is of particular importance for the country, since here are the tombs of the first sultans and founders of the Ottoman Empire - Sultan Osman and his son Orhan. In front of the tomb of Osman, an honor guard is serving, in traditional clothes and attributes of the 14th century.

Tophane Clock Tower

It is located next to the park of the same name. Previously, the tower served as a fire tower, then, by order of Sultan Abdulhamid II, it was transformed into a clock tower. From here you have a beautiful view of the whole city and the sights of Bursa, the most beautiful mosques and oriental bazaars.

Ulu Jami

The "Great Mosque", or as it is also called - Ulu Jami, is a legacy of the Ottoman Empire. It is just a few minutes' walk from the historic Koza Khan Silk Market and the Grand Bazaar. It was built in the 14th century and has 20 domes and two minarets.

Overnight at the hotel in Bursa.

Day 5 - Bursa - Eskisehir

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and departure to Eskishehir.

Excursion upon arrival in Eskisehir.

Visits:

Old City-Odunpazari

There are hundreds of years old wooden houses here, many of which have been recently restored, making the area a popular tourist destination. Some of the buildings are now used as boutique hotels, restaurants and museums and are some of the finest examples of Ottoman period domestic architecture and a must-see for those who want to experience Odunpazarı.

Kursunlu mosque complex

The Kursunlu complex is a work of the Ottoman period of the 16th century. According to the founding record in the Archives of the Topkapi Palace Museum, all the buildings of the Complex, with the exception of the Great Caravanserai, were built by the vizier Choban Mustafa Pasha in 1517–1525.

The complex consists of a mosque, a shadirvan (fountain for ritual ablutions), a public canteen, an elementary school, a madrasah, a rest house and two caravanserai fountains.

Lule Museum of Tashy-Sea Foam

Sea foam is a mineral that has become a symbol of Eskisehir because it is the only region in the world where it is mined. Sea foam is also called "Eskisehir stone". During the Ottoman era, it was exported as a raw material and is now used to produce fine pipes, jewelry boxes and jewelry. The meerschaum museum, located in the Odunpazarı area of ​​Eskisehir, has included works presented at international festivals, competitions and exhibitions of meerschaum products since 1998. The meerschaum museum, which displays many outstanding products reflecting the technical and aesthetic experience, was opened in 2008 by the municipality of Odunpazarı in the Kursunlu complex for visiting by local and foreign guests. For those who want to see the products made by skilled craftsmen, this museum will be one of the first stops in Eskisehir.

The Wax Museum  (Yilmaz Buyukersen Balmumu Heykeller Muzesi)

If you are relaxing in the city of Eskisehir, be sure to check out the local Wax Museum. The gallery presents several collections, which are distributed according to their themes: military, sultans, Ataturk and his family, famous football players, Turkish and world leaders, theater stars and Hollywood actors. Most of the figures depict famous people of Turkey. Products are made quite high quality and are exact copies of prominent personalities.First of all, it will be of interest to those who are at least partially familiar with the history and culture of Turkey. Photography is not allowed on the territory of the museum. For an additional fee, you can also take a photo here in national Turkish costumes. In addition, the museum has a souvenir shop.

Kent Park

One of the largest parks in Eskisehir is located in the heart of the city. The area of ​​the complex covers 300 thousand m², which includes an outdoor swimming pool, cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops, stables, playgrounds and a huge artificial pond. The park is decorated with various sculptures and fountains. But most of all, Kent Park is appreciated for its artificial beach. For its decoration, a huge pool was built here, one of the edges of which was strewn with real sea sand. For a city without access to the sea, such a building has become a real salvation. It is noteworthy that this place is the first artificial beach in Turkey.

City Center - Gondola Ride

Eskisehir is one of the few cities in Turkey through which a river flows. On the Porsuk River, everyone can go on an excursion by gondola or boat. You can spend time in a cafe on the banks of the Porsuk River, in other words, “along the water”, and play backgammon. There are many places to visit near the Porsuk River. You can walk along the Hamamyolu pedestrian street, shop at the herbal vendors in Tasbaş, buy meerschaum souvenirs at the Çukur market, admire beautiful sculptures, have coffee next to the Porsuk River, listen to street singers and take an evening walk under the spectacular illumination of the Reşadiye Mosque.

Overnight at the hotel in Eskisehir.

Day 6 - Eskisehir

After breakfast, meeting with the guide and departure for the tour.

Visits:

Devrim Automobile Museum

The first Turkish car "Devrim-Revolution" and the first locomotive Karakurt Revolution (Devrim) is one of 4 cars produced in 1961, which is still running. In 1961, at the direction of President Cemal Gursel, the first Turkish-made car was produced in 4.5 months. In Eskisehir, you can see the first Turkish steam locomotive Karakurt, as well as the first locally produced car, which was the hero of some films.

Park Sazova-Sazova

When viewing photos of Eskisehir in Turkey, you can often see pictures with a Disney castle and a pirate ship. This is exactly the Sazova Park - a popular place in the city for recreation and entertainment, spread over an area of ​​​​almost 400 thousand m². The territory of the complex includes a picturesque pond decorated with black swans and goldfish. The park is clean and well-groomed and is literally immersed in verdant trees, fragrant lavender flower beds and compositional bushes with an original haircut. There is a cafe on the territory of the complex where you can relax after a walk and taste delicious national dishes or just enjoy ice cream.

Turkic Tent - Center for Science, Culture and Art of the Turkic World The building of the Center for Science, Culture and Art of the Turkish World, in which the center operates, has a total closed area of ​​15,000 m² on two floors. The height of the dome is 28 meters, the diameter of the dome is 80 meters. Ground floor 5000 m². Ground floor 10.000 m². On the top floor is the Museum of the History of Science, which consists of 4 separate blocks reflecting the civil and official architecture of the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. In addition, on the top floor there is a trade and exhibition area of ​​about 2000 square meters and an amphitheater for 300 people. On the lower floor there are cultural divisions such as the Department of Music History, the Hall of the Information World, the School of Science, Culture and Art, workshops created by our university for scientific activities.

Fairytale castle

In the center of the park is a multi-level castle with spiral staircases, made in the style of Disney. It is noteworthy that each tower of the palace is a copy of the top of one of the famous sights of Turkey. For example, here you can see the tops of the Maiden and Galata towers, the Topkapi Palace and the Antalya Yivli Minaret.

Esminiatürk (miniature of Eskisehir) - architectural monuments of the Turkic world in miniature form Esminiatürk, also known as the Park of masterpieces of the Turkic world, is a project implemented by the Agency "Eskisehir - Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2013". In the park, there are small examples of masterpieces from countries affected by Turkish culture. Zoo It was opened in April 2017 by Eskisehir Metropolitan Municipality after two years of construction. It is sponsored by the company Eti from Eskisehir. There are two closed areas, one is for the aquarium, the so-called underwater world and the other is a home for birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods from warm regions. The yards of most land animals are protected by low-voltage electricity fences or glass panels. In total, there are 243 species, 123 of which are in the aquarium.

Overnight at the hotel in Eskisehir.

Day 7 - Eskisehir - Istanbul

Breakfast, check out from the hotel and departure to Istanbul.

We will have stops along the way, both as needed and for lunch.

Overnight at the hotel in Istanbul.

Day 8 - Final

Breakfast in the hotel.

This is our last morning in Istanbul.

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 Istanbul is without a doubt one of those places!

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

Come again or as the Turks say "Yine bekleriz"!

See you soon!

Important information

What is included in the price?

• Transfer by comfortable transport from the airport/hotel/airport only for our group.

• Transport maps and all transport along the route on a comfortable air-conditioned bus - only for our group.

• All excursions and entrance tickets according to the program.

• Assistance in the selection of air tickets.

• Professional guide in Russian.

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

***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:

• Flights from your city to Istanbul and back

• Meals outside the program

• All drinks

• Medical insurance - highly recommended

• Additional 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)

Additional services

Excursions for extra charge:

• Dervish dance - Sema - 25 euros (per person)

• Turkish night and Bosphorus boat trip - 65 euros (per person)

*** When the price changes, the announcement during the trip takes precedence.