ISTANBUL HOTEL 3

Breakfast at the hotel

• Cruise on the Sea of Marmara to the Princes' Islands (Büyükada) (optional)
• Departure from the hotel around 8:30 with transport to the port. We take the ferry to the last and largest island Büyükada, the whole trip takes about one and a half hours. We will continue our way up the hill by small cars or minibuses, from where an incredible view of Istanbul opens up having time to take beautiful photos for remembrance.We will walk one and a half km up to the monastery of St. George. Afterwards, we will have lunch at a local cafe where we will sample some traditional Turkish cuisine then head back to the mainland of Istanbul. You can visit the Egyptian Bazaar, which is located next to the harbour. (Total cost of the trip includes: local transport, ferry tickets, walking tour of the island, lunch with a refreshing drink).
• Those staying in Istanbul enjoy free time and shopping and return to hotel, free time
• Turkish night at Gar Restaurant (optional) - Includes a traditional Turkish dinner with drinks and entertainment (traditional oriental dances, oriental rhythms, Turkish music and delicious delicacies). Menu includes: appetizers, main course and drinks (1 bottle of wine (red or white) or Turkish raki or 2 beers or 2 juices).

Wednesday

Breakfast at the hotel

Tour of the "City on two continents" with a visit to the most important sights:

• Dolmabahçe Sarayı Palace - the palace of the Ottoman sultans on the European side of the Bosphorus.
• Sultan Ahmet Meydanı Square - Istanbul's main square with obelisks and historic centre
• Sultanahmet Camii Blue Mosque - Istanbul's first major mosque
  The Obelisk of Theodosius Dikilitas is an ancient Egyptian obelisk brought to Istanbul from Luxor (Egypt)
• Hagia Sophia Ayasofya-i Kebir Camii Mosque - world symbol of the "golden age" of Byzantium. Until 2020, the mosque was an Orthodox cathedral.
• Topkapı Sarayı Palace (optional) - a magnificent architectural monument from the 15th century. For several centuries in a row, Topkapi was considered the main residence of the rulers of the Ottoman state. Today it is a museum complex, which should be seen by everyone who at least once happens to visit the Turkish lands. In this museum the original sword of Stefan the Great is preserved.

Return to the hotel, free time.

Gold jewellery shop (optional).

Thursday

Breakfast at the hotel and issue of numbers

• Istanbul Akvaryum (optional) - 1.2 km long, 17 themes, rainforest, about 1,500 species of fish, total of 17,000 land and sea inhabitants, including sharks, penguins, capybaras, red lionfish, lagoon lionfish and many other species.
• Those who don't go to the aquarium have free time for personal strolling at the Grand Bazaar and last shopping: the Kapalı Çarșı Grand Bazaar - one of the largest covered markets in the world, which has long been a popular attraction in old Istanbul. What's there in the labyrinths of the Grand Bazaar - ceramics, gold, silver, jewellery, shawls, scarves, amulets, carpets, kilims, soap, beads, bronze, glass, fabric scrolls, tons of copper, the fragrant spice market and much more. 

Departure from Istanbul to Chisinau - approximately at 15:00.

ATTENTION!!!
The tour schedule may be subject to change without prior notice, depending on weather conditions, time of arrival in Istanbul, unforeseen traffic jams in the city proper, etc.

Additional Services:

• Additional seat on transport - 75 €
• First seats on transport (first 5 rows) - 20 €
• For seniors > 66 years old, health insurance is paid extra
• New Year Gala Dinner - 95 eur