Istanbul & Plovdiv Culture Tours
Day 1
Arrival to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel for dinner & overnight.
“Formerly known as Constantinople, and before that as Byzantium, Istanbul was founded at a crossroad between Europe and Asia, Christianity and Islam. It was the capital city of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires and briefly the capital city of the Turkish Republic...
The Romans renamed it after Constantine the Great, who declared it the new capital of a united Roman Empire. Ottoman Empire captured the city in 1453 - On July 24, 1923, the Lausanne Peace Treaty was signed and the TGNA announced on October 13, 1923 that Ankara was the new capital. Preparation was underway for the establishment of a strong republic. On October 29, 1923, the Republic was proclaimed.
Ataturk was then elected first President of the Republic of Turkey. Istanbul is considered to be the city of inspiration to various artists around the globe, who find it fascinating how the west and the east are embroidered so naturally into one epic city. In 2010, all this beauty was crowned as the European Capital of Culture by the European Union”
Istanbul & Plovdiv Culture Tours
Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel and visits of the the Roman Hippodrome; the former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit you will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Wilhelm II. Blue Mosque, one of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from 17th century architecture is one of the principal adornments on the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets. St.Sophia, the magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world. Is has been nominated to be the 8th wonder of the world by many historians. Topkapi Palace museum incl. The Treasury section, the former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled. Today a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the very famous treasury of the Royal Family. Grand Covered Bazaar, in addition to its historical importance, it’s a bazaar that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs. Dinner at Dubb Indian Bosphorus Restaurant with a panoramic view. Optional dinner at Fenix Restaurant & Bar offering a DJ Performance.
Istanbul & Plovdiv Culture Tours
Day 3
After breakfast visit the Dolmabahce Palace, built in the mid-19th century by Sultan Abdülmecit, it Pavillon, where birdsfrom all over the world were once kept is unique to this palace. Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic, died here on November 10, 1938. Bosphorus cruise; embarking the ferry from Eminonu, you will leisurely sail by the baroque 19th century palaces, the beautiful old wooden houses, Rumeli Hisar and Anadolu Hisar fortresses, sailing under the Bosphorus Bridge.
Dinner at Orient Boat with Turkish Night Show & Traditional Entertaiment. Optional dinner at Ruby Restaurant & Bar offering a DJ Performance. Optional activity:Workshops at Indian Cultural Center. We will contact with the center about the current & future attractions will taken placed in advance
Istanbul & Plovdiv Culture Tours
Day 4
Breakfast and c/out and transfer to public bus station to proceed to Plovdiv for dinner and overnight.
Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns not just in Bulgaria, but also in whole Europe. This is the second largest city in Bulgaria, after Sofia. Phillip Makedonski, the father of Alexander Makedonski, is considered to be the official founder of the city. In 342 he conquers the city and names it Philipopol – “The town of Philip”. Guests of Plovdiv can try all kinds of entertainments. The central streets are live, night clubs offer unforgettable moments for those who like clubbing. Plovdiv is the oldest living city in Europe. In the Balkans, roads are crossing from all directions of the world, so different eras have left a beautiful prints in its posture. Historical monuments from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires adorn the face of the city. Not surprisingly, it is elected European Capital of Culture for 2019.
Istanbul & Plovdiv Culture Tours
Day 5
Breakfast at the hotel and start the sightseeing tour of Plovdiv - a tour of the old town which consists of one of the most spectacular ensembles of town houses from the period of the Bulgarian National Revival. Visit The Church of St Constantine and Helena; it is considered to be among the oldest churches in the city. It was built in 337 at the sight of an ancient pagan temple in the acropolis on one of the fortified hills, the Roman Theatre; This ancient theater, restored in the 20th century, lives on as a venue for dramatic and musical performances, originally built under the reign of Emperor Trajan, Regional Ethnographic Museum.
The museum was established in 1917 and since 1938 it has been located in Kuyumdzhieva house, a cultural monument of national significance, Dzhumaya Mosque (Hudavendigar Camii; Bulgaria's first working mosque, this unmissable Ottoman building in the middle of Plovdiv's pedestrianised shopping zone was originally built in 1364.
The highlight of the tour is the “Hindliyan’s House” Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Plovdiv.
You are welcome to discover Kapana (literal translation: “The Trap”) is the district of Plovdiv which keeps rising. Kapana houses a lot of restaurants, pubs and coffees.
Brief information of the Hindliyan’s House;
Built in 1834-35 by unknown master-builders, the House of Stepan Hindlian is one of the few symmetrical houses, preserved in their original. Its owner founded one of the four most well-to-do Armenian families in the city of the hills. He was a renowned merchant, whose trade led him often to India in the early 19th c. In result, the new name Hindlian was given to him.
Istanbul & Plovdiv Culture Tours
Day 6
Breakfast and c/out for drive to Sofia. Visit Rila Monastery on the way; The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria.
Dinner & overnight at your hotel in Sofia.
Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and its largest city.
Founded thousands of years ago, today the city continues to develop as the country’s cultural and economic center. At present, the city has a population of 1,250,000. Sofia is located in the western part of the country, on The Sofia Plain and on the lower slopes of Mount Vitosha.
The city’s average altitude is 550 meters above sea level, the climate is moderate and continental, characterized by cold winters and relatively cool summers. The average temperature in January is 1 degree below zero Centigrade, and the average July temperature is 20 degrees Centigrade. Sofia night life is amazing – the city truly comes alive at night. An atmosphere of liberation and fun pervades the night life scene of Sofia.
Because there are just a few licensing laws, bars can serve alcohol at any time of day or night so one can always find a party going on.Bars and cafes are usually closing at midnight (or later) and after that the city numerous night clubs are taking over the party until 5 or 6 AM.There are many restaurants working during the night, providing the hungry crowd a warm breakfast in 6am.
Clubs regularly schedule performances by bands that play anything from traditional Bulgarian music to hardcore, punk, reggae, electronica, or metal
Istanbul & Plovdiv Culture Tours
Day 7
Breakfast and start the sightseeing tour of Sofia includes: St. Nedelya Cathedral is an Eastern Orthodox church in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, a cathedral of the Sofia bishopric of the Bulgarian Patriarchat. St. George Rotunda The Church of St George is a red brick rotunda that is thought to be the oldest building in Sofia. The Early Christian church stands among the ruins of Roman buildings, including public buildings with hypocaust floors and a basilica. Banya Bashi Mosque; It was designed in 1576, by the greatest of all Ottoman architects, Mimar Sinan.
Sofia Synagogue – the largest synagogue on the Balkan peninsula, the Presidency and the seat of the Government, Ivan Vazov National Theater, The “Ivan Vazov” National Theatre is Bulgaria’s biggest theatre, as well as the oldest and most stand out and most imposing theatre in the country. The former Royal Palace, originally built as the headquarters of the Ottoman police force, this is where Bulgaria’s national hero Vasil Levski was tried and tortured before his public execution in 1873. Russian Church of St. Nicolas, The Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker, as the Russian Church is officially named, was built at the end of 19th century and consecrated in 1914. St. Sophia Church, is the second oldest church in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, dating to the 4th-6th century. In the predecessor building took place the Council of Serdica held most probably in 343 and attended by 316 bishops. St.Alexander Nevsky Cathedral; named after St. Alexander Nevski, a Russian Tsar who saved Russia from invading Swedish troops in 1240 and the patron saint of Tsar Alexander II, who was also referred to as Bulgaria’s Tsar Osvoboditel (Liberator). Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule. National Assembly Square with the monument of the Russian Tsar Alexander II named “Tsar Liberator”, Sofia University and National Library.
Istanbul & Plovdiv Culture Tours
Day 8
After breakfast transfer to Sofia Airport for homebound flight
Istanbul & Plovdiv Culture Tours
What Is Included
• 3 overnight-stay in Istanbul at central located 4 star hotel
• 2 overnight-stay in Plovdiv at central located 4 star hotel
• 2 overnight-stay in Sofia at central located 4 star hotel
• Daily breakfast & dinner at the hotels
• English speaking tour guide
• Transportation with A/C Minivan
• Parking, highway & ferry expenses
• Entry fees to the Museums
• Places to be visited in Istanbul;
The Roman Hippodrome, The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Sophia Museum, Grand Covered Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Cruise
Optional activity: Workshops at Indian Cultural Center in Istanbul
• Places to be visited in Plovdiv;
Bulgarian National Revival, The Church of St Constantine and Helena, Roman Theatre, Regional Ethnographic Museum, Dzhumaya Mosque (Hudavendigar Camii), Hindliyan’s House, Rila Monastery (on the way to Sofia),
• Places to be visited in Sofia;
St. Nedelya Cathedral, St. George Rotunda, Banya Bashi Mosque, Sofia Synagogue, Ivan Vazov National Theater, the former Royal Palace, Russian Church of St. Nicolas, St. Sophia Church, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, National Assembly Square with the monument of the Russian Tsar Alexander II named “Tsar Liberator”, Sofia University and National Library
• 6 lunches at the following restaurants;
Buhara Restaurant on Day 2 & Day 3 in Istanbul (Vegetarian Menus are available)
Terzo Mondo Indian Restaurant in Plovdiv
Local Restaurant on the way to Sofia
Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant in Sofia
1 soft drink is included during the lunch
• 2 dinners at the following restaurants in Istanbul
Dubb Indian Bosphorus Restaurant with unlimited soft drinks & beer
Orient Boat on Bosphorus with Turkish Night Show with unlimited local drinks
• All taxes
Istanbul & Plovdiv Culture Tours
What Is Not Included
• Tips to staff, items of a personal nature
• Lunches on Day 1 & Day 8
• Optional dinners in Istanbul
-Supplement for dinner at Fenix Restaurant & Bar per person 30€ with unlimited local drinks
-Supplement for dinner at Ruby Restaurant & Bar per person 40€ with unlimited local drinks
• Flight tickets
