Istanbul - The City That Never Sleeps

About this trip

Day 1 Bucharest – Giurgiu – Edirne – Istanbul | Day 2 We cross Bulgaria, enter Turkey and head to the hotel to complete the check-in formalities, free time to rest, accommodation at a 4* hotel. From 7:30 PM we offer you a Bosphorus cruise (optional, at 60 euros/person, with dinner, drinks included and entertainment program – the price is indicative and may change) to admire both the Asian and European shores, the area being full of villas, each more opulent than the last. Day 3 We will walk to the Suleymaniye Mosque, where Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife, Hürrem, are buried, after which we head to Sultanahmet, where we can visit: the Blue Mosque (free entry), Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern (entry fees not included). From 6:30 PM we offer you the opportunity of an optional excursion "Night Tour" (35 euros/person) – crossing the Bosphorus Bridge from European Istanbul to Asian Istanbul, up Camlica Hill, for a panorama of Istanbul at night + Camlica Mosque – the largest mosque in Turkey! A grand mosque with six minarets, capable of hosting over 60,000 worshippers! Day 4 After breakfast we will head to Viaport Marina in Tuzla, Istanbul, which is a luxury multifunctional complex located by the sea, offering a unique combination of shopping (open-air outlet), entertainment and a modern marina. It includes an amusement park (Tuzla Viasea), aquarium, Lion Park, restaurants and a 5-star hotel. It is a popular destination for families, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It includes: theme parks – one of the fastest roller coasters in Turkey. Aquarium: Viasea Aquarium houses various marine creatures. Lion Park: a park specialized in big cats. Viaport Marina functions as a complete social hub, ideal for spending an entire day in Istanbul. Zoo and aquarium entry price – 35 euros/person. On the way back we will go to the sweets shop with Turkish specialties. Price 45 euros/person. Day 5 After breakfast we will head to Dolmabahce Palace. It is one of the most impressive European-style palaces in Istanbul. Dolmabahce Palace, commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid I in the mid-19th century, marked a shift in Ottoman architecture and design. The palace was built with a clear European influence, highlighting a departure from the traditional Ottoman architectural style. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to explore various sections, including the Ceremonial Hall, the Imperial Harem and the sultan's private apartments. The Dolmabahce Clock Tower, the Palace Mosque and the grand gardens enhance the palace's charm. The palace's most iconic feature is undoubtedly the Crystal Staircase, a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The stunning crystal chandelier in the Ceremonial Hall is another attraction that highlights the palace's unparalleled opulence. Dolmabahce Palace also holds a significant place in Turkey's history, as it is where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk spent his last days. His room has been preserved as a museum, allowing visitors to pay tribute to the founding father of modern Turkey. The center of the Ortakoy neighborhood and the Ortakoy Mosque, which is among the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. Located right before the Bosphorus, the Ortakoy Mosque has an absolutely superb view. This is why the Ortakoy Mosque, at sunset and sunrise, offers its visitors the most photogenic opportunities imaginable. Due to the mosque's unique location, the Ortakoy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge are very close. The Ortakoy Mosque is situated in an open-air square in Ortakoy, one of the quirkiest and most historic neighborhoods in Istanbul. We head to the Galata area, where we will visit the Galata Tower and can eat a fish sandwich. Price – 35 euros/person. Day 6 Istanbul – Bucharest