Program

DAY 1: LARNACA-ATHENS-CONSTANTINOPLE-BALOUKLI-MONITORIAL OF CHORA
Gathering at Larnaca Airport. Luggage arrangement and departure for Istanbul Airport, via Athens. Arrival. Luggage collection and departure by luxury air-conditioned bus to Istanbul. Arrival. Departure for a visit to the Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi (Baloukli). Here there is the miraculous Holy Water, the tombs of the Patriarchs and benefactors of the Greek Nation and the cistern with the traditional fish. On the way we will see the Theodosian Walls and the Golden Gate of Byzantium. Then an optional visit to the Monastery of Chora (known today as the Kariye Mosque) with its famous mosaics, some of the most beautiful in the world. Transfer to the hotel. Check-in to the rooms. Free time. Overnight.

DAY 2: CONSTANTINOPLE-PRINCEPONNISIA-PERAN-CONSTANTINOPLE
Breakfast. Departure for the Asian part of Istanbul, where we will take the boat to visit the Princes' Islands. We will visit the island of Halki, where the Theological School of Halki is located, which has been closed since 1971, the Monastery of the Holy Trinity. Then we will go to the island of Pringipos, the largest island of the 9 Princes' Islands. Lunch (optional). Visit to the Metropolitan Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Return to Istanbul. Transfer to the hotel. For those interested, we can take a walk on Peran Street, which starts from Taksim Square, in the center of Istanbul and reaches Galata. It took its current form in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when buildings were built in the neoclassical style. There are many historical buildings along the street. In Taksim Square there is the Church of the Holy Trinity. The Sismanoglio Mansion, which belongs to the Greek Consulate, is a magnificent 19th century building, it is the Greek consular residence and houses many cultural and educational activities. The gallery of flowers. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 3: CONSTANTINE-HAYA SOFIA-HIPPODROME-AQUA OF JUSTINIAN (OPTIONAL)-BOSPHORUS-TOP KAPI
Breakfast. Visit and pilgrimage to the Patriarchal Church of Saint George in the Phanar. Here we will see the Closed Gate and the place of martyrdom of Patriarch Gregory V. Then a walking tour of the Great School of the Nation, which we will see from the outside, the oldest educational institution in operation in Hellenism, as it is the historical continuation of the Patriarchal Academy and the Patriarchal School. Then a visit to the monastery of Panagia of Blachernae, where the Akathist Hymn was sung for the first time in 626 AD. Then departure for a visit-tour of the wonder of the ages, the magnificent church of Hagia Sophia. Emperor Justinian commissioned the mathematician Anthemius and the architect Isidore, the plans for the church dedicated to the “Wisdom of God”. Entry is only allowed to the women’s cloister, where we will see the mosaics. From here we will see the main church and the mosaic of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Child, which has been located for centuries in the niche of the arch and is one of the most beautiful in Hagia Sophia. The rest are closed because it is now a mosque. Next visit to the Hippodrome, which was a place of public entertainment and was intended for horse races and chariot races, while acquiring institutional and political dimensions, where many events took place, such as the "Nika's stand" etc. Next we will see the exterior of one of the most important mosques in the city with six minarets, the "BLUE MOSQUE" of SULTAN AHMET. Then a visit (optional entrance) to the first Ottoman palaces of Topkapi with its precious treasures and famous diamonds. Here is part of the relics of Saint John the Baptist (left hand). Next visit (optional) to the Basilica Cistern or Cistern of Justinian, which was the largest underground reservoir in Constantinople. It is located opposite Hagia Sophia and is a masterpiece of Byzantine engineering. It is 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, with a capacity of more than 80,000 cubic meters of water. Finally, we will have a cruise on the Bosphorus. For an hour and a half we will enjoy the ancient Strait, which is today called the Bosphorus and we will see the Galata Tower, the first and second suspension bridges of the Bosphorus. Return to the hotel. Free time. Overnight.

DAY 4: ISTANBUL-DOLMA BAHCE-EGYPTIAN MARKET-COVERED MARKET
Breakfast. Departure for a visit (optional) to the Dolma Bahce Palace. It is worth noting that the Dolmabahce Palace was the residence of the sultans and the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1922. Visit to the covered Egyptian Spice Market or Egyptian Market. Finally, we will have free time for shopping at the Covered Market (Kapali Jarsi) also known as the Grand Bazaar, Covered Bazaar or Covered Market. It is true that the Covered Market of Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 5: CONSTANTINOPLE-PATRIARCHATE-VLACHERNA-ATHENS-LARNACA
Breakfast. Departure for the Airport for the return flight via Athens.