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First class service and guided transportation through the historical and picturesque sites of Istanbul and historical sites to visit in Bulgaria as in Sofia that gloriously depict the country's past.
Highlights
- Embarking on a journey from Istanbul to Sofia, with stops at Rila Monastery and Plovdiv, promises a rich exploration of historical sites, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes.
- Hagia Sophia: Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Blue Mosque: Admire the stunning blue tiles and architecture of the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque).
- Topkapı Palace: Discover the opulent Topkapı Palace, former residence of Ottoman sultans.
- Grand Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Bosphorus Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, passing by iconic landmarks.
- Sofia, Bulgaria: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: Marvel at the impressive domes and architecture of this iconic cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Sofia's National Palace of Culture: Explore this iconic landmark and cultural center, known for its modern architecture and events.
- Vitosha Boulevard: Take a leisurely stroll down this bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- Saint Sofia Church: Visit one of the oldest churches in Sofia, dating back to the 6th century, and admire its beautiful frescoes. Ivan Vazov National Theater: Admire the stunning neoclassical architecture of Bulgaria's national theater, located in the heart of Sofia.
- Rila Monastery: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning architecture, colorful frescoes, and spiritual significance. Church of the Nativity: Marvel at the intricate wood-carved iconostasis and beautiful frescoes inside this historic church. Rila Monastery Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the monastery and see artifacts and religious objects on display.
- Old Town (Plovdiv): Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Plovdiv's Old Town, lined with colorful houses, art galleries, and cafes. Ancient Theater of Philippopolis: Discover one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world, dating back to the 2nd century AD, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Nebet Tepe: Explore this ancient hilltop fortress and archaeological site, offering stunning views of Plovdiv and the surrounding landscape.
- Kapana District: Experience Plovdiv's vibrant arts and culture scene in the trendy Kapana District, filled with galleries, studios, and creative shops.
Itinerary
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, we have Istanbul City Tour. Our first visit will be HIPPODROME. Ancient Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Than we will visit SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE. Across from Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, it was built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Our next visit will be HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, previously known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, is simply the best of its kind! Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is the greatest surviving example of Byzantine Architecture. For 1000 years, it was once the largest church in the world, decorated with stunning 6th century golden mosaics. Today it is a mosque. Lunch break at 13:00 pm. After the lunch, TravelShop Group will take you to the ASIL EFENDI which is a unique atmosphere with reasonable prices for your shopping. Here you will find; Exotic Spices and Herbs, Turkish Baklava, Turkish Delights, Turkish Coffee, nuts and fruits, small souvenirs such as Ceramic Handicrafts, Evil Eyes totems, all naturel olive oil, soaps and many other goods in Souvenir Shops and stores. After the tour, transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Please Note: Please do not forget to carry headscarf with you for the visit of religious places as Blue Mosque & Haghia Sophia Mosque.
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast between 08:00 am and 09:30 am pick-ups from hotel. Your tour consultant will give you final timing one day before. BOSPHORUS BY BOAT; a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion, you will see the magnificent sights of the following attractions from your boat. See Dolmabahce Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace. On the coastal edge of this park, is Ciragan Palace, 300 meters of its marble facade faces the shore. At Ortakoy a great variety of artists, gather every sunday to display their work along the street. Ortakoy is a symbol of tolerance with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for centuries. RUMELI FORTRESS (view from boat), Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul was completed in only four months to control and protect the infamous Bosporus passage. It is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world. BEYLERBEYI PALACE (view from boat), is the summer residence of Ottoman sultans exists in its original renovated glory featuring original antique furniture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asian side of Istanbul. Lunch break at the Turkish restaurant. After the lunch we will then take you to the GRAND COVERED BAZAAR in this labyrinth of streets and passages are more than 4,000 shops with each trade having its own area: the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as hand painted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes. After the tour transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and depart by international flight to Sofia. Upon arrival to Sofia start your guided sightseeing tour of the city center including visit to Alexander Nevski Cathedral - one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe, as well as one of Sofia’s symbols and a primary tourist attraction. St. George Rotunda, St. Sophia Church, built by emperor Justinian in the 6th century, National Theatre, former Royal Palace, today housing the National Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum, Presidency, etc. Optional visit of National History Museum and Boyana Church in Sofia. Tour duration - approx. 3 hours. Optional - evening panoramic tour “Sofia by night” and dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances. Overnight in Sofia.
(Breakfast included)
After the breakfast, we depart for Rila Monastery - the most exquisite example of the monastery art and architecture in Bulgaria. Guided tour of the monastery complex. Visit to Nativity of the Virgin Church with its miracle icon of the Virgin and splendid gilded iconostasis. The old kitchen, the monastery museum where you can learn about the long and heroic history of the monastery, the wood carved cross made for a period of twelve years by a monk called Rafael, Hrelyo’s Tower and many spectacular views from the mountain and the surrounding nature. Tour duration - approx. 8 hours. Arrival in Plovdiv. Overnight in Plovdiv.
(Breakfast included)
Sightseeing tour in the Old Town including a visit to the Roman Ancient Theatre, which was built in the 2nd century AD under the rule of the Roman Emperor Trajan and is nowadays considered to be the largest surviving Roman construction in Bulgaria. Visit to the Ethnographic Museum, Roman Stadium, St. Constantine and Helena Church, etc. Departure for Hissarya. Sightseeing tour, including the Roman Fortress, the Tomb, etc. The archaeological reserve Hissar Fortress is an excellent example of early fortification art and perhaps the best monument of this kind in Bulgaria. Visit of Starosel and walk around the latest excavations of the Thracian tombs at Starosel. The village is known for its abundance of ancient Thracian sites, with finds dating back to the 5-6 millennium BC. Drive to Sofia. Overnight in Sofia.
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, we depart for Sofia Airport for our return flight back to home. We hope your tour was a memorable one and we would like to see you in the future in one of our tours again. Have a nice trip back home and thanks for choosing Travel Shop Booking. Optional one-day tour to Boyana Church and National History Museum Tour (for late departures only) After the breakfast, visit to the National History Museum. Most interesting are the collections of Thracian and Old Bulgarian gold and silver treasures, rich collection of icons, church plates and cloths, numismatics, manuscripts and early printed books, ethnographic exhibits. Visit to Boyana Church (included in the list of UNESCO), located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain in the suburb of Boyana. Tour duration - approx. 3 hours. After the tour, we depart for Sofia Airport for our return flight back to home. We hope your tour was a memorable one and we would like to see you in the future in one of our tours again. Have a nice trip back home and thanks for choosing Travel Shop Booking.
Trip includes
Included
3 nights’ hotel accommodation in Istanbul - Pullman Hotel or Ramada Golden Horn Hotel
2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Sofia - Ramada Sofia Hotel
1 night hotel accommodation in Plovdiv - Imperial Hotel
PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange similar other hotel for your group.
If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost
Professional English-speaking tour guides
Guiding Method
Fully guided
6 open buffet breakfasts
Arrival Airport transfer from Istanbul Airport
Return transfer to Sofia Airport
Transportation in a fully air - conditioned, non - smoking coach
Guided Istanbul City Tour
Guided Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Shopping Tour
Guided Visit of Rila Monastery
Guided Sightseeing Tour in the Old town of Plovdiv
Guided Sightseeing tour of Hissarya and Starosel
Guided Sightseeing Tour of Sofia
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Excluded
International flights Istanbul to Sofia
Insurance: All types
City Tax
Turkey entry visa
Bulgaria entry visa
Visit to Boyana Church and the National History Museum
Evening panoramic tour “Sofia by night” and dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances.
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry
Any others expenses which are not mentioned at the included section.
Hotel room taxes
Tipping
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Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
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