Excursions from Greece to Istanbul are not as popular as from Istanbul to Greece, but pilgrimage trips to this city are organized regularly. For Christians, Istanbul is still Constantinople or Constantinople - the capital of the Byzantine Empire and the center of Orthodoxy.
The program of the pilgrimage tour primarily includes a visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople - one of the most interesting sights of Istanbul, and the Cathedral of St. George on its territory, which stores many Christian relics.
Further pilgrims visit
- Church of the Blachernae Mother of God
- Saint Sophie Cathedral
- Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos "Life-Giving Spring in Balikli
- Cathedral of Christ in Chora
Muslim believers aspire to one of the most revered places in Istanbul - the Eyyup Sultan Mosque, where the mausoleum of Abu Eyyup, a faithful companion of the Prophet Muhammad, is located.
But Istanbul attracts not only pilgrims. Russian tourists vacationing in Greece, despite the abundance of attractions in Hellas, do not miss the opportunity to visit one of the greatest cities in the world.
There are regular bus excursions from Alexandroupolis to Istanbul, which is only 260 km away. The choice of excursion routes is varied: a sightseeing tour of the city, historical sites, museums, a gastronomic tour, visiting bazaars, shopping, boat trips and much more.
Sultanahmet square
All excursions begin from Sultanahmet Square, where the most outstanding monuments of architecture and history are located. Here, as in a kaleidoscope, fragments of different eras, empires and cultures have been fancifully formed.
Part of the square is located on the site of the ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races took place during the Roman Empire, very reckless, often leading to fights between fans, and sometimes to riots. Now reminds of those times
- Egyptian obelisk
- Snake column
- Obelisk of Constantine.
The Cathedral of Hagia Sophia, the greatest creation of Byzantine architects, also rises here. The walls and floors of the cathedral are made of pink, green, red and white marble, the passages are decorated with gilded carved friezes, ivory, precious stones and pearls. The uniquely designed dome seems to float in the air and shine with its own inner light.
Sultanahmet Mosque, or Blue Mosque, is located opposite Hagia Sophia. In its decoration, more than 20 thousand handmade Iznik ceramic tiles were used, the painting of which is dominated by blue, which makes the mosque seem blue.
Bosphorus cruise
The Blue Mosque is a symbol of another Istanbul, the capital of the formidable Ottoman Empire. And this city is best seen from the water, using a pleasure boat along the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn Bay. This is a mesmerizing sight: from the tops of seven hills, minarets of mosques pierce the sky, palaces, fortresses and towers are lined up along the embankments, as if the links of a precious necklace are strung on one endless thread. And all the splendor of the eastern city floats by like a wonderful dream.
The most famous palace in Istanbul, Topkapi on the shores of the Sea of Marmara, was the residence of Turkish rulers for more than 4 centuries. Topkapi is now one of the richest museums in the world.
Not far from the Galata Tower there is a Museum of Whirling Dervishes, where you can learn about the mysterious life of members of the Sufi order and see their mesmerizing dance performed during religious events.
It is difficult to get around all the amazing places of Istanbul in a short time, but its oriental bazaars cannot be missed. Kapala Charshi is one of the largest covered markets in the world. They sell everything here, and gamblingly bargain to the last for every little thing.
The second largest Egyptian bazaar is full of oriental spices, medicinal herbs, dried fruits, sweets, and other temptations.
When dusk falls on the city, the night Istanbul comes to life, full of fire and fun. All restaurants, bars, clubs, discos work. Istanbul calms down only with the first rays of the sun, when the voices of the muezzins are heard from the minarets.
