New Year - Istanbul and Bursa - (28.12 - 01.01.2024) 5 days - by plane from Podgorica

LocationTurkey
Duration5 Days
Price starting from855€

New Year - Istanbul and Bursa - (28.12 - 01.01.2024) 5 days - by plane from Podgorica

Bursa - the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and the seat of the sultan in the early 14th century. In the process of establishing the empire, Bursa became the first city shaped by the kul system, within the context of the waqf system (public endowments) that determined the city's expansion and its architectural traditions. Bursa - Visit to the Automobile Museum - a tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundations of automotive technology. Exciting journey from Istanbul to Bursa and back – you will travel by ferry one way and return via the new suspension bridge. Istanbul - Hagia Sophia and the Cistern – a gem of Byzantine art, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace with its treasury – the Grand Bazaar – the world's largest covered market with 4,000 shops and an oriental spice bazaar – the Egyptian Bazaar. Bosphorus – the strait connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

    Price includes:

  • Air ticket for the Podgorica-Istanbul-Podgorica route with included airport taxes (Departure: December 28 - Podgorica to Istanbul flight at 08:55; landing at 12:40 / Return: January 1 - Istanbul to Podgorica flight at 19:45; landing at 19:35.)
  • 1 piece of hand luggage up to 8 kg
  • 1 piece of checked luggage up to 23 kg
  • Airport-hotel-airport transfer
  • 4 nights with breakfast in double rooms at a 4⭐ hotel in Istanbul and Bursa
  • Bus transfers and tours as per the program
  • Sightseeing according to the program and organizational costs
  • Services of a local tourist guide and a professional group escort

    Price doesn't include:

  • Individual costs and costs not mentioned in the itinerary
  • International travel insurance (not mandatory but recommended) - issued at the agency.

  • Additional Charges (upon registration)

      

    1. Single room - 169 EUR/person
      2. 

    2. Accommodation in a 5-star hotel in Bursa - 90 EUR/person
Hilton Bursa Convention Center and Spa
      3. 

    3. Residence tax - 8 EUR/person
      4. 

    4. Walking tour - full-day tour of Istanbul with tickets to the Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace - 59 EUR/person
      5. 

    5. New Year's Eve celebration in the Hilton Bursa hotel restaurant (Ball Room) – the price will be announced later.
      6.

  • Possible Additional Charges (guide on the move)

      

    1. Transfers by metro or tram - approximately 10 EUR/person
      2. 

    2. Tips - 10 € per person (hotel staff, driver, local guide)
      3. 

    

    Discounts: Children up to 6 years have free admission, and from 6 years old, they pay the full ticket price.
  • 1
    Day 1

    Podgorica – Istanbul (28.12.)

    Gathering at Podgorica Airport and flight to Istanbul. After landing, transfer to the hotel and accommodation. We will visit the most famous street in Istanbul - Istiklal, starting at the main square Taksim. The street exudes incredible energy and a unique atmosphere contributed by various architectural styles. The streets are full of bars, restaurants, clubs with live music, galleries, theaters, and boutiques. We will be captivated by the nostalgic symbol of Istiklal - the red tram and the 1500-year-old architectural wonder, the Galata Tower, where couples come for eternal happiness. Overnight stay.
  • 2
    Day 2

    Istanbul | Breakfast (29.12.)

    After breakfast, we embark on a tour of the old part of the city (extra charge for tickets) - from Byzantium, through Constantinople, to Istanbul: Hagia Sophia built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, initially a Byzantine church until the 15th century, later a mosque, museum, and today again a sacred place; the Blue Mosque from the 17th century; the palace of the Ottoman sultans, Topkapi, once a residence, now a museum - treasury; the Hippodrome; the Cistern - an ancient water reservoir that surprises everyone. To conclude, an optional stroll to the famous Grand Bazaar, with over 4000 shops. Overnight at the hotel.
  • 3
    Day 3

    Istanbul - BURSA | Breakfast (30.12.)

    After breakfast, we head to the Asian side of Istanbul and visit the famous viewpoint - Camlica. Then, we will drive to Uskudar and see the love story carved in stone by the architect Sinan, raised in honor of Princess Mihrimah. We continue our journey to the increasingly popular district of Kadikoy, once the historical Chalcedon, and now the cultural center of the Asian side. Then follows a ferry and bus ride to the first Ottoman capital - Bursa. Overnight at the hotel.
  • 4
    Day 4

    BURSA | Breakfast (31.12.)

    After breakfast, the plan is to visit the old part of the city: the mausoleum and the Green Mosque, built in 1429 and became a symbol of Bursa. We will take a walk to the famous Irgandi Bridge, designed after the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. We will not miss the liveliest part of the city with many traditional bazaars, the magnificent mosque of Sultan Bayezid, built in the famous Seljuk style, and Kapali Carsi (Covered Market). The world-famous Silk Market, Koza Han from the 15th century, will delight us with vibrant colors and the quality of real silk. For lunch, we visit the legendary Iskender Kebab restaurant, whose origins date back to 1867, where the famous cevapi were first prepared at this location. A stop at the Car Museum, which is not just a vintage car museum but also a tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundations of the automotive industry. Return to the hotel and preparations for the longest night of the year. Possibility of an extra charge for the New Year's Eve dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
  • 5
    Day 5

    BURSA – NIKEA (IZNIK) – Istanbul – Podgorica - Breakfast, hot meal on the plane (1.1.2024.)

    After breakfast, on the first day of the New Year, we head to the city of Nikea or Iznik. Iznik is an exceptional story of the introduction and spread of early Christianity. The Council of Nicaea (325) led to the adoption of the first unified Christian doctrine called the Nicene Creed. This will be followed by a visit to the city walls from the Roman-Byzantine period, the theater, and the Church of St. Sophia, which was later converted into a mosque and today is a museum. During the Ottoman period, Iznik was also known for the production of ceramic tiles that adorned numerous palaces and mosques. We will visit one of the first universities where the technique of painting tiles by local artists was used. On the way to Istanbul, we will cross the new suspension bridge and experience the Asian part of Constantinople in all its dimensions. Arrival at Istanbul airport and flight to Podgorica.

  • General Notes

    Travel Organizer:
The travel organizer is Pelegrino TA, license number 373. The General Terms and Conditions of Travel of Pellegrino TA apply to this travel program. Please carefully read the General Terms and Conditions of Travel.
    

    Reservation:
The reservation is considered valid only if 50% of the total arrangement amount is paid. The minimum for the program to be implemented is 15 registered travelers. In the case of a smaller number of registered travelers, the agency reserves the right to change the price with the consent of the registered travelers.
    

    Contract Signatory Responsibility:
The signatory of the travel contract or representatives of the group of travelers are obligated to inform all passengers about the contracted travel program, payment conditions, insurance, and the general terms and conditions of the organizer (Pellegrino TA).
    

    Passport and Visa:
Passengers who do not possess a passport from the Republic of Montenegro are obliged to familiarize themselves with the visa regime of the country they are traveling to and obtain a travel visa on their own.
    

    Single Rooms:
Single rooms are available upon request.
    

    Age Recommendation:
The arrangement is not recommended for younger children.
    

    Optional Excursions:
Optional excursions are not a mandatory part of the program and depend on the availability of time at the sites, the number of registered passengers, and other circumstances.
    

    Adherence to Schedule:
Passengers are obliged to respect the schedule set by the agency representative during the trip; otherwise, the agency representative has the right to exclude the passenger from the trip.
    

    Departure Details:
The agency determines the place of departure, rest stops, and duration; by paying for the arrangement, the passenger accepts all the mentioned without the right to objection or complaint.
    

    Smoking and Substance Consumption:
Smoking and the consumption of intoxicants are strictly prohibited in the transport vehicle. A passenger who disturbs other passengers or hinders the driver, guide/escort in business will be immediately excluded from the trip, and all responsibility will be transferred to them without the right to appeal or refund.
    

    Documentation:
Please bring the necessary documentation - your passport!
    

    Check Departure Details:
Check the exact time and place of departure three days before the trip.
    

    Cancellation Policy:
The agency reserves the right to cancel the arrangement at the latest 7 days before the trip.