TURKEY – GREECE – BULGARIA

Among its enchanting enclaves, the Harem stands out, once the realm where the sultan’s beloved wives resided, a testament to a more intimate history.
An eclectic treasury awaits discovery within its storied walls, housing an extensive collection that spans porcelain, regal robes, weaponry, shields, armor, Ottoman miniatures, manuscripts of Islamic calligraphy, and resplendent wall adornments.
With the transformational tides of time, the year 1923 saw the evolution of Topkapi Saray into a museum, signifying the closure of a chapter in the Ottoman Empire. The legacy’s significance was globally acknowledged in 1985 when UNESCO bestowed upon it the mantle of World Heritage, safeguarding its grandeur for generations to come.

Istanbul stands as a sprawling metropolis gracefully situated along the banks of the Bosphorus, a watery ribbon that elegantly divides the realms of Europe and Asia. In a remarkable feat of geography, it claims the distinction of being the globe’s sole city that spans two continents.
A journey into the heart of Istanbul’s captivating landscape continues by traversing the expanse of the Bosphorus Bridge, a symbolic transition into the Asian segment of the city. As you proceed, a brief pause unveils a mesmerizing vista – a panoramic spectacle that unfolds, framing the majestic Bosphorus Strait in all its splendor.

Nestled within Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, the Dolmabahçe Palace, or Dolmabahçe Sarayı, graces the European edge of the Bosphorus. With its regal presence, it held the pivotal role of the Ottoman Empire’s primary administrative hub twice in its history, from 1856 to 1887 and later from 1909 to 1922.
A testament to luxury and vision, the palace’s creation was set into motion by Sultan Abdul Mejid I, the 31st Sultan of the empire. The culmination of this architectural marvel unfolded between 1843 and 1856. Prior to this, the Sultan and his kin resided in the embrace of the Topkapı Palace. Towering over its contemporaries, Dolmabahçe Palace is Turkey’s grandest palace, encompassing a vast expanse of 45,000 square meters. Within its walls, a symphony of 285 rooms, 46 majestic halls, 6 resplendent baths (hammams), and 68 lavatories tell tales of a bygone era.

Kavala

Nestled in the embrace of Northern Greece, Kavala proudly claims its position as the second-largest city in the region. This bustling metropolis is a pivotal port city of significant repute within Thrace and Eastern Macedonia.
Perched along the picturesque shores of the Aegean Sea, Kavala boasts a unique allure defined by its distinctive stepped architecture. Here, homes seem to ascend the landscape harmoniously, forming a delightful mosaic stretching from the sea’s edge to the summit of the slope.

A remarkable juxtaposition unfolds, where lush greenery blankets the entire cityscape, creating an enchanting blend of nature and human habitation.
Embark on a captivating journey through Kavala’s Old Town, where time seems to whisper through ancient houses and narrow cobbled pathways, leading you toward the city’s crown jewel—the Kavala fortress. This historic citadel stands as the pinnacle attraction, casting its watchful gaze from virtually every corner of the urban tapestry.

Fortress’s ramparts

Awe-inspiring vistas await atop the fortress’s ramparts, offering an expansive panorama that embraces the entire cityscape, the shimmering Aegean Sea, and the beguiling Thassos island.   Echoes of time reverberate here, as this fortress has witnessed the ebb and flow of history under both Byzantine and Ottoman rule. Its origins date back to the 12th century when it was meticulously erected upon the remnants of a Byzantine acropolis. Crafted from the relentless embrace of granite stone, marble, and steadfast bricks, this fortress is a testament to architectural ingenuity and enduring strength.

• Your passage guides you past the sentinel of the central round tower, an emblem of past defenses. En route, the Camares Aqueduct gracefully spans, resembling a bridge connecting history’s dots. Its stature, a towering 28 meters, spans 280 meters in length, flanked by purification tanks on each flank. This awe-inspiring marvel was created during the illustrious reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, leaving an indelible mark from the 15th century.
  Among the city’s cherished landmarks, the House of Mohammed Ali Pasha is in the Old Town’s embrace. A dwelling with historical resonance, it echoes the legacy of Kavala’s son, Mohammed Ali Pasha, the visionary considered the architect of modern Egypt. The dynasty he established persevered until 1952, leaving an indelible imprint on history’s canvas.

The Archaeological Museum of Kavala

The Archaeological Museum of Kavala stands as a jewel in Greece’s cultural crown, a repository of immense significance that showcases artifacts spanning across the entirety of the Kavala regional unit. With a rich collection encompassing Neapolis, the ancient city of Kavala, Amphipolis, and other enclaves of Eastern Macedonia, this museum stands as a testament to the vibrant tapestry of history.
Having opened its doors in 1934, this establishment has embraced its present abode since 1964, becoming a sanctuary for historical treasures.

As you step within, the ground floor unfolds a tableau of antiquities hailing from ancient Amphipolis, weaving tales of a bygone era.
Ascending to the first floor, a diverse array of exhibits awaits, transporting you to places like Galepos, Oissime, Topyros, Abdera, Mesambria, and Tragylos, each contributing its distinct narrative to the broader tapestry of the region.
Beyond the museum’s confines, the courtyard and atrium blossom into a history mosaic. Here, funerary walls adorned with reliefs and inscriptions stand as silent witnesses to a past now preserved in stone. Architectural remnants from the expanse of Eastern Macedonia, tracing their roots to the Roman era, grace this open space, a tribute to the craftsmanship and culture of yesteryears.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki proudly claims its place as Greece’s second-largest city, following in the footsteps of the capital, Athens. It stands as the cherished capital of the geographic expanse known as Macedonia while also serving as the administrative heart of Central Macedonia. Nestled 502 kilometers away from Athens, this city emanates a captivating allure that has earned it a coveted spot on UNESCO’s roster of World Cultural Heritage sites.
Enveloped in historical significance, Thessaloniki wears another mantle as the spiritual nucleus of the Thessaloniki Diocese within the Greek Orthodox Church. Echoes of devotion reverberate through its streets, adding a spiritual dimension to its multifaceted identity.
The very name of this city finds its roots in history’s embrace. “Thessalonica,” harkening back to the past, was the name bestowed upon it in homage to Thessalonica, the spouse of the Macedonian ruler Cassander and a half-sister to the illustrious Alexander III of Macedon. Translating to “Thessalian victory,” this name was a tribute to her father, Philip II of Macedon’s triumphant feat at the Battle of the Crocus Field. In this rich tapestry of heritage, Thessaloniki’s name is a testament to the intertwining threads of history and noble lineage.

Meteora

Meteora is a large monastery complex in northern Thessaly, Greece, one of the ten wonders of the world. includes 9 preserved monasteries, of which 6 are active, built on the tops of hard-to-reach high rocks, resembling stone pillars. They rise into the sky at a height of 400 meters. The monastery complex arose in the 10th century and has existed since then without interruption of the monastic tradition. In 1988, Meteora was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sandanski

Sandanski is a city in Southwestern Bulgaria. The Thracians founded the settlement with the name Medius; later the Roman settlement on the site of today’s town was called Dezudava, and in the Middle Ages the Bulgarians called it Saint Vrach. It is believed that Spartacus of the Thracian tribe Medes was born and lived in the Sandanski region. The Spartacus monument is one of the symbols of the city. Sandanski is a famous spa resort known for its mineral healing springs and air.

Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery – the biggest Monastery in Bulgaria. It was founded by the most respected Bulgarian saint-anchorite Ivan Rilski (876-946). It was built at is present location in the 14 century, and at first just a defensive tower was constructed (1335) – a remarkable work of medieval Bulgarian architecture. The following and most important stage of building was 1816-1870, when the biggest Bulgarian monastery was built, as can be seen today, with funds raised from all Bulgarians. With regards to architecture it resembles the Aton monasteries the most – like a medieval castle with tall wall and small narrow windows made of stone. The main monastery temple was built in 1837, the wall paintings decoration is from 1844-48, created by prominent painters from the time of the national Renaissance. The museum exhibition is one of the richest and most valuable collections on the Balkans. The Monastery has the UNESCO status of an international cultural monument.

Sofia

Sofia is the capital and the largest city of Bulgaria and the only one with a population of more then 1 million people in the country It is located in western Bulgaria, at the foot of Mount Vitosha and approximately at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula. As one of the oldest cities not only in Bulgaria and the entire Balkan Peninsula, Sofia offer a number of notable culture and historical monuments.

Edirne

Edirne (called Adrianople in the historical context) is a city in the Turkish part of Thrace, near the borders with Bulgaria and Greece. Edirne was founded on the site of an ancient Thracian settlement called Uskudama. In 127, on the site of the Thracian settlement, the Roman emperor Hadrian founded a city and gave it his name – Adrianopolis, in Greek “Hadrian’s city”. The city was the capital of the Ottoman Empire from 1369 to 1453. Edirne is an administrative center and has the reputation of an excellent university center. All the main streets in Edirne start from the central square, surrounded by three imperial mosques – Selimiye, Uç Şerefeli, and the old Talat Pasha Boulevard mosque.