WorldFestivalAssociation

 I N V I T A T I O N

   We invite you to the International Folklore  Festival  in ISTANBUL

Participating ensembles are coming from Israel, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Ukraine, Greece, Turkey, Serbia, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Armenia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Slovenia, North Macedonia…

Program:

17.04. – Scheduled arrival in the Turkey’s biggest city – Istanbul. Upon arrival, there will be an optional city sightseeing tour (circular bus tour) that includes: the Golden Horn waterway, crossing over to Asia via the Bosphorus Bridge, visiting Camlica - the most beautiful viewpoint in the city, Besiktas, Dolmabahçe Palace, Taksim and Beyoglu, Galata Bridge and Tower, the Historical Peninsula, the Sea of Marmara… Afterwards we will check into the hotel, have a meeting of group representatives and spend the night.

18.04. – Breakfast. After breakfast we will organize an optional sightseeing of Istanbul’s historic core with travel guides provided in group languages visiting: the pedestrian zone, the Grand Bazaar, the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosk, Hagia Sophia (inside visit), Topkapi Palace – the former residence of the Ottoman emperors and now one of world’s richest museums, Gulhane Park. Free time for individual activities or shopping at the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı). Return to the hotel. Spend the night at the hotel.

19.04. – Breakfast. A day dedicated to festival activities. Performance rehearsals. Sound checks. Openining of IV International Folklore Festival in Istanbul!!!

Performances of the cultural-artistic ensembles. Diploma presentation. After the Festival there is an option to organize a final hangout in the evening for all Festival participants. Going back to the hotel for the overnight stay. 

20.04. – Breakfast. Leaving the hotel. Free time or an optional Joyful Istanbul tour of the Miniaturk park at the shoreof Golden Horn. The park featuresthe models of 135 of the most iconic structures in Istanbul and Turkey, made in 1:25 scale. Afterwards we will cross to the other side of the GoldenHorn, to the picturesque neighbourhood of Balat, known for its colourful facades, and the Fener neighbourhood, the home of The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. As the final partof the program, we will organize an optional afternoon tour which includes: Bosphoruscruise tour taking you on a boat trip between Europe and Asia with a tour guide provided. Departure from Istanbul is scheduled for the afternoon. Leaving the hotel and unfortunately moving of all ensembles back to their arrival point of departure with another meeting next year!

Participation fee:

- 135 Euro per person

Participation fee includes:

Accomodation in 3* hotels like: Gran Oral Hotel Istanbul ***,  Hotel Diana ***, Hotel City Port Hotel *** for 3 nights with breakfast in rooms (with the option to pay extra 5 Euro per person per night for a double room).

Diplomas

Plaquas

Invitation letter 

Participation fee does not include:

The extra charge for dinner is from 10-15 Euro per person per night, depends on the Hotel

Optional tours (from 5-10 Euro tour of Istanbul depending on the number of applicants, the visit to Istanbul’s historic core: the Grand Bazaar, Hippodrome, Blue Mosk, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace (without the entry ticket) - from 10 Euro; Joyful Istanbul: Miniaturk (miniature Turkey) + Balat (colourful facades) and Fener (The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople) - from 10 Euro depending on the number of applicants, Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia - from 20 Euro.

Insurance, Travel costs, hotel parking, vignettes, tolls…

Notice: All ensembles need to provide their own music, either by bringing an orchestra or a USB with their music. Each ensemble is required to prepare a 5-15 minute performance.

THE NUMBER OF PLACES IS LIMITED!