WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION
 

We invite you to join us in the magnificent city of Istanbul, Turkey.

Istanbul, a city straddling two continents, Europe and Asia, is a vibrant metropolis steeped in history and culture. It is renowned for its iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

The city’s unique charm, with its blend of ancient heritage and modern energy, creates the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable cultural exchange during the festival from April 24–27, 2026.

The festival welcomes folk ensembles and cultural-artistic groups of all ages — children, youth, and adults.

Participating countries include Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Ukraine, Greece, Turkey, Serbia, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Armenia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.

Performances will take place at festival venues across Istanbul. Groups are asked to send their CVs and photos via email and to arrange their own transport.

 ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation will be provided at 3-star or 4-star hotels in Istanbul (examples: Hotel Sahinler, Hotel Buyuk Keban, Hotel Metro, Hotel Martinez, Hotel Ikbal de Luxe, Hotel Lions Royal, Grand Durmaz Hotel, Hotel Vicenza).

Participation fee:
145 EUR – 3 nights with breakfast (3-star hotels)
165 EUR – 3 nights with breakfast (4-star hotels)

Additional costs:
Double room surcharge – 5 EUR per person per night
Dinner supplement – 15–20 EUR per person per night (depending on hotel)

Tourist tax, insurance, travel costs, parking, and vignettes are not included.

Included by organizers: Accommodation with breakfast, invitation letter, diplomas, and plaques.

PROGRAM
Day 1
Scheduled arrival in Istanbul. Optional city sightseeing tour (Golden Horn, Bosphorus Bridge, Camlica viewpoint, Besiktas, Dolmabahçe Palace, Taksim, Beyoglu, Galata Bridge and Tower, Historical Peninsula, Sea of Marmara).
Check-in at the hotel.
Meeting of group representatives.
Overnight stay.

Day 2
Breakfast.
Day dedicated to festival activities: rehearsals and sound checks.
Opening of the VII International Folklore Festival in Istanbul.
Performances by cultural-artistic ensembles.
Diploma presentation.
Optional final gathering for all participants in the evening.
Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 3
Breakfast.
Optional sightseeing of Istanbul’s historic core (Grand Bazaar, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia (inside visit), Topkapi Palace, Gulhane Park) with multilingual guides.
Free time for individual activities or shopping.
Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 4
Breakfast.
Check-out from the hotel.
Free time or optional “Joyful Istanbul” tour (Miniaturk Park, Balat neighborhood, Fener neighborhood).
Optional afternoon Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia.
Departure from Istanbul.

 EXCURSIONS

Optional excursions (extra cost):
City Sightseeing Tour (Circular Bus Tour)
Historic Core Tour (Grand Bazaar, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace exterior)
Joyful Istanbul Tour (Miniaturk, Balat, Fener)
Bosphorus Cruise
Traditional Turkey Night (with dinner and unlimited drinks)