Istanbul was the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and has always been the focus of the strategic ambitions of the great powers.  The Topkapi Palace illustrates the rich life of the Sultans, the Aghia Sophia Mosque the scale of Christian and Islamic aspirations.  The Süleymaniye Mosque is considered one of the great masterpieces of Islamic architecture, while St Saviour in Chora is one of the finest examples of Byzantine art and architecture.  Our guided tours are designed to help you understand the history of this remarkable city.

This is a Personal Choice private tour, organised for two people travelling together.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Fly to Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for independent exploration..

Day 2 – This morning our visits include the Hippodrome which in Byzantine times was used for horse races, wrestling and other sporting events. Then to the Yerebatan Sarayi, which was built by Justinian in 532, as a cistern to supply water to the Great Palace.  The roof is supported by 336 columns, many of them taken from other monuments. We then visit Haghia Sophia, the Church of the Holy Wisdom, which is the greatest surviving monument of Byzantine architecture and was built by Emperor Justinian in 532-537.  It was converted to Muslim use as a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453.  In the afternoon we visit St Saviour in Chora, now a museum, with one of the most beautiful collections of Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in the world.  The frescoes are of the same period as Giotto and the mosaics form seven distinct groups and include the depiction of the lives of the Virgin and Christ.

Day 3 –This morning we visit the Sultanahmet Camii, known as the ‘Blue Mosque’ because of the wealth of blue tiles that decorate the interior.  Then to the Topkapi Palace which, for over 400 years, was the main residence of the Sultans.  It is the largest complex of secular Ottoman buildings remaining.  The Harem (in use until 1909), served as the private quarters for the sultan and his family.  From the gardens of the Topkapi there are spectacular views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.  We continue to the Kapali Çarsi (Covered Bazaar); a maze of streets forming one of the oldest and most fascinating markets in the world.

Day 4 – The day is at leisure.  Perhaps visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, or take a cruise on the Bosphorus.

Day 5 – The day is at leisure until the transfer to the airport for the return flight..

These prices are based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin room.

Istanbul Cultural Tour

Price Includes:  4 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in 3-star Hotel Sumengen and Obelisk, a renovated Ottoman house located in the Sultanhamet (old town) area of Istanbul, transfers, excursions accompanied by an expert local guide.

Travel: Travel to Istanbul is not included.  We can either book your flights for you or recommend suitable flights. All flights booked by us must be paid for at the time of booking.

Departures: Thursdays (subject to availability).

Suggested British Airways scheduled flight timings.

Please note that easyJet also fly to Istanbul from London Luton. Call for details.