Classic Istanbul and Tour to Byzantium

Drive to the heart of the Old City - the Sultanahmet Square. After a short walk around the Hippodrome, the civic centre and the chariot races arena during the East Roman Period, a visit will be to the Blue Mosque, one of the master pieces of the Ottoman architecture. Next visit will be to the Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest master pieces of the Ottoman architecture, first built in 6th Century. Lunch will be served at a typical Turkish restaurant. The afternoon visits will be to natural naval harbour of the Byzantines named as Golden Horn because of its hornlike shape and golden reflection of the glittering waves under sunshine when viewed from the hill tops. Visit the Patriarchate at Fener which is the seat of Orthodox Christianity since Constantine The Great’ s declaration of Christianity as the religion of Roman Empire. Church of Panagia of Blachernae, the best known and most celebrated shrine of the Holy Virgin famed with the “Hagiasma” (holy water) and the “Hagion Lousma” (sacred bath). St. Savior in Chora (Kariye Museum), originally a Byzantine monastery with fantastic mosaics and frescoes portraying scenes from the bible, the life and miracles of Jesus. Anemas Dungeons were part of the Blachernae Palace, unique in the world with its historical and architectural structure. It consists of 14 separate dungeons, each having 2 basements below sea-level with cells for the prisoners and two towers. It was used as a prison for high ranked statesmen. Tekfur Palace (from outside) built in the 12th century adjacent to the city walls. The only surviving pavillion of the Blachernae Palace. Byzantine City Walls surrounded the acropolis of Byzantium with 22 kms. long fortification with 96 towers and 9 main gates dating back to the 5th century.

Meeting/ pick-up point: Hotel pick up.
Start/opening time: 8am.
End/closing time: 5pm.
Languages: English, Spanish, German and French.

Meal

Transport

Assistance or guided tour

Admissions

Full Day

Appropriate age for child ticket from 3 to 7 years