The guide will meet you at your hotel after the breakfast and will drive you in an air-conditioned minivan to the sixth century Byzantine cistern known as Yerebatan. Three hundred and thirty six massive Corinthian columns support the immense chamber's fine brick vaulting.
Next we proceed to Süleymaniye Mosque, with its cascading domes and four slender minarets dominate the skyline on Golden Horn's west bank. Considered the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul. It was built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, the renowned architect of Ottoman golden age. On the crest of a hill, the building conspicuous by its great size, which the four minarets that rise from each corner of the courtyard emphasize. Inside, the prayer niche (mihrab) and the pulpit (mimber) are of finely carved white marble; fine stained glass windows color the incoming streams of light. It was in the gardens of this complex that Süleyman and his wife Hürrem Sultan, Roxelane, had their mausolea built, and near here also that Sinan built his own tomb. The mosque complex also includes four theological school (medrese), a school of medicine, a caravanserai, a Turkish bath, a kitchen and a hospice for the poor.
The lunch will be at Darüzziyafe Restaurant, located in Süleymaniye Mosque complex and serving delicious Turkish and Ottoman kitchen.
After the lunch service, the next stop is Kariye Museum, the 11th century church of “St. Savior” in Chora, is the most important Byzantine monument in Istanbul. Unremarkable in its architecture, inside, the walls are decorated with superb 14th century frescoes and mosaics. Illustrating scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, these brilliantly colored paintings embody the vigor of Byzantine art.
During the tour, you will also be driving along the city walls, once an impenetrable fortification, strech seven kilometers from the sea of Marmara to Golden Horn. Restored recently, and many times previously, these walls date from fifteenth century and the reign of Emperor Theodosius. The end point of Istanbul antique city walls, is Haliç
(Golden Horn), the horn shaped estuary dividing European Istanbul. One of the best natural harbours centered here. Lovely parks and promenades line the shores where the setting sun dyes the water a golden color.
The tour will end at your hotel… |
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