Best Of Istanbul

Updated on 2014-06-11

Daily Program

Today, your cruise ship will dock at one of the most important and inspiringly beautiful cities of the world history: Constantinople! Meeting your guide at the pier and start your day of exploration of history and architecture by visiting as your first stop the Basilica of Saint Sophia that was built by Justinian the Great during 6^th century. This massive structure will embrace you with surprise with its gigantic dome resting at a height of 176 ft with a diameter of 93 ft. Built in only four and half years, the Basilica served both Christianity and Islam and now is operated as a museum displaying Byzantine art and architecture embellished by Ottoman taste. Then, you will tour the home of the Ottoman Sultans; Topkapi Palace! Located on the very cape of the peninsula where Constantinople was founded, Topkapi Palace was built as the center of administration of the Ottoman Empire when the city was conquered by Ottoman Turks in 1453 AD. Today, you will be having an intense tour of the palace going through corridors and different sections of also the Harem where Sultan lived with his family members. There is a strong impact of oriental motives and patterns in the interior décor that is best reflected by the beautiful Iznik Tiles adorning the walls of Harem. Leaving the Harem through the “Golden Corridor” you will reach the inner courtyard to visit the Treasury that displays exclusive examples of jewelry and accessories which were dressed by the Sultans or were given as gifts to ambassadors. Istanbul boasts its monumental shrines of different faiths and Blue Mosque is probably one of the most famed masterpieces of Ottoman religious architecture. Standing in great prestige with its six minarets and perfect proportioned dome, it is named after its Turquoise colored tiles made of quartz minerals. Ottoman Sultans preferred to pray in this timeless shrine due to its incomparable beauty until when the empire collapsed after the World War I.

*This tour is not applicable on Mondays & Tuesdays.

Notes

Rates Include:

- Professional English speaking lecturer/guide

- All transportation with luxury minivan with A/C and non-smoking

- Lunch including one drink

- All entrance and parking fees

 

Rates Exclude:

- Gratuities for guide and driver

- Personal expenses

 

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