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Thre
are so many tour options in Istanbul.
I listed only a few samples on this
page. Depends on your interest, I
can tailor an itenary.
SULTANAHMET
- WALKING TOUR OF OLD CITY
Visit The St. (Haghia) Sophia, which
was built by the Emperor Justinian.
It was the largest building in the
world for over 1000 years. See its
intricate mosaics and huge central
dome. Continue to the Topkapi palace,
which was used by the Ottoman Sultans
from the 15th to 19th centuries. We
will also see the impressive collection
of priceless jewels, crystal, silver
and porcelain, robes worn by the sultans
and relics of the prophet Mohammed.
(Entrance to the Harem is extra).
After lunch we will see the Blue Mosque,
built for Sultan Ahmet I, which is
a unique piece of architecture with
its six minarets and features 20,000
beautiful Iznik tiles. Visit the ancient
Hippodrome with Obelisk of Theodosius,
Snake Pillar and German Fountain of
Wilhelm II. Walk through the back
streets of Old Istanbul and visit
the elegant little Sokullu Pasa mosque,
and the 'küçük Ayasofya'.
BAZARS, MOSQUES
AND DOWNTOWN (Walking Tour)
We start our walk with Grand Bazaar,
then stroll through some back streets
of Mahmut Pasa, explore some 'Hans'
(old fashion shopping centers), eventually
end up with Spice Market. We will
visit Rustem Pasa Mosque, it has beautiful
Iznik Tiles. We cross the famous Galata
Bridge over the Golden Horn and visit
the Arabic Mosque, once a church.
We take one of the oldest, and shortest
subway systems in the world "Tunel"
for a short voyage into the past,
and end up in the middle of the Galata
District with its artist quarters
and old houses. Visit the Galata Tower
for a total panoramic view of Istanbul,
then a Whirling Dervish Lodge, with
garden and cistern. **Dervish performances
may also be seen on some Sundays.
Go by historical trolley up Istiklal
Street (or walk through) and visit
Taksim Square, "Cicek Pasaji"
restaurants then the fish and produce
market. Turn back by taxi or public
transportation (a/c modern tram).
BOSPHORUS CRUISE
WITH DOLMABAHCE
The tour starts with a visit to the
exotic and aromatic Egyptian Spice
Market. You may buy spices, caviar,
and almost anything imaginable. Continue
over the Galata Bridge and the Golden
horn. We will visit the "Selamlik"
chambers of the incredible 19th c.
Dolmabahce Palace. We continue up
the Bosphorus and cross over to Asia
to Camlica Hill for a view of Istanbul.
After lunch visit the Sadberk Hanim
Museum, with its well-organized archaeological
and ethnographical sections. The Bosphorus
cruise begins in the afternoon. We
pass by the Rumeli Fortress and you
will enjoy crossing from continent
to continent traveling down the Bosphorus,
which is lined with old Ottoman seaside
mansions, marble palaces and small
fishing villages. (We need a vehicle)
BYZANTINE CITY
WALLS AND CHORA
Take a drive along the shore of the
Marmara Sea and view some interesting
sections of the ancient sea wall and
Fortress of the Seven towers with
the Golden gate. Follow the Theodosian
land walls where people work in their
small gardens and horse cart is still
being used for transportation. Continue
to the Sacred Spring of the Fish (Greek
Orthodox Church). This forgotten shrine
is 1500 years old and was founded
during the early Byzantine Empire.
The chapel courtyard is paved with
tombstones written in a strange Kahramanian
script. Kariye Church (Chora museum)
with its 14th c mosaics and frescoes,
depicting scenes from the Bible, then
Tekfur Palace, one of the best examples
of Byzantine architecture existing
in Turkey. We continue along the ancient
city walls then visit Pierre Loti
Hill with a view of the Golden Horn.
We walk down to Eyup Imperial Mosque
and tomb of the standard bearer of
Mohammed. Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque,
considered to be one of the masterpieces
of architect Sinan. (We need a vehicle)
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