4 Days in Istanbul
< the so-called Alexander Sarcophagus. Made of Pentelic marble, the hunting and battle scenes decorating the sides have been made with stunning features.
Flight to Istanbul. Transfer from the airport to the city centre and, en route, stop off at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. The Museum is home to artefacts from Troy, Greece, Sumeria, and the Roman Empire, and it is especially worth a visit to see the stunning Pentelic marble Alexander Sarcophagus which depicts the Battle of Issus. After check-in at your hotel, enjoy your evening meal at a nearby taverna.
Day 2
< The upside down Medusa sculpture, set at the base of a columns in the underground chamber.
In the morning, visit the Kariye Camii Mosque (formerly, the Chora Church) for its fine collection exceptionally well-preserved Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Afterwards, visit the Hagia Sophia which stands as one of the most culturally significant monuments in the city. First consecrated during the reign of Constantius II (originally known as Magna Ecclesia, ‘great Church’), it was converted into a mosque after the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans. The Hagia Sophia recently returned to daily use as a mosque, with tourist access permitted in the upper gallery. In the afternoon, take a walk to the Hippodrome of Constantinople to see the the Obelisk of Theodosius I and the Serpent’s Column from Delphi. Then, explore the Basilica Cistern, with its famous inverted Medusa sculptures (one upside-down and the other sideways) set at the base of two columns inside the structure. In the evening, there will be time to see the Blue Mosque before having dinner at a local taverna.
Day 3
< the Topkapi Harem, the opulent private quarters where the sultan’s family and concubines lived
In the morning, visit the Topkapi Palace and Harem. The former official residence of the Ottoman sultans was built on Roman foundations, and visitors can now wander around it vast array of rooms to marvel at its collection of extravagant jewels, weapons, religious relics, manuscripts, as well as other Ottoman treasures.
Afterwards, walk to Hagia Irene, the oldest church of the Byzantine Empire, which was constructed under orders of Constantine I. For the afternoon, you could explore the Great Palace Mosaic Museum. Then, walk to the Theodosius Cistern and watch it’s 360-degree laser projections displayed in between the columns, offering visitors an unique and atmospheric experience! After dinner, there may be time for an (optional) evening excursion to the Galata Tower and museum, part of the 14th century Genoese fortifications of the city, or to Taksim Square for the Monument of the Republic and the vast variety of shops and historic buildings of pedestrianised Istiklal Street. Alternatively, enjoy some evening shopping at the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar.
Day 4
Depart Hotel to Ortaköy, a charming neighbourhood by the Bosphorus river, for a walk along it’s promenade. Transfer to the airport your return flight to UK.
Feel free to contact us to tailor your own tour. 01342 324727