Istanbul Heritage
Crossroads of culture, history and continents, this amazing city offers a wealth of experiences: architecture, fashion, archaeology, food, ancient and modern history, religion. Why not consider it as a taster of what else the vast country as a whole has to offer?
< Goths’ Column, Gulhane Park
Transfer from Istanbul Airport to your hotel in the historic Peninsular Quarter via the Valens Aqueduct, Theodosian Walls and Kariye Museum.
Visit the peaceful, landscaped Gulhane Park for incredible Bosphoros views, monolithic Goth Column and heritage Sogukcesme Street.
< Topkapi Palace Istanbul
Topkapi Palace (and Harem) built on Roman foundations, Constantine’s Aghia Eirene, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Serpentine Column removed from Delphi, Justinian’s Basilica Cistern with inverted Medusa Heads, recently opened Theodosian Cistern, Column and Constantine’s Milion, before some early evening shopping in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market.
Optional evening excursion to Galatas Bridge and Tower, Taksim Square for the Monument of the Republic and the vast variety of shops and historic buildings of pedestrianised Istiklal Caddesi including Çiçek Pasajı, one of the first European-style buildings of the Ottoman empire.
< Troy Collection Istanbul
Morning at the two incredible Archaeological Museums housing artefacts from Sumeria, Troy, Greece and the Roman Empire, including the stunning Pentelic Alexander Sarcophagus and Sarcophagus of the Mourning Women.
Justinian’s Hagia Sophia (by Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles) also warrants a visit, if accessible.
< Alexander Sarcophagos, Archaeological Museum.Photo Courtesy of G. Dall’Orto
Afternoon Ferry transfer from Eminönü to Kadıköy, originally a Megarian Cleruchy, now the cultural centre of Anatolian Istanbul. Visit the numerous stalls selling fresh vegetables, seafood, books, CDs, leather, olive oil and pastries… perhaps pop into the Big Yellow Taxi for a snack!
Optional visit to the Florence Nightingale Museum at Selimiye Military Barracks and the Neo-Classical early 20th century Haydarpasa Station
< Istanbul Mosaic Museum
Visit the Mosaic Museum containing the pavement of Justinian’s peristyle court and sumptuous Dolmabahçe Palace, home to six Sultans until the 1924 abolition of the Caliphate.
Transfer to Istanbul Airport and your return flight to the UK.
Feel free to contact us to tailor your own tour. 01342 324727
Blogs:
Istanbul August 2015
< Treasury Gate, Dolmabahçe Palace
< Galata Bridge – Istanbul