This classical itinerary is just a starter to discover the essence of the city. We will leave from the beaten path and head directly into the heart of the historical and cultural wonders that make the city unique.
THE FOUNDING LEGEND:“You will know…it is opposite the land of the blind.”…so said the oracle in Delphi.
-BYZANTINE HIPPODROME :
Heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life, and the scene of games and riots through 500 years of Ottoman history as well.
Monuments decorating the Hippodrome include the 3500 year old Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius and the spiral bronze base of a three headed serpent sculpture brought from Delphi in Greece. They stand in contrast with the Fountain of Kaiser Wilhelm II erected in 20th century as a gift to the Ottoman sultan.
-HAGIA SOPHIA AND THE GALLERY
The church of the Divine Wisdom is eternally impressive and important. Its dome was a daring engineering feat in the 6th century and engineers still marvel at the building’s many innovations.
-BASILICA CISTERN:
Beneath Istanbul lie hundreds of gloomy Byzantine cisterns. The Basilica Cistern is the best preserved and the grandest of all. With proper walkways and atmospheric lightening, it deserves a visit.
-CHORA CHURCH:
Originally built in the 4th century as the 'Church of the Holy Savior Outside the Walls' or 'in the Country' (chora), it was indeed outside the walls built by Constantine the Great.
The building you see was built in the late 11th century, with lots of repairs and restructuring in the following centuries.
Virtually all of the interior decoration—the famous mosaics and the less renowned but equally striking mural paintings—dates from about 1320.
The mosaics are breathtaking. Chora is a must see in Istanbul and one of the rare gems away from the crowds.
This tour is the best way to get acquainted with the Old City.
-The Founding Legend:“You will know…it is opposite the land of the blind.”…so said the oracle in Delphi.
-The city with many names: How did Constantinople become Istanbul?
-Hippodrome: The arena that hosted riots,killings,weddings,celebrations, circumcision of princes…always colorful,busy and still the heart of social life.
-Blue Mosque: Only called so in guide books…What is the real name?
-Hagia Sophia: Witness how Emperor Justinian has outdone Solomon and things you should do to convert a church into a mosque.
-Topkapi Palace: The Life of the Ottoman Sultans in the Seraglio.
Built by the “ Grand Turk “ who spoke 6 languages.
The exotic Harem where the women ruled and their jewels hidden away in the Treasury.
-Grand Bazaar:The ultimate medieval shopping center is a monstrous hive of little shops all under one roof and cut up into labyrinthal alleys arched overhead.
The best way of seeing the Bosphorus in all its beauty is to take a trip on a boat.
One of the most beautiful sights in the world, Bosphorus is a strategic waterway connecting the Black sea to the Mediterranean.
As the boat zigzags between Asia and Europe, you will admire the old Ottoman mansions, Emperial palaces and two suspended bridges.
• Maiden’s Tower
• Selimiye Barracks where Florence Nightingale worked.
• Dolmabahçe Palace. The house of the Ottoman monarch after the Topkapi Palace.
• Ortaköy. A chic art-boutique-and-cafe scene with the pretty Ottoman baroque Mecidiye Mosque
• Ç?ra?an Palace. Now a luxury hotel by the Kempinski company.
• Beylerbeyi Palace
• Kuleli Naval Academy
• Arnavutköy with its wooden seaside mansions
• Rumeli and Anadolu Hisar?. The mighty Fortresses of Europe and Asia.
• Bebek. A small village with a pretty bay and Bosphorus University.
• Kucuksu Kasr?. A fine little rococo palace.
• Hidiv Kasr?. Fine Art Nouveau villa of the Khedive of Egypt.
• Sar?yer with a fish market .
