Hidden Treasures of Istanbul
Istanbul holds a unique place among the world’s great cities. Spanning two continents — Europe and Asia — it is unmatched in its geographical and historical significance. Its past encompasses the legacies of three major ancient civilizations: Roman, Greek, and Byzantine.
Description
Süleymaniye, Balat & Golden Horn Tour
Istanbul holds a unique place among the world’s great cities. Spanning two continents — Europe and Asia — it is unmatched in its geographical and historical significance. Its past encompasses the legacies of three major ancient civilizations: Roman, Greek, and Byzantine. It also served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. This rich history is visible throughout the city, where modern buildings rise above ancient ruins, and the remnants of historic walls still line the vibrant streets. Istanbul is truly a feast for both the eyes and the mind.
This Istanbul Day Tour is a special private experience that covers a selection of remarkable sites that are difficult to explore on your own. You’ll visit key monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, including the Süleymaniye Mosque (Ottoman) and the Chora Mosque (Byzantine). The Süleymaniye Mosque, which dominates Istanbul’s skyline, was built for Suleiman the Magnificent between 1550 and 1557 by the great architect Sinan. The mosque complex originally included a hospital, soup kitchen, schools, a caravanserai, and a Turkish bath.
The Chora Mosque (formerly Chora Muesum) houses some of the most impressive Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. During the tour, you will also ascend Pierre Loti Hill, known for its panoramic views of the Golden Horn, where you’ll take a tea break and then continue the drive through the old Greek (Fener) and Jewish (Balat) neighborhoods.
To conclude the tour, you will visit Rüstem Paşa Mosque, a hidden gem of Ottoman architecture located near the bustling Spice Bazaar. Designed by Sinan, this mosque is famous for its stunning Iznik tiles, considered some of the finest examples of Ottoman tile work, with intricate floral and geometric designs. It’s a peaceful retreat amidst the vibrant streets of the Old City and a perfect example of Ottoman craftsmanship.
Pearls of Istanbul
Route: Chora, Pierre Loti, Süleymaniye Mosque, Old City Walls, Spice Bazaar, Fener , Balat
Tour Type: Private Tour
Duration: Full Day
INCLUDED
- All transportation by A/C No Smoking vehicles
- English speaking professional tour guide
- Entrance fees for sites and museums
- Cruise
- Lunch
EXCLUDED
- Personal expenses
- Optional programs
- Tips – driver and guide
- Any other meals or services not specified in ‘Prices Included’
Contact us for details and reservations. info@barefootplustravel.com
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Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Itinerary
This is a special private tour of some unique places in Istanbul that are difficult to visit on your own. Throughout the day, you will explore monuments from both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, taking a journey into the roots of historic Istanbul.
Our first stop is the Süleymaniye Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and built by the great Ottoman architect Sinan between 1550 and 1557. The design of the mosque was partly inspired by Byzantine basilicas, especially Hagia Sophia — possibly a conscious decision by the Sultan to create a symbolic link with the city’s ancient heritage.
Next, we’ll drive along the ancient city walls to visit one of the oldest and most important churches in Istanbul — the Chora Mosque (formerly Chora Church), renowned for its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics that depict the life of Christ in chronological order. In this historical district, you’ll also have the chance to meet local artisans and see their work.
Following the Chora visit, we’ll take a tea or coffee break at Pierre Loti Café, one of the most scenic spots in the city, offering a panoramic view of the Golden Horn from Pierre Loti Hill. After the break, we’ll continue our drive along the shores of the Golden Horn through Fener and Balat, the old Greek and Jewish quarters of the city.
To conclude the tour, we will visit the Rüstem Paşa Mosque, a hidden gem of Ottoman architecture located in the bustling Spice Bazaar area. Designed by Sinan, this small yet stunning mosque is famous for its richly decorated interior, covered in exquisite İznik tiles with vibrant floral and geometric motifs. It is one of the finest examples of tile work in classical Ottoman design and offers a peaceful retreat amidst the busy streets of the Old City.
Contact us for details and reservations. info@barefootplustravel.com
Hidden Treasures of Istanbul
Istanbul holds a unique place among the world’s great cities. Spanning two continents — Europe and Asia — it is unmatched in its geographical and historical significance. Its past encompasses the legacies of three major ancient civilizations: Roman, Greek, and Byzantine.
Description
Süleymaniye, Balat & Golden Horn Tour
Istanbul holds a unique place among the world’s great cities. Spanning two continents — Europe and Asia — it is unmatched in its geographical and historical significance. Its past encompasses the legacies of three major ancient civilizations: Roman, Greek, and Byzantine. It also served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. This rich history is visible throughout the city, where modern buildings rise above ancient ruins, and the remnants of historic walls still line the vibrant streets. Istanbul is truly a feast for both the eyes and the mind.
This Istanbul Day Tour is a special private experience that covers a selection of remarkable sites that are difficult to explore on your own. You’ll visit key monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, including the Süleymaniye Mosque (Ottoman) and the Chora Mosque (Byzantine). The Süleymaniye Mosque, which dominates Istanbul’s skyline, was built for Suleiman the Magnificent between 1550 and 1557 by the great architect Sinan. The mosque complex originally included a hospital, soup kitchen, schools, a caravanserai, and a Turkish bath.
The Chora Mosque (formerly Chora Muesum) houses some of the most impressive Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. During the tour, you will also ascend Pierre Loti Hill, known for its panoramic views of the Golden Horn, where you’ll take a tea break and then continue the drive through the old Greek (Fener) and Jewish (Balat) neighborhoods.
To conclude the tour, you will visit Rüstem Paşa Mosque, a hidden gem of Ottoman architecture located near the bustling Spice Bazaar. Designed by Sinan, this mosque is famous for its stunning Iznik tiles, considered some of the finest examples of Ottoman tile work, with intricate floral and geometric designs. It’s a peaceful retreat amidst the vibrant streets of the Old City and a perfect example of Ottoman craftsmanship.
Pearls of Istanbul
Route: Chora, Pierre Loti, Süleymaniye Mosque, Old City Walls, Spice Bazaar, Fener , Balat
Tour Type: Private Tour
Duration: Full Day
INCLUDED
- All transportation by A/C No Smoking vehicles
- English speaking professional tour guide
- Entrance fees for sites and museums
- Cruise
- Lunch
EXCLUDED
- Personal expenses
- Optional programs
- Tips – driver and guide
- Any other meals or services not specified in ‘Prices Included’
Contact us for details and reservations. info@barefootplustravel.com
Reviews (0)
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Itinerary
This is a special private tour of some unique places in Istanbul that are difficult to visit on your own. Throughout the day, you will explore monuments from both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, taking a journey into the roots of historic Istanbul.
Our first stop is the Süleymaniye Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and built by the great Ottoman architect Sinan between 1550 and 1557. The design of the mosque was partly inspired by Byzantine basilicas, especially Hagia Sophia — possibly a conscious decision by the Sultan to create a symbolic link with the city’s ancient heritage.
Next, we’ll drive along the ancient city walls to visit one of the oldest and most important churches in Istanbul — the Chora Mosque (formerly Chora Church), renowned for its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics that depict the life of Christ in chronological order. In this historical district, you’ll also have the chance to meet local artisans and see their work.
Following the Chora visit, we’ll take a tea or coffee break at Pierre Loti Café, one of the most scenic spots in the city, offering a panoramic view of the Golden Horn from Pierre Loti Hill. After the break, we’ll continue our drive along the shores of the Golden Horn through Fener and Balat, the old Greek and Jewish quarters of the city.
To conclude the tour, we will visit the Rüstem Paşa Mosque, a hidden gem of Ottoman architecture located in the bustling Spice Bazaar area. Designed by Sinan, this small yet stunning mosque is famous for its richly decorated interior, covered in exquisite İznik tiles with vibrant floral and geometric motifs. It is one of the finest examples of tile work in classical Ottoman design and offers a peaceful retreat amidst the busy streets of the Old City.
Contact us for details and reservations. info@barefootplustravel.com
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