Istanbul City Istanbul is no longer the capital of Turkey, but remains the country’s cultural and business center. It is set in a stunning location, surr[...]
Bosphorus and Golden Horn - 1/0
Bosphorus and Golden Horn
Golden Horn is an inlet which separates the European shore of Istanbul into two. One side is old Europe, the other side is modern Europe. We visit historical districts of old peninsula, we also take a boat along the Bosphorus to see both of the continents of Istanbul.
Places to visit :
EYUP: Pierre Loti Hill and cafe-house, Eyup Sultan Mosque and Tomb
BALAT: Ruins of the old Blachernae Palace and Roman City Walls along the Golden Horn, Church of Panagia of Blachernae, Jewish Hospital (from outside), Ahrida Sinagog (from outside) and old Jewish Streets and houses.
FENER: The Patriarchate of Orthodox Christianity and Bulgarian Orthodox Church (Metal Church)
ZEYREKHANE : Pantocrator Church&Mosque (from outside) and famous Zeyrek Hill.
EMINONU: Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar) and luch around the market
GALATA BRIGDE: Starting point of cruise by boat
We pick you up from your hotel and start our visit. First of all, we drive to PIERRE LOTI HILL which is highest spot of Golden Horn. There is a break at that cafe-house where you can take nice photos of all European sides of Istanbul and enjoy your drinks at that hill.
After the coffee break, we walk among the cemetry to reach EYUP SULTAN MOSQUE which takes 5 min. walking from the hill. We see the mosque and tomb of Eyup Sultan from inside. Eyup Sultan was the flagbearer of Prophet Mohammed and died here during the Arabic siege of the city in the 7th century.
BALAT is located around Eyup district. It takes 10 min. by walk. Once we reach Balat area, we see the ruins of old Roman Palace (Blachernae) and Roman City Walls from 5th century A.D. We visit the oldest streets of Balat, we visit the oldest Jewish Hospital and Sinagogue in Istanbul (from outside) Although we are in the oldest Jewish neighbourhood of Istanbul, there are several Orthodox Churces. We visit Church of Panagia of Blachenae, the best known and most celebrated shrine of the Holy Virgin famed with the “Hagiasma” (holy water) and the “Hagion Lousma” (sacred bath)
Then we reach FENER district which is still the most important Greek-Orthodox side in Istanbul. We visit the Patriarchate at Fener which is the seat of Orthodox Christianity since Constantine The Great’s declaration of Christianity as the religion of Roman Empire.
Before we have lunch, we visit ZEYREKHANE. There is a scenery of both continents. We can see famous Pantocrator Zeyrek Church&Mosque. (from outside)
To have lunch, we reach EMINONU which is close to Galata Bridge. There are several local restaurants. We have lunch there then we visit famous SPICE MARKET (Egyptian Bazaar) which dates back 17 th A.D. There is time for shopping.
Finally, we take the boat to cruise on the Bosphorous. (1 hour 30 min.) Bosphorus Cruise, through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of palaces, ancient wooden houses of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials and luxurious aparments and two bridges.
And we drive back to your hotels once we finish our cruise by boat.
INCLUSIONS
Transfers from hotel
Professional English speaking tour guide
Cruise
Lunch at local restaurant
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