ISTANBUL BIBLICAL TOUR

General Information

ISTANBUL BIBLICAL TOUR

--- Your guide will meet you at Port or at your hotel in the Sultanahmet and taksim area . Please be aware that if tour starts from İstanbul port we will arrange – Private transportation with A/C non- smoking vehicle and Private driver also.

--- This tour begins in historic Sultanahmet, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. You will see the Hagia Sophia – the Church of the Divine Wisdom – one of the greatest marvels of architecture in the world and often listed as one of the Wonders of the World. It was constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque, facing the Hagia Sophia, which is most famous for its blue İznik tiles and unique 6-minaret architecture. Next is the Hippodrome, the centre of sporting events such as chariot races and athletics, and political activities in the old city. A tour of Istanbul would not be complete without a visit to the Grand Covered Bazaar, one of the most attractive shopping centres and the biggest open-air marketplace in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leather goods and souvenirs. In 2013, James Bond's latest movie, Sky Fall, was filmed here.

--- Then you will start visiting the sights below;

--- Hagia Sophia; The Church of Holy Wisdom was the largest church in the Christian world for a thousand years undoubtedly one of the greatest architectural creations in the world, was used as a mosque during Ottomans and now serves as a museum.

--- Byzantine Hippodrome; The center for entertainment, amusement and sports in the city during the Roman and Byzantine Empires. The Egyptian Obelisk, the serpentine column and the German fountain of Willhelm II are sites to be visited.

--- Topkapi Palace; Topkapi Palace is certainly the most important historical site to be visited in Istanbul. It is one of the most frequently visited museums of Europe and is the most visited one in Turkey. The former imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans and the oldest and the largest remaining palaces in the world. Today, it is used as a museum to exhibit works of art and many priceless artifacts. The harem section is extra fee to visit.

--- The Church of Chora; Later, you will see the Church of Chora (fourth century), which was restored by the American Byzantine Institute and houses remarkable mosaics and frescoes depicting the lives of Mary and Jesus.

--- Grand Bazaar ; One could visit Istanbul for the shopping alone. The Kapali Carsi, or Covered Bazaar, in the old city is the logical place to start. This labyrinth of streets and passages houses more than 4,000 shops. The names recall the days when each trade had its own quarter: the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers' street, the street of the skullcap makers. Still the commercial center of the old city, the bazaar is the original shopping mall with something to suit every taste and pocket. Turkish crafts, the world-renowned carpets, brilliant handpainted ceramics, copperware, brass ware, and meerschaum pipes make charming souvenirs and gifts. The gold jewelry in brilliantly lit cases dazz

Notes

We DO NOT get pre-payment before the tour. You can pay cash all the fees at the end of the tour in USD or EURO or TURKISH LIRA.

This is your private tour so We can skip some of the sites above or add more acording to your time, budget and interests.

If you want to try local food or see some local shops,your tour guide will give you some advices according to your need, time and bugdet.

Walking is aprox. 3 km for whole day so comfortoble shoes recommended.

Please note that pick up zone limited with Sultanahmet/Taksim area. There will be an extra charge for pickup service ıf you have hotel from other.

Topkapı is closed on Tuesday. (replaced with Basilica Cistern)

Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and Eid Holidays (replaced with the Handcraft Store)

Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are closed for Friday Pray.

What’s include

Professional English Speaking tour guide

Spanish, Portuguese, English or others speaking guides can be organised when request