 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
| Byzantine Relics |
|
Depart from the port on this specialized tour by traveling
over the Golden Horn en route to Old Town through the
crowded business section to reach the Chora Museum, located
just beyond the ancient city walls. The Chora Museum, built
from 1077 through 1081 by Maria Dukaina, the mother-in-law
of Emperor Alexius Comnenus, has had many restorations and
refurbishments during its long history. Converted into a
Mosque in 1500 by the Ottomans. The frescoes and mosaics
were cleaned and preserved by the Byzantine Institute of
America between 1945 through 1959. The mosaics and frescoes
depict the lives of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. Dating
from the early 14th century, they are beautiful examples of
the Byzantine Renaissance. Next, you will proceed to the ancient Hippodrome, which was for 1,000 years, the center of Byzantium's life and afterwards for another 400 years, the center of Ottoman life. The Hippodrome was the scene of countless political and military dramas, including rival chariot races. The main monument left today is the impressive granite obelisk, carved in Egypt around 1500 BC and brought to Constantinople in 390 AD. Continue to the Museum of Hagia Sophia, just a few minutes walk from the Hippodrome. Hagia Sophia Museum, originating in 326 under Constantine the Great, became Hagia Sophia and was rebuilt on a larger scale during the reign of Emperor Justinian. His intention was that the new building should surpass in splendor all others in antiquity. Marble columns were brought in from temples in minor Asia, Lebanon, Greece and Italy. In 1934 Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, had Hagia Sophia converted into a museum. Today, the Hagia Sophia Museum is the most important Byzantine Monument in Istanbul, famous for its immense dome and beautiful frescoes and mosaics. Another fascinating attraction from the Byzantine period that you will visit is the massive Underground Cistern, the imperial water storage tank. More than 300 beautiful columns of various designs support the cistern's vaulted brick roof. Conclude your day of touring with a short drive to the exotic Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is one of the most colorful sites of Istanbul; this Bazaar is composed of two sections namely the covered part and the modern part. The covered part is a whole quarter on its own, surrounded by a wall and entered through eleven gates. The maze of streets and lanes are one of the greatest sights in the city, where various trades such as carpets, jewellery, leather goods, silver; varieties of souvenirs, textile, antiques, and home textile are segregated into particular sections of the bazaar. You will have chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part for a brief period of time. You will also have the opportunity to visit the open and modern section of the Grand Bazaar which offers the best artworks and reliable shopping to your disposal. Rates Approx Duration: 6 hour(s) 45 minute(s) Current Price: Starting from 96 Adult (USD) for minimum 4 guests Activity Type: Historical, Sightseeing, City Tours Activity Level: Strenuous
Sites to Visit
Shore Excursion Points of Distinction Remarks Note Book this Tour |
|
