Byzantine Treasures of Istanbul
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Port
Istanbul, Turkey
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$99.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Your first stop is at the Chora Church Museum -- famous for its frescoes and mosaics depicting biblical scenes. Although the church is small, it has a most interesting character.
Then, you'll pass along the old city walls and under the ancient Roman aqueduct on the way to St Sophia -- the splendid Church of Divine Wisdom built in the 6th century. St Sophia's dome was, at the time, the largest in the world. After several conquests and pillages, the building was converted into a mosque, but fell into disrepair as the centuries passed. The mosaics were uncovered in the 1900s and the church was dedicated as a Byzantine-Ottoman museum.
Stop for a carpet demonstration and visit the Grand Bazaar to shop. Leather, silver, candy, clothing and carpets can be purchased here.
Notes:
Expect dense traffic conditions in Istanbul. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience. All tours in the Old Town require considerable walking, as it is closed to traffic. The covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and during Ramadan; shopping will take place in stores just outside the Grand Bazaar.