Stroll the classical old quarters where Greek, Italian and Jewish communities flourished along the Golden Horn - admire the great Suleymaniye Mosque...
Stroll the classical old quarters where Greek, Italian and Jewish communities flourished along the Golden Horn - admire the great Suleymaniye Mosque, the beautiful Byzantine mosaics of the Church of Chora, the vibrant streets of the French influenced Pera - Beyoglu area and the Genoese Galata Tower with stunning views across the Golden Horn, Marmara Sea and Princess Islands...
This tour of old Pera and the Golden Horn area starts after breakfast, when you are picked up from the hotel or port by our private guide. Overlooking the sweet waters of the Golden Horn, visit the giant 16th century Suleymaniye Mosque, which crowns one of Istanbul's seven hills - a massive complex of Sinan's skillful architecture. Then proceed to the Church of St. Savior in Chora of 14th century origin, famous for its Byzantine artworks - particularly the beautifully preserved frescoes and golden mosaics showing scenes from the lives of Jesus and Virgin Mary. Following a lunch break, we will move to the Pera Beyoglu Area to for a walking tour around its vibrant streets of downtown cosmopolitan Istanbul, with many points of historical, architectural and cultural interest - Christian, Greek and Armenian churches, picturesque shopping arcades and passages, old Ottoman Hans, bazaars and coffeehouses, bustling with shoppers, students and young professionals. Finally, we will end up at the Galata Tower, watchtower of the Genoese fortifications dating from 1349, which we will ascend to the upper public viewing balcony for a 360 degree panoramic view over the Golden Horn, Asian shores, Bosphorus and Princess Islands. Drop off to hotel or cruise ship port.
what's included
Private professional English speaking tour guide, fully licensed under the Tourism Ministry. The guide is just for you and not shared with anyone else during the tour.
Private transportation by fully air-conditioned non-smoking new vehicles. The vehicle is just for you and not shared with anyone else during the tour. (Depending on the size of the group, a car, minivan or buses will be used.)
