Tour 03 - The Mystical Istanbul Tour

The Medusa head as a column base at the Basilica (aka Underground) Cistern.

An engraving showing the Basilica Cistern during the Ottoman period.

A Byzantine engineering marvel; the Basilica (aka Underground) Cistern.

The world famous Alexander Sarcophaus at the Istanbul Archaeology Museums.

Aurochs from Ishtar Gate at Babylon, constructed in about 575 BCE by order of King Nebuchadnezzar II.

The view of Suleymaniye Mosque, located over the 3rd hill of Istanbul.

Interior view of the Suleymaniye Mosque.

The Anastasis (resurrection) scene at the Kariye (Chora Church) museum.

The census mosaic at the Kariye (Chora Church) Museum.

The view of the Golden Horn from the Pierre Loti Hill.

Underground Cistern
Istanbul Archaeology Museums
Suleymaniye Mosque
Chora Church (Kariye) Museum
Pierre Loti Hill

The metropolis of Istanbul is large, and it would take a lifetime to explore, every street and district. Many intriguing, yet relatively unknown travel gems, sit within these streets and first time visitors to the city, often miss them as they are directed to other popular historical attractions first. This tour will take you to the depths of the biggest Byzantine Underground Cistern, a time travel in Istanbul Archaeology Museums to learn more about Turkey’s rich historical background, to Suleymaniye Mosque where you will admire the ingenuity of the legendary Ottoman architect Sinan, to Chora Church museum to marvel at the climax of Byzantine mosaic art and a different panoramic point of Istanbul; the Pierre Loti Hill which overlooks the Golden Horn.

Itinerary

The Basilica Cistern (Underground Cistern)

The Underground Cistern of Basilica, rumored to have been built by 7000 slaves, during the Byzantine era, in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, covers more than 9000 square meters, and it is the 336 marble columns and the upside down heads of Medusa that attract admiration. And, of course, it is yet another exotic and interesting place included in a couple of major motion pictures: the James Bond film (From Russia with Love), a late film (The International) and a popular video game, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations.

Istanbul Archaeology Museums

Istanbul Archaeology Museums consist of 3 sections; the main Archaeological Museum, Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Tiled Pavilion. Istanbul Archaeology Museums hold over a million of artifacts, from around modern Turkey including the Middle East in particular. Most treasured pieces are the Alexander Sarcophagus and other Sidon necropolis sarcophagi, and a marble lion, from the Mausoleum of the ancient city of Halicarnassus (near Bodrum today) that was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, ancient sculpture section, cuneiform tablets of the Hittites and some pieces from the legendary treasure of Troy.

Suleymaniye Mosque

Suleymaniye Mosque is a former Ottoman imperial building that is also the largest mosque in Istanbul that can be seen from almost all old parts of Istanbul and it is one of the greatest structures that dominate the famous silhouette of Istanbul. Built between 1550-1557 by the Ottomans’ favourite architect, Mimar (architect) Sinan, and Sinan mentioned in his autobiography that Suleymaniye Mosque is his second most important work of his career. The mosque itself is a miracle of acoustical engineering.

Chora Church (Kariye) Museum

Kariye Museum is a former Byzantine Church which was converted to a mosque in 1511 during the Ottoman era, and later into a museum in 1945 during the Republican era. The word Kariye is the Turkish adoption of Chora which means countryside. The church was originally named as “The Church of St. Savior in Chora”. Today in many resources it is referred briefly as “Chora Church” or Kariye Museum. Chora Church is a real hidden gem with its mostly surviving mosaics that were made in the peak period of Byzantine mosaic art. The mosaic scenes cover the life of Virgin Mary and life of Jesus in detail.

Pierre Loti Hill

Named after a French writer and naval officer, Pierre Loti, who came to Istanbul many times and fell in love with Ottoman life style, wrote his first novel Aziyade (tells the story of his love affair with an 18-year-old “Circassian” harem girl named Aziyadé) during his 3-months stay in Istanbul. Pierre Loti Hill is the perfect end to this tour. Giving way to a stunning panoramic view over the Golden Horn, it is a popular spot with locals, who head there for the tea garden.

Pickup

From guests' hotel, port or airport.

Drop Off

To guests' hotel, port or airport.

Things To Bring

Sun protection (or umbrella depending on the season/weather)
Hat and sunglasses
Camera
Cash/credit cards
Comfortable walking shoes
Sea Pass card and photo identification (for cruise ship passengers)

Inclusions

Pick up and drop off from/to hotels
Services of licensed, English speaking, "expert" Istanbul tour guide

Exclusions

Lunch
Admission fees for the mentioned museums
Tips of gratitude

Please Note the Admission Fees:

Istanbul Archaeology Museums - 20TL per person
Kariye (Chora) Museum - 30TL per person

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.

If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.

If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.

Select a Date

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