Cultural Treasures

Cultural Treasures Tour By Luxury Istanbul

First, you will visit Suleymaniye Mosque; built between 1550 and 1557, Suleymaniye Mosque is regarded as the most beautiful of all imperial mosques. It is the masterpiece of great Ottoman Architect, Sinan. The size of the mosque is immense. The mausoleum of Suleyman the Magnificent and his wife Roxelana were built in the garden of this complex.

Then, you will visit the Church of St. Saviour in Chora. After St. Sophia, St. Saviour Chora is the most important Byzantine Church in the city. It was built in the 11th century AD. The walls are decorated with breathtaking 14th century AD frescoes and mosaics. The mosaics relate to the life story of Virgin Mary and the life of Christ.

After lunch, you will visit the Grand 16th century Palace of the sultan's Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasa, which today houses the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, containing what many consider to be the finest collection of Islamic artifacts in the world. The museum is well laid out and contains rare collections of ceramics, Koran cases, calligraphy, textiles, metalwork and illuminated manuscripts. Its antique carpet exhibit is renowned; the carpets, kilims and prayer rugs forming one of the richest and oldest collections in the world. (Site is under renovation, we may have to replace with another site)

Last, you will continue to explore ninety-two streets of the famous Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is the largest and oldest covered Bazaar in Turkey with more than 4,000 shops. A variety of Turkish Handicrafts, Oriental carpets, rare jewels and inexpensive souvenirs all sold in small shops next to each other. 

At the end of your day, you will return to the port to embark your ship or to your hotel.

To customize or get a tailor made tour in Istanbul please contact us.