@ DOMES AND MINARETS

Walk over the Hippodrome (the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Column of Constantine Porphyrogenitus and the Serpentine Column).

Visit Sultan Ahmet (the famous mosque with its blue and green tiles representing all the blues of the rainbow, which well deserves its name the « Blue Mosque »), Aghia Sophia (cathedral – mosque and museum), and The Cistern Basilica. Return to the hotel. .

@ TOPKAPI AND THE GRAND BAZAAR

Visit the residential palace of the Ottoman Emperors (imposing wealth of the Treasury, jewels of the crown). Stroll in the exotic maze of the Grand Bazaar. .

@ THE BOSPHORUS

Cruise the Bosphorus along its Asiaticand European shores (typical villages with their picturesque wooden houses, old palaces and summer residences), the forteresses of Rumelihisar and Anadoluhisar.

@ THE GOLDEN HORN

Mosque of Süleymaniye (majestic masterpiece built by the great architect Sinan for Süleymen the Magnificient). Cross the Golden Horn, then, after having followed the walls of the city, visit the Church of Saint Saviour in Chora, jewel of Byzantin art, with its magnificient frescoes and mosaics remarkably preserved.

Climb up along the Golden Horn through Eyüp Graveyard to the famous Pierre Loti Café. Visit the Mosque and Mausoleum of Eyüp, one of the most frequented centres of pilgrimage.

@ THE DOLAMABAHCE PALACE

The imposing architecture of the Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most admirable creation of the decadent Ottoman Empire. Residence of the last sultans, this palace contains invaluable furnishings (chandeliers of Bohemian crystal, carpets from Hereke, large collection of authentic paintings and decoration). The founder of the Turkish Republic, Kemal Atatürk, died here in 1938. The Palace is still used for official receptions..

After travelling along the Bosphorus, arrive at the impressive Fortress of Rumelihisar, constructed by Fatih the Conqueror to command the entire Bosphorus Straits. The castle, built in 3 months by 2000 workers and defended by large calibred cannons and a garrison of 400 janissaires, had a tremendous strategical importance in the conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

@ JEWISH HERITAGE

The story of Turkish Jews who were deported from Spain in 1492, now living in Turkey for more than 500 years in peace & harmony.
Visit of Galata, the centuries-old Jewish neighborhood with its famous tower built in 1348 by the Genoese.
Visit the most prestigious synagogue Neve Shalom Synagogue or Ashkenaz Synagogue (upon availability)
Drive to Balat along the Golden Horn, residential area of the Ottoman Jews where, the "Star of David" can still be noticed on the facades of some buildings. Visit Ahrida Synagogue, built in the 15th century and from outside Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim).
Visit to Zülfaris Jewish Museum of the Quincentennial Foundation.
The Jewish Cemetery where the martyrs of Neve Shalom are buried. Stop at Ortaköy, first disembark point of Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain by the religious disturbance of the Spanish King and the Queen, desperate on the ships in the middle of the sea, not being accepted by any European country except the Ottoman Sultan Beyazid Khan The Second who welcomed them offering a safe and peaceful life. Last visit to Etz Ahayim Synagogue in Ortaköy.

*(All synagogue visits require advance permission from the officials and therefore the guests are required to advise their full names and passport numbers at the time of booking and carry their passports during visits).

@ Place are closed. Days can be altered without prior notice

MONDAYS : St. Sophia, Dolmabahçe, Rumelihisar
TUESDAYS Topkapı Palace,
WEDNESDAYS St.Sauvior in Chora,
THURSDAYS Dolmabahçe