ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Istanbul, once called Constantinople, is the only city in the world to be built on two continents; Europe and Asia. After leaving the quay we will enjoy the short drive to the old city of Istanbul, crossing over the Golden Horn, where just over a century ago the Sultans would have taken their Sunday afternoon cruises.

Istanbul, once called Constantinople, is the only city in the world to be built on two continents; Europe and Asia. After leaving the quay we will enjoy the short drive to the old city of Istanbul, crossing over the Golden Horn, where just over a century ago the Sultans would have taken their Sunday afternoon cruises. On our way to the old city we will have a chance to observe the unique atmosphere of Istanbul, with its crowded streets and contemporary buildings intermingling with the old. Our first stop will be at one of the most historically important monuments of world architecture, Hagia Sophia. Built as a grand Cathedral in the 4th century by Constantius – the successor to Constantine the Great – it was dedicated to Divine Wisdom (an attribute of Christ). It was converted into a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul, and is being used as a museum today. The building has survived various earthquakes and fires during its lifetime, and is surpassed in size only by St Peter’s in Rome and St Paul’s in London. Faith Sultan Mehmet added the four minarets after his conquest of Istanbul; the beautiful mosaics were covered with plaster, and have been slowly uncovered. We then proceed to the site of the ancient Hippodrome. Constructed during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Septimus Severus in 200 AD to hold the popular chariot races, it could seat 100,000 spectators. Today this square is an open-air museum. Among a number of interesting objects are the Egyptian Obelisk, an edifice 36 centuries old, and the serpentine Column which once stood at the Apollo temple in Delphi, to commemorate the Greek Victory over the Persian armada in the 5th century BC. We can also admire the column of Byzantine Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus of which the bronze sheathing was used by the 12th century Crusaders for weapons. From here, we shall continue to the nearby Blue Mosque, so named because of the 21,000 blue iznik tiles that adorn the interior. Sultan Ahmet I built this great mosque, with six minarets, as part of an imperial complex at the beginning of the 17th century. We will end our tour with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, situated just off Sultanahmet Square. This bazaar is one of the world’s most picturesque and enchanting, founded by Fatih Sultan Mehmet following the conquest of Istanbul. Within the city walls there are over 4,000 stores selling everything from slippers, antiques and gold, to spices, kitchen equipment and of course carpet’s. We will have time to experience the atmosphere before heading back to our ship.

This tour involves approximately 3 hours of walking. There are steps to negotiate up to the entrance of the Blue Mosque. Upon entering the blue Mosque, women must wear headscarves that cover their hair and arms. All passengers will be required to remove their shoes at the entrance of the mosque. Please note that this tour is unable to operate if our call is on a Sunday or Monday.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES