7 Churches Istanbul (Extended)

After breakfast, the first place we will visit is Hagia Sophia, which is placed at the center of the holy teachings of Christianity. This place was built in 537 by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.

	Hagia Sophia is one of the world’s largest religious monuments. It is of great importance in terms of Christianity because the 1st Ecumenical Council was held here and the Nicene Creed was accepted.
	This council is a critical turning point where the fundamental beliefs of Christianity were shaped and the view that Jesus is of the same essence as God was accepted. Constantinople (today’s Istanbul) was the center of Christianity as long as it remained the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and Hagia Sophia is one of the closest and best-preserved places of worship to the century Christianity was born.
	After our Hagia Sophia tour, we go to the Basilica Cistern, which is located very close to this area. Also known as the “Basilica Cistern,” this magnificent cistern was built in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I to meet the ancient water needs of the city. It covers a massive area of about 9,800 square meters and is supported by 336 columns rising upright underground.
	After the lunch break, we move on to see the Topkapı Palace and Hagia Eirene.
	This church, built in 324, was dedicated as the first church of Istanbul by Constantine and made a significant contribution to the religious heritage of the Byzantine Empire. Also, the Second Ecumenical Council held here in 381 was an important turning point in the history of Christianity.
	We eat our dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, we visit the Chora Museum and the Tekfur Palace. Tekfur Palace and the Chora Museum are important stops that should not be missed for those who want to explore the Byzantine-era heritage of Istanbul.

	Tekfur Palace is one of the rare examples of civil architecture that has survived from the Byzantine period to the present day. Another name of the palace is the Palace of Porphyrogenitus. This structure was built in the late period of the Byzantine Empire and was especially used as the residence of emperors. The palace, built in the 13th century, probably during the reign of Michael VIII Palaiologos, is a part of the Blachernae Palace complex.
	The Chora Museum is an important religious structure from the Byzantine period. The original name of the structure is the Church of Chora. It was built in the 11th century and decorated with mosaics and frescoes in the 14th century. These decorations are among the finest examples of Byzantine art. After the conquest of Istanbul, it was converted into a mosque, and in 1945 it became a museum.
	After leaving here, we go to the historical Egyptian Bazaar, which was built during the Ottoman Empire. This bazaar was established to sell many local and exotic products such as spices, dried fruits, Turkish delights, teas, and various traditional Turkish flavors. In the bazaar, where you will feel the authentic atmosphere of the 1400s, there are also shops selling traditional jewelry, carpets, and textile products as well as spice vendors.
	After lunch, we take a yacht tour on the Bosphorus in Istanbul. This unique strait stretching between Asia and Europe offers a view where natural beauties and historical structures coexist.
	In our yacht tour, the first view you encounter will be the silhouette of Istanbul laid over the enchanting waters of the Bosphorus. While watching both the Asian and European continents at the same time, historical palaces, mansions, and waterfront residences will also be revealed. With magnificent structures like Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, and Küçüksu Pavilion, the shores of the Bosphorus resemble an open-air museum.

We provide our transfer to Istanbul Airport.