Byzantine Art and Architecture.
In 324 the Emperor Constantine made the momentous decision to establish a new centre of power for the Roman Empire on the banks of the Bosphorous, thus creating one of the great cities of the Mediterranean world. For a thousand years this city flourished as the great centre of medieval Greek culture ,and we will explore the glories of this flowering of Byzantine culture in the Roman Empire’s second city.
One day will be devoted to the monuments in the historic centre, including Haghia Sophia ,Haghia Eirene ,the Hippodrome and the former church of St Sergius and St Bacchus . There will be a tour of the area around the fifth century Theodosian walls which will include a visit to the late Byzantine mosaics at the former church of St Saviour in Chora, and the ruins of the Blachernae Palace, finishing up at the Suleimaniye Mosque. There will be a half day tour of the old Greek district of Fener which will include a visit to the Greek Orthodox Patriachate, and the Church of St Mary of the Mongols, the only pre conquest Greek church to survive as a church. There will be free time for people to soak up the atmosphere of the Ottoman city and visit the Topkapi palace, The Grand Bazaar, and the Blue Mosque. Accommodation will be in a hotel just round the corner from the Blue Mosque.
Cost will include, five nights bed and breakfast, coach travel to non central sites in Istanbul, the services of an experienced local guide, and transfers to and from the airport at Istanbul
Cost will be: £ 491 per person for people sharing a double room. Single supplement £54 Predicted Air Fare £320. Flights from Heathrow
If you wish join this tour please complete the booking form. You can view and print a booking form by clicking here.