In Trace of Christianity

Our tour begins with a visit to Hagia Sophia, often described as the greatest work of Byzantine architecture. The forth largest building in the world that was made as a church, is now a museum that glitters with mosaics and art treasures that fill every corner.

Blachernae Palace

Blachernae Church

Chora Church Muesum

Chora Church Muesum Mosaics

Hagia Sophia - Sultan Ahmet - Istanbul

Sergius and Bacchus Dome

We continue with a panoramic drive highlighting the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, and ancient city walls of Istanbul. We arrive at the ruins of Blachernae (Tekfur) Palace, which was the principal imperial residence during the last two centuries of the Byzantine era. We continue on to St. Saviour in Chora Church. The Chora Church is not as large as some of the other Byzantine churches of Istanbul, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in the beauty of its interior covered with fine mosaics and frescoes.

After this visit we proceed to panoramic Pierre Loti Hill for lunch on our own. After lunch we continue to Panagia of Blachernae Church, which was the best known and most celebrated shrine of the Holy Virgin in Constantinople. Our final visit today will be to Ecumenical Patriarchate of Fener. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate has been on this site since about 1601 and was the religious leader of all Christians during the times of the Ottoman Empire.

* To make the price of the tour more reasonable, we use a taxi for transportation when there are two people participating.

Note: Minimum three days advance reservation is needed as special permission is required at some of these sites. We will ask copies of your passports to obtain permission. Due to possible security reasons, some of the sites may be closed to public admission on the day of the visit.

Hagia Sofia is closed on Monday, St. Savior in Chora Church is closed on Wednesday.