Turkey

BYZANTINE & OTTOMAN ISTANBUL

a FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 25 MARCH & 4 november 2020

Istanbul is one of the world’s most fascinating cities and has a colourful and complex history, spanning many centuries. Our five night holiday will introduce you to both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods; spanning 1,600 years from 330 AD until the early 20th Century. It was during the long period as capital of the vast and sprawling Ottoman Empire that Istanbul took on much of the appearance visitors today can still enjoy. During our visit, there will be a comprehensive programme of sightseeing as well as some free time to explore the Grand Bazaar.

THE ITINERARY

We fly to Istanbul and transfer to the 4 star Hotel Eresin Sultanahmet where we stay for the duration of the tour.

Today begins with a guided tour of the sprawling city of Istanbul, starting at the Hippodrome, the most important relic from the city’s Roman period and rebuilt by Constantine in 330 AD. Our day ends at the Topkapi Palace, the Sultan’s residence and the nerve centre of the Ottoman Empire. Here we see the sprawling harem complex where the wives of the Sultan lived.

DAY 2

We begin our day at the ancient Serefiye Cistern, built by Roman Emperor Theodosius II. Next we visit the Hagia Sophia, considered one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture. It became a mosque in 1453 and served as a model for all future Ottoman mosques. This afternoon, we will wander through Istanbul’s fabled Grand Bazaar, an ideal place to shop for souvenirs including textiles, food, ceramics and spices.

DAY 3

This morning we visit the vast Dolmabahce Palace which served as the centre for the Sultan’s extended domestic life. We then board a boat for a journey along the Bosphorus and finish with lunch at a local fish restaurant. Later we visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum with its superb collection of decorative arts before returning to the hotel.

DAY 4

We start with a visit to the small but beautiful Church of St. Saviour in Chora which dates from 1077 and has some of the finest mosaics and frescoes in Istanbul. Then we make our way through the Ottoman districts of Balat and Fener to the spice market before ending our day at the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the city’s landmarks.

DAY 5

This morning is free for independent exploration. We drive to Istanbul airport for the flight back to London.

tour lecturer : ANDREW ALLEN Andrew Allen read History of Art at the University of East

Anglia and undertook his postgraduate study at the University of Essex taking his MA in early Italian painting.

He worked for Phillips Auctioneers and lectured at Anglia Polytechnic University. He has built up particular experience in parts of the Middle East and the great cities of Europe.

Andrew Allen writes: “After serving as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires for more than 1,500 years,

Istanbul is now enjoying her retirement from political life as a historical theatre where one can experience the liveliness of a modern metropolis accompanied by a breathtaking historical setting.”

tour information

DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

25 March £1,668 £285 4 November £1,592 £265

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS Flights with British Airways:

Depart London Heathrow 09.35 arrive Istanbul 16.30 Depart Istanbul 17.35 arrive London Heathrow 19.55

what we include

• Return flights • Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast • Three dinners • One lunch • All entrance fees and gratuities • The services of our Kirker Tour Lecturer and a local guide