Halfday Istanbul
Golden Horn, Ancient City Walls, Eyup Mosque

Highlights: The Golden Horn, Panara Greek Patriarchate, Bulgarian Church, St Saviour in Chora, Eyup Mosque, Pierre Loti Hill, cable-car ride

Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the Eyup district.
Driving along the southern coast of the inlet of the Bosphorus called the Golden Horn we pass by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate at Panari (Fener), the Bulgarian Church which was cast in iron in Austria and brought to where it stands now on a barge across the River Danube, we reach the northern end of the city walls of Constantinople built by Emperor Theodosius II in the 5th century. Viewing the once impregnable walls of the ancient city we reach the Edirnekapi district.
Visit the St Saviour in Chora - Kariye Museum. The Church of St. Savior in Chora is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine church. The church is situated in the western, Edirnekapi district of Istanbul. In the 16th century, the church was converted into a mosque by the Ottoman rulers, and it became a secularized museum in 1948. The interior of the building is covered with fine mosaics and frescoes.
Continue with a visit of the Eyup Al Ansari Mosque.
Eyup Sultan is situated outside the Walls of Constantinople, near the Golden Horn. Built in 1458, it was the first mosque constructed by the Ottoman Turks following the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The Mosque and Mausoleum of Eyüp Sultan, located outside the corner where the land walls meet the walls along the Golden Horn, is considered a sacred site for Moslems. Eyüp-el-Ensari was a standard-bearer of Mohammed and he died-here during an Arabic siege of the city in the 7th century. His grave was discovered at the conquest and later the mausoleum and the first mosque in Istanbul were built on this site. The original mosque was destroyed in an earthquake and the present one was constructed in its place in 1800. On Fridays, holy days for Islam, throngs of the faithful visit the mausoleum. The old trees, flocks of pigeons, the praying believers and the visiting crowds create a mystical and colorful atmosphere around the mosque and the mausoleum. The walls of the mausoleum in the courtyard are covered with tiles from different periods. The sultans succeeding Mehmet the Conqueror completed their coronation and sword-bearing ceremonies with a visit to the Eyup Sultan Mausoleum. The vicinity of the mosque and the neighboring hills are occupied by cemeteries.
Use the short ride of the cable car up the Eyup Hill.
Visit the famous Pierre Loti Café named after the well-known poet and author who was enraptured by Istanbul. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Golden Horn and the outlying historical city. 1 glass of tea is served.
Return to the hotel after the tour