SPLENDORS OF ISTANBUL TOUR

The tour covers some hidden gems of Istanbul by localizing in the city in a great fall with Dolmabahce Palace, Suleymaniye Mosque, and Spice Market which are among the well-known highlights.

The Dolmabahce Palace overlooking the Bosphorus is definitely incomparable with 14 tons of pure gold used for ceiling gilds, priceless paintings, unique furniture and the rich collection of Bohemian crystals in addition to its famous Harem section. It was built in the 1800s and was home to six Sultans. This flamboyant imperial palace is a synthesis of late Ottoman architecture and Rococo, Baroque and Neoclassical styles, has got two main sections Selamlik (Official Part) & Harem (Privy Chambers) in addition to magnificent gardens.

The Suleymaniye Mosque will be our next visit; the largest one in the city, Architect Sinan's most splendid work that was built at the zenith of the empire which shapes the well-known silhouette of Istanbul. It was a complex of social and religious buildings consisting of a hospital, public baths, primary, theology and medical schools, public kitchen to serve the poor and a caravanserai, inn for travelers. It was built by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent during his reign in the 16th century and was finished in a miraculous 8 years. The exterior shows all the glamor of the empire and Sinan's architectural genius to construct and stabilize such a heavy building with an immense dome. The interior is relatively simple with an elegant calligraphy and a limited number of Iznik tiles as to humble the person and glorify God. The richly decorated tombs of Suleyman and Roxelana, (Hurrem Sultan) are in the garden behind the mosque and tomb of Mimar Sinan is outside the complex.