PARTNERS' PROGRAMME

Monday 24 May
Visit to Nicea

09:00 – Full day tour with lunch and refreshments

Nicea, with over a thousand years of cultural heritage, occupied an important place in history, it served as the capital of four empires. It is famous for hosting the two Councils of Nicea in 325 and 787AD, and for the production of tiles and ceramics.

You will visit the Nicea Museum (situated in one of the most beautiful examples of 14th-century Ottoman architecture), which contains works of art from Roman, Byzantine and the Ottoman periods. You will also see the Byzantine Church of Hagia Sophia, the Roman Theatre and the Green Mosque, the symbol of Nicea, built between 1378 and 1391 by Haci Mustafa, it is said to be one of the finest built in the early Ottoman period.

Monday 24 & Wednesday 26 May
Ottoman Istanbul

10:00 – Half-day tour with lunch

Visit the Topkapi Palace, imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans and see the collections of porcelain, weapons and calligraphy. Take lunch at an Ottoman-style restaurant in the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar before proceeding to the Rustem Pasha Mosque, famous for its exquisite Iznik tiles set in a wide variety of beautiful floral and geometric designs.

Wednesday 26 May
Byzantine Istanbul

10:00 – Half-day tour with lunch

Tour the heart of the Old City from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. You will visit the Hagia (St) Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. In addition you will see the Blue Mosque with its famous blue Isnik tiles and six minarets which was built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Other sites of interest will include the Hippodrome, Serpentine Column and Obelisk of Theodosius; and finally if time permits, the Grand Covered Bazaar, the biggest "souk" in the world.