Siragusa Tours Ltd

Description

Founded in the 7th century BC Istanbul was the great capital of the Byzantine Empire and then of the Ottoman sultans; as a result both East and West have influenced its artistic traditions. This study tour will introduce its most famous monuments such as Haghia Sophia, Justinian’s great church and the inspiration of much Ottoman architecture; the Suleymaniye Mosque, Sinan’s masterpiece; the Blue Mosque with its tiled interior; the Roman Underground Cistern; the Topkapi Palace, former residence of the sultans . Its museums will reveal masterpieces of sculpture and mosaic. There will be time to study Byzantine works such as the Church of St Saviour at Chora and Theodosius II’ massive land walls; some less known mosques and thriving bazaars will also be explored. By taking a boat trip along the Bosphorous we shall admire the city’s famous skyline and unique vernacular architecture.

Other Details

Accommodation

Centrally located Hotel Arcadia **** in Istanbul. Bed and Breakfast tariff in twin-share room with private facilities.

Course Cost

LRAC members £725, non-members £745, inclusive of tuition, airport transfers (airport transfers are only available for the Siragusa Tours Ltd nominated flight), visit to Theodosius land walls; accommodation and breakfast.

Single Room Supplement

£200

Travel Insurance

Once tour is viable and if we have booked a flight for you through Travelpack, you can call Larraine on 08444 930465 for an immediate quote (unless you already have insurance)

Flight

Ca. £210 scheduled flight to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Note that this is an estimate (if it is less you play less), please see Booking Conditions for more information concerning nominated flights.

Local Transport

Airport transfers and visit to the Theodosius II land walls by private coach

Group Size

18

Tutor

Dalila Castelijn has a degree in foreign languages and literature from the University of Trieste, Italy and BA in history of art and architecture from Birkbeck College, London. She specializes in art and architecture of the Renaissance in Europe and has taught for the OU and the WEA. Courses taught for the OU include A216, A354 , A424 and, currently, AA315. She has led art study tours to Italy with the School of Continuing Education, Reading University.

Related OU Courses

General Interest

Itinerary / Study Programme

Day 1, Thursday, 19th April 2012

Arrival in Istanbul and orientation.

Day 2, Friday, 20th April 2012

am The Hippodrome and the Church of SS Sergius and Bacchus, (Church of St Irene if possible)

pm Hagia Sophia and Yerebatan Cistern

Day 3, Saturday, 21st April 2012

All day visit to Theodosius II land walls, to include

Church of St Saviour at Chora, Tekfur Sarai, Yedikule Fortress

Day 4, Sunday, 22nd April 2012

am Fountain of Ahmet III, Archeological Museum

pm Topkapi Palace and Mosaic Museum

Day 5, Monday, 23rd April 2012

Boat trip on Bosphorus (including Dolmabahce Place if possible)

Day 6, Tuesday, 24th April 2012

am Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Mosque and the Blue Mosque

pm Rustem Pasha Mosque

Day 7, Wednesday, 25th April 2012

free time until departure

This itinerary and study programme is provisional and may be subject to change in response to local conditions