Delve into the spiritual heart of Istanbul on this full-day tour tracing the legacy of Christianity in the city once called Byzantium. The journey begins at the Patriarchate in Fener by the Golden Horn, the very center of Orthodox Christianity since Constantine the Great declared it the Roman Empire’s religion. Explore the Church of Panagia of Blachernae, famed for its healing holy water and sacred bath, then marvel at the stunning mosaics and frescoes of St. Savior in Chora (Kariye Museum), which bring biblical stories to life.
From the historic Pantocrator (Zeyrek Mosque) complex to the 11th-century Church of St. Mary Pammacaristos (Fethiye Mosque), you’ll witness the architectural and spiritual refinement achieved during the Byzantine era. Continue to Zoodochos Pege at Balıklı, with its miracle-linked cistern of golden fish, and St. Sergius & Bacchus, the “Little Hagia Sophia,” a prototype for its grander namesake. The tour concludes with visits—often from the outside—to monumental sites like Hagia Eirene and the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, the largest church in Christendom for centuries.
This sightseeing tour stands out for its rare focus on Istanbul’s Christian heritage, offering an insightful journey through extraordinary religious landmarks and centuries of intertwined faith and history.
