|
|
General information
| Destination |
|---|
| Istanbul, Turkey |
Program details
Learn more about the holy sites of Islam with this eye-opening visit to the Eyup Sultan Mosque and his Tomb – two of the most sacred sites in the Muslim world after Mecca and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem (or al-Quds, in Arabic), and by far the two holiest sites in Istanbul. Thousands of believers visit these sites every day.So who was this Eyup? Eyup el-Ensari was the flag bearer of the Prophet Mohammed who died in this city when the Arabs sieged it in the 7th century. Nowadays, the mystical atmosphere is heavily present.
Later on, hop aboard a cable car that takes you to Pierre Loti Coffee House, named after the French author and poet, Pierre Loti, who used to sit at this cafe to write while contemplating the scenario. It is located on top of a hill covered with splendid green nature. As you ascend, admire the breathtaking backdrop that slowly glides below you. Contemplate a privileged vantage point of the Golden Horn from here.
Your next stop is the curious Miniaturk, one of the most surprising open-field miniature parks. It exhibits scaled models of the most famous landmarks of Istanbul, Anatolia and in general all of the former Ottoman territories, bestowing the miniature with a fairy-tale-like nature. Admire the countless tiny human that populates this construction, from Muslims in the mosques and Jews in the synagogues to railroad workers and flower sellers.