We start with Sokullu Mehmet Pasa Mosque, one of the minor masterpieces of the Great Architect Sinan with its interior decorated with magnificent sixteenth century Iznik tiles

Then we enjoy lunch at Aslan Lokantasi, a typical old-fashioned restaurant near the Covered Bazaar. From there we cut through the Covered Bazaar, to the Suleymaniye; the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent. Built in the 16th century it is the major masterpiece of Sinan in Istanbul. More than just a mosque the vast kulliye (complex) consists of Medrese (School of law), kitchens for the employees of the kulliye, a soup kitchen for the poor, a caravanserai, a mental hospital, baths, and other institutions that served the neighborhood.

Beginning with the magnificent forecourt we move into the mosque itself, one of the great achievements of Ottoman architecture. Next, in the mosque garden we visit the tombs of Suleyman and his wife, the infamous Roxelana as well as a tightly packed mass of mortuary monuments commemorating the grandees of the Ottoman Empire.

After savoring the view over Istanbul, and the Golden Horn from the mosque terrace we descend the hill in the direction of the Golden Horn passing through the hubbub of medieval craft and wholesaling quarter. Tucked away amongst artisan workshops we find another minor masterpiece of Sinan: Rustem Pasha Mosque, its interior completely sheathed in sixteenth century Iznik tiles.

After a short walk we are at the Spice Bazaar, flanked by its meat, fish, vegetable, and flower markets. We end our walk at Yeni Cami, the last of the classical imperial mosques.

We then board the nearby tram for the return trip to our hotel.