Istanbul Guided Tour

20 photos

Durations

9 Hours

Max People

Variable

Avalibility

All Year

Pickup & Dropoff

VIP

Istanbul Guided Tour: Ottoman and Byzantine Heritage in Istanbul

A journey to the history of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Discover the most important architectural masterpieces of Roman Emperors and Ottoman Sultans.

You will follow the traces of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires in Istanbul. Have the opportunity to visit all the historic sites of Byzantine and Ottoman Empire.

Highlights

Hagia Sophia
Hippodrome
Blue Mosque
Topkapi Palace
Basilica Cistern
Grand Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the historic splendor of Istanbul with our Istanbul Guided Tour. This comprehensive tour, led by an expert guide, covers the most iconic landmarks and hidden gems of the city, ensuring a memorable experience steeped in history and culture.

Starting at the Hippodrome, the heart of Byzantine public life, you’ll explore the remnants of its glorious past where exhilarating chariot races once captivated the masses. Marvel at ancient monuments that testify to 2,500 years of history before moving on to the stunning Blue Mosque. Known for its striking blue tiles, this 17th-century architectural wonder offers breathtaking views and photo opportunities, especially with the Hagia Sophia in the backdrop.

Next, you’ll visit the Hagia Sophia, a cornerstone of architectural history. Originally a basilica, then a mosque, and now a museum, its massive dome and intricate mosaics tell tales of a city that has been a crossroads of religions and empires.

The journey continues to the Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence and administrative hub of the Ottoman Sultans. Explore its lavish courts and peek into the lives of sultans who ruled from this grand estate, enjoying panoramic views of the Bosphorus.

Dive deeper into the city’s rich history at the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul’s largest ancient underground cistern. Here, the Crying Column and the two Medusa Head Sculptures are not only visually impressive but also shrouded in fascinating myths.

Conclude your tour at the Grand Bazaar, the world’s first shopping mall and a vibrant center of trade for centuries. With around 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry to carpets, it’s the perfect place to find a keepsake from your Istanbul adventure.

This Istanbul Guided Tour is the ultimate way to experience the city in all its historical and cultural glory, with the comfort and insight only a private guide can offer. Join us to uncover the layers of history and timeless beauty that Istanbul has to offer.

Included/Excluded

Private Tour
Professional Local Guide
Lunch in a luxury restaurant (with soft drinks)
All Museum Entrance Fees
Local Taxes
VIP Transfer from Hotel, Airport or Cruise Port (by luxury vehicle)

Tips

Tour Plan

. Full Description

After meeting our guide in hotel, we will be transferred to Hippodrome. Our tour will start from Hippodrome area where is the heritage of East Roman Empire.

Here was the site of famous horse chart races were organized and we will visit some historical monument to witness the 2500 years of history.

And then we will continue our tour by visiting Blue Mosque. We will understand that why this masterpiece, built in 17th century, became famous with its name as Blue. Next, we will take pictures of unique views of Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

Then, we will visit the most important historical heritage of this city, Hagia Sophia. This magnificent structure, which was the largest place of worship in the world when it was built and served as a place of worship for Christians and Muslims in its 1500-year history, will fascinate you with its ambience.

After that, we will visit the Topkapi Palace which was served the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. Topkapi Palace was used as private residence of most important Ottoman Sultans of the period and administrative and educational center of Ottoman State. A perfect and unique Istanbul view will welcome you at the last court yard of the palace.

And then we will visit the most important underground cistern of city, Basilica Cistern. This cistern is popular with Crying Column and 2 Medusa Head Sculpture. The tales of this sculptures will fascinate you again.

Our last point Grand Bazaar which is the first shopping mall in the world, is still the trade center of Istanbul. Approximately 4000 shops inside the Grand Bazaar which are the jewellery, carpet, leather, pottery and souvenir stores will allow you take a memory of Istanbul with you before you leave this city.

. Important Info

Dress Code: Comfortable athletic clothing.
Do not wear short clothes and have a headscarf with you.
Confirmation for this tour will be received at time of booking
Children 5-8 years old %30 discounted / 0-4 years free of charge

. Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Learn more about cancellations.

. Notes

***:

***: If you want your tour program in an all-inclusive concept (accommodation, food, and drink, historical places entrance tickets, etc...), it is enough to write us while filling the reservation form. Your tour program will be prepared according to your wishes.

A journey to the history of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Discover the most important architectural masterpieces of Roman Emperors and Ottoman Sultans.

You will follow the traces of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires in Istanbul. Have the opportunity to visit all the historic sites of Byzantine and Ottoman Empire.