Istanbul Byzantine & Ottoman Relics - Day Tour
Attractions & guided tours

Istanbul Byzantine & Ottoman Relics - Day Tour

4/5
Great
Based on 2 reviews
from
£78.00
Free cancellation
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic, German
Availability: Daily
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: Flexible
Why you’ll love this…
  • Visit the Old city, take a stroll to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
  • Go on a shopping experience at the Grand Covered Bazaar
  • See the imperial treasury of the Topkapi Palace and the Sultan Tombs
What to expect

Take a full day tour of Istanbul. This fascinating city will capture you immediately. This full day tour is a combination of our "Istanbul Classics - Half Day Morning Tour" and "Istanbul Ottoman Relics - Half Day Afternoon Tour".

The tour starts at the "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.

The tour will then stroll over to the Hagia Sophia, the Church of the Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Right in front of the church you'll get the chance to see also the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.

Afterwards the tour continues at the Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Take a look at the beautiful monuments decorating the Hippodrome; such as the Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II.

Before you make a pause and have a lunch at a turkish restaurant, you'll also visit the Grand Covered Bazaar, where the most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world can be fournd. There's something interesting and nice also for your taste as you can enjoy nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenirs (Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request).

After lunch you'll enjoy the second part of the tour starting with a visit of the Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Please note that live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections. (Harem is not included in the program).

Topkapı grew and changed with the centuries, but the palace's basic four-courtyard plan remained the same. The Ottomans followed the Byzantine practice of secluding the monarch from the people: the first courtwas open to all; the second only to people on imperial business; and the third and fourth only to the imperial family, VIPs and palace staff. Discover more about the palace's history while you expert guide follows you through.

The second part of the tour includes the visit of the Sultan Tombs. There are five tombs of Ottoman Sultans within the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. The ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed on the sarcophaguses.

This tour ends approximately at 5 pm.

Read more
What's included
  • check Pickup & drop-off from/to your Istanbul hotel (only from central located hotels)
  • check Professional tour guide for the duration of the tour
  • check Lunch
  • check Entrance fees
  • check Guided walking tour
  • check Skip-the-line tickets
What's not included
  • x_not_included Gratuities
  • x_not_included Drinks
  • x_not_included Harem Section of Topkapi Palace
Where

Sultan Ahmet, Küçük Ayasofya Caddesi No:14, Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Meeting point:
Hotel pickup from centrally located hotels or central meeting location in front of Tamara Restaurant, Sultan Ahmet, Küçük Ayasofya Cd. No:14. Please confirm the pickup place and time directly with the local operator. You can find their contact information in the voucher after booking.
What to remember

Know in advance:

  • On Friday mornings the Blue Mosque will be visited from outside because of noon-pray
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Provider
Plan Tours
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 10 hours before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Great

4/5

Based on 2 reviews from verified customers

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  • Anonymous

    From United States of America - March 2025

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Fantastic tour with very knowledgeable guide highly recommend

  • Anonymous

    From Germany - October 2023

    Average

    Overall rated

    3/5

    Pluspunkte: Transfer vom und zum Hotel, Kommunikation, gut organisiert in den Abläufen, sehenswerte Highlights der Stadt, kleine Gruppe Nachteile: seh ...

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