Istanbul Byzantine & Ottoman Relics - Day Tour

Free cancellation

Place: Istanbul

Duration: up to 8 hours

Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic, German

Availability: Daily

Mobile voucher accepted

Instant confirmation

Do this because

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.

Important to know

Know in advance:

On Mondays the visit of Hagia Sophia will be replaced with Underground (Basilica) Cistern
On Friday mornings the Blue Mosque will be visited from outside because of noon-pray, replaced with Little Hagia Sophia (St. Sergius & Bacchus)

What’s included

Pickup & drop-off from/to your Istanbul hotel (only from central located hotels)

Professional tour guide for the duration of the tour

Lunch

Entrance fees

What’s not included

Gratuities

Drinks

Harem Section of Topkapi Palace

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

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.