Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Full Day Tour

Explore Istanbul’s greatest imperial landmarks in one unforgettable day, tracing the city’s evolution from the heart of the Byzantine Empire to the grandeur of the Ottoman era. This full-day walking tour through Sultanahmet, the historic peninsula, offers a deep dive into Istanbul’s glorious past.

Morning:

Byzantine Highlights Hippodrome of Constantinople

Begin your journey at the ancient Hippodrome, once the social and sporting center of Byzantine life. Your guide will share stories of thrilling chariot races and imperial celebrations.

Key monuments include:

• The Egyptian Obelisk
• The Serpent Column from Delphi
• The German Fountain

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Admire the elegant Blue Mosque, an iconic masterpiece of Ottoman architecture with six minarets and thousands of blue İznik tiles. Note: The Blue Mosque is closed on Friday mornings during prayer time. Information may be provided from the outside if lines are long.

Hagia Sophia

Marvel at the majestic Hagia Sophia, once the largest cathedral in the world. Built in the 6th century, it later served as an imperial mosque and now a functioning mosque-museum. Entry may be viewed from the outside if queues are excessive or during restricted times.

Grand Bazaar (or Arasta Bazaar on Sundays)

Step into the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops offering carpets, silks, jewelry, leather goods, ceramics, and more. On Sundays, when the Grand Bazaar is closed, the tour visits the Arasta Bazaar, a traditional open-air market near the Blue Mosque.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a set-menu lunch at a local restaurant. Note: Drinks are not included and may be purchased separately.

Afternoon: Ottoman Splendours

Topkapi Palace

After lunch, continue to the Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Tour the grand courtyards, view the Imperial Treasury, and see priceless collections of jewels, weapons, robes, and porcelain. The Harem section is not included in this tour.

Hagia Irene Church (Aya İrini)

Located in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace, this 4th-century Byzantine church was never converted into a mosque. Its raw interior and spiritual ambiance make it a unique and memorable stop.