Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Full Day Tour
Explore Istanbul’s imperial heart on a full-day tour of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and more. Includes lunch. Días de tour en español: lunes y sábado
Service Provider: She Tours
Service Details
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.
Tour Highlights
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Mosque), Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar
Why Book This Service
- Covers all major Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks in a single day.
- Includes historical narration from a licensed expert guide.
- Explore Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace.
- Shop or browse in the Grand Bazaar or Arasta Bazaar.
- Enjoy lunch in the Old City, surrounded by history.
- Ideal for first-time visitors and those interested in Istanbul’s imperial heritage.
What's Included
- Hotel pick up & drop off by air-conditioned non-smoking tour coaches
- Lunch Entrance fees
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Service charges & local taxes
Please Note
- This tour is not operated on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Topkapi Palace and Hagia Irene are closed on Tuesdays.
- Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are closed to visitors during Friday prayers.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and replaced with Arasta Bazaar.
- Tour may provide exterior commentary only for Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque if lines are too long.
- The Harem section of Topkapi Palace is not included.
- Drinks during lunch are not included in the tour price.
- The tour ends near the Sultanahmet area; hotel drop-off is not included.
- Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Meeting Point
Sultanahmet
Cancellation Details
Booking can be cancelled up to 1 day(s) before the tour start.
28 reviews for Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Full Day Tour
Tour Pictures from Travelers
Thorough and fascinating tour. From Hagia Sophia’s massive dome to the Blue Mosque’s reflective courtyard, each site was stunning…
Outstanding guide and itinerary. We started with Byzantine Hippodrome and moved into Hagia Sophia’s majestic interior…
Pasamos un día increíble explorando los principales monumentos históricos. Hagia Sophia nos dejó sin palabras, y el recorrido por el harén del Palacio de Topkapi fue muy interesante.
Epic day — Byzantine and Ottoman gems. Hagia Sophia + Blue Mosque + Topkapı in one go!
Historia y cultura en cada rincón. Caminamos por el Hipódromo, admiramos la belleza de la Mezquita Azul y terminamos el día explorando las joyas del Palacio de Topkapi.
Enjoyed the grandeur of Hagia Sophia and the palace treasures.
Rich storytelling and gorgeous sights. We covered Byzantine Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia’s stunning dome, Blue Mosque’s six minarets…
Beautiful architecture, palace history, and smooth transport.
Beautiful balance of history and architecture. Hagia Sophia’s layered past shone through the mosaics and columns…
A great full-day tour through Istanbul’s key Byzantine and Ottoman sites. Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque were breathtaking, and Topkapı Palace’s imperial relics were fascinating.