Byzantine Relics Half Day Morning Tour

Uncover the foundations of Istanbul’s imperial legacy on this half-day morning walking tour through the heart of the Byzantine Empire. Explore majestic landmarks and historic sites in the UNESCO-listed Sultanahmet district, where Eastern Roman emperors once ruled.

Hippodrome of Constantinople

Begin your tour at the ancient Hippodrome, the former social and sporting center of Byzantium. Once accommodating over 100,000 spectators, this historic plaza was the stage for chariot races, political rallies, and imperial ceremonies.

Highlights include:
• The Egyptian Obelisk
• The Serpent Column from Delphi
• The German Fountain, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Next, visit the exterior of the stunning Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and exquisite blue İznik tiles. Built in the early 17th century, it remains an active place of worship and a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
Note: The mosque is closed to visitors on Friday mornings; no tour on Fridays.

Hagia Sophia

View the grand Hagia Sophia, once the largest cathedral in the Christian world and later an imperial mosque. Its striking dome and Byzantine mosaics have symbolized the city’s spiritual and architectural heritage for centuries. Information is provided from the outside if long queues prevent timely interior access.

Grand Bazaar (or Arasta Bazaar on Sundays)

Conclude your tour at the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops offering jewelry, carpets, ceramics, spices, and leather goods. On Sundays, when the Grand Bazaar is closed, the tour visits the Arasta Bazaar, a charming open-air market near the Blue Mosque.