Byzantine Relics Half Day Morning Tour
Explore the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Grand Bazaar on this morning walking tour through Byzantine Istanbul. Tour ends at the bazaar; not available on Fridays. Días de tour en español: lunes y sábado
Service Provider: She Tours
Service Details
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.
Tour Highlights
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar
Why Book This Service
- Walk through the heart of Byzantine Constantinople in a single morning.
- See iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome.
- Learn from a licensed guide with expert historical knowledge.
- End the tour at the Grand Bazaar, ideal for souvenir shopping.
- Perfect for first-time visitors and cruise passengers with limited time.
What's Included
- Hotel pick up by air-conditioned non-smoking tour coaches
- Entrance fees
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Service charges & local taxes
Please Note
- This tour is not operated on Fridays due to mosque closures during prayer.
- Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are closed to visitors on Friday mornings.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and replaced with Arasta Bazaar.
- Tour ends at the bazaar; no return hotel transfer is provided.
- Tour may include exterior-only commentary if long queues prevent interior visits.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Meeting Point
At Your Hotel
Cancellation Details
Booking can be cancelled up to 3 day(s) before the tour start.
25 reviews for Byzantine Relics Half Day Morning Tour
Tour Pictures from Travelers
An efficient, inspiring morning—stood at the centre of the ancient Hippodrome, admired Blue Mosque tiles, explored Hagia Sophia’s majestic dome, then soaked up the bustling energy of the Grand Bazaar.
An unforgettable morning in Sultanahmet! Walking among the Hippodrome monuments—Serpent Column, Walled Obelisk, German Fountain—really brought Byzantine history to life. The Blue Mosque’s elegant domes and iconic Iznik tiles were mesmerizing, and Hagia Sophia’s grand architecture and mosaic patterns left me speechless. Ending at the Grand Bazaar was brilliant, with so many handmade treasures and spices to browse.
An absolutely captivating morning! Visiting the Hippodrome and standing beside the ancient Obelisk gave me chills with history. The Blue Mosque’s harmony of light and tile artistry left me breathless, and exploring Hagia Sophia’s marble columns and mosaics was a highlight. We ended at the Grand Bazaar with just enough time to wander and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
The hotel pickup was prompt and smooth, making the early start easy. Our guide was engaging, blending humor with historical insights throughout the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque. Hagia Sophia was the highlight, explained in a way that made its layers of history feel alive. The drop-off was well organized, giving us enough time to continue exploring Sultanahmet on our own.
Solid morning excursion—ancient Hippodrome, ornate Blue Mosque, vast Hagia Sophia, and buzzing Bazaar.
The guide’s deep passion for Istanbul’s history was clear from the first stop at the Hippodrome. He navigated the morning crowd at the Blue Mosque with ease, explaining architectural details with clarity. Hagia Sophia’s blend of Christian and Islamic art was explored in depth. Pick up and drop off were punctual, making the tour very convenient.
Hippodrome’s chariot heritage, Blue Mosque tile patterns, Hagia Sophia’s historical layers.
Incredible journey through time. The layout of the Hippodrome and its relics sparked so much curiosity. The Blue Mosque dazzled with its domes and window light, while Hagia Sophia’s fusion of cultures and periods was enlightening. The lively Grand Bazaar concluded the tour perfectly—bustling with shopkeepers, artisans, and authentic Turkish crafts.
What a rich historical immersion! At the Hippodrome, I pictured ancient chariot races by the Walled Obelisk. The Blue Mosque’s six minarets framed the morning sky, while inside Hagia Sophia, the blend of Byzantine artistry and Christian symbols felt profound. My favorite: emerging into the bustling Grand Bazaar.
Enjoyed a smooth half‑day covering major Byzantine sites. The Hippodrome’s relics were impressive, the Blue Mosque tranquil, and Hagia Sophia breathtaking inside. we wrapped up in the colorful Grand Bazaar.