Full Day Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Istanbul City Tour
About This Tour
Full Day Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Istanbul City Tour – Explore Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage on a full-day guided tour visiting Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace.laces to ancient wonders, in the heart of Istanbul.
Full Day Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Istanbul City Tour
Discover the historic heart of Istanbul on our Full Day Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Istanbul City Tour. This guided full-day Istanbul city tour takes you through the most important landmarks of the Byzantine and Ottoman periods in Istanbul's historic Old City.
Explore Sultanahmet with a professional local guide and discover the extraordinary heritage of a city that served as the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace while learning about the history, architecture and events that shaped Istanbul over the centuries.
📍 Full Day Istanbul City Tour Itinerary
🕗 Hotel Pick-up | 08:00 AM – 08:30 AM
Hotel pick-up is provided between 08:00 AM and 08:30 AM. After meeting your professional English-speaking guide, begin your journey through Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul.
⛪ Hagia Sophia
Begin the tour at Hagia Sophia, one of the most important landmarks of Byzantine Istanbul. Originally built as an imperial church, this extraordinary monument has witnessed centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman history and remains one of Istanbul's greatest architectural treasures.
🕌 Blue Mosque
Continue to the magnificent Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. Admire its impressive domes, elegant minarets and famous blue Iznik tiles while your guide explains the history and architectural features of this active mosque.
🏛️ Hippodrome of Constantinople
Explore the historic Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the center of public life, ceremonies and chariot races during the Byzantine period. See important monuments including the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column and German Fountain.
🛍️ Grand Bazaar
Visit the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Walk through its historic streets and discover traditional shops offering carpets, ceramics, jewelry, leather goods, souvenirs and other local products.
🍽️ Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing with the Ottoman highlights of the tour.
👑 Topkapi Palace
In the afternoon, visit Topkapi Palace, the former residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans. Explore its impressive courtyards and historic sections while your guide explains palace life, Ottoman traditions and the history of the empire.
🏨 Hotel Drop-off | Approximately 05:00 PM
At the end of the tour, participants will be transferred back to their hotels.
✨ Discover Byzantine & Ottoman Istanbul in One Day
This Byzantine and Ottoman relics full-day walking tour in Istanbul is ideal for travelers who want to experience the essential historical attractions of the Old City in one day. Much of the sightseeing in Sultanahmet is completed on foot, allowing you to explore the monuments and historic streets at close range.
From the Byzantine heritage of Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome to the Ottoman architecture of the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, this full-day Istanbul city tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the two great empires that shaped the history and character of Istanbul.
Tour video
What’s included
- Hotel pick-up
- Hotel drop-off
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking tour vehicle
- Local taxes
- Service charges
Not included
- Topkapi Palace entrance fee
- Hagia Sophia entrance fee
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the guide and driver
Tour programme
The full day-by-day plan on one page — take it with you or send it on.
Tour route
5 stopsDestinations on this tour
Highlights
- Hagia Sophia: Begin your Full Day Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Istanbul City Tour at Hagia Sophia, one of the most important landmarks of Byzantine Istanbul. Discover its remarkable architecture and centuries of Christian and Islamic heritage.
- Blue Mosque: Visit the magnificent Blue Mosque, one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul. Admire its elegant domes, minarets and famous blue Iznik tiles while learning about its history from your guide.
- Hippodrome Square: Explore the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the center of public life and chariot races during the Byzantine period. See historic monuments including the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column and German Fountain.
- Grand Bazaar: Continue to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and most famous covered markets. Walk through its historic streets and discover traditional shops offering carpets, ceramics, jewelry, leather goods and souvenirs.
- Topkapi Palace: Discover the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the former residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans. Explore its impressive courtyards and historic collections while learning about the history of the Ottoman Empire.
- Byzantine & Ottoman Istanbul in One Day: This full-day Istanbul city tour combines the most important Byzantine and Ottoman relics of Istanbul's historic Old City. With a professional guide, discover the monuments, architecture and history of the two great empires that shaped Istanbul.
Good to know
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be replaced with visits to other authentic shops.
- The Harem section of Topkapi Palace is not included in the program. You may visit it during the free time provided by your guide.
- Avoid long ticket queues at these popular attractions. With your guide, you can proceed without waiting in the regular ticket lines.
- You can purchase entrance tickets for Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia from us.
Important information
Women are required to cover their hair when entering mosques.
If you do not have a headscarf, one can usually be provided at the mosque entrance.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes, as this tour involves walking.
Pick-up & Drop-off
- Hotel pick-up between 08:00 AM and 08:30 AM
- Hotel drop-off at approximately 05:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Reviews (7)
Kevın Z.
It is truly a wonderful experience to visit a wonderful city, the capital of two great empires, Byzantine and Ottoman. A real tour of history. A smiling, sympathetic and professional team. You are amazing globex tour. You can be sure that I will come again
Namar K.
Everything has been arranged flawlessly, i am a person who is indeed interested in relics of different empires and also ottoman relics.Ottoman relics have always been one of my interests. Thanks to miss gamze i had a chance to learn and see those unbelievable relics and those patterns of ottoman empire. If you are interested in learning new informations,seeing those magnificent patterns of ottoman i highly recommend you to take a look at this tour package because those patterns of ottoman has some breathtaking secrets beyond what we knew...
hamdullah
i want to turkey it is my favorite country
Mehrazar B.
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend the Full Day Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Istanbul City Tour to anyone seeking an enriching and comprehensive exploration of Istanbul's historical and cultural heritage. I recently had the privilege of participating in this full-day tour, and it surpassed all expectations. The itinerary carefully curated by the tour organizers ensured that we visited some of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, providing a deep dive into the captivating history of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Our guide was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the history of the city. Their insightful commentary and engaging storytelling made each visit truly come alive. From the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia and the grandeur of Topkapi Palace to the hauntingly beautiful Blue Mosque, every stop was a lesson in history and architecture. Furthermore, the inclusion of a delicious traditional lunch at a local restaurant was a delightful touch, allowing us to savor authentic Turkish cuisine and refuel for the rest of our day. Overall, this tour was a perfect blend of historical education and cultural immersion. I left with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Istanbul's rich past.
mahtap d.
recently took a full day tour of the Byzantine and Ottoman relics in Istanbul and it was an incredible experience. The tour was well-organized, informative, and provided a great opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of the city. The tour began with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, which was truly awe-inspiring. Our guide provided fascinating insights into the history and architecture of this iconic building, and it was amazing to see the stunning mosaics and artwork that have survived for centuries. We also visited other historic sites such as the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome. It was truly incredible to see the grandeur and beauty of these buildings up close, and our guide provided insightful commentary on their history and cultural significance. The tour also included a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, which was a great opportunity to try some traditional Turkish cuisine. Overall, the tour was a perfect mix of historical sightseeing and cultural experiences. Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging, and provided interesting information that brought each site to life. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn more about the history and culture of Istanbul. It was a memorable and inspiring day that left me feeling enriched and grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible city. Thank you to the tour company for a fantastic experience!
