Istanbul Historic City Tour: Explore Iconic Landmarks & Discover its Byzantine and Ottoman Heritage
5.0
4 Ratings
Fatih
Immerse yourself in Istanbul's captivating history on our meticulously crafted historic city tour. Explore iconic landmarks and discover the city's Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque - Emperor Justinian built it in the sixth century. It is very important in both the Christian and Islamic worlds. The bells, altar, and sacrificial vessels were removed after the Ottoman conquest, and many mosaics were covered to convert the church into a mosque.
What's Included
  • Professional Tour Guide
What's Not Included
  • Snacks
  • Lunch
  • Entry Fees
Additional Information

Experience the captivating history of Istanbul with our meticulously crafted historic city tour. Delve into the past as you visit Istanbul’s most renowned landmarks, each a testament to the city’s extraordinary heritage.

From the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, showcasing Byzantine magnificence, to the vibrant Grand Bazaar, where the tapestry of Istanbul’s cultural legacy unfolds, our tour offers a journey through time. Led by our knowledgeable guides, you’ll uncover the fascinating stories behind each site, gaining profound insights into the captivating history and the unique fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman influences.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply curious to explore this remarkable city, our historic city tour is an essential experience to truly understand and appreciate Istanbul’s past.

  • Total tour duration includes waiting time for the attraction and personal breaks.
Location
Sultanahmet
The meeting point is Sultanahmet square which can be access by bus, taxi or train. Our guide is handling a sign with our logo.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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Juliehh666ez
Apr 22, 2024
Terrific day out at Historic Istanbul sites - We booked a tour via our Hotel. Our guide Billur walked with us from there up to Topkapi Palace and we skipped most of the queue. Billur is a fantastic guide who imparted so much historical information, not just about the places we visited but also about the times when they were built. She showed us round the palace and the Harem, giving time to see exhibitions and take the occasional rest. We also saw, as we requested, the Cistern and both Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome and so much more. We cannot recommend Billur highly enough and she made our day really special.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Victor
Mar 3, 2024
Excellent tour of historic Istanbul - I had one day to spare in Istanbul after travelling in turkey for work. Because it was my first time in Turkey I figured I would want a guide to show me the main historic attractions of the Sultanahmet. The hotel where I stayed recommended me Olea Travel and ai trusted them. Suleiman, who was my guide met with me at the hotel, and proceeded to walk with me to the Blue Mosque, continuing to the Sultanahmet square, the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia, the Basilica Cistern and the Bazaar. We also visited a very professional rug manufacturer and a Turkish delight store near the Bazaar. During the whole trip, Suleiman was both a great company and an amazing guide. He was knowledgeable about the history of each site and spoke excellent English (he is also fluent in Chinese!). Because of his tour guide accreditation he ensured we could skip the line everywhere (without paying extra for the tickets). The rug manufacturer and the Turkish delight store always also lovely to visit. The owner of the rug store told me they employed over two thousand rural Turkish women, provided them with materials and paid them for their work. His English was impeccable (he spoke five other languages too!) and he was very hospitable, offering tea and a private tour of the rug making process. If you’re in the market for a Turkish rug, this (Gördes rugs) is the place to buy one. I was very tempted, but ultimately had to hold off on a purchase as my girlfriend was not there too At the end of the day I feel like I got to see most of Istanbuls historic attractions and also see some of Turkey’s rich culture with excellent support from Suleiman. It’s a memory I will cherish for a long time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Timbc1094sv
Nov 28, 2023
Unforgettable Istanbul Tour - I recently enjoyed the Istanbul Historic City Tour with Olea Travel, and it was a highlight of my trip. Ahmet, our guide, expertly navigated us through the city's iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. His passion for history and personalized anecdotes made the tour both informative and engaging. The well-paced itinerary and Ahmet's friendly demeanor made it a perfect blend of culture and enjoyment. Highly recommend this tour for a captivating glimpse into Istanbul's rich history. Thanks, Ahmet and Olea Travel, for an unforgettable experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O9502msjuliaw
Nov 1, 2023
Wonderful experience - We‘ve had a private tour with our german speaking guide Serra and it was the best decision we could have made! 😍 She was brilliant in explaining everything and showed us all the important stuff and sights in Istanbul. We had amazing turkish delights and great turkish coffee! 👍🏼 Serra always respected our wishes to see and go and had some great recommondations for dinner! 🙏🏼 We had a great day and wonderful experiences! 🫶🏻
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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May 2024
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