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Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul: Full-Day Small-Group Tour
4.4
32 Ratings
Istanbul
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Istanbul on this full-day tour. Explore iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Istanbul on this full-day tour. Explore iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Topkapi Palace - The former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled. Today a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the very famous treasury of the royal family.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - The magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; one of the finest and largest…
- Topkapi Palace - The former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled. Today a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the very famous treasury of the royal family.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - The magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world. It has been nominated to be the 8th wonder of the world by many historians.
- Hippodrome - The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit you’ll be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi, and fountain of Wilhelm II.
- Blue Mosque - One of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from 17th. century architecture is one of the principal adornments on the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets.
- Grand Bazaar - In addition to its historical importance, it’s a bazaar that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs.
What's Included
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes minivan
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes minivan
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
Additional Information
Experience the finest of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul with this comprehensive one-day tour of the city. Comfortably seated in a deluxe minivan and guided by an informed companion, explore five of Istanbul’s premier attractions that echo its rich Ottoman and Byzantine past. Discover the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia and the stunning Blue Mosque, admire…
Experience the finest of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul with this comprehensive one-day tour of the city. Comfortably seated in a deluxe minivan and guided by an informed companion, explore five of Istanbul’s premier attractions that echo its rich Ottoman and Byzantine past. Discover the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia and the stunning Blue Mosque, admire the riches of the Topkapi Palace, once the royal residence of the Ottoman sultans, and stroll through the historic Grand Bazaar, established in the 15th century. An intimate group size of up to 12 ensures personalised attention from your guide.
- Entrance Fees to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace is excluded
Location
Topkapi Palace
Cankurtaran Mahallesi, Gulhane Park, Near Sultanahmet Square
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.4
(32 Ratings)
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Jacqueline_s
Sep 25, 2025
Great day tour! - Great way to learn about significant landmarks. Also being able to skip admission lines makes a big difference!
Review provided by Viator
Denise8808
Jul 29, 2025
Highly recommended! - We had a great and very interesting day with our guide. We had actually planned half a day and could then spontaneously extend. We were happy that it was a small, very nice group and therefore very personal and flexible. We can definitely recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anna_p
Jun 23, 2025
Worth it! - This was a great tour! While it was great to have a tour guide at the major sites, one of the best parts was him pointing out elements and historical parts around us that otherwise we would’ve just walked by. Highly recommended doing a guided tour, we walked past so many lines!
Review provided by Viator
Simon_g
May 19, 2025
Wonderful day, great guide - The sites are unbelievable so no matter how you get to them, you can’t be disappointed. But having a great guide makes it so much more rewarding. Fatih was knowledgeable, clear, funny, generous, patient, and personable. Overall, a delight to spend the day with as he guided us through these wonders. I cannot recommend enough.
Review provided by Viator
Steven_d
Sep 22, 2024
Lovely day out - My wife and I had a great day out with Fatih on the tour to Hagia Sofia, blue mosque and grand bazaar. Very informative and Fatih was super knowledgeable about the history of the buildings.
Review provided by Viator
Patrice_n
Sep 17, 2024
A must do - My tour guide a 10/10. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Open to questions. Flexible. Started out the day rainy and then we had beautiful weather. Be prepared to walk a lot.
Review provided by Viator
Phillip_g
Apr 9, 2024
Celebrating culture and history. - The Blue Mosque,is stunning and Baris our guide was brilliant in bringing its history to life.At every part of our tour Baris was engaging in doing this ,a wonderful experience.
Review provided by Viator
Proozles
Aug 27, 2025
A wonderful introduction to one of the world’s great cities, led by one of the great guides - A fantastic tour led by Baris, a great historian who made every site interesting, made sure we got the best views, took photos and went well above what was expected. The Top. Palace was closed and so he took me to the Basilica Cistern while the others went to the bazaar. His knowledge of history was so impressive but he also spoke beautiful English and was very kind and charming. I wish all tour guides were as good. I felt completely safe to ask any questions. He was also protective, which was nice for a solo female traveler.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine_b
Aug 25, 2025
Excellent guide, unexpected difficulties and a challenge - Okan was an excellent tour guide: Informative, suitably sociable, patient, responsive. The information was condensed yet thoughtful and full of interest.
However, the tour organisation was not so helpful. The “pick up’ for the tour was supposed to begin in front of the Radisson hotel which was very close to our accommodation. In reality we were told to meet at the German Fountain monument which about 20 mins walk uphill (and meeting a half hour earlier) .This was manageable for us but for some people would have been an unpleasant or unworkable surprise.
The tour was advertised as full day but be warned you will be walking for at least 5 or 6 hours with hardly a break. Then lunch at about 2 pm (met at 8.30am) and after that another half to one hour of walking again. Take water with you and make sure to chose the option you want (set menu or a la carte) for your lunch. The guide was excellent (I am a guide myself) but the tour might easily be better set up
Review provided by Viator
Lainie_b
Jun 23, 2025
Not worth the money - Honestly, we didn’t enjoy this tour. The guide didn’t just talk about the monuments, but about all of Turkey’s history, from the beginning, and he repeated himself and got annoyed if we weren’t making eye contact.
We don’t go to the bazaar because apparently it’s “mostly closed” on Sunday’s. We chose not to pay the $65pp to Goni to Topikapi Palace so he dismissed us from the group. Wasn’t worth the money at all.
Review provided by Viator
