Top Reasons to Choose This Tour:

• Explore Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks in one full-day walking tour
• Visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar
• Learn about Byzantine and Ottoman history with a professional guide
• Stroll through the historic Hippodrome and see ancient monuments
• Experience authentic local culture in the heart of the Old City

What to Expect:

Byzantine & Ottoman Relics – Full-Day Guided Walking Tour of Istanbul

A Journey Through Time in the Heart of the Old City

👉 Book now to secure your spot on this unforgettable historical experience!

Step into the soul of Istanbul on this full-day walking tour and explore the city’s most legendary monuments with a professional guide. The Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Tour takes you on a journey through centuries of emperors, sultans, sacred sites, and timeless stories — all unfolding in the heart of the Old City.

Tour Highlights

Hippodrome of Constantinople
As the sun rises over ancient stone, begin your journey where chariot wheels once thundered and emperors celebrated triumphs. The Hippodrome, once the beating heart of Byzantine civic life, is now home to four historical marvels:

• Obelisk of Theodosius – towering and timeless
• Serpentine Column – whispering the myths of Delphi
• German Fountain of Wilhelm II – a gift of friendship cast in stone
• Walled Obelisk – solemn and enduring through the ages

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
Admire the glistening İznik tiles beneath six elegant minarets. In the stillness of its courtyard, feel the echoes of centuries-old prayers as light and breeze move gently across stone.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Stand in awe beneath its floating dome, where golden mosaics shimmer in soft light. Built by Constantine the Great and rebuilt by Emperor Justinian, Hagia Sophia is a living testament to faith, empire, and architectural genius.

Grand Bazaar
Step into a labyrinth of color, sound, and scent. With over 4,000 shops filled with carpets, jewelry, ceramics, and spices, the Grand Bazaar is a world where past and present trade stories in every aisle.

Hagia Irene Church
Tucked quietly inside Topkapi Palace grounds, this early Byzantine gem radiates a peaceful solemnity. Unconverted after the conquest, Hagia Irene speaks not with grandeur, but with timeless grace.

Topkapi Palace
Your journey ends where sultans ruled an empire. Walk through royal courtyards, past jewel-encrusted thrones, silken robes, and sacred relics. More than a palace, Topkapi is a world of its own — a place where power, beauty, and faith lived side by side.

Explore Istanbul not just as a city, but as a living story — a bridge between continents, cultures, and centuries. Every step on this tour is a step through time.

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Details to know:

Important Information for the Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Tour

Tour Availability
• This tour does not operate on Tuesdays and Fridays due to museum closures and prayer times.

Lunch
• Lunch is not included in the tour price. Food and beverages are at the participants' own expense.

Site Closures & Alternatives
• Grand Bazaar: Closed on Sundays → Visit replaced with Arasta Bazaar
• Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia: Closed on Friday mornings during prayer → Exterior view only until 1:00 PM
• Topkapi Palace & Hagia Irene: Closed on Tuesdays → Tour not available on this day

Dress Code for Religious Sites
When visiting Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, proper attire is required to respect the sacred atmosphere:

For Women
• Headscarf is mandatory
• Shoulders and arms must be covered
• Skirts or pants must go below the knees
• Avoid tight-fitting or transparent clothing

For Men
• Short-sleeved shirts are fine; sleeveless shirts are not allowed
• Long trousers are required
• No entry with shorts or tank tops

General Guidelines
• Shoes must be removed before entering mosques
• Socks are recommended
• Scarves and covering garments are provided at mosque entrances if needed

Walking Pace
This is a comfortable-paced walking tour, suitable for all ages. Wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended for an enjoyable experience.

Additional information:

Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar Tour Program

Experience the must-see historical marvels of Istanbul and immerse yourself in the ancient city’s rich cultural heritage!

Tour Schedule:

• 08:30 – Pick-up from centrally located hotels on the European side of Istanbul
• Ancient Hippodrome – Explore the historic gathering place of Byzantine chariot races
• Topkapi Palace & Holy Relics – Discover the grandeur of the Ottoman palace and its sacred relics
• Hagia Sophia – Visit the awe-inspiring former cathedral and mosque
• Blue Mosque – Admire this iconic masterpiece of Ottoman architecture
• Grand Bazaar – Wander through one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets
• Hagia Eirene Church – Step into one of Istanbul’s oldest churches, with origins in the Byzantine period
• 17:00 – End of tour and return to hotels

Don’t leave Istanbul without witnessing these incredible historical landmarks!

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01 January 2025 / 31 December 2025 - Price