Discover Byzantine art and Christian relics on a half-day tour of Istanbul. Visit the Hagia Sophia, Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and more. Then, wander the stalls of the Grand Bazaar and explore the largest covered market in the world.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 4 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, Spanish
- Pickup included
- Pick-up from hotels in central Istanbul or from the cruise ship port
Experience
Highlights
- Tour Istanbul from the perspective of the Byzantine Empire and see Christian relics and Byzantine art
- Discover where Roman chariot races took place and walk in the footsteps of Roman emperors
- Visit the fantastic Blue Mosque and admire the slender minarets and rich Iznik tiles
- Wander the maze of alleys at the Grand Bazaar and pick up a souvenir bargain
- Tour the Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest architectural creations in the world
Full description
Take a half-day tour of Istanbul and explore it from the perspective of the Byzantine Empire. See ruins of Byzantine churches, the site of former Roman chariot races, and the magical alleys of the historic Grand Bazaar.
Visit the Hippodrome, location for thrilling chariot races in the days of the Roman Empire. The track is now some 6.6 feet (2 meters) below ground, but has been marked on the paving of Sultan Ahmet Square. You will see the surviving obelisks, as well as the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the Byzantine German Fountain of Wilhelm II.
Continue to Hagia Sophia, also known as “The Church of Holy Wisdom.” Undoubtedly one of the greatest architectural creations in the world, the temple was so richly decorated that Justinian proclaimed, “Solomon, I have surpassed you!" Your guide is an expert on Byzantine history, art, and architecture, and will describe important moments from the empire’s history as you continue to the iconic Blue Mosque. Named for its stunning decoration of Iznik tiles, you will also admire its slender minarets
End your tour at the Grand Bazaar, the oldest and largest covered market in the world. Explore the alleys, where nearly 4,000 shops offer a superb selection of antiques, leather, evil eye trinkets, and Turkish rugs. Try out your haggling skills to see if you can bag a true Turkish bargain.
Includes
- Hotel pick-up and drop off by air-conditioned bus, though free pick-up is only at city center hotels
- Entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
- Licensed tour guide
- Service charges and taxes
- Food and drink
- Tips and gratuities
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
Covid-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All required protective equipment is provided
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
Traveler requirements
- You will receive a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
The details below may change if you update your current selection:
Important information
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Camera
Not allowed
- Pets
- Luggage or large bags
Know before you go
- Please note that pick-up and drop off is only available from the European side of Istanbul and city center hotels (Sultanahmet, Laleli, Topkapı, Aksaray, Taksim, Sirkeci and Şişli areas)
- Please note that Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays and will be replaced with a tour of the Underground Cistern
- Please note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
