Istanbul Tour: Ottoman and Byzantine Insights

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Istanbul on this private sightseeing tour. Explore Ottoman and Byzantine monuments, visit iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and St. Sophia, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar.

Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople, also known as the Sultanahmet Square, is an ancient chariot racing track and the sporting and social center of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Located in present-day Istanbul. the site is now a public square known for its historical significance and the remnants of its ancient…
What's Included
  • Fast Track Ticket Available
  • Discover Turkish Handicrafts & Traditional Arts
  • Transfer pick up and drop off (if option selected)
  • Professional Private Guide
What's Not Included
  • Entry/Admission - Basillica Cistern - 900 TL per person
  • Entry/Admission - Topkapi Palace - 1700 TL per Person
  • Gratuities (suggested)
  • Lunch
  • Entry/Admission Ticket - Hagia Sophia - 1000 TL Per Person
Additional Information

Best of Istanbul tour which will enhance your point of view of Ottomans vs Byzantines. It’s not only a tour from the past but also an outlook on the future and shopping experience in istanbul.
•Hippodrome where Romans used to organize chariot races and gladiators’ fights with its remaining Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Constantine Column and…

Location
Serpent Column
At Meydanı Caddesi
Guide will be waiting you at serpent column
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(140 Ratings)
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Wendy_b
Dec 14, 2024
We had the best day... - We had the best day seeing the highlights of Istanbul with our guide Volkan. He was very caring and professional, provided increase le insight and detailed throughout the day. Istanbul is an amazing place, its people are so nice and welcoming and the history so rich we need more time here! 100% recommend you spend a day with Volkan!
Review provided by Viator
K6658zmdavidw
Dec 13, 2024
Great day tour - Absolutely brilliant day out. Tour guide was knowledgeable and very professional Covered all the key sites in the Sultanate area Definitely well recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vincent_o
Dec 12, 2024
Excellent istanbul walking tour - This tour was amazing. It is all a walking tour so come prepared and pack light. No bags or heavy items or you'll be carrying it all day. You get picked up and dropped up in a Mercedes van which was nice. Matt the tour guide was amazing. He did well explaining istanbul and all the stops we made. I felt like I had a good understanding of istanbul after this tour. And you pretty much hit most of the main stops in istanbul. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Sophiaativie
Dec 5, 2024
Great experience, highly recommend - A great experience , they said they would pick at 8am and driver came at 7:58 am very prompt. Our tour guide was great . A fantastic tour . I wanted to buy some bags and jewelry and he took me to the best spot in Istanbul, very knowledgeable guy. Best part of the trip was shopping at the Grand Bazaar. great experience would recommend 👍
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mirko
Nov 24, 2024
Ege is the best - This tour was an unforgettable way to discover Istanbul! In just one day, we explored iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and the Hippodrome. Each site was breathtaking, but what truly made the experience special was our guide, Ege. Ege’s deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the city’s history made every moment engaging. He shared fascinating stories and provided valuable context that made the sites even more meaningful. His friendly demeanor and attention to detail ensured that everyone felt included and comfortable throughout the tour. If you’re visiting Istanbul, this tour with Ege is a must—it’s an incredible way to experience the city!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jacquelinem
Nov 18, 2024
Excellent whistlestop tour of the main sites - Our guide, Sabit, was a very knowledgable and informative guide. We packed a lot into the day and covered 5.5 miles, but skipping the lines and understanding the important features of each building was excellent and meant no time was wasted. The only part I did not enjoy was an unexpected visit to a pottery shop. I felt uncomfortable and felt there was an expectation we might buy something. The items were beautiful but expensive and I had no interest in investing in any pottery. Otherwise it was a perfect day and one of the best organised trips I’ve ever been on.
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer_l
Oct 19, 2024
Cruise ship friendly! - Sema met us right out of the port with a sign! She was super knowledgeable and very friendly. We were able to modify the tour to do the things most important to us and be able to be back at the ship in time for all aboard. No pressure on "special" shops and she even helped us at with a pharmacy purchase. 100% recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Chhavi_g
Dec 16, 2024
Had a great time with our guide Safet . - We had a great time with our guide Safet, it was not an easy day with rains and cold but he was very patient with our family making multiple stops on the way and kept the tour totally with the pace we wanted , he explained everything well , and we were well notified of what the day will look like . It is a walking tour after the morning drop off so be prepared accordingly.
Review provided by Viator
Tammy_l
Oct 29, 2024
Best way to see Istanbul - Initial communication was slow as questions sent through the system was not answered. Vulcan met us outside the cruise terminal at the designated time. He was very adept at leading us through the crowds and in front of the lines. I would not recommend the tour if you like to move at a leisurely pace as he walked quickly and hurried. If you are not interested in purchasing pottery be firm in stating you don’t want that stop. Although it was interesting, it didn’t fit well with our interests and we felt guilty for not purchasing something. At the last minute we opted to skip the museum and instead do a cruise on the Bosporus. He was very accommodating and even called ahead to have them hold the boat for us since we were running late. He took us to a particular vendor in the spice market and ensured we were charged fairly and also took us to his favorite kabob restaurant which was amazing and not to be missed. He had a lot of knowledge and the price was great for a private tour. He was on his phone a lot when walking between sights which made him appear unengaged but would immediately stop when asked questions.
Review provided by Viator
Nashipaii
Oct 21, 2024
Stunning city but guide not great - This private tour was booked for my friend as a thank you for being my companion on a surgery trip. She had stayed in the hospital all week with me and I wanted her to have a special experience and see Istanbul. When she returned from the tour she stated how beautiful the sights were but how rushed and unsupported she felt by the guide. They met at 10am and being a Sunday, the Grand Bazaar was closed which technically meant he could have allowed her extra time to enjoy places and still finish by 4pm as planned and paid for. Instead, he spoke too quickly and she missed much of his explanation. He seemed eager to finish early and she didn't get much time at each place. He left her for an hour to wander alone (first time out of UK and a solo female in Turkey!) took her to a tile shop and was quite sales driven and then ended the tour at 2pm - so he was only guiding her for 3hrs instead of 6hrs which was planned and paid for. He then joined her in her Uber and diverted the driver to drop him off on the way, which made her feel very vulnerable and uncomfortable. Istanbul is beautiful but the guide, Sabit, wasn't good.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
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January 2025
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