Istanbul History Tour: Explore Byzantine Heritage

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: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque - Constructed by Emperor Justinian in the sixth century, the Hagia Sophia Mosque holds significant importance in both Christian and Islamic traditions. Following the Ottoman conquest, the bells, altar, and sacrificial vessels were removed, and many mosaics were covered to transform the church into a mosque.
  • Hippodrome -…
What's Included
  • Professional Tour Guide
What's Not Included
  • Snacks
  • Lunch
  • Entry Fees
  • Private transportation
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…

Location
Olea Travel
Muhterem Efendi Sokak
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(33 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Quest56481074819
Jan 18, 2025
Golden Horn visited, Istanbul - Went touring with a personal guide called Cosgun Yildirim, and visited the Blue mosque, Hagia Sofia, the Topkapi palace, Basilica cistern and more. Very pleasant, and knowledgeable guide that I can highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Road66146248844
Jan 9, 2025
Perfect First Day in Istanbul - Suleyman was great! Not only on time but early. Spoke excellent English. And knowledgeable with unique perspectives on many things which were appreciated. Private tour whereby the three of us explored many aspects of Istanbul which was perfect for our first day there. Even pointed out a Bentley police car! Who knew!! Would definitely recommend and would book again if ever back to Istanbul in need of a tour guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Esther_h
Jan 7, 2025
A Memorable Historical Istanbul Journey - I had a great time, re-learning the historical Istanbul again after 20 years. Coskun, George my guide was very attentive knowledgeable and we even "skipped" the lines in the ever so crowded Qs for Hagia Sophia and the cisten museums. Well planned walk about and showed me some great spots for photo shots!
Review provided by Viator
Odyssey24648665785
Nov 30, 2024
Awesome tour guide - Our tour guide Josh was great. He was friendly and knowledgeable. He took us to famous places we wanted to see but also took us to see how Turkish carpets are made, how ceramics were made, and to taste candies and teas (per our request). Highly recommend hiring Josh.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stay14853311738
Nov 25, 2024
Best private guide in Istanbul... - We felt so lucky to experience an amazing tour with a lovely tour guide..Other than having a guide in Istanbul we made a new friend(Josh)..Highly recommended..Thank you so much..
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dreamer17767756207
Nov 10, 2024
Best guide - Coşkun Yıldırım Bulut guided us through the old town and answered all questions. We loved his cultural knowledge. At noon he recommended a small simple place for us. Best Turkish kebab. Thanks for the many highlights and the comprehensive explanations.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Freedom18411531594
Nov 8, 2024
Thanks to my friend Josh - We had an amazing experience having the tour with Josh.I would highly recommend for the people who would like to have the tour of Istanbul with someone local.If you are considering to have a tour guide in Istanbul Josh would be a great option with the knowledge he has and the way of his doing tour was the best for us because he knew how to get rid of the huge crowd with few tricks.If you are looking for the taste of Istanbul I can assure you that you would have this with Josh.Thanks my friend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stolleys18
Oct 30, 2024
Go on this tour, you won't regret it!! - This tour and Josh gave me the absolute best first day in Istanbul. Josh is extremely knowledgeable, knows his history, and knows all the best spots for photos. He is kind, super friendly,can answer millions of questions that you have, and cats love him!! I had so many favorite parts, but going to the Grand Bazaar with such an experienced guide makes all the difference in the world. Don't hesitate to sign up for this tour, you won't regret it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kiruthika
Oct 24, 2024
Ugurcan is the best tour guide possible! - Our guide, Ugurcan Güney, was incredible!!!! He spent almost 9 hours with us, showing us all the major sites in the old European side of Istanbul, and explaining everything in such detail. He organised the itinerary based on what we had asked to see, and made the whole day interesting, fun and streamlined. I would 1000% recommend him to anyone who asks. Thanks, Ugurcan!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ralph
Oct 23, 2024
Outstanding and informative tour of must see sites - This was an outstanding full day walking tour. Our guide Bilge was friendly and informative. She helped ease all logistics. Well worth it!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1
Adult
February 2025
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today