Full Day Byzantine&Ottoman Highlights

Enjoy the captivating history of Istanbul on the Full Day Byzantine & Ottoman Highlights tour. This comprehensive excursion takes you on a journey through the city’s iconic landmarks, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire and the architectural marvels of the Byzantine era. From the opulent Topkapi Palace to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, each stop promises to captivate and enlighten. With private transportation and an experienced local guide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s rich cultural tapestry, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Istanbul.

Key Points

• Explore the iconic sites of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, and Basilica Cistern to gain a comprehensive understanding of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
• Enjoy a private guided tour with a knowledgeable local guide who provides in-depth insights into the historical and cultural significance of each destination.
• Savor an authentic Turkish lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying the culinary traditions of the region.
• Experience seamless transportation and accessibility, with hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as accommodations for wheelchair and stroller users.
• Benefit from a special offer, saving $35, and enjoy the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour.

Tour Overview

This full-day Byzantine and Ottoman Highlights tour offers a private, immersive experience, focusing on the influential legacies of these two empires across Istanbul’s landscape.

Over the course of the day, you’ll dive into the captivating history and culture of the city, exploring its most iconic sites. From the grand Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman Sultans, to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia Mosque and museum, you’ll uncover the profound impact these civilizations had on Istanbul.

The tour also includes visits to the Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern, providing a well-rounded understanding of the city’s rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.

With private transportation and a local guide, this experience promises an engaging and personalized exploration of Istanbul’s remarkable past.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s Itinerary Highlights include visiting Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman Sultans, where guests can marvel at the lavish architecture and learn about the dynasty’s rich history.

Next, they’ll explore the Hagia Sophia Mosque and museum, a magnificent architectural masterpiece that showcases the influence of the Byzantine Empire.

The tour then takes visitors to the Hippodrome and Kapali Carsi, where they’ll envision the ancient chariot races that once took place.

Finally, the group will discover the Basilica Cistern, which offers a glimpse into the engineering prowess of the Byzantium Empire.

Throughout the day, the private guide ensures guests gain a comprehensive understanding of Istanbul’s captivating past.

Inclusions

The tour includes private guidance throughout the day, allowing guests to fully enjoy the historical narratives. The package also includes a delightful lunch at a local Turkish restaurant, ensuring an authentic culinary experience. Plus, all entrance fees to the museums and sites on the itinerary are covered, providing seamless access to these captivating destinations.

Inclusions	Details
Private Guidance	Throughout the day
Lunch	At a local Turkish restaurant
Entrance Fees	To museums and sites on the itinerary

Private transportation is also provided, allowing for a comfortable and convenient experience as guests explore the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman highlights.

Pickup and Accessibility

Pickup from any hotel in Istanbul or a specified location ensures convenient access to the tour, while flexible confirmation of the pickup location up to 24 hours before the experience allows for seamless planning.

The tour is also wheelchair and stroller accessible, with infant seats available, making it inclusive for visitors of all abilities.

This tour offers:

1. Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off within Istanbul.

2. Flexibility to confirm pickup location up to 24 hours in advance.

3. Wheelchair and stroller accessibility.

4. Infant seats for families.

This accessibility and flexibility ensure a hassle-free experience, allowing you to fully learn about the captivating highlights of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman history.

Pricing and Reviews

Attractively priced from $240.00 per group (up to 8 people), this tour also offers a special offer of $275.00, representing a $35.00 savings.

Featuring free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, the tour boasts an impressive 5.0 rating based on 25 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor, ensuring a highly-rated and value-driven experience.

Visitors can expect a private guided tour focusing on the influential Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, with access to iconic landmarks like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern.

The tour also includes a lunch at a local Turkish restaurant and all necessary entrance fees, providing an exceptional value for the price.

Discover Topkapi Palace

Exploring Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans, offers a glimpse into the grandeur and opulence that defined the empire’s rule.

Visitors can wander through the palace’s intricate courtyards, admiring the lavish architecture and ornate decorations.

The tour will highlight:

1. The Imperial Treasury, showcasing a dazzling collection of jewels, gold, and other priceless artifacts.

2. The Harem, a secluded and mysterious area that housed the Sultan’s wives and concubines.

3. The Audience Hall, where the Sultan would meet with his subjects and foreign dignitaries.

4. The stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait, which provided the Ottomans with a strategic advantage during their reign.

Explore Hagia Sophia

At the heart of Istanbul’s rich history stands the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

As a former church, mosque, and now museum, this architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends Christian and Islamic influences, inviting visitors to enjoy its captivating past.

Guests will marvel at the stunning Byzantine mosaics, the towering domes, and the intricate calligraphic panels that adorn the interior.

The Hagia Sophia’s sheer scale and grandeur are truly awe-inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on all who step through its iconic entrance.

Exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site is an essential part of understanding Istanbul’s unique cultural tapestry.

Basilica Cistern and Hippodrome

Beneath the bustling streets of Istanbul lies the Basilica Cistern, a colossal underground water reservoir that once supplied the Byzantine capital with its vital water source.

Visitors descend into this cavernous, dimly-lit space, captivated by its serene reflections and the iconic Medusa-head columns that support its vaulted ceilings.

Nearby, the Hippodrome stands as a reminder of Constantinople’s ancient past, where spectators once gathered to witness the thrilling chariot races that took place within its horseshoe-shaped arena.

The tour allows visitors to:

1. Marvel at the Basilica Cistern’s architectural grandeur.

2. Spot the enigmatic Medusa-head columns.

3. Imagine the excitement of ancient chariot races at the Hippodrome.

4. Immerse themselves in the city’s rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has no strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. This helps respect the cultural and religious sites visited during the tour.

Can We Take Photographs Inside the Museums?

Typically, photography is allowed inside the museums visited on this tour. However, visitors should be mindful of any posted rules or restrictions. It’s best to check with the tour guide for specific guidelines at each site.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. It’s suitable for all ages, with infant seats available to accommodate young children. The tour is flexible and accessible, allowing families to explore Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman highlights at their own pace.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, the tour allows time for participants to purchase souvenirs at the Kapali Carsi (Grand Bazaar), one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where visitors can browse a variety of traditional Turkish handicrafts and gifts.

Are Audio Guides Available for the Tour?

The tour does not provide audio guides. However, the private guide will provide informative commentary throughout the day, ensuring you fully understand the history and significance of the sites visited during the tour.

Recap

This full-day tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing Istanbul’s rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.

Visitors will explore iconic landmarks like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and the Hippodrome, gaining in-depth insights from a knowledgeable local guide.

The tour includes private transportation and a delicious Turkish lunch, making it a comprehensive and culturally enriching way to discover the city’s captivating history.