Tour to Byzantium

The "Tour to Byzantium" offers an immersive exploration of Istanbul’s rich Byzantine heritage. Priced at $83.14 per person, this 4-hour tour takes visitors through iconic landmarks like the Byzantine city walls, Kariye Museum, and the Church of Panagia of Blachernae. With guaranteed departures every Tuesday and knowledgeable guides, the tour provides a comfortable and enlightening experience for culture enthusiasts. From ancient architectural wonders to the historic streets of Istanbul, this tour promises to unveil the captivating stories that lie within the once-powerful Byzantine Empire.

Key Points

• The "Tour to Byzantium" explores Istanbul’s renowned Byzantine heritage, featuring iconic landmarks like the Byzantine city walls, Kariye Museum, and Anemas Dungeons.
• The 4-hour tour, starting from $83.14 per person, includes air-conditioned transportation and museum entrance fees, with a minimum of 6 participants required.
• Highlights of the tour include the stunning mosaics and frescoes at the Kariye Museum, the Anemas Dungeons, and the Church of Panagia of Blachernae.
• The tour offers a flexible booking with guaranteed departures every Tuesday and a full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance.
• Guests must bring a passport or ID card, as the tour explores the historic streets of Istanbul, showcasing the city’s rich Byzantine cultural tapestry.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Tour to Byzantium" offers a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s rich Byzantine heritage, with prices starting from $83.14 per person.

The 4-hour tour allows participants to discover the city’s iconic Byzantine landmarks, including the 13-mile-long city walls, the Kariye Museum, the Anemas Dungeons, and the Church of Panagia of Blachernae.

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation and museum entrance fees, with a pick-up service from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul.

Booking is flexible, with a guaranteed departure every Tuesday afternoon and the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour requires a minimum of 6 participants to operate.

Itinerary Highlights

Exploring the Byzantine city walls, stretching an impressive 13 miles (22 kilometers) with 96 towers and 9 gates, offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s historic past.

Visitors will also tour the Kariye Museum, originally a Byzantine monastery, known for its stunning mosaics and frescoes, though the interior isn’t accessible.

Delving into the Anemas Dungeons, a unique architectural structure used as a prison for high-ranking statesmen, provides a fascinating look at the city’s dark history.

The tour also includes visits to the Church of Panagia of Blachernae, a celebrated shrine of the Holy Virgin, and the Tekfur Palace, a 12th-Century pavilion adjacent to the city walls.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation and museum entrance fees.

Pickup service is available from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul, with drop-off included at the end of the tour.

The shuttle pick-up is offered between 13:00 and 14:00, with a duration of 45-60 minutes.

Travelers should verify their booking details to confirm the exact pick-up time and shuttle availability.

Alternative meeting points may be provided for hotels not accessible for pick-up.

Customer Experience and Reviews

Based on 24 reviews, customers have rated the Byzantium Tour an overall score of 3.9 out of 5.

Travelers praised the tour’s highlights, with Aldona highlighting the captivating mosaics at Chora and Edward appreciating the knowledgeable guide‘s comprehensive historical insights.

Yolande recommended the tour for those interested in Christian history, praising the guide’s expertise and additional site visit.

Key highlights from travelers include:

• Praise for the city walls and churches
• Appreciation for the knowledgeable guide and comprehensive history
• Recommendation for those interested in Christian history

The tour provides air-conditioned transportation, museum entrance fees, and shuttle pick-up from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul.

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Important Information

According to the tour information, guests must bring their passport or ID card when attending the Byzantium Tour. Pets and smoking are not allowed during the tour. For hotels that are not accessible for pick-up, alternative meeting points may be provided. The tour includes air-conditioned transportation and museum entrance fees, with a shuttle pick-up offered between 13:00 and 14:00, lasting 45-60 minutes. Guests are advised to verify their booking for the exact time and shuttle availability.

Requirements	Details
Identification	Passport or ID card
Prohibited Items	Pets, Smoking
Transportation	Air-conditioned, Shuttle pick-up
Entrance Fees	Included
Booking Verification	Required for time and shuttle

Explore Byzantine Landmarks

Visitors explore an impressive network of Byzantine city walls, stretching over 13 miles (22 kilometers) with 96 towers and 9 gates.

The tour also includes visits to several significant Byzantine landmarks:

• Kariye Museum (St. Savior in Chora), a former Byzantine monastery renowned for its stunning mosaics and frescoes (exterior visit only).
• Anemas Dungeons, a unique architectural structure used as a prison for high-ranking statesmen.
• Church of Panagia of Blachernae, a celebrated shrine of the Holy Virgin known for its holy water and sacred bath.
• Tekfur Palace, a 12th-century pavilion adjacent to the city walls.
• The historic streets of Istanbul across the Bosphorus at the Golden Horn.

Discover Architectural Wonders

The architectural wonders scattered throughout the Byzantine tour captivate visitors with their grandeur and historical significance. From the 13-mile long Byzantine city walls with 96 towers and 9 gates, to the stunning mosaics and frescoes of the Kariye Museum, each site offers a glimpse into the empire’s rich cultural heritage. The tour also includes a visit to the Anemas Dungeons, a unique architectural structure used as a prison for high-ranking statesmen, and the 12th-century Tekfur Palace, a pavilion adjacent to the city walls. The itinerary provides an immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore Istanbul’s Byzantine past through its most captivating architectural gems.

Site	Architectural Features	Historical Significance
Byzantine City Walls	Stretching 13 miles (22 km) with 96 towers and 9 gates	Defensive fortifications of the Byzantine Empire
Kariye Museum (St. Savior in Chora)	Stunning mosaics and frescoes	Originally a Byzantine monastery
Anemas Dungeons	Unique prison structure for high-ranking statesmen	Architectural relic of the Byzantine era
Tekfur Palace	12th-century pavilion adjacent to city walls	Remnant of the Byzantine imperial palace complex
Church of Panagia of Blachernae	Celebrated shrine of the Holy Virgin, known for holy water and sacred bath	Important religious site in Byzantine Constantinople

Historic Streets of Istanbul

Istanbul’s historic streets invite visitors to step back in time, as they wind through the bustling neighborhoods that once were the heart of the Byzantine capital.

The tour explores these captivating avenues, showcasing the city’s rich heritage. Travelers can wander along the Golden Horn, a historic waterway that separates the old city from the new.

This scenic route offers glimpses of:

• Iconic Byzantine architecture
• Charming local shops and cafes
• Bustling marketplace activity
• Stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait
• Remnants of the city’s storied past

Through this immersive experience, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Istanbul’s enduring cultural tapestry and its enduring connection to the Byzantine era.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Private Tour?

Yes, private tours are available for this Byzantium excursion. Travelers can arrange a private tour with the tour operator for a more personalized experience, though additional fees may apply.

What if I Have Dietary Restrictions?

The tour company accommodates dietary restrictions with advance notice. Guests can notify the company of any dietary needs, and the guide will ensure appropriate arrangements are made to cater to those requirements during the tour.

How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Disabilities?

The tour generally accommodates guests with disabilities, but visitors should check with the tour operator in advance about specific accessibility requirements. Mobility-assisted devices are allowed, and alternative meeting points may be provided for hotels that are inaccessible for pick-up.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour, but travelers should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. Visitors can take photos of the external sites, but the guide may restrict photography inside certain historical buildings.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Items During the Tour?

Based on the tour details, guests can purchase souvenirs or additional items during the tour. However, the overview doesn’t specify any designated shopping stops or opportunities. Visitors should check with the tour guide for any options to purchase items.

Recap

The "Tour to Byzantium" offers an immersive exploration of Istanbul’s rich Byzantine heritage. Priced at $83.14 per person, the 4-hour tour includes air-conditioned transportation and museum entrance fees, ensuring a comfortable experience. Guests can explore the fascinating history and architecture of this ancient city, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts. With guaranteed departures every Tuesday and knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an exceptional opportunity to discover the iconic landmarks of Byzantium.

You can check if your dates are available here: