Set out on a captivating exploration of Istanbul’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage with this full-day tour. Explore the renowned Istanbul University, then venture into the historic neighborhoods of Findikzade and Samatya, discovering significant mosques and churches along the way. An English-speaking guide provides insightful commentary, while a delicious lunch and convenient hotel pickups ensure a seamless and personalized adventure. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a deeper connection with the city, this tour promises to unveil the layers of Istanbul’s vibrant past and present.
Key Points
-
This full-day tour from Istanbul visits historic university, neighborhoods, and religious sites, providing a comprehensive understanding of the city’s cultural and religious influences.
-
The tour includes visits to the Istanbul University, Bayazit district, Haseki area, and Samatya neighborhood, highlighting Istanbul’s diverse religious architecture and history.
-
Participants will explore Byzantine monasteries, an ancient execution square, and learn about the darker aspects of Constantinople’s past.
-
The tour includes an English-speaking guide, all necessary entrance fees, transportation, and a provided lunch, ensuring a hassle-free and enriching experience.
-
The small group size, limited to 10 participants, allows for a personalized experience with direct engagement with the knowledgeable guide and flexibility in the itinerary.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour from Istanbul provides visitors an opportunity to explore the historic Findikzade and Samatya neighborhoods, including a complimentary lunch.
Priced at £155.04 per person, the 8-hour tour accommodates small groups limited to 10 participants. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Hotel pickups are offered from centrally-located neighborhoods like Taksim Square, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Sultanahmet, and Fatih.
Highlights include visits to Istanbul University, the Roman Forum of Taurus, mosques, churches, and historical sites.
The tour includes an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, transportation, and lunch, though personal expenses aren’t covered.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Istanbul
Itinerary Highlights
Visiting Istanbul University, one of Europe’s oldest universities established by Constantine the Great, offers a glimpse into the city’s rich academic legacy.
The tour also explores the Bayazit district, including the Roman Forum of Taurus, providing insights into Istanbul’s diverse architectural and historical landscape.
Guests will then visit the Haseki area, known for its captivating mosques and historical sites.
The journey culminates in the Samatya neighborhood, historically inhabited by Armenians, allowing visitors to discover the city’s multicultural heritage.
Through this comprehensive itinerary, travelers can explore Istanbul’s fascinating past and gain a deeper understanding of its cultural and religious influences.
Mosques and Churches
The tour showcases a diverse array of religious sites, including the Ramazan Efendi Camii and Kocamustafapaşa Camii – the latter a former Byzantine Church of St. Andrew.
Visitors will also explore the Surp Kevork (Sulu Monastery), Hristos Analipsis, Haghios Menas, and other Greek Orthodox and Latin churches that reflect Istanbul’s multicultural heritage.
These historic mosques and churches provide a glimpse into the city’s rich religious history and architecture.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the unique features and significance of each site, gaining a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s religious diversity and its evolution over the centuries.
Historical Sites
Beyond the religious sites, the tour explores the rich historical heritage of the Findikzade and Samatya neighborhoods.
Participants will discover the Byzantine Monks of Myrelaion Monastery, once home to an important monastic community, as well as the execution square in ancient Constantinople – remnants of the city’s tumultuous past.
At the Myrelaion Monastery, visitors can learn about the influential role of Byzantine monasteries in shaping the cultural and intellectual life of the region.
The execution square, meanwhile, offers a sobering glimpse into the darker aspects of Constantinople’s history, serving as a poignant reminder of the struggles and conflicts that shaped the city over the centuries.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyIncluded Services
Included in the tour package are an English-speaking guide to lead participants through the historical sites, as well as all necessary entrance fees.
Transportation to and from centrally-located Istanbul hotels is provided, along with a lunch and refreshments during the day. Personal expenses, however, aren’t covered under the included services.
The tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, ensuring visitors make the most of their time in Istanbul.
By including essential services like transportation and admission fees, the organizers aim to create a seamless and hassle-free tour for participants.
This allows them to focus on exploring the rich history and cultural heritage of the city without worrying about logistical details.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Istanbul
Booking Information
With the tour’s comprehensive services covered, travelers can now check availability and secure their spot without upfront payment.
The booking process allows flexible planning, as participants can reserve their place and pay later. Simply visit the tour provider’s website or contact their sales team to check the tour’s availability on your preferred date.
Once the booking is confirmed, you’ll receive all the necessary details, including meeting point instructions and the guide’s contact information.
This hassle-free booking system ensures a seamless experience, allowing you to focus on anticipating the fascinating sights and experiences that await during the full-day University to Findikzade & Samatya tour.
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off services from centrally-located Istanbul hotels in the Taksim Square, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Sultanahmet, and Fatih neighborhoods, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s activities.
This convenient service eliminates the need for participants to navigate the city on their own, allowing them to focus on the enriching experience ahead.
The pickup and drop-off locations are strategically chosen to cater to the diverse accommodations available in Istanbul, making the tour accessible to a wide range of travelers.
This thoughtful service enhances the overall convenience and enjoyment of the full-day tour, providing a hassle-free way to explore the historical and cultural wonders of Istanbul.
Small Group Experience
One of the key features of this tour is its small group size, limited to just 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.
With such a small group, you’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with your knowledgeable guide, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the sites you’ll visit.
The small group size also allows for more flexibility in the itinerary, allowing your guide to tailor the experience to your interests and preferences.
Plus, you’ll be able to easily navigate the historic streets and sites without feeling lost in a large crowd.
This small group format creates a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the tour.
-
Direct engagement with your guide
-
Flexibility to tailor the itinerary
-
Comfortable, intimate atmosphere
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no specific dress code for this tour. Participants are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes, as the tour involves a significant amount of walking. Modest attire is recommended when visiting religious sites.
Can I Bring My Own Lunch?
While the tour includes lunch, participants are welcome to bring their own. However, the provided lunch is part of the included services, so bringing one’s own may not be necessary. The tour company can accommodate dietary restrictions if notified in advance.
Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?
Yes, the tour includes restroom breaks during the day. The small group size allows the guide to accommodate participants’ needs and ensure there are regular stops for refreshment and facilities throughout the 8-hour itinerary.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can customize the tour length by coordinating with the tour operator. Additional fees may apply for extending the tour beyond the standard 8-hour duration.
Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
Yes, the tour operator offers a private tour option. Customers can request a private tour with a dedicated guide for their group. The private tour allows for a more personalized experience and flexible scheduling.
Recap
This full-day tour from Istanbul offers an engaging exploration of the city’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage.
Visitors can discover significant mosques, churches, and historical sites while gaining insights from an English-speaking guide.
With convenient hotel pickups, a delicious lunch, and a small group setting, this tour provides a personalized and immersive experience for those seeking to explore Istanbul’s captivating past.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Lunch Experiences in Istanbul
More Tour Reviews in Istanbul
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Istanbul we have recnetly reviewed
- 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Istanbul
- 20 Best 3 Day Tours In Istanbul
- 20 Best 4 Day Tours In Istanbul
- 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Istanbul
- 25 Best Dining Experiences In Istanbul
- 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Istanbul
- 17 Best Photography Experiences In Istanbul
- 12 Best Coffee Tours And Tastings In Istanbul
- 25 Best Dinner Tours In Istanbul
- 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Istanbul
- 25 Best Food Tours In Istanbul
- Istanbul Transfers: Airport, Hotel or Return Trip