6-7 hours
Sultanahmet Square (we will inform you about the exact location when booking)
Your Own Booking
Hagia Sophia Mosque & Church, Byzantine Hippodrome, The Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
Everyday of the Year
Private Tour
The tours we offer are designed for those who prefer a relaxed pace, comprehensive insights from knowledgeable guides. If you prefer tours that visit many sites quickly, these may not align with your expectations.
The Byzantine and Ottoman Highlights Tour will commence at 10:00 AM with a gathering at Sultanahmet Square. We will provide you with the precise meeting location once you confirm your booking. Following a brief overview of the historic peninsula, you will begin your journey to explore some of Istanbul’s most renowned landmarks.
Your initial destination will be the Hagia Sophia Mosque & Church, regarded as one of the world’s most extraordinary architectural achievements. Originally constructed as a church by Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 and has since stood as a symbol of both Byzantine and Ottoman legacies. Inside, you will marvel at the exquisite Christian mosaics, intricate Islamic calligraphy, and the impressive central dome that has endured for nearly 1,500 years. Your visit includes access to the main hall, upper gallery, and Sultan’s lodge, allowing you to fully appreciate its artistic and historical importance.
Afterwards, you will take a brief stroll to the Byzantine Hippodrome, once the vibrant center of social and political activity in Constantinople. Established in the 3rd century, the Hippodrome was the venue for chariot races, imperial ceremonies, and grand festivities. Although the original structure has not survived, several remarkable monuments remain, including the Egyptian Obelisk brought from Karnak, Egypt, the Serpent Column originating from Delphi, and the German Fountain, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II. Your guide will recount captivating tales of the Hippodrome’s history, including its significance in ancient uprisings and imperial events.
Following the visit to the Hippodrome, you will explore the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most enchanting sites. This expansive underground water reservoir was constructed in 532 AD by Emperor Justinian to supply the city with water. As you descend into the cistern, you will be surrounded by 336 marble columns, each artistically lit to create a mysterious yet stunning ambiance. A key highlight will be the Medusa Head Columns, thought to have been reused from ancient Roman temples. Your guide will reveal the cistern’s clever water filtration system and share intriguing stories about the legends linked to Medusa’s enigmatic presence.
At 1:00 PM, you will pause for a lunch break at a nearby restaurant where you can indulge in authentic Turkish dishes. This is an excellent chance to enjoy specialties like kebabs, mezes, and baklava while relaxing in the heart of the Old City. Please note that lunch is not included in the tour price.
After lunch, your final destination will be the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), one of Istanbul’s most famous monuments. Constructed in 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I, this mosque is renowned for its stunning blue Iznik tiles, which earned it its popular name. The mosque’s distinctive design includes six soaring minarets and a grand central dome, representing a pinnacle of Ottoman architectural style. Inside, you will experience the peaceful atmosphere of this functioning place of worship and learn about its cultural and religious importance.
The tour will wrap up at approximately 4:00 PM, after which your guide will accompany you back to your hotel or offer suggestions for further sightseeing in Istanbul’s Old City.
The rate list for this private tour will be as:
Please send us an email to get more information or text/call us through our Whatsapp Number, and we will respond as soon as possible.
Professionally-licensed English Speaking Tour Guide
Entrance Tickets
Taxes
Lunch
Drinks
Any Private Expenses
Tips to the guide
When you contact us about the trip, we'll provide you with an itinerary based on the current "real-time" availability. The tour's availability might change until your payment is received through our secure form. When we accept your reservation; all rates and program are guaranteed.
When you made your reservations with our travel agent, we'll need a 30% deposit to finalize everything. We provide a 256-bit SSL encrypted form on our website that you may use to securely submit your credit card information. After we receive your deposit, we will confirm your reservation and send you a travel voucher within 1 business day. You may pay the remaining balance before or after the trip in our agency's office. In our office, we accept all major currencies for cash payments, as well as Visa or MasterCard.
Below is the general guideline for our cancellation policy if your agent does not mention otherwise:
Cancellation Policy for Daily & Private Tours:
If you cancel 48 hours before the tour, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 48 hours to 24 hours before the tour, we will charge 50% cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 24 hours of the tour , we will charge the full amount as cancellation fee.
We cannot give any refund on no-shows for the tour.
*for large groups, please ask to your agent for the cancellation policy and booking requirements.