Byzantine Heritage Tour of Istanbul

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya), Great Palace Mosaic Museum, Underground Cistern, Chora Church and City Walls

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$96/from
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Private Tour Skip the line 7 Hours

Byzantine Heritage in Istanbul

The Byzantine Heritage Tour takes you to the most important Byzantine sites in Istanbul. Be thrilled at the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Astonished by the city’s Byzantine heritage hidden under a restaurant. Overcome by the Byzantine mosaics in the Great Palace Museum. Adrift in the Basilica Cistern. Dazzled by the Hagia Sophia. Bowled over by the Chora Church. Conquered by the City Walls.

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WHAT TO EXPECT?

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Tour Itinerary & Highlights

Discover the legacy of the Byzantine Empire at its heart.

The Hippodrome of Constantinople
We visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople on our Best of Istanbul tour. Listen to your guide and feel the excitement and danger of chariot racing. Learn about the early Roman history of the city. Hear the stories behind the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column.
Great Palace Mosaic Museum
Istanbul’s Byzantine heritage is recorded in beautiful mosaics. Our Byzantine Heritage tour shows you where these mosaics were originally housed. In the Great Palace Mosaic Museum your guide will give you an insight into everyday Byzantine life.
Underground (Basilica) Cistern
On the Best of Istanbul tour we enter the magnificent Topkapi Palace. A series of courtyards and halls contain fabulous displays of precious jewels and important religious artefacts. The public rooms of the palace are a worthy backdrop to the splendour and intrigue of the Harem.
Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya Museum)
We visit the Hagia Sophia, originally built in 537 AD, later served as a Greek Orthodox Church. When Fatih Sultan Mehmet conquered the city in 1453 AD, it became a mosque. In 1935 it was converted to a museum. The interior, with its enormous dome, delights with glorious mosaics, galleries and suspended Islamic pendants.
Chora Church (Kariye Museum)
The Chora Church (The Church of St. Savoir in Countryside) is located close to the Thedosian Walls, an area which was considered as “countryside” during the Byzantine era. The Chora Church Museum hosts fascinating insight in to Byzantine Mosaic art at its climax.
City Walls of Constantinople
We explore the Byzantine-era city walls on the outskirts of the city. They date back to the first half of the 5th century AD. Originally they went from the Sea of Marmara all the way to the Golden Horn.

Private Tour Prices and Additional Info

Dynamic pricing is the reduction of the price per person when the number of people in your party increases. The more people in your group – the less you pay per person.

1 adult $280

2 adults $350 >> $175 per person

3 adults $414 >> $138 per person

4 adults $560 >> $140 per person*

5 adults $630>> $126 per person

6 adults $696 >> $116 per person

7 adults $763 >> $109 per person

8 adults $832 >> $104 per person

9 adults $891 >> $99 per person

10 adults $960 >> $96 per person

* For groups more than 3 people we use a private van. For groups with 3 or less participants we use commercial taxis to give better price.

** For larger groups please contact us.

To book this tour please choose your desired day from the calendar below and continue with the booking steps. Our booking system will take you to the secure payment gateway provided by PayU.

There is a set deposit amount of $75 for any group size. Your booking will be confirmed after the deposit payment. The balance is to be paid 15 days before the start of the tour(s).

You may cancel your tour reservation up to 72 hours before the planned start of the tour. No cancellation charge is incurred within the allowed deadline. Please read our cancellation policy: “Booking Terms“.

This tour is organized within the legal scope of the Turkish Law concerning Travel Agencies And The Association Of Travel Agencies (TURSAB) numbered 1618, and Vocational Tour Guides Law numbered 6326.

Book This Experience Now

Please use the calendar below to book this Istanbul experience

Byzantine Heritage Tour of Istanbul

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What do our guests say about us?

Read our Tripadvisor reviews

  • star rating  If you want a very kind and knowledgeable guide Osman Ozmen was fantastic, an excellent tour guide. He took us through the streets of Istanbul to see the Hagia Sophia,... read more

    TravelWithMAGEK
    9 August 2021

  • star rating  If you want a very kind and knowledgeable guide Osman Ozmen was fantastic, an excellent tour guide. He took us through the streets of Istanbul to see the Hagia Sophia,... read more

    TravelWithMAGEK
    1 August 2021

  • star rating  Had a wonderful time seeing Istanbul as a first time visitor with guide Osman Ozmen. He was knowledgeable, personable, and spoke English well! We were able to customize the itinerary... read more

    662AshleyS662
    6 May 2021

  • star rating  Had a wonderful time seeing Istanbul as a first time visitor with guide Osman Ozmen. He was knowledgeable, personable, and spoke English well! We were able to customize the itinerary... read more

    Ashley S
    1 May 2021

  • star rating  Had a wonderful time seeing Istanbul as a first time visitor with guide Osman Ozmen. He was knowledgeable, personable, and spoke English well! We were able to customize the itinerary... read more

    Ashley S
    1 April 2021
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