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Istanbul Old City Tour & Ottoman & Byzantine Heritage
Istanbul Old City Tour – Ottoman & Byzantine Heritage
Discover Istanbul’s Ottoman and Byzantine heritage on a full-day guided Old City Tour featuring Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar.
Step into the fascinating history of Istanbul with a full-day guided Istanbul Old City Tour, exploring the remarkable heritage of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.
From the monumental Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque to the historic Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar, this carefully designed sightseeing experience introduces you to the iconic landmarks, fascinating stories and cultural heritage of Istanbul's historic peninsula.
Accompanied by a professional multilingual guide, discover the highlights of Sultanahmet and experience the unique atmosphere of a city where centuries of history meet modern Istanbul.
Discover the Heart of Historic Istanbul
Your Istanbul Old City Tour begins in the morning with a comfortable hotel pickup and transfer to the historic city centre.
Meet your professional guide and start exploring Sultanahmet Square, the historical heart of Istanbul. During your walking tour, discover important monuments including the German Fountain, Column of Constantine, Serpentine Column and Egyptian Obelisk, while learning about the fascinating history of the Byzantine Hippodrome.
Continue to the magnificent Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks. Admire its impressive architecture, elegant domes and famous interior decoration featuring thousands of traditional Iznik tiles.
Located directly opposite, Hagia Sophia offers another extraordinary chapter in Istanbul's history. Originally built as a Byzantine church and later transformed into a mosque, Hagia Sophia stands as one of the city's most remarkable architectural landmarks.
Explore the Grand Bazaar
Continue your Istanbul sightseeing tour with a visit to the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.
Walk through its atmospheric passages filled with traditional shops, colorful displays, Turkish handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, souvenirs and local products. Take the opportunity to explore the market at your own pace and experience the traditional art of bargaining.
After the visit, enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing your exploration of Istanbul's Ottoman heritage.
Discover Ottoman Heritage
The tour continues with a visit to the Sultans' Tombs, where Ottoman sultans and members of their families are commemorated. Explore these historic sites and learn more about the traditions and royal history of the Ottoman Empire.
The final major highlight of the tour is Topkapi Palace, the magnificent former residence of Ottoman sultans.
Explore the palace complex and discover its impressive collections of artworks, imperial objects, jewelry, traditional costumes and items reflecting everyday life within the Ottoman court.
Your Istanbul Old City Tour concludes in the afternoon with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel.
Highlights
- Explore the historic Sultanahmet district with a professional multilingual guide
- Discover Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman heritage
- Visit Sultanahmet Square and its historic monuments
- Admire the architectural beauty of the Blue Mosque
- Explore the historic Hagia Sophia
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar
- Discover the Sultans' Tombs and Ottoman royal heritage
- Visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace
- Enjoy a traditional lunch during the tour
- Travel comfortably with air-conditioned transportation
- Benefit from convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service
What to Expect
This full-day Istanbul City Tour combines history, culture, architecture and local experiences in one comprehensive sightseeing program.
Your professional guide will share fascinating stories and historical insights throughout the day, bringing Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman past to life.
From monumental mosques and imperial palaces to bustling bazaars and historic squares, discover the highlights of Istanbul's Old City while enjoying a comfortable and well-organized experience.
Tour Details
Duration: Approximately 9 Hours
Tour Time: 08:00 – 17:30
Experience Type: Guided Istanbul Old City & Historical Tour
Transportation: Air-conditioned vehicle
Guiding: Professional multilingual guide
Hotel Transfer: Included
Hotel Pickup & Drop-off
Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off service is available from hotels located in:
Fatih, Beyoğlu, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Eyüp, Mecidiyeköy and Kağıthane.
Pickup times may vary depending on your hotel's location. Our operations team will contact you one day before the tour to confirm your exact pickup time.
Inclusions
- Hotel transfer (both ways)
- Air-conditioned transportation
- Professional multilingual guiding service
- Walking tour
- Lunch
Exclusions
- Soft drinks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Entrance fees to Topkapi Palace
- Entrance fees to Hagia Sophia
- Entrance fee to Basilica Cistern
- Personal expenses
Important Information
Topkapi Palace is closed to visitors on Tuesdays.
Please note that the order of visits may be adjusted depending on local conditions, museum schedules and operational requirements.
Experience Istanbul's Timeless Heritage
Discover the stories of emperors, sultans, architects and civilizations that shaped Istanbul throughout the centuries.
From the Byzantine monuments of Sultanahmet to the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire, this Istanbul Old City Tour offers an ideal introduction to the city's extraordinary cultural heritage and iconic landmarks.
