Byzantium & Ottoman Relics (Combo Tour - Including Entrance Fees & Lunch)

Explore Istanbul's Byzantine & Ottoman Heritage

Discover the Historic Heart of Istanbul in One Day

Step into the historic heart of Istanbul and discover the magnificent legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

Our Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour brings together Istanbul's most important historical landmarks in one carefully planned experience. Explore magnificent mosques, the legendary Topkapı Palace, the historic Grand Bazaar, the ancient Hippodrome, and remarkable Byzantine heritage sites with a professional licensed guide.

Located on Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Historic Areas of Istanbul are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making this one of the most rewarding ways to discover the city's extraordinary history, architecture, and culture.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Istanbul's UNESCO-listed Historic Peninsula
• Visit Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
• Discover the magnificent Blue Mosque
• Walk through the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople
• Explore the legendary Grand Bazaar
• Visit Topkapı Palace
• Discover the Imperial Treasury
• Visit the Sacred Relics Collection
• Explore the Imperial Harem
• Discover Hagia Irene
• Enjoy a traditional Turkish set-menu lunch
• Professional licensed English-speaking guide (Other languages can be arranged upon request.)
• Comfortable air-conditioned transportation

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Begin your journey with Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi), one of the world's most remarkable architectural monuments.

Originally completed in 537 AD as the Church of Holy Wisdom, Hagia Sophia served as one of the most important churches of the Byzantine Empire before becoming an imperial mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.

Admire its monumental dome, historic marble columns, galleries, and surviving Byzantine artistic details while learning about the remarkable civilizations that shaped Istanbul.

Blue Mosque

Continue to the magnificent Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of classical Ottoman architecture.

Built during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque is famous for its six minarets, elegant proportions, and beautiful İznik tile decoration.

As an active place of worship, visitor access may be restricted during prayer times.

Please Note: The Blue Mosque is closed to visitors during Friday noon prayers.

Hippodrome of Constantinople

Walk through the historic Hippodrome, once the center of public life in Byzantine Constantinople.

This monumental square hosted chariot races, imperial ceremonies, religious celebrations, and major public events for centuries.

See some of Istanbul's most important ancient monuments, including:

• Obelisk of Theodosius
• Serpentine Column
• German Fountain of Kaiser Wilhelm II

Your guide will explain the fascinating history behind these monuments and their importance to Byzantine Constantinople.

Grand Bazaar

Discover the legendary Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı), one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.

With thousands of shops spread across its historic streets, the Grand Bazaar is an extraordinary place to experience Istanbul's traditional shopping culture.

Explore colorful carpets, handmade ceramics, jewelry, Turkish lamps, leather goods, textiles, spices, antiques, and souvenirs.

You will also have the opportunity to experience traditional Turkish craftsmanship and learn about the centuries-old art of carpet weaving.

Shopping is optional and there is no obligation to purchase.

Topkapı Palace

Continue to Topkapı Palace, the magnificent residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost four centuries.

Overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the palace was the political and administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and offers an extraordinary insight into imperial life.

Explore the palace courtyards, ceremonial rooms, collections, and historic architecture while learning about Ottoman sultans, court life, and the empire that once stretched across three continents.

Imperial Treasury

Discover remarkable Ottoman treasures and historic collections, including:

• Spoonmaker's Diamond
• Topkapı Dagger
• Ottoman jewelry
• Royal treasures
• Chinese porcelain
• Silver and ceremonial objects

Sacred Relics

Visit the collection of sacred relics associated with Prophet Muhammad and other revered figures, an important part of the palace's religious and cultural heritage.

Imperial Harem

Explore the fascinating Imperial Harem, once home to the Sultan, his family, and members of the imperial court.

Admire beautifully decorated chambers, courtyards, İznik tiles, and Ottoman architectural details while learning about life inside the imperial palace and the influential role of the Valide Sultan.

Hagia Irene

Complete your historical journey with Hagia Irene, one of the oldest surviving Byzantine churches in Istanbul.

Located within the Topkapı Palace complex, Hagia Irene was never converted into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest.

Today, the monument is admired for its remarkable architecture, historical significance, and exceptional acoustics.

Turkish Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Turkish set-menu lunch during your tour.

Take a relaxing break and experience authentic Turkish flavors before continuing your exploration of Istanbul's historic peninsula.

Beverages are not included.

What's Included

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off from centrally located Istanbul hotels
• Professional licensed English-speaking guide
• Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
• Entrance fees to:
• Hagia Sophia Museum Section, where applicable
• Topkapı Palace
• Imperial Harem
• Hagia Irene
• Traditional Turkish set-menu lunch
• Parking fees
• Highway tolls
• Fuel
• Local taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

• Beverages
• Personal expenses
• Shopping expenses
• Optional gratuities
• Additional services not mentioned in the itinerary

Guide Languages

The tour is available with a professional licensed English-speaking guide.

Please let us know your preferred guide language when making your reservation. Additional charges may apply for languages other than English, subject to availability.

Other languages can be arranged upon request.

Shared Group & Private Tour Options

The displayed price is for our Shared Group Tour and is quoted per person.

For a more personalized experience, private tour options are available upon request.

Please contact us for private tour pricing and availability.

Important Information

• Topkapı Palace and Hagia Irene are closed on Tuesdays. The tour does not operate on Tuesdays.
• The Blue Mosque is closed to visitors during Friday noon prayers.
• Appropriate and modest clothing is required when visiting active mosques.
• Women may be required to cover their heads when entering certain mosques.
• The order of visits may change depending on operational conditions, site regulations, prayer times, and opening hours.
• Entrance procedures and visitor regulations may change according to official authorities.
• Grand Bazaar opening hours may vary on public holidays and special occasions.
• The tour involves walking through historical areas and palace complexes. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Istanbul Old City Tour?

This is a full-day tour designed to provide a comprehensive experience of Istanbul's historic peninsula.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A traditional Turkish set-menu lunch is included. Beverages are not included.

Are Topkapı Palace and the Imperial Harem included?

Yes. Entrance fees to Topkapı Palace and the Imperial Harem are included in the tour.

Is Hagia Irene included?

Yes. Hagia Irene is included when the site is open and accessible.

Is Hagia Sophia included?

The tour includes a visit to Hagia Sophia. Access arrangements and visitor areas are subject to current official regulations.

Does the tour operate on Tuesdays?

No. Topkapı Palace and Hagia Irene are closed on Tuesdays, so this tour does not operate on Tuesdays.

Can I book this tour privately?

Yes. Private tours are available from 1 to 5 guests, with rates calculated according to the number of guests.

Can I request a different guide language?

Yes. English is the standard guide language. Other languages can be arranged upon request and subject to availability. Additional charges may apply.

Why Choose Our Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour?

This carefully designed experience combines Istanbul's most important historical landmarks with the comfort of professional transportation, a licensed guide, and a traditional Turkish lunch.

Rather than simply visiting individual attractions, you will discover the story connecting Byzantine Constantinople and Ottoman Istanbul — from the ancient Hippodrome and Hagia Sophia to the imperial world of Topkapı Palace.

Whether you are visiting Istanbul for the first time or want a deeper understanding of the city's extraordinary heritage, this full-day experience offers an ideal introduction to the historic heart of Türkiye.

Book Your Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour

Discover the monuments, palaces, bazaars, and stories that shaped Istanbul for centuries.

Explore Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Topkapı Palace, the Imperial Harem, and Hagia Irene with a professional licensed guide and experience the timeless heritage of Istanbul.

Reserve your Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour today and discover the historic heart of Istanbul.