Imperial Istanbul Tour (Including Entrance Fees & Lunch)

The Magnificent Suleiman & Byzantine Legacy Tour

Imperial Istanbul Tour – Ottoman & Byzantine Heritage

Discover the Glorious Legacy of Two Great Empires

Experience more than 1,500 years of Istanbul's fascinating history on this carefully designed full-day tour, exploring the remarkable legacy of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.

Discover magnificent mosques, imperial tombs, world-class museums, ancient archaeological remains, historic bazaars, and the mysterious underground Basilica Cistern.

From the architectural genius of Mimar Sinan to the imperial treasures of Constantinople, this tour offers a deeper look into the civilizations that shaped Istanbul.

Accompanied by a professional licensed guide, explore both the celebrated landmarks and lesser-known historical treasures of Istanbul's Historic Peninsula.

Tour Highlights

• Visit the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque
• Discover the tombs of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent & Hürrem Sultan
• See the tomb of Mimar Sinan
• Explore the Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts
• Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch
• Stroll through historic Arasta Bazaar
• Discover the archaeological remains of the Great Palace of Constantinople
• Visit the Great Palace Mosaic Museum
• Explore the atmospheric Basilica Cistern
• See the historic Million Stone
• Discover Istanbul's Ottoman and Byzantine heritage
• Professional licensed English-speaking guide
• Comfortable air-conditioned transportation

Süleymaniye Mosque – The Masterpiece of Mimar Sinan

Begin your journey at the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the Ottoman Empire.

Commissioned by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and designed by the legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, the mosque is one of Istanbul's most impressive landmarks.

Admire its elegant domes, spacious courtyard, Ottoman calligraphy, and beautifully balanced architecture while enjoying spectacular views across the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, and Historic Peninsula.

Your guide will explain the history of Sultan Süleyman, Mimar Sinan, and the Ottoman Golden Age.

Imperial Tombs of the Ottoman Dynasty

Continue to the historic tombs associated with some of the most influential figures of the Ottoman Empire.

Discover the beautifully decorated mausoleums of:

• Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent
• Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana)
• Mimar Sinan

Learn about their roles in Ottoman history and the extraordinary architectural and cultural legacy they left behind.

Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts

Visit the Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts, one of Türkiye's most important museums dedicated to Islamic and Ottoman artistic heritage.

Explore a remarkable collection featuring:

• Historic Qur'ans and manuscripts
• Ottoman calligraphy
• Seljuk and Ottoman ceramics
• Traditional woodwork
• Islamic artworks
• Historic textiles
• Exceptional examples of Turkish carpets

The museum provides a fascinating insight into the artistic traditions and cultural heritage of the Islamic world.

Traditional Turkish Lunch

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

Take a relaxing break and experience authentic Turkish cuisine before continuing your journey through Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.

Beverages are not included.

Arasta Bazaar – Historic Shopping in Sultanahmet

After lunch, stroll through the charming Arasta Bazaar, located near the Blue Mosque.

This historic marketplace offers a more relaxed atmosphere than Istanbul's larger bazaars.

Browse traditional products including:

• Turkish carpets
• Ceramics
• Jewelry
• Textiles
• Leather goods
• Turkish delight
• Traditional souvenirs

Shopping is optional and there is no obligation to purchase.

Great Palace of Constantinople – Discover Byzantine Istanbul

Step into the world of Byzantine emperors as you explore the archaeological remains associated with the Great Palace of Constantinople.

Once one of the most important imperial complexes of Constantinople, the Great Palace served as a center of political and ceremonial life for centuries.

Your guide will explain the history of the Byzantine emperors and the role this enormous palace complex played in the development of Constantinople.

Great Palace Mosaic Museum – Byzantine Masterpieces

Discover the remarkable Great Palace Mosaic Museum, home to beautifully preserved Byzantine floor mosaics.

Admire detailed scenes depicting:

• Hunting
• Mythological figures
• Exotic animals
• Nature
• Daily life

These extraordinary mosaics provide a fascinating glimpse into the artistic traditions and everyday world of Byzantine Constantinople.

Basilica Cistern – The Underground World of Byzantine Constantinople

Descend beneath the streets of Istanbul and discover the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, one of the city's most fascinating Byzantine monuments.

Built during the Byzantine period as an underground water storage system, the cistern features hundreds of monumental marble columns rising from the water.

Explore:

• Ancient marble columns
• Byzantine engineering
• Atmospheric underground architecture
• Water reflections
• The famous Medusa Head column bases

The Basilica Cistern offers a unique perspective on the engineering achievements of ancient Constantinople.

Million Stone – The Center of the Byzantine World

Complete your historical journey with a visit to the Million Stone (Milion), the remains of an ancient monument that once marked the symbolic starting point for measuring distances across the Byzantine Empire.

Located near the former center of Constantinople, the monument provides an interesting connection between Istanbul's modern streets and its ancient imperial past.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour is designed for travelers who want to go beyond Istanbul's most famous landmarks and explore the deeper historical layers of the city.

Discover the connection between:

Ottoman Architecture – Süleymaniye Mosque, Ottoman tombs, and Islamic art.

Byzantine Archaeology – Great Palace remains, Byzantine mosaics, Basilica Cistern, and the Million Stone.

Local Culture – Traditional Turkish cuisine and the historic Arasta Bazaar.

Whether you are passionate about history, architecture, archaeology, religion, art, or photography, this experience provides a fascinating journey through the civilizations that shaped Istanbul.

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 the museums and historical sites included in the itinerary
• 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 guide 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

• The order of visits may vary depending on opening hours, traffic, and operational conditions.
• Some religious sites may have restricted access during prayer times.
• Modest clothing is recommended when visiting mosques.
• Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
• Museum and historical site opening hours may change according to official regulations.
• Shopping at the bazaar is optional and there is no obligation to purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a group tour or private tour?

The tour is available as both a Shared Group Tour and a Private Tour. You can select your preferred option when making your reservation.

What historical sites are included?

The itinerary includes Süleymaniye Mosque, Ottoman Imperial Tombs, the Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts, Arasta Bazaar, Great Palace archaeological remains, Great Palace Mosaic Museum, Basilica Cistern, and Million Stone.

Is lunch included?

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

Is transportation included?

Yes. Hotel pick-up and drop-off and comfortable air-conditioned transportation are included.

Can I request another guide language?

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

Can I customize the tour?

Yes. Private tours can be customized according to your interests and preferences.

Book Your Imperial Istanbul Tour Today

Travel through more than 1,500 years of history and discover the remarkable legacy of Byzantine Constantinople and the Ottoman Empire.

Explore magnificent mosques, imperial tombs, ancient mosaics, underground Byzantine architecture, historic bazaars, and exceptional museums while uncovering the stories behind Istanbul's extraordinary past.

Choose your preferred tour option and discover the imperial heritage of Istanbul.