Istanbul Half Day Morning City Tour (Byzantium Relics)
Start your day with a journey through the heart of Byzantine Constantinople on this half-day morning tour. Explore architectural icons like the Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and the Blue Mosque, each echoing centuries of imperial grandeur and spiritual devotion. Led by a professional guide, this immersive tour brings ancient history to life as you walk through Istanbul’s most treasured landmarks.
- Byzantine Heritage Focus: Dive into the city's early Christian and imperial past.
- Expert Local Guide: Learn the fascinating stories behind each monument from a licensed, English-speaking guide.
- Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more intimate and relaxed exploration of Istanbul’s Old City.
- Convenient Pick-Up & Drop-Off: Includes hotel transfers for a smooth, stress-free morning.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (central Istanbul locations)
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees to Hagia Sophia and other scheduled sites
- Personal expenses
- Meals
Pick-up Time: 08:30 (Varies based on hotel location; final time provided upon reservation)
Tour Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Tour Itinerary
- Hotel Pick-Up (08:30):Your driver will collect you from your centrally located hotel in Istanbul. Transfer to the meeting point, where you’ll join your local, English-speaking guide and fellow travelers.
- Hagia Sophia:Commence your tour with a visit to this 6th-century basilica, originally built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century and later reconstructed by Emperor Justinian. Renowned for its massive dome and richly decorated interior, Hagia Sophia is widely regarded as one of the greatest marvels of Byzantine architecture.
- Hippodrome:Proceed to the ancient sports and social center of Constantinople, once the site of chariot races and public gatherings. Explore the surviving monuments:
- German Fountain of Wilhelm II
- Obelisk of Theodosius
- Serpentine Column
- Column of Constantine
These historic pillars stand as silent witnesses to centuries of imperial celebrations and power struggles.
- Blue Mosque:Also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this 17th-century masterpiece impresses visitors with its cascading domes and six soaring minarets. Step inside to admire the exquisite Iznik tilework that lends the mosque its “Blue” moniker, and gain insights into Ottoman religious traditions.
- End of Tour:After discovering the Blue Mosque, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. The tour typically concludes by early afternoon, leaving you free to explore Istanbul at leisure.
- Pick-up time is 08:30, though it may vary slightly based on your hotel’s location (exact time confirmed after reservation).
- This is a walking tour, transportation is only used for hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- Please note that this tour is not available on Fridays due to Friday prayers.
We had a stop over in Istanbul so we just had a quick tour in old city. santa sophia was amazing. the people of estambul are very lucky to have this monuments. we liked the tour and our guide dilek was perfect. Thank you
It was a nice day in the historical sites in Istanbul.
Santa Sophia is a great Church also Blue Mosque was a very beautiful mosque.
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