Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour

Istanbul, Turkey
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Duration4h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesArabic, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, English, Italian, French, Dutch, Turkish, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

This tour begins in historic Sultanahmet, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. You will see the Hagia Sophia – the Church of the Divine Wisdom – one of the greatest marvels of architecture in the world and often listed as one of the Wonders of the World. It was constructed as a basilica in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian. Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque, facing the Hagia Sophia, which is most famous for its blue İznik tiles and unique 6-minaret architecture. It was built by Sultan Ahmed I and it is said that he personally broke ground at the beginning of its construction. Be sure to see the tombs of five Ottoman Sultans in the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. The ceramic panels are some of the most beautiful examples of 16th century architecture with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed on the sarcophaguses.

Options

Other Languages

You can purchase this tour in Spanish, Italian, Russian, Greek, Chinese (Traditional), Japanese, Arabic and other languages.
Pickup included

Prime Languages

You can purchase this tour in English, German, French and Turkish. Please see other language options.
Pickup included

What's included

  • Private transportation
  • WiFi on board
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Parking Fees
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch

What to expect

  1. Sultanahmet Square
    2h · Admission ticket included
    Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the impressive monuments of Istanbul that has become its symbol. The mosque is also one of the most photogenic Ottoman mosques in Turkey.

    Standing in the middle of Istanbul, the majestic Blue Mosque is hard to miss. Being one of the grandest mosques in Turkey, it can hold up to 10.000 worshippers. Its acoustics are so precisely engineered that you can almost hear the voice of anyone person praying, even when the mosque is full. Its elegant blue tile mosaics and perfect symmetry will take you on a spiritual journey.

    Make sure you spend some time in silence inside the breathtaking mosque to admire its prayerful atmosphere and superb blue tiles.

    You only need to visit the Blue Mosque once to remember it for the rest of your life.
  2. 2h · Admission ticket included
    Hagia Sophia, a remarkable achievement in the history of architecture. A living proof of mankind's revolt against the laws of physics. A monument whose importance transcends borders. As one of UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage sites, Hagia Sophia continues to attract millions with its majestic grandeur and beauty.

    Hagia Sophia is so magnificent in appearance that people of the time believed that the church could not have been built by human hands alone but only with the help of divine support.

    Dominating Istanbul's skyline, this quaint edifice has been expanded and restored several times throughout the centuries. Hagia Sophia has always been unique as an architectural piece from the first day it was built.

    Hagia Sophia is not only renowned for its magnificent religious architecture but also for its superb exquisite Byzantine mosaics and fine examples of unique Ottoman calligraphy.

    Visit Istanbul, witness the holiness of this edifice and let its magic mesmerize you.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

- Hand sanitizers and masks will be available for the best hygiene practice.
- Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time and let the lobby staff know that you are expecting a tour guide.
- Comfortable shoes are advised
- Wheelchair users must inform our agent whether guest(s) is/are fully dependent on the chair or partly able to walk or move.
- Cruise port pickups from Yenikapi Port and Topkapi International Cruise Port are included in the tour price.
- Airport picks up and transfers are also available at extra charge. Please contact us for further information.

Additional information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$675.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Deren Koray Tourism · Booked through Viator
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From
$675.00 per person
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