Byzantine Relics & Ottoman Relics Tour

Explore Istanbul’s captivating past on the Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour. This 3-hour expedition immerses you in the city’s architectural marvels and cultural heritage. From the iconic Hagia Sophia to the vibrant Chora Church, you’ll uncover the intricate tile work and bustling markets that shaped this unique destination. With a licensed guide, flexible policies, and a lowest price guarantee, this tour ensures a seamless journey through Istanbul’s magnificent history. What secrets will you uncover?

Key Points

• This 3-hour tour in Istanbul showcases key Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Chora Church.
• The tour provides an intimate experience with a maximum of 20 travelers and includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, a licensed guide, and lunch.
• Architectural highlights reflect the region’s artistic legacy, such as the Blue Mosque’s iconic six minarets and the Chora Church’s well-preserved Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.
• The tour explores the historical significance of Sultan Ahmet Square, the former Hippodrome and center of Byzantine civic life.
• The tour includes a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets, offering an immersive shopping experience with authentic Turkish souvenirs and cultural heritage.

Tour Overview

The Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the rich historical and architectural wonders of Istanbul.

The Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the rich historical and architectural wonders of Istanbul.

Spanning 3 hours, this tour takes participants to iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Chora Church. Guests will also visit the Sultan Ahmet Square and discover the captivating Iznik tile work in the Blue Mosque.

The tour includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, a licensed guide, and lunch. With a maximum of 20 travelers, the experience promises an intimate and personalized exploration of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman legacies.

Flexible cancelation policies and a lowest price guarantee add to the appeal of this comprehensive tour.

Architectural Marvels

Although the tour covers a wide range of historical and cultural highlights, the architectural marvels are undoubtedly the centerpiece.

Visitors will be awestruck by the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque’s iconic six minarets, and the stunning Iznik tile work adorning its interior.

The historical significance of Sultan Ahmet Square, formerly the Hippodrome, provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman past.

The Chora Church, with its well-preserved Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, offers a rare opportunity to witness the region’s remarkable artistic and architectural legacy.

Historical Significance

One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to Sultan Ahmet Square, formerly known as the Hippodrome. This historic site was the center of the Byzantine Empire‘s civic life and the site of chariot races, political gatherings, and public entertainment.

Remnants of the Hippodrome’s obelisks, columns, and sculptures can still be seen, providing a tangible connection to Istanbul’s storied past. The square’s strategic location also makes it an important symbol of the city’s historical significance, as it sits between the iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, representing the intersection of Byzantine and Ottoman legacies.

Tile Work and Markets

Stepping into the Blue Mosque, visitors are captivated by the intricate Iznik tile work that adorns the interior. These stunning tiles, renowned for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, date back to the 17th century.

The tour then explores the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Visitors can browse the endless stalls, haggling for authentic Turkish souvenirs and trinkets.

From hand-woven carpets to spices and jewelry, the Grand Bazaar offers a truly immersive shopping experience, providing a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes all entrance fees, hotel pickup from centrally located hotels, a licensed tour guide, service charges and taxes, as well as lunch.

However, the visit to the Harem in Topkapi Palace is at one’s own expense. Plus, drinks and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

This ensures a streamlined experience where the key attractions and services are covered, while allowing flexibility for personal preferences and discretionary spending.

The inclusions provide a rundown of the Byzantine and Ottoman relics, while the exclusions offer participants the freedom to customize their visit as desired.

Meeting and Pickup Details

The tour pickup points include centrally located hotels in Taksim, Beyoglu, Karakoy, Osmanbey, Sisli, Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, and Aksaray-Laleli-Beyazit on the European side of Istanbul.

The tour starts at 8:00 am and terminates at Sultanahmet. Guests will be responsible for their own transportation to the pickup location.

The tour guide will accompany the group throughout the 3-hour experience, providing expert commentary on the Byzantine and Ottoman relics visited.

At the end of the tour, guests are free to explore the Sultanahmet area on their own.

Reviews and Feedback

A total of 2 reviews have been provided for the Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour, resulting in an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5. Reviewers highlighted the knowledgeable guide, the authentic Turkish lunch experience, and the notable visits to beautiful churches and historical walls. As shown in the table below, the reviews showcase the tour’s strengths and provide insights for potential improvements.

| Reviewer | Feedback |

| — | — |

| Linda A | "Very well done tour with knowledgeable guide." |

| Teddie P | "Little tour, takes you to 3 beautiful churches." |

The Sum Up

The Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour offers an immersive exploration of Istanbul’s rich history. Travelers can marvel at iconic sites, explore architectural wonders, and uncover the region’s cultural heritage. With convenient inclusions and flexible policies, this tour provides a stress-free adventure for up to 20 guests, allowing them to discover the magnificent past of Istanbul.