Istanbul Full-Day Private Christian (Byzantium) Tour

Istanbul’s rich Byzantine history comes alive on the Full-Day Private Christian (Byzantium) Tour. Explore the city’s iconic Christian sites, from the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate to the majestic Hagia Sophia. Uncover the grandeur of Byzantine architecture and the seat of Orthodox Christianity. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this immersive 8-hour experience offers a captivating glimpse into Istanbul’s spiritual and cultural past. Discover how the city’s Christian heritage has shaped its present-day identity.

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Key Points

This full-day private tour offers an immersive exploration of Istanbul’s Byzantine history and Christian relics.
Tour highlights include the Chapel of St. Saviour in Chora, Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, and the Hagia Sophia.
The tour is priced at $379.94 per person and includes hotel pickup/drop-off and all entrance fees.
Multilingual live guides are available, and participants are advised to bring necessary items for a comfortable experience.
While the tour has received mixed feedback, it is praised for the quality of the tour guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Istanbul Full-Day Private Christian Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s Byzantine history and Christian relics. Priced from $379.94 per person, the 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all entrance fees.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour features highlights like the Chapel of St. Saviour in Chora, the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, and the iconic Hagia Sophia.

While the Chapel is currently closed, the guide will provide information from outside. The tour is led by multilingual live guides and includes travel by air-conditioned coach, though it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

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Itinerary Highlights

This tour offers an in-depth exploration of Istanbul’s Byzantine history and Christian heritage.

Visitors will:

Tour the Chapel of St. Saviour in Chora, known for its stunning Byzantine-era mosaics and frescoes (though closed until 2024, the guide will provide information from outside).
Visit the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, the seat of Orthodox Christianity since Constantine the Great.
Experience the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, once the largest church in the world, renowned for its massive 4th-largest dome and remarkable Byzantine architecture.
Conclude at the Basilica Cistern, an immense 6th-century underground water reservoir.
Travel by air-conditioned coach with a live guide available in multiple languages.

Tour Logistics

Though the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users with non-folding chairs, a live guide is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, and Russian, to ensure a seamless experience. Participants will travel by air-conditioned coach and are advised to bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the tour’s highlights.

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| Pickup | European city center hotels (Sultanahmet, Laleli, Topkapı, Aksaray, Taksim, Sirkeci, Şişli) | | |

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as all entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary.

However, the following items are excluded:

Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Lunch

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users as non-folding wheelchairs aren’t allowed.

Visitors are advised to bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera to fully enjoy the tour.

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Customer Feedback

Based on the reviews, customers have provided a mixed assessment of the tour.

While they praised the quality of the tour guide, some customers criticized the itinerary for not fully representing the Christian sites as expected.

Plus, several reviewers reported issues with a key church being closed until the end of 2024 and the tour duration being shorter than advertised.

The tour received a 4/5 rating, indicating that there’s room for improvement in accurately setting customer expectations and addressing logistical challenges.

Prospective travelers should consider these reviews when deciding on this Christian tour of Istanbul.

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Exploring Byzantine History and Christian Relics

Exploring Istanbul’s Byzantine history and Christian relics is the highlight of this private tour.

Discover Istanbul’s captivating Byzantine history and Christian treasures on this immersive private tour.

Visitors will:

Discover the Chapel of St. Saviour in Chora, known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes
Tour the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, the seat of Orthodox Christianity since Constantine the Great
Experience the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, once the largest church in the world and renowned for its 4th largest dome and Byzantine architecture
Explore the Basilica Cistern, the largest ancient cistern in Istanbul, dating back to the 6th century
Gain insights into the city’s rich Christian heritage from a knowledgeable, live tour guide.

The Seat of Orthodox Christianity

The Fener Orthodox Patriarchate serves as the seat of Orthodox Christianity since the reign of Constantine the Great. This historical site allows visitors to explore the roots of Orthodox faith. Guests will tour the premises, including the church, which features remarkable Byzantine architecture and Christian relics. The visit provides insight into the central role this location has played in the Orthodox Christian tradition.

| Highlights of the Patriarchate Tour |

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The tour of the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate offers a unique window into Istanbul’s Christian heritage and the enduring influence of Orthodox Christianity.

The Grandeur of Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern

Hagia Sophia, the iconic architectural marvel, commands attention with its colossal scale and stunning Byzantine design. Visitors are awestruck by its massive 4th largest dome and intricate mosaics that blend Christian and Islamic influences.

Hagia Sophia, the iconic architectural marvel, commands attention with its colossal scale and stunning Byzantine design, captivating visitors with its massive dome and intricate mosaics.

The tour then takes guests to the Basilica Cistern, an engineering marvel dating back to the 6th century:

Largest ancient cistern in Istanbul, capable of holding 100,000 tons of water
Supported by 336 marble columns, some with Medusa head bases
Eerie yet beautiful ambiance, with dim lighting and reflected ceilings
Uniquely preserved example of Byzantine engineering and infrastructure
Provides a fascinating glimpse into Istanbul’s rich historical past

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available on Weekends?

The tour is available on weekends. The tour provider offers daily tours, including on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing customers flexibility in scheduling their visit to explore the Christian and Byzantine heritage of Istanbul.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour’s itinerary can’t be customized. However, customers can request modifications, though these may incur additional costs. The provider aims to accommodate reasonable requests within the tour’s scope and duration.

Are There Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?

Yes, the tour provider offers discounts for children and seniors. Children under 12 get a 50% discount, while seniors over 65 receive a 10% discount on the base tour price. Discounts must be requested at the time of booking.

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

Yes, you can store your luggage during the tour. Many tour providers offer luggage storage services at their office or a designated location, allowing you to explore hands-free and reclaim your belongings after the tour.

Are Audio Guides Available for the Tour?

Audio guides aren’t mentioned in the tour details. The tour likely doesn’t provide audio guides, but visitors can check with the tour operator to see if this service is available for an additional fee.

The Sum Up

This Istanbul tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s rich Byzantine history and Christian heritage. Guests will discover iconic sites like the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate and the magnificent Hagia Sophia, seeing the spirituality and architectural grandeur that defined Istanbul’s past. With convenient transportation, knowledgeable guides, and all entrance fees included, this private tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore the city’s enduring Christian legacy.