Byzantine Istanbul Half-Day Morning Tour
ID: GYG27507-31238
Category:
Country: Turkey
Duration:
04:00 hours
Description
Discover Byzantine art and Christian relics on a half-day tour of Istanbul. Visit the Hagia Sophia, Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and more. Then, wander the stalls of the Grand Bazaar and explore the largest covered market in the world.
Take a half-day tour of Istanbul and explore it from the perspective of the Byzantine Empire. See ruins of Byzantine churches, the site of former Roman chariot races, and the magical alleys of the historic Grand Bazaar.
Visit the Hippodrome, location for thrilling chariot races in the days of the Roman Empire. The track is now some 6.6 feet (2 meters) below ground, but has been marked on the paving of Sultan Ahmet Square. You will see the surviving obelisks, as well as the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the Byzantine German Fountain of Wilhelm II.
Continue to Hagia Sophia, also known as “The Church of Holy Wisdom.” Undoubtedly one of the greatest architectural creations in the world, the temple was so richly decorated that Justinian proclaimed, “Solomon, I have surpassed you!" Your guide is an expert on Byzantine history, art, and architecture, and will describe important moments from the empire’s history as you continue to the iconic Blue Mosque. Named for its stunning decoration of Iznik tiles, you will also admire its slender minarets
End your tour at the Grand Bazaar, the oldest and largest covered market in the world. Explore the alleys, where nearly 4,000 shops offer a superb selection of antiques, leather, evil eye trinkets, and Turkish rugs. Try out your haggling skills to see if you can bag a true Turkish bargain.
Highlights
- Tour Istanbul from the perspective of the Byzantine Empire and see Christian relics and Byzantine art
- Discover where Roman chariot races took place and walk in the footsteps of Roman emperors
- Visit the fantastic Blue Mosque and admire the slender minarets and rich Iznik tiles
- Wander the maze of alleys at the Grand Bazaar and pick up a souvenir bargain
- Tour the Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest architectural creations in the world
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Please note that pick-up and drop off is only available from the European side of Istanbul and city center hotels (Sultanahmet, Laleli, Topkapı, Aksaray, Taksim, Sirkeci and Şişli areas)
• Please note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
All required protective equipment is provided
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You will receive a mandatory temperature check
Pick-up from hotels in central Istanbul or from the cruise ship port
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
