Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour by a PhD Archaeologist

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Hippodrome

  Your guide will meet you at the German Fountain, and you will first explore the Hippodrome. During your visit to the Hippodrome, your guide will provide detailed insights into its turbulent history, as well as the significant monuments located within the area, including the German Fountain, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2

  Next, we will head right over to the Blue Mosque, located just next to the Hippodrome. Built between 1609 and 1617 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, the Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. Your guide will give you detailed information about the mosque during the tour. (Ladies are kindly requested to bring a scarf to cover their hair when visiting the mosques).

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3
  Basilica Cistern

  After visiting the Blue Mosque, enjoy a pleasant 6-minute walk to the iconic Basilica Cistern, the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, this vast underground chamber captivates visitors with its mystical atmosphere, soaring ceiling, and forest of 336 majestic marble columns. Your guide will provide detailed information about the cistern.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 4
  Nuruosmaniye Camii

  A 12-minute walk from the Basilica Cistern brings us to Nuruosmaniye Mosque, conveniently located right at the entrance to the Grand Bazaar. As one of the earliest monumental masterpieces of Ottoman Baroque architecture, it seamlessly blends European and Ottoman styles. Your guide will highlight the mosque’s unique architectural features and historical significance.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5
  Grand Bazaar

  After visiting the Nuruosmaniye Mosque, your guide will lead you on a walking tour around the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Discover its 61 historic streets and over 4,000 unique shops, offering authentic Turkish crafts, jewelry, ceramics, and spices. (PLEASE NOTE THAT THE GRAND BAZAAR IS CLOSED ON SUNDAYS. ON SUNDAY TOURS, THIS VISIT WILL BE SUBSTITUTED WITH A GUIDED WALK THROUGH THE LIVELY SPICE BAZAAR).

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6

  After Grand Bazaar, we will take a short walk to Bayezid Mosque. Commissioned by Sultan Bayezid II and built between 1501 and 1505, this monument is the second major imperial complex (selatin mosque) erected in Istanbul following the conquest of 1453. Recognized today as one of the best-preserved examples of early Ottoman architecture, the complex will be introduced with an insightful overview by your guide.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 7
  Suleymaniye Mosque

  From the Bayezid Mosque, a pleasant 15-minute walk (1.1 km) leads to the grand Süleymaniye Mosque—Istanbul’s largest Ottoman-era mosque and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on the historic Third Hill, this masterwork by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan features a serene courtyard, breathtaking interiors, and sweeping panoramic views over the Golden Horn. At this point, our guide will share insights and history regarding the mosque.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 8

  An eight-minute walk from Süleymaniye Mosque leads to Kalenderhane Mosque, a 10th-century former Eastern Orthodox church believed to be dedicated to Theotokos Kyriotissa. Later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans, this historic monument showcases a unique fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Upon arrival, your guide will provide an insightful overview of its intriguing past.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 9
  Sehzade Mehmet Mosque

  Upon completing your tour of the Kalenderhane Mosque, we will proceed to the Şehzade Mosque, located just a 10-minute walk away. Celebrated as master architect Mimar Sinan’s "apprentice piece," this magnificent structure was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in memory of his beloved son, Prince Mehmed. Featuring striking symmetrical domes and a grand courtyard, the mosque stands as a timeless masterpiece of classical Ottoman architecture. Here, your guide will give you information about the history and architecture of the mosque.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 10

  After the Şehzade Mehmet Mosque, we walk 13 minutes to the tram station. To avoid traffic, we take a 17-minute tram ride to Topkapı and transfer to another line for 12 minutes to Edirnekapı. As we travel along the 5th-century Theodosian Land Walls from Topkapı (St. Romanus Gate)—where the walls were breached during the 1453 Siege—to Edirnekapı (Charisius Gate), guests can admire the surviving towers and double-layered defense system at the city's highest point. Upon arrival at Edirnekapı—having made almost a complete loop around the Old City—we visit the nearby Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan Mosque. Commissioned by Mihrimah Sultan—the beloved and only daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent—this is the larger and grander of the two Istanbul mosques bearing her name. Designed by the architect Sinan, construction began around 1563 and was completed in 1570, standing today as a magnificent masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Here, your guide will provide an overview of the mosque's history.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 11
  Chora Museum

  Just a ten-minute walk from Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan Mosque brings us to Kariye Mosque. Located in Istanbul’s Fatih district, the Chora Church (Kariye Mosque) is a renowned Byzantine structure celebrated for its exceptional Late Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Originally a medieval church, it was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman era in the 16th century and has since been reconverted for Islamic worship.Your guide will provide further insights into the building’s history, architectural features, and artistic significance. (PLEASE NOTE: THE MOSQUE IS ONLY OPEN FOR MUSLIM WORSHIP ON FRIDAYS. THIS VISIT CAN BE SUBSTITUTED WITH ANOTHER HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHT ON FRIDAYS).

  1 hour • Admission ticket not included
• 12
  Balat

  From the Chora Museum (Kariye), our walk to Balat features a 15-minute downhill descent followed by a 20-minute stroll on flat terrain. As we wander through Balat’s historic ambiance, shaped by centuries of rich Greek, Jewish, and Ottoman heritage, the vibrant surroundings offer an exceptional backdrop for photography enthusiasts.

  35 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 13
  Sveti Stefan Bulgarian Orthodox Church

  Your walk through Balat includes a visit to the unique Bulgarian St. Stephen Church (Sveti Stefan Kilisesi). Celebrated for its rare design crafted entirely from prefabricated cast iron, it is a fascinating cultural heritage site of the city's Bulgarian minority. Your guide will provide you with information about the church.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 14
  Eminonu Square

  Following Your visit to St. Stephen's Church, a brief 10-minute walk will bring us to the tram stop for a 13-minute ride to Eminönü. Your guided tour officially concludes here in the heart of Eminönü Square, right next to the historic Spice Bazaar. As this is Istanbul’s main transport hub, returning to your hotel or heading to your next location is completely effortless via nearby public transit or a scenic ferry ride across the Bosphorus to the Asian side.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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