International (US$) 
EU (€) 
Argentina (US$) 
Australia (AU$) 
Балканите (€) 
Brasil (US$) 
Κύπρος (€) 
Deutschland (€) 
España (€) 
France (€) 
Ελλάδα (€) 
United Kingdom (£) 
Turkey (€)
Ottoman Empire and Byzantine Legacy Tour
Ottoman Empire and Byzantine Legacy Tour
IST-03
Full Day
92
Children
142
Adults
Diamonds Are Forever
There is no place on earth like Istanbul and our nine hour excursion will immerse you in this vibrant, colourful and fascinating city straddling the Bosphorus, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Many empires have held sway in the place once called Constantinople including the Greeks, Romans, Venetians and the Ottomans.
The historic heart of old Istanbul is the Sultanahmet district where we will find remnants of the Byzantine Hippodrome where horse and chariot racing once drew crowds of 100,000 or more. Nearby is the Kaiser’s German fountain, the bronze Serpent Column of Delphi, the Egyptian Obelisk and the Walled Obelisk of Constantine VII.
Recognized across the globe is the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, perhaps more popularly known as the Blue Mosque because of the stunning hand painted blue tiles inside. It also has six minarets. Whether you are inside or outside it is well worth taking a few minutes just to gaze and let the amazing beauty sink in. The grave of Sultan Ahmet lies inside the mosque.
Across the square sits the imposing Church of the Holy Wisdom of God or Hagia Sophia, once a church, then an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum. It is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture.
After lunch we will visit the incomparable Topkapi Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If all this still leaves you with a thirst for more discovery you can do no better than explore the sights, sounds and colours of Istanbul’s incredible Grand Bazaar, with 4000 shops and stalls, 58 streets under one roof, 400,000 visitors daily and millions of things for sale. Not least carpets, rugs, jewellery and leather.
This excursion will give a taste of Istanbul you are unlikely to forget. A gentle walking tour is available for this itinerary – please contact us for more information.
Available on these itineraries
- All
- 7 Nights
- 19 Nights
7 Nights
7 Nights
19 Nights
Related Amazing excursions
Jerusalem & Betlehem
Learn MoreClassic Cairo
Learn MoreAncient Ephesus and the Terrace Houses
Learn MoreHouse of Virgin Mary & Ancient Ephesus
Learn MoreClassical Athens and its Monuments
Learn MoreThe Acropolis & The New Acropolis Museum
Learn MoreAthens monuments and the Acropolis
Learn MoreAthens tour and the New Acropolis Museum
Learn MoreAncient Ephesus
Learn MoreHaifa City Tour
Learn MoreMasada/Dead Sea
Learn MoreNazareth & Galilee
Learn MoreHighlights of Alexandria
Learn MoreLandmarks of Alexandria
Learn MorePerge and Aspendos
Learn MoreAntalya City Tour
Learn MoreThe crystal clear waters of Elounda and Spinalonga
Learn MoreCretan Jeep Safari
Learn MoreRiver Trekking Tour
Learn MoreA Delectable Day in Crete
Learn MoreAncient Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion
Learn MoreIzmir City Tour
Learn MoreOff the beaten track – 4×4 Adventure
Learn MoreClassical Athens and its Monuments
Learn MoreThe Essence of Santorini
Learn MoreTransfer to Sahara Beach
Learn MoreTransfer to Perissa Beach
Learn MoreTransfer to Ammoudara Beach
Learn MoreTransfer to Paradise Beach
Learn MoreTransfer to Kalafatis Beach
Learn More
Mykonos Magic
Learn MoreTransfer to Tsambika beach
Learn MoreBeauty of butterflies and Ancient Kameiros
Learn MoreCapturing the true spirit of Chora
Learn MoreTransfer to Agriolivadi beach
Learn MoreSacred Delos & Rhenia Island
Learn MoreAdventure, spills and thrills at Adaland Water Park
Learn MoreGreek wine and holy water: Philippi and beyond
Learn MoreKavala up close: walk through the ages
Learn MoreNestos River and the colours of Xanthi
Learn MoreKnossos Palace & Cretan Landscapes
Learn More Thessaloniki Food on foot
Learn More Rich history of a famous Greek winery
Learn More A taste of wine and tradition
Learn More Music, myths and history
Learn More Pelion Spoon Sweets
Learn More Making pottery fit for the Gods
Learn More A delicious taste of ‘liquid gold’
Learn More Home cooking and hospitality in Mykonos
Learn More The secrets of Pelion cuisine
Learn More Hiking to the ultimate beauty of Oia
Learn More A kayak adventure discovering pirate coves
Learn More The beautiful art of mosaic making
Learn More Trek to the heart and soul of Milos
Learn More Milos food on foot
Learn More Sea Kayaking and the mesmerising Milos coastline
Learn More A Geological wonder 4×4 adventure
Learn More Limassol Omodos – Oenoyi Winery
Learn More Ancient Civilisations with an expert archaeologist
Learn More Thrill of the ride Buggy Safari
Learn More Whirling Dervishes & dinner
Learn More Turkish Baklava Making
Learn More Gents Anatolian well-being (Berber and Hammam)
Learn More Painting on Water: Turkish Ebru Art
Learn More Heraklion Food on foot
Learn More 
