Join an amazing walking tour and get to know all the important Byzantine monuments that Istanbul has. This half day morning Byzantian Relics Tour will immerse you into Istanbul’s long history and unfold its secrets. This particular excursion is ideal for those who seek to proceed with some sightseeing, while being on vacations. In addition, it is ideal for those who wish to walk around the city centre and experience from first-hand the cosmopolitan and vibrant atmosphere.
Byzantian Relics walking tour takes place every day, during the morning. On the day of your excursion, a vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and drive you towards the city centre. There, you will meet your professional tour guide. The guide is fully licenced and experienced in these types of tours. Thus, during this experience you will receive interesting information about the places of interest.
The first stop of this walking tour will take place at Sultanahmet area, where the Hippodrome is. During the Roman and Byzantine period, hippodrome was used for chariot races, gladiatorial games and official ceremonies. During your visit in the Hippodrome square, you will be able to observe four notable monuments. These are the Column of Constantine, the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column. The tour guide will explain everything you need to know about these important landmarks.
Then, you will walk towards the infamous Blue Mosque. This worship place is one of the most famous and important in Turkey. This majestic building is known for a lot of reasons. Among them it is the fact that the mosque features sex minarets in contrast to the others having only two. Another reason making this mosque famous is the interior design. Inside, visitors can observe beautiful blue Iznik tiles. As this is an active worship place, visitors are not allowed to enter on Fridays.
Your next stop during this half day walking tour will be made at Hagia Sophia. This emblematic landmark is often characterised as the eighth wonder of the world due to its imposing size. It was constructed during the 4th century by the Constantine the Great and renovated during the 6th century by Justinian in order to outdo the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. Today, this impressive building is used as a museum that receives millions of visitors every year.
The last stop of this exceptional tour is the infamous Grand Bazaar. With a labyrinth-like floor plan and with more than 4000 shops inside, this bazaar is definitely one of Istanbul’s most known landmarks. During your time there, you may observe the variety of spices of the Turkish culinary tradition, shop clothes and handcrafts, or purchase some souvenirs to take back home.
Grand Bazaar is the last stop of this walking tour. Therefore, once there you will be able to spend as much time as you wish as there is no transfer service back to your hotel. The Byzantian Relics tour will offer you great emotions and an unforgettable journey in time. By the end of the tour you will be full of long lasting memories.
Istanbul City Tour (Full Day) willl be another interesting option for you.
Unfold Instanbul’s long history and allow yourself to get lost within the busy and vibrant atmosphere that the city has with an amazing walking tour. The Byzantian Relics Tour takes place every morning and guarantees long lasting memories, unique emotions and a half day excursion full of history and culture. This tour is suitable for solo travellers, families and friends who wish to visit the most known and notable landmarks of the city.
Afternoon Half Day City Tour
Hippodrome: The first stop of this walking tour will take place at the Hippodrome. This used to be the place where sporting events were taking place during the Byzantine period. The broader area features 4 monuments. During your time there you may observe and admire the Egyptian Obelisk, the Column of Constantine, the Serpentine Column and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II.
Hagia Sophia: The walking tour continues with a visit to Hagia Sophia. This emblematic monument will impress you due to its size. It was constructed during the 4th century by the Constantine the Great and reconstructed again during the 6th century. Nowadays, it forms one of the most visited monuments in Turkey.
Blue Mosque: Then, you will walk towards Blue Mosque, which is listed among the most visited and most important mosques of the country. This active worship place is a true miracle of interior design. Inside, you may observe the blue tiles on the walls. The tour guide will explain everything you need to know about the history and the importance of this place.
Amazing!!! Went on this with the family last week and even though I’m not really into sightseeing my parents convinced me to join. Istanbul has so many things to see, time is never enough! A cool guide was with us, and we listed to the history of every site. Among the things that got my attention was, of course, Hagia Sophia. You cant even imagine how big it is!!! A must-see!!! Grand bazaar was a true experience. So much culture and history blended. We bought some nice stuff from there and we even tried some local specialties.