Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour in Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey

Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour

Outty Ranking 444 hoursFrom $675
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

44/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

Not yet rated

No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.

Quick answer

Is Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour worth booking?

Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour is a 4-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $675 per person. It scores 44 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
44 / 100
Rating
Not yet rated
Duration
4 hours
From
$675 per person

This tour begins in historic Sultanahmet, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. You will see the Hagia Sophia – the Church of the Divine Wisdom – one of the greatest marvels of architecture in the world and often listed as one of the Wonders of the World. It was constructed as a basilica in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian. Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque, facing the Hagia Sophia, which is most famous for its blue İznik tiles and unique 6-minaret architecture. It was built by Sultan Ahmed I and it is said that he personally broke ground at the beginning of its construction. Be sure to see the tombs of five Ottoman Sultans in the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. The ceramic panels are some of the most beautiful examples of 16th century architecture with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed on the sarcophaguses.

What you get

    About this experience

    This tour begins in historic Sultanahmet, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. You will see the Hagia Sophia – the Church of the Divine Wisdom – one of the greatest marvels of architecture in the world and often listed as one of the Wonders of the World. It was constructed as a basilica in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian. Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque, facing the Hagia Sophia, which is most famous for its blue İznik tiles and unique 6-minaret architecture. It was built by Sultan Ahmed I and it is said that he personally broke ground at the beginning of its construction. Be sure to see the tombs of five Ottoman Sultans in the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. The ceramic panels are some of the most beautiful examples of 16th century architecture with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed on the sarcophaguses.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • On-board WiFi
    • Bottled water
    • Snacks
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Surcharges on fuel
    • Parking fees

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Sultanahmet Square

      Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the impressive monuments of Istanbul that has become its symbol. The mosque is also one of the most photogenic Ottoman mosques in Turkey. Standing in the middle of Istanbul, the majestic Blue Mosque is hard to miss. Being one of the grandest mosques in Turkey, it can hold up to 10.000 worshippers. Its acoustics are so precisely engineered that you can almost hear the voice of anyone person praying, even when the mosque is full. Its elegant blue tile mosaics and perfect symmetry will take you on a spiritual journey. Make sure you spend some time in silence inside the breathtaking mosque to admire its prayerful atmosphere and superb blue tiles. You only need to visit the Blue Mosque once to remember it for the rest of your life.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Hagia Sophia, a remarkable achievement in the history of architecture. A living proof of mankind's revolt against the laws of physics. A monument whose importance transcends borders. As one of UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage sites, Hagia Sophia continues to attract millions with its majestic grandeur and beauty. Hagia Sophia is so magnificent in appearance that people of the time believed that the church could not have been built by human hands alone but only with the help of divine support. Dominating Istanbul's skyline, this quaint edifice has been expanded and restored several times throughout the centuries. Hagia Sophia has always been unique as an architectural piece from the first day it was built. Hagia Sophia is not only renowned for its magnificent religious architecture but also for its superb exquisite Byzantine mosaics and fine examples of unique Ottoman calligraphy. Visit Istanbul, witness the holiness of this edifice and let its magic mesmerize you.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Prime Languages

      You can purchase this tour in English, German, French and Turkish. Please see other language options. Pickup included

    • Other Languages

      You can purchase this tour in Spanish, Italian, Russian, Greek, Chinese (Traditional), Japanese, Arabic and other languages. Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    ar, de, ru, zh-TW, ja, el, en, it, fr, nl, tr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Deren Koray Tourism

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour in Istanbul, photo 2Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour in Istanbul, photo 3Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour in Istanbul, photo 4Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour in Istanbul, photo 5Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour in Istanbul, photo 6Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour in Istanbul, photo 7

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $675 to $1,300
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Deren Koray Tourism, who run 42 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 42.3.

    See everything Deren Koray Tourism runs

    Why this scores 44

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)78
    Review evidence (18% weight)0
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.

    How much does Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $675 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.

    Is Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 44 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour?

    +

    Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Istanbul?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Istanbul?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour?

    +

    Included: Private transportation; On-board WiFi; Bottled water; Snacks; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Gratuities; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1487 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Arabic, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, English, Italian, French, Dutch, Turkish and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What booking options are available for Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Prime Languages, Other Languages. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Byzantine and Ottoman Historic Peninsula Tour.

    Pick your date