Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour worth booking?
Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour is a 4.5-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $63 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 24 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (24)
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- From
- $63 per person
We will take you to non-touristy places and you will see the places where local people live and see the magnificent structures in old peninsula of istanbul. On this tour, you will see what a cosmopolitan city Istanbul is and how people with very different lifestyles live. If you want to get to know a city, its culture, lifestyle and people, join the Hidden Treasure's of Istanbul morning tour and see the culture and magnificent religious buildings of this city and have the chance to learn its history.
What you get
About this experience
We will take you to non-touristy places and you will see the places where local people live and see the magnificent structures in old peninsula of istanbul. On this tour, you will see what a cosmopolitan city Istanbul is and how people with very different lifestyles live. If you want to get to know a city, its culture, lifestyle and people, join the Hidden Treasure's of Istanbul morning tour and see the culture and magnificent religious buildings of this city and have the chance to learn its history.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- At the end of the tour, we will take the public bus and go to the tour end point which is in eminönü
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Private transportation
- Entrance fee for the museum section is not icluded. ( in Chora mosque )
What you'll see and do
Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the most important monuments in Istanbul as a symbol of Ottoman power and influence in the city’s history and culture for centuries. Several prominent figures from Ottoman history are buried in the Suleymaniye Mosque, including Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Hurrem Sultan.
30 minutes here
Kadinlar Pazari
Visit Kadınlar pazarı (woman baazar/market) which was built in 1908. The reason of named women baazar is because the poor women of the city would collect the vegetables and fruits that could not be sold to the rich people and were thrown away by the tradesmen, and sell them in the small stalls They opened next to the market. We will have brunch and tea break here
40 minutes here
Fatih Mosque and Complex
Visit the magnificent Fatih mosque which ıs the first mosque built during the Ottoman age in Istanbul and located on top of one of its hills, Named Fatih mosque in honor of conqueror of Constantinople (Fatih Sultan Mehmed II)
30 minutes here
Fatih Carsamba (Wednesday) Market
Visit the most conservative neighborhood where religious people live in İstanbul which is named çarşamba (means wednesday).
20 minutes here
Chora Museum
Visit Chora Mosque (which used to be a monastery, considered one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine churches that can be seen as a mosque today
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Once when you arrive Beyazıt / Grand bazaar tram stop, next to the tram stop there is a pharmacy named AYHAN ECZANE. We will meet you next to the AYHAN eczanesi (pharmacy).
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends in front of the Spice Bazaar, on the Eminönü side of the Galata Bridge.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- magic doors of istanbul
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Our tour will take four and a half to five hours, including walking and stops.
- Please specify if you are allergic to gluten, vegetarian or do not consume dairy products let us know.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 23 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
23 verified traveler reviews for Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfect way to Explore hidden back sites
We had wonderful experience exploring chora church, Süleymaniye, fatih mosque, roman aqueduct and womens bazaar was amazing. Beeing away from touristic places was perfect. The tour took around 4 hours and we loved hearing stories about each sites and having tea next to the aqueduct was perfect. Higly recommended
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re delighted that you enjoyed exploring Chora Church, Süleymaniye Mosque, Fatih Mosque, the Roman Aqueduct, and the Women’s Bazaar with us. It’s especially lovely to hear that you appreciated getting away from the typical tourist routes and discovering a more local side of Istanbul. We’re glad you enjoyed the stories and history behind each site, and that having Turkish tea beside the Roman Aqueduct was one of the highlights of your tour. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back to Istanbul again in the future.
via Tripadvisor
A wonderful experience
I will recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see more of the real Istanbul, we found our guide informative, knowledgeable and a very nice person, happy to share stories facts and wonderful places. Also he was very kind and helpful. A great day
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed discovering the real Istanbul and that our guide made your experience even more special with his knowledge, stories, and recommendations. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we truly appreciate your kind words. We hope to welcome you back to Istanbul for another great experience in the future! 😊
via Tripadvisor
Great tour to the hisden back treasures
Visiting the Süleymaniye Mosque, Fatih Mosque, and Chora Museum was one of the highlights of our time in Istanbul. Each place offers a unique perspective on the city's rich history, culture, and architecture. The Süleymaniye Mosque is breathtaking, with its magnificent Ottoman design, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning panoramic views over the Golden Horn. The Fatih Mosque is equally impressive, full of history and spiritual significance, while its beautiful courtyard provides a calm escape from the busy streets. The Chora Museum was simply unforgettable. The incredibly well preserved Byzantine mosaics and frescoes are among the finest works of art I have ever seen and are a must visit for anyone who are visiting the city and interested in history and the Golden Horn. The Fatih Mosque is equally impressive, full of history and spiritual significance, while its beautiful courtyard provides a calm escape from the busy streets. The Chora Museum was simply unforgettable. The incredibly well preserved Byzantine mosaics and frescoes are among the finest works of art I have ever seen and are a must visit for anyone who are visiting the city and interested in history and culture. The building's long history as both a church and a mosque makes it even more fascinating. Together, these three landmarks provide a wonderful journey through Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. I highly recommend visiting all of them if you want to experience the city's incredible history, architecture, and cultural diversity.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that visiting the Süleymaniye Mosque, Fatih Mosque, and Chora Museum was one of the highlights of your time in Istanbul. These remarkable landmarks truly showcase the city's rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, and we're glad you enjoyed learning about their history, architecture, and cultural significance. It was our pleasure to share this experience with you, and we hope to welcome you back to Istanbul for more unforgettable discoveries in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Hidden treasures of thé old city
Exploring the hidden corners of the Old City was an unforgettable experience. This tour took us beyond the typical tourist spots into quiet backstreets and lesser-known neighborhoods full of authentic charm. Walking through areas around, and visiting an market called women's bazaar was amazing. we discovered places we would never have found on our own. Seeing Süleymaniye mosque, Valen's aquaduct ,Fatih mosque and Chora Muséum full of mosaics and frescoes was Amazing.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re really happy to hear that you enjoyed exploring the hidden corners of the Old City and experienced a more authentic side of Istanbul. It’s great to know that the visit to the Women’s Bazaar and the walk through the backstreets gave you a true sense of local life. We’re also glad you enjoyed seeing iconic landmarks like the Süleymaniye Mosque, Valens Aqueduct, Fatih Mosque, and the beautiful Chora Museum. They truly are some of the city’s most special highlights. It was a pleasure having you on the tour, and we hope to welcome you again for another experience in the future! 😊
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended
Had a half day tour and it was very informative tour about mosques and valen’s aqueduct, women’s market in the neighbourhood and finishing tour with Chora museum was magnificent. Seeing Chora museum and see the mosaics and frescoes of Virgin Mary and Jesus was amazing. Highly recommended this tour to everyone who would like to be away from touristic places.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by magic doors of istanbul, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.6.
See everything magic doors of istanbul runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour cost?
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Prices start at $63 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 Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour take?
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Plan for about 4.5 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 Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 24 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 Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour?
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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 Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour?
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Around 8 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?
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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 4.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour?
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Included: Snacks; At the end of the tour, we will take the public bus and go to the tour end point which is; and Tea and coffee. Not included: Private transportation; and Entrance fee for the museum section is not icluded. ( in Chora mosque ). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour?
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Once when you arrive Beyazıt / Grand bazaar tram stop, next to the tram stop there is a pharmacy named AYHAN ECZANE. We will meet you next to the AYHAN eczanesi (pharmacy). Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. 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 Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour?
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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 Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour if the weather is bad?
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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 do travelers say about Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour?
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Across 24 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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