
Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour worth booking?
Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour is a 4-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €350 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (18)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- €350 per person
We will drive you by the Old City Walls of Constantinople while our guide will be giving you all historical information behind of these walls. The Istanbul city walls has eyewitness many Sieges, Raids, Events. You will stop by 2/3 most important historical main attractions located near by city walls. First one is Seven Dungeons or well known name Yedikule Fortress. Second one is Chora Church with beautiful Byzantine Mosaics. And the third one is the last palace of Byzantine Emperors Tekfur Palace, and last one is hidden Nakkaş Cistern. A secret landmark in the center of Istanbul. This tour is operated by a professional licensed tour guide whom have certificate from Republic of Türkiye Minister of Culture and Tourism. -Private Guide Service -Private Luxary car with driver -Pick up from your hotel -Drop off back your hotel -Wifi on the board
What you get
About this experience
We will drive you by the Old City Walls of Constantinople while our guide will be giving you all historical information behind of these walls. The Istanbul city walls has eyewitness many Sieges, Raids, Events. You will stop by 2/3 most important historical main attractions located near by city walls. First one is Seven Dungeons or well known name Yedikule Fortress. Second one is Chora Church with beautiful Byzantine Mosaics. And the third one is the last palace of Byzantine Emperors Tekfur Palace, and last one is hidden Nakkaş Cistern. A secret landmark in the center of Istanbul. This tour is operated by a professional licensed tour guide whom have certificate from Republic of Türkiye Minister of Culture and Tourism. -Private Guide Service -Private Luxary car with driver -Pick up from your hotel -Drop off back your hotel -Wifi on the board
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- On-board WiFi
- Private Guide Service
Not included
- foods and tips
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
The Walls of Istanbul
Our private guide will pick you from your hotel with driver and VIP vehicle. Then, you will start your tour by driving beside of almost 2 thousand years of Old Ancient City Walls of (Constantinople) İstanbul. (you can stop any time you want by the city wall and clime up to the city wall)
60 minutes here
You will stop by Yedikule Fortress Museum or called Seven Dungeons, where the first Ottoman sultan has been strangled by his own man and also prison to royal christian who have been captured by Ottoman Empire. After Seven Dungeons, we will drive you by the old city walls to the Chora Church.
60 minutes here
Chora Museum
The interesting thing about this church is MOSAİCS and İcons, you will see depicting of mosaics and icons are based on history of Christianity and dynasty and life of Jesus Christ been depicted as documentations. The reason why these mosaics has been depicted that in the back of time most of people were uneducated but through images they understand way easier. What a clever way to demonstrate! (Admission fee is around 20$)
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Tekfur Sarayi
After you are done with Chora Church also our guide will take to the last Byzantine Palace, Tekfur Palace where the last emperor lived that is also amazing place where you can climb up the palace rooftop and see the whole city wall remain. (Admission fee is around 10$)
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Nakkas Oriental Rugs & Textiles
Nakkaş Cistern. A secret landmark in the center of Istanbul! The city of Constantinople have formidable fortification city walls... but in the back of time, it was not enough just to have city walls. İstanbul or the Constantinople did not have sufficient water sources so the enemies would siege the city and wait them to surrender! And there comes the Roman genius engineering solutions to problem by building Water Cisterns Underground, beneath of the city! We will be able to give you all details between city walls and the Cisterns. This is kind of hiden cistern that not many people knows! You may pasing everyday but you think its just a carpet and jewelery shop... but its more than that... And with licsened certificate guide you dont pay any fee..
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
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
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Private Istanbul Tours & Airport Transfers
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 18 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
18 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A Tour Beyond the Ordinary
This tour is focused on Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history. It presents more features in these contexts than tours to the more popular tourist sites in the city. This is because the building of the walls and related installations was crucial to the defence and therefore the survival of the city. The itinerary is is nicely sequenced, It commences at the Yedikule Fortress ( Seven Dungeons and Golden Gate) and proceeds over several kilometres to the Tekfur Palace ( the palace of the last Roman Emperor) by which time a participant has received a detailed understanding of the principal historical events. The conclusion at the Nakkas Nakilbent Cistern (one of a number of cisterns that supplied fresh water to the city from an underground water table ) completes the narrative by explaining how the city survived lengthy sieges. After all, the walls can be strongly constructed, but the inhabitants needed water otherwise they would have had to simply surrender. In addition to this historical theme, the tour includes a visit to Chora Church / mosque with its truly superb mosaics that tell the christain New Testament story. The mosaic the Assumption of Mary (inside the mosque area) is the jewel in the crown - it is truly stunning. My guide, Aydin, provided a comprehensive commentary of all of the features that are noted above. This tour collects you from your hotel ( selected, I presume) and returns you at the end. This is very convenient. It saves a lot of hassle. The driver was also helpful and friendly in this process. I recommend this tour to people who want to go beyond the regular tourist sites and to really learn the history of Constantinople / Istanbul. The tour was over 5 hours duration, in my case from 10. 00 am to somthing after 3.00pm . Participants have to pay their own entry fees to each of the sites. Most are in Euros, but payment can be by credit card. The most expensive was Chora church / mosque ( 20 euros) but the mosaics are worth it. They are beyond what can be seen elsewhere. In addition photographs can be taken, but without flash.
Response from the operator: What amazing a review! Thank you very much Mr.Robert
via Tripadvisor
Nice tour
This was a great tour, the guide really knew his history and facts. We saw a lot in the hours we were there. Chora Church was amazing, the mosaics were beautiful.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour of lesser-known areas of Istanbul
Our guide, Aidan/Eiden was very knowledgeable, energetic, pleasant, and seemed to sincerely enjoy his job. We learned a great deal of the history of the Ottoman Empire, saw ruins, a fortress, palace, dungeon, and beautiful mosaics and frescoes in the Corah Church. Our guide was great to offer to take photos of us at various places of interest. Would have preferred if ticket prices were included in cost of tour, but appreciated the individual attention. Some time (just 15 minutes or so) for shopping/souvenirs/beverage would have been appreciated and a bathroom break. Otherwise, we loved getting away from the city center and seeing a different side of Istanbul.
via Tripadvisor
Aydin was a great tour...
Aydin was a great tour guide, with a clear and infectious love for his city and its history. His English was great, as was his knowledge. This tour of the walls is a little off the beaten path, but shows a fascinating side of the city. The mosaics in Chora/Kariye were magnificent.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your amazing review!
via Viator
Great insight to Istanbuls history
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and took his time to thoroughly explain everything to us. I’ll recommend to friends.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at €350 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 Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour take?
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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 Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 18 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 Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private 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 Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour suitable for kids and families?
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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 Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour?
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Around 6 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private 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 Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour?
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Included: Private transportation; On-board WiFi; and Private Guide Service. Not included: foods and tips; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 4286 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private 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 Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private 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 Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private 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 Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour?
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Across 18 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, value for money. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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