Enjoy a stunning look at the center of Byzantine Constantinople on an extraordinary walking tour of the greatest Byzantine sights. Visit monasteries, homes, and ruins with an expert guide to help you gain a deep and rich understanding of Turkey's history.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 8 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
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Live tour guide: English
Pickup included: Pickup is available from centrally-located Istanbul hotels within Taksim Square, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Sultanahmet, and Fatih neighborhoods.

Highlights

See the St. Polyeuktos Church ruins, Pantokrator Church, Aspar Cistern, and Pammakristos Church
Visit the Chapel of St. John the Forerunner, the Monastery of St. Saviour in Chora, and Tekfur Palace
Discover ancient Byzantine Heritage on this walking tour
Enjoy a look at beautiful monasteries and ancient cisterns
Learn the history and myths behind some of Istanbul's best preserved monuments
Stop for lunch at a typical Turkish restaurant

Full description

If you are fan of Byzantine Art and civilization and want to know more about Byzantium Empire, then this is the tour for you. Istanbul is the capital of the Byzantium Empire that rocked the world from the 4th to the 15th centuries. Today, walk in the footsteps of the Byzantine rulers who once called Istanbul home. Visit the St. Polyeuktos church ruins, Pantokrator Church, Aspar Cistern, Pammakaristous Church (Fethiye Camii), the Chapel of St. John the Forerunner,the Monastery of St. Saviour in Chora, and Tekfur Palace on this incredible walking tour. Byzantine art and civilization paved the way for the Renaissance and modern world as we know it today. The center of this empire rested right beneath your feet, and on your walking tour of Istanbul's greatest Byzantine heritage sights, your guide will point out the monasteries and ruins of Constantinople. You will discover mystery and legend buried deep in these stone houses, cisterns, dungeons, and palaces.

Includes

Guiding services in English
Public transportation tickets
Entrance fees
Lunch
Donation to churches
Transportation to and from the hotel

Beverages during lunch
Personal expenses

Not suitable for

Wheelchair users

Covid-19 precautions

You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

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Important information

Not allowed

Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 8 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4/5
Value for money
4.5/5
Service
4.5/5
Organization
4.7/5

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A fantastic day!

The tour started on time. I did not had to wait. On the tour I was the only person, so it was very special. The tour guide answert all of my questions and told me a lot about the culture. Also she was a very nice young person, so I liked the tour. If you are a Christian you should not be surpriced about all the sits taken over by other religions. There is not much left of Christianity. However you can see many monasteries and a grave yard. Because of the time in year most of the time we were nearly the only visitors in the different monasteries. By chance I also saw a Turkish mariage which was just luck. The tour guide got me into the ceremony which was awsome. Finally I got a cup of wine to tast ;-). It was perfectly organised with pic up and drop off service.

December 31, 2013

Wealth of the formation , outstanding views, off beaten path delightfu

You should be in good physical condition to do this tour. Lot of walking uphill!

August 29, 2019

Excellent walking tour of former Byzantine churches and monasteries!

June 24, 2019

Istanbul Byzantine Monasteries Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Istanbul Byzantine Monasteries Full-Day Tour with Lunch

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A fantastic day!

Wealth of the formation , outstanding views, off beaten path delightfu

Excellent walking tour of former Byzantine churches and monasteries!

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