Exploring the captivating Byzantine heritage of Istanbul has never been easier. The Istanbul Private Byzantine Highlights Tour provides an immersive experience, guiding visitors through the city’s renowned landmarks. From the majestic Hagia Sophia to the historical Hippodrome, this comprehensive tour uncovers the rich tapestry of Constantinople’s past. With private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and convenient inclusions, the tour offers an excellent opportunity to explore Istanbul’s Byzantine legacy. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking to discover the city’s hidden gems, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through time.
Key Points
- A 7-hour private tour exploring renowned Byzantine landmarks in Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, and Walls of Constantinople.
- Tour includes private round-trip transportation, English-speaking driver and guide, entrance fees, lunch, and bottled water.
- Highlights feature the magnificent dome and mosaics of Hagia Sophia and the unique architectural features of Little Hagia Sophia.
- Tour offers a flexible and convenient experience with hotel pickup/drop-off and the option to adjust travel plans.
- Priced at €307.36 per person, the all-inclusive tour provides excellent value for exploring Istanbul’s Byzantine heritage.
Tour Overview
This 7-hour private Istanbul Byzantine Highlights Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s renowned Byzantine landmarks, led by an English-speaking driver and guide. Guests will be picked up and dropped off at their hotel, ensuring a seamless experience.
The tour’s key highlights include the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the historic Hippodrome of Constantinople, the serene Little Hagia Sophia, the impressive Walls of Constantinople, the enigmatic Palace of the Porphyrogenitus, and the stunning Pammakaristos Church.
Throughout the journey, travelers will enjoy the rich history and architectural wonders of Istanbul’s Byzantine era. Private transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and bottled water are all included, making this tour a hassle-free and enriching experience.
Key Highlights
Hagia Sophia’s magnificent dome and stunning mosaics captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the architectural and artistic triumphs of the Byzantine era.
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the site of thrilling chariot races, now stands as a testament to the city’s rich history.
The Little Hagia Sophia enchants with its unique architectural features and serene atmosphere.
The ancient Walls of Constantinople impress with their sheer scale and resilience, while the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus unveils the allure of an enigmatic site.
The Pammakaristos Church captivates with its stunning frescoes, providing a window into the region’s religious heritage.
Tour Inclusions
The tour package includes private round-trip transportation, with an English-speaking driver and tour guide providing commentary throughout the journey.
Travelers will enjoy the comfort of a private air-conditioned car as they explore the key Byzantine highlights of Istanbul.
All entrance fees, lunch, and bottled water are included, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience.
Plus, gratuities are covered, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the cultural exploration.
The comprehensive inclusions of this tour make it an attractive option for those seeking a hassle-free way to discover the rich Byzantine history and architecture of Istanbul.
Booking and Cancellation
Travelers can reserve the Istanbul Private Byzantine Highlights Tour with Car and pay later, with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This convenient booking policy allows for last-minute decisions and unexpected changes in plans.
The tour offers several benefits:
- Reserve now, pay later: Secure your spot without the need to pay upfront.
- Free cancellation: Cancel your tour up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
- Flexible planning: Adjust your travel plans with ease, knowing you can cancel without penalty.
This flexible booking and cancellation policy ensures a stress-free experience, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the highlights of Istanbul’s Byzantine era with peace of mind.
Pricing
The Istanbul Private Byzantine Highlights Tour with Car is priced from €307.36 per person, offering a comprehensive exploration of the city’s Byzantine heritage.
This all-inclusive tour provides excellent value, covering hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver and guide, private air-conditioned transportation, all entrance fees, a delicious lunch, and bottled water.
Guests can marvel at the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, wander through the historic Hippodrome, and discover lesser-known gems like the Pammakaristos Church.
With the flexibility of a private tour and the convenience of included transportation, this experience allows travelers to enjoy Istanbul’s captivating Byzantine past at a reasonable cost.
The tour’s cancellation policy also offers peace of mind, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Hagia Sophia
As the crown jewel of the Istanbul Private Byzantine Highlights Tour, Hagia Sophia captivates visitors with its magnificent dome and stunning mosaics that showcase the pinnacle of Byzantine architectural genius.
Constructed in the 6th century, this iconic structure boasts:
- An awe-inspiring 180-foot-wide central dome that appears to float above the building.
- Exquisite Byzantine mosaics, including the mosaic of the Virgin and Child, that adorn the interior walls and ceilings.
Hagia Sophia has a rich history as a former Orthodox cathedral, a Roman Catholic church, and now a museum that preserves the cultural heritage of Istanbul.
Exploring Hagia Sophia’s grandeur and learning about its incredible past is an unforgettable experience for every visitor on the Istanbul Private Byzantine Highlights Tour.
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Once the epicenter of Constantinople’s chariot racing events, the Hippodrome of Constantinople now stands as a captivating relic of the city’s Byzantine past.
Visitors can wander through the remnants of this historic arena, where spectators once gathered to watch thrilling chariot races.
Though much of the original structure has been destroyed over time, the Hippodrome’s imposing monuments and historic significance captivate visitors.
Highlights include the Obelisk of Thutmose III, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain, each offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Constantinople’s glory days.
As part of the Istanbul Byzantine Highlights Tour, this site provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the vibrant history of the Byzantine Empire.
Pammakaristos Church
Nestled among the historic wonders of Istanbul, the Pammakaristos Church stands as a captivating testament to the city’s Byzantine heritage. Its stunning frescoes and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for those immersed in the private Istanbul Byzantine Highlights Tour.
The church’s highlights include:
- Exquisite frescoes adorning the walls, depicting biblical scenes and Byzantine imagery.
- A unique architectural style that blends elements of Eastern and Western influences.
- A sense of tranquility and reverence that transports visitors back in time.
Exploring the Pammakaristos Church offers a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich cultural tapestry, enriching the overall experience of the private Byzantine tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
This is a private tour, so the maximum group size is the number of people who book the tour together. The tour description does not specify a maximum group size, as it is a private experience.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
There are typically no restrictions on photography during the tour, allowing travelers to capture the stunning Byzantine architecture and historical sites at their leisure. Photography is generally permitted, subject to any specific rules at individual sites.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?
The tour can be customized to include additional sites upon request. The tour provider offers flexibility to tailor the itinerary to the traveler’s interests and preferences, subject to availability and additional fees.
Does the Tour Provide Any Information About Istanbul’s Byzantine History?
This tour provides an in-depth exploration of Istanbul’s Byzantine heritage. Visitors will learn about the city’s rich history through visits to renowned sites like Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and the Walls of Constantinople.
Can the Tour Be Booked for a Different Duration?
The tour can be booked for a different duration. The overview indicates the tour is a 7-hour private tour, but the booking and cancellation section does not specify a fixed duration. Travelers may be able to request a longer or shorter tour.
Recap
The Istanbul Private Byzantine Highlights Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s renowned Byzantine landmarks.
With private transportation, knowledgeable guides, and inclusions like entrance fees and lunch, this tour provides excellent value and flexibility, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich history and architectural marvels of Istanbul’s Byzantine heritage.
