Istanbul Full-Day Private Christian (Byzantium) Tour

The Istanbul Full-Day Private Christian (Byzantium) Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich Byzantine heritage. Visitors can explore the captivating history of this ancient empire, uncovering the secrets behind iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. With knowledgeable guides providing insightful commentary, travelers will gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate Byzantine art and Christian relics that have endured through the centuries. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a culture, this personalized tour promises an engaging and memorable experience that will leave you eager to uncover more of Istanbul’s fascinating past.

Key Points

• The tour offers a full-day private experience focusing on Byzantine art and Christian relics in Istanbul.
• Key sites visited include the Chapel of St. Saviour in Chora, Zeyrek Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, and Basilica Cistern.
• The tour is suitable for couples, friends, solo travelers, and families, with live guides available in multiple languages.
• The tour is priced from Kč6,292 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and entry fees included.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and participants must navigate stairs and uneven surfaces, so mobility challenges should be considered when booking.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Highlights

This full-day private tour of Istanbul focuses on exploring the city’s Byzantine art and Christian relics.

Visitors will have the chance to visit key sites, including the Chapel of St. Saviour in Chora, the Zeyrek Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, and the Basilica Cistern.

Lasting approximately 8 hours, the tour is led by a live guide who can provide commentary in a range of languages, including Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, and Russian.

This private group experience offers a personalized way to explore Istanbul’s rich Christian heritage and Byzantine legacy.

Pricing and Booking Information

The tour is priced from Kč6,292 per person, with flexible booking options allowing travelers to reserve now and pay later.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour’s entry fees are included in the itinerary.

This private Christian tour of Istanbul offers a great value for the experiences it provides.

Visitors can explore the city’s rich Byzantine heritage, including the renowned Hagia Sophia and other significant sites, with a knowledgeable guide.

The tour caters to various traveler types, whether couples, friends, solo adventurers, or families, ensuring a personalized and memorable exploration of Istanbul’s Christian legacy.

Transportation and Accessibility

Free hotel pick-up and drop-off is available from European city center hotels, including Sultanahmet, Laleli, Topkapi, Aksaray, Taksim, Sirkeci, and Sisli.

The tour is conducted in an air-conditioned coach, ensuring a comfortable and convenient transportation experience.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Participants will need to be able to navigate stairs and uneven surfaces at the various historical sites visited throughout the day.

While the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges, it provides an immersive exploration of Istanbul’s rich Byzantine heritage for a wide range of travelers, including couples, friends, solo adventurers, and families.

Important Information and Restrictions

Participants should be aware that the Chora Church, a key site on the tour, is currently closed for renovation until December 31, 2024. Though the guide will provide information about the church from the exterior.

Plus, pets and non-folding wheelchairs aren’t permitted on the tour. To make the most of the experience, visitors are advised to bring a passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility issues should consider this when booking. By being mindful of these restrictions and requirements, travelers can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey through Istanbul’s rich Christian and Byzantine heritage.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have rated this private Christian tour of Istanbul an overall 4 out of 5 stars, praising the knowledgeable guides and rich historical exchanges during the experience.

Positive feedback highlights the ability of the tour guides to bring the city’s Byzantine art and Christian relics to life through engaging commentary.

The tour is recommended for various traveler types, including couples, friends, solo travelers, and families, who are interested in seeing Istanbul’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

While the overall rating is strong, some areas for improvement may exist, providing opportunities for the tour operators to enhance the experience further.

Explore Byzantine Art and Relics

This private Christian tour of Istanbul provides travelers an opportunity to explore the city’s rich Byzantine art and relics.

Guests embark on an 8-hour journey, visiting key sites that showcase the region’s profound Christian heritage, from the Chapel of St. Saviour in Chora to the iconic Hagia Sophia.

Throughout the experience, knowledgeable guides bring these awe-inspiring landmarks to life, sharing insights into the Byzantine influence that has shaped Istanbul’s cultural landscape.

The tour highlights include:

1. Admiring the stunning mosaics and frescoes adorning the Chapel of St. Saviour in Chora, a prime example of Byzantine ecclesiastical art.

2. Exploring the Zeyrek Mosque, a former Byzantine church that retains many of its original architectural features.

3. Discovering the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, the spiritual center of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Discover Iconic Istanbul Landmarks

The tour also includes visits to some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, such as the majestic Hagia Sophia and the captivating Basilica Cistern.

Hagia Sophia, a stunning former Byzantine cathedral, is a masterpiece of architectural design and a testament to the city’s rich history. Visitors will be awestruck by its massive dome and intricate mosaics.

The Basilica Cistern, on the other hand, is a hidden gem – an underground Byzantine cistern that once supplied water to the city. Descending into this cavernous space, guests will be enchanted by the eerie beauty of the subterranean columns and the mysterious Medusa heads that adorn the structure.

These iconic sites offer a glimpse into Istanbul’s captivating past and its enduring cultural significance.

Customized Private Group Experience

This private Christian tour of Istanbul offers a customized group experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s rich Byzantine heritage at their own pace.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, the tour can be tailored to suit the interests and preferences of each group, ensuring an engaging and memorable journey through the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of Istanbul’s Christian legacy.

The tour can be conducted in a variety of languages, including Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, and Russian, catering to the needs of diverse travellers. Plus, the tour’s flexible booking and cancellation policies provide added convenience and peace of mind.

Whether you’re a couple, a group of friends, or a solo adventurer, this private Christian tour promises an immersive and personalized exploration of Istanbul’s captivating Byzantine history.

The key features of this customized private group experience include:

1. Flexible itinerary: The tour can be customized to focus on specific sites or areas of interest within the overall tour scope.

2. Multi-lingual guides: The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who can provide commentary in a range of languages.

3. Convenient transportation: Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off service is offered for central Istanbul locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a strict dress code, but participants should wear comfortable, modest clothing. Casual attire like t-shirts, pants, and closed-toe shoes is recommended for the day’s activities and walking.

Can I Take My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider first, as some may have restrictions or recommendations to enhance the experience.

Do I Need to Know Any Turkish Language for the Tour?

No, you don’t need to know any Turkish language for the tour. The tour guide will be available in multiple languages, including English, so you can comfortably participate without any prior knowledge of the local language.

What Items Should I Bring to Protect Against the Weather?

It’s a good idea to bring sunglasses, a hat, and a lightweight jacket or sweater to protect against the sun and wind. The weather can be variable, so dressing in layers is recommended to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Is Photography Permitted at All the Sites Visited?

Photography is generally permitted at the sites visited, though some restrictions may apply. Visitors should check with their tour guide for any specific photography guidelines or limitations before taking photos. Respect for the sites and other visitors is expected.

The Sum Up

The Istanbul Full-Day Private Christian (Byzantium) Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s rich Byzantine heritage.

Visitors can enjoy iconic landmarks, discover remarkable religious art and relics, and enjoy a personalized experience tailored to their interests.

With knowledgeable guides, convenient transportation, and a flexible itinerary, this tour provides an engaging and memorable way to uncover the captivating past of Istanbul.

You can check if your dates are available here: