Guided Daily Istanbul Tour

A Full-Day Guided Byzantine Heritage and Bosphorus Tour in Istanbul

Today, we’re going on a journey through Istanbul’s rich history, from its roots as Byzantium to its transformation into the great capital of Constantinople. As we explore this incredible city, we’ll visit some of the most iconic Byzantine landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and the Hippodrome, where the heart of Byzantine life once beat. You’ll step inside hidden gems like Hagia Irene and Küçük Ayasofya Mosque, and trace the legacy of Emperor Constantine at the Column of Constantine.

Later, we’ll take to the water on a Bosphorus tour, offering a unique perspective of the city’s magnificent Golden Horn, the mighty City Walls, and the beautiful palaces and fortresses along the Bosphorus Strait. This tour blends history, architecture, and breathtaking views for an unforgettable experience.

Let’s dive into the wonders of Byzantine Istanbul and see how the city’s rich past still shapes its present.

9:00 AM – Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

Welcome, everyone! Our first stop is Hagia Sophia, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Originally built as a Byzantine cathedral by Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, it was the largest cathedral in Christendom for nearly 1,000 years. Over time, it became a mosque and later a museum and mosque, blending Byzantine and Ottoman elements. As we enter, take in the breathtaking mosaics, the towering marble pillars, and, of course, the massive dome that seems to float above the main hall. Look closely at the Byzantine mosaics, including the majestic depictions of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and Byzantine emperors. These treasures will give you a sense of the grandeur of the Byzantine Empire.

10:30 AM – Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)

Just a short walk from Hagia Sophia, we’ll now descend into the mysterious Basilica Cistern. This underground marvel was constructed in the 6th century to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople. As we enter, the atmosphere is striking—soft lighting casts shadows on the columns that seem to stretch endlessly into the dark waters below. The cistern holds 336 columns in total, many taken from earlier buildings, and the stillness of the water combined with the sound of dripping droplets creates an eerie, tranquil experience. Be sure to look for the famous Medusa head columns at the back, which add to the intrigue of this ancient Byzantine engineering feat.

Read more about the Basilica Cistern here (https://anascreccatravel.com/the-basilica-cistern/)

11:30 AM – The Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square)

Next, we’ll head over to the Hippodrome, an ancient chariot-racing stadium that was the heart of Byzantine public life. Imagine crowds cheering on their favorite chariots as we stroll through what remains today. You’ll see remnants of the original structure, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Walled Obelisk—each with its own fascinating history. This was once the gathering place for important public events, games, and imperial celebrations. As you walk through the Sultanahmet Square, feel free to pause and take in the grandeur of the space that once hosted the thrilling races of ancient Constantinople.

2:00 PM – Hagia Irene (Aya Irini)

Now, after an hour of lunch break we’ll head to Hagia Irene, one of the oldest Byzantine churches in Istanbul, nestled in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace. Unlike most other Byzantine churches, Hagia Irene was never converted into a mosque, so its original form has been preserved. Dating back to the 4th century, the church is a quiet and majestic example of early Byzantine architecture. As we step inside, you’ll notice the grandeur of the high columns and the spacious interior. The church’s acoustics are unique, often used for classical music performances, so check the schedule for a concert during your visit. The mosaics here, though more subdued than those in Hagia Sophia, still reflect the spiritual and artistic richness of the Byzantine period.

3:00 PM – Kucuk Ayasofya Mosque (Little Hagia Sophia)

Next, we’ll visit Little Hagia Mosque, also known as the Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus. This 6th-century church, constructed by Emperor Justinian, is often called “Little Hagia Sophia” due to its similar architectural design. The church was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest. As we explore the mosque, take note of the elegant proportions and the subtle remnants of mosaics and frescoes that tell the story of the church’s Byzantine past. The serene atmosphere here contrasts beautifully with the bustling life around it, and it’s a wonderful example of how Byzantine architecture has been incorporated into the fabric of Istanbul’s history.

4:00 PM – Column of Constantine (Çemberlitas)

After our visit to Little Hagia Sophia, we’ll take a short walk to the Column of Constantine, one of Istanbul’s oldest monuments. Erected by Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD, the column marked the founding of Constantinople as the new capital of the Roman Empire. Though the column today is weathered and incomplete, it remains a powerful symbol of the Byzantine legacy. Originally topped with a statue of Constantine, the column now stands as a testament to the emperor’s vision for the city.

 

5:00 PM – Bosphorus Strait: Continue the Tour with Iconic Views

The tour continues as we make our way along the Bosphorus Strait, the body of water that separates Europe from Asia. On this stretch, you’ll see some of Istanbul’s most stunning landmarks, including ancient city walls, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, and the Rumeli Fortress on the northern shores of the Bosphorus. This fortress was built by Sultan Mehmed II during the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, and from the water, its medieval towers rise impressively over the landscape. As we pass by, you’ll gain insight into how the Byzantines and Ottomans defended the city from both land and sea.

7:00 PM – End of Tour

And with that, we wrap up our incredible day exploring the Byzantine heritage of Istanbul and the city’s unique position between two continents. I hope this tour has given you a deep understanding and appreciation of this remarkable city’s fascinating history. Thank you for joining us, and we hope you take with you the magic of both the Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Istanbul!