Byzantine Visions

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Hassle-free

Cancellation

4 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Moderate

Sightseeing/City Tour Archaeological/Cultural Walking Tour Shopping Pre/Post Cruise

Overview

You will be met at the entrance of the port by your English-speaking Venture Ashore professional guide who will guide you to your air-conditioned transportation, ready to commence your tour.

Your tour will start at the historic St Sophia Mosque. Once a Byzantine church, built as an Orthodox patriarchal basilica, and serving as the cathedral of Constantinople for over a thousand years, the magnificent structure became a mosque in the 15th century and is famed for its superb architecture and history, as much as for its collections.

You will visit the famous Blue Mosque, named after the tiles, that adorn its magnificent 17th-century exterior. See the tomb of its founder, Ahmed 1, and the beautiful Islamic architecture and decoration. Sometimes known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, it commands the Istanbul Skyline and is famous for its beautiful blue Iznik tiles. Constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed, it is a most impressive structure that cannot be missed!

You will then continue to the Hippodrome square, where the Byzantines once enjoyed sports and entertainment in historic Constantinople, which is now named Sultanahmet Square in modern Istanbul. This is where the chariot races took place during the Roman and Byzantine period. Just a short walk away is the Hagia Sophia built in 532 by Roman Emperor Justinian I an architectural beauty.

Head towards the heart of the city, The Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and more than 3000 stalls, home to goods such as jewelry, pottery, a range of different spices, and of course the many carpet shops.

Browse amongst the fine Turkish goods and souvenirs, it's an experience never to be missed. Be prepared for a bargain in the oldest and largest covered market in the world, and don't worry about haggling - it's expected!

With your tour now at an end, you will be taken back to the cruise port in plenty of time for your ships departure from port.

St Sophia is closed on Mondays and will be replaced by the Topkapi Palace. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays - free time will be given for shopping on Nuruosmaniye Street or in Arasta Bazaar

What's Included

English speaking tour guide
Air Conditioned Transportation
Entrance fee St Sophia
Byzantine church
Blue Mosque
Hippodrome square

Considerations

Food and drinks are not included
Bring cash and/or credit card for any additional purchases on the day
Gratuities/Tips are not included in your tour, if you would like to leave a tip, please bring cash

Special Instructions

The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays - free time will be given for shopping on Nuruosmaniye Street or in Arasta Bazaar
Shoes are not permitted inside the Mosque. A plastic bag will be given to you where you can put your shoes in and carry with you. For your information, the Mosque is carpeted
Men and women cannot enter the Mosque with shorts or sleeveless shirts. Men can wear long trousers and a sleeved shirt. Women may wear slacks or a dress or blouse and skirt (at least below the knees), preferably with elbow-length or longer sleeves (no bare shoulders or upper arms). Women should cover their head with a scarf. No need to cover the face, the covering is meant to hide your hair only. If your dress is not matching these requirements do not worry as you are still able to visit the Mosque. At the entrance of the Mosque, the attendants provide robes and/or scarfs to wear during your visit (this is free of charge).
Bring comfortable and suitable footwear, a camera (there are plenty of photo opportunities), local currency for souvenirs, sunscreen, water, and this printout of your voucher

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included.

Hassle-free

Cancellation

4 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Moderate

Byzantine Visions

Overview

What's Included

Considerations

Special Instructions

Meeting and Pickup

Book Now

Price Info

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