Istanbul Sightseeing Tour: Ottoman and Byzantine Heritage in Istanbul
A journey to the history of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Discover the most important architectural masterpieces of Roman Emperors and Ottoman Sultans.
You will follow the traces of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires in Istanbul. Have the opportunity to visit all the historic sites of Byzantine and Ottoman Empire.
Tour Start / End Point
Hotel, Airport or Cruise Port
Guide
Officially licensed tour guide, private tour
Duration
7-8 Hours (Approx.)
Tour Type
Private Guided Istanbul Daily Historical City Tour
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
Istanbul City Tours
When it comes to taking a cultural tour in Istanbul, the first thing that comes to mind is Sultanahmet. Because the leading historical monuments such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and the Blue Mosque are located in Sultanahmet. However, of course, the places to visit in Istanbul are not just that.
Places to Visit in Istanbul with a Local Guide
If we could make a complete list of places to visit with a tourist guide in Istanbul, it would take hours to read this article. Because every district of Istanbul has a unique story.
We would like to introduce Fener Balat and Beyoğlu and especially Sultanahmet tours. Because it is necessary to visit these three regions well in order to comprehend the deep-rooted history of Istanbul.
Of course, it is very important to visit these districts with a knowledgeable tour guide. However, a good guide stands out not only for his knowledge but also for his ability to convey what he knows.
1. Sultanahmet Tour
The history of Istanbul goes back to the 600s before Christ. The city was founded by a legendary character named Byzas, where Topkapi Palace is located today.
The city, named "Byzantion" in honor of its founder, fell under the auspices of the Roman Empire approximately 800 years later. When Emperor Constantine moved his throne from Rome to Istanbul, it became an imperial city. Its name is "Constantinople", which means the city of Constantine.
Istanbul, which remained the capital of Eastern Rome for more than 1000 years, was conquered by the Ottomans as of 1453. It gained a new architectural style with the zoning works initiated by Fatih Sultan Mehmet.
During the Sultanahmet Tour, you can go on a historical journey that goes back thousands of years. A professional tourist guide accompanying you will guide you on this journey.
2. Fener Balat Tour
Fener and Balat districts have gained great fame in recent years. Maybe we can call this the "Instagram Effect". Because the nostalgic streets and colorful houses of the district are photographed a lot and these images are shared on social media. As a result of a chain effect, everyone wants to explore Fener and Balat districts.
First of all, it should be noted that Fener and Balat are not just colorful houses. Even with the excitement of the experience, you will experience during the Fener Balat Tour, it is possible to forget the existence of colorful houses.
There are many churches, mosques, and synagogues to visit during cultural tours starting from Cibali and covering Fener Balat districts. When you realize how deep history the district has, pastel-colored houses will remain a detail for you.
The places you will most need for a tourist guide in Istanbul are Fener and Balat districts. Because most of the churches on the Fener Balat tour route are closed. A tour guide specializing in the region can make you open these churches and contribute to your unique experience.
3. Beyoğlu Tour
At the beginning of the article, I told you about the establishment of Istanbul. Established as an ancient Greek city, Istanbul later became a Roman city and underwent an architectural transformation. The Turkish-Islamic culture brought by the Ottomans after the conquest enabled the city to change its shell once again.
However, the architectural evolution of Istanbul did not end with this. The face of Istanbul changed once again in the 19th century, the last century of the Ottoman Empire. The Beyoğlu Tour is perfect to comprehend this modernization that started in the period of Sultan II. Mahmud and reached its peak in the period of Sultan Abdülmecid.
If you want to Istanbul tour with a local guide just write us...
