Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzeleri) Tours

The Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzeleri) contain a wealth of material, with a massive collection of art and artifacts housed in three separate buildings. Founded in the 19th century by Sultan Abdülaziz, who wished to have a museum on par with Europe’s, the museums draw on superb pieces—from sarcophagi to pottery and tile—from former Ottoman lands.
The Basics
The museum—whose earliest director was Osman Hamdi Bey, the famous Ottoman artist and archaeologist—divides its collection between the Archaeological Museum in the primary building, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art in the Tiled Kiosk. Its pieces span millenia and come from many countries, including Egypt, Syria, and Greece.
Small-group and private tours of Istanbul visit the Archaeological Museums as part of full-day or multi-day trips. Tours usually also include stops at the Kariye Museum (Chora Church), the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya), Topkapi Palace, and other city highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The museum is centrally located in Istanbul and easily reached by public transportation. Take the tram to the Gulhane stop, take a public bus to Eminonu near the museum, grab a taxi, or walk from the Sultanahmet neighborhood.
When to Get There
The museums are open Tuesday through Sunday. Opening hours vary seasonally, with longer hours in the summer. Hours also change due to Turkish and religious holidays, so check online ahead of time.
Highlights of the Collection
The Istanbul Archaeological Museums are internationally known for several outstanding pieces, primarily the ornate Alexander Sarcophagus, which originated in Sidon in the late 4th century BC. In addition, the museums contains the Sarcophagus of the Crying Women and the Tabnit Sarcophagus, from Sidon as well. You can also see a Lycian tomb, cuneiform documents, spectacular busts of Alexander the Great and Zeus, and collections of tiles, Ottoman coins, and historical documents.
The Basics
The museum—whose earliest director was Osman Hamdi Bey, the famous Ottoman artist and archaeologist—divides its collection between the Archaeological Museum in the primary building, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art in the Tiled Kiosk. Its pieces span millenia and come from many countries, including Egypt, Syria, and Greece.
Small-group and private tours of Istanbul visit the Archaeological Museums as part of full-day or multi-day trips. Tours usually also include stops at the Kariye Museum (Chora Church), the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya), Topkapi Palace, and other city highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Archaeological Museums are a must-see for history and archaeology buffs.
- Most visitors spend about two hours exploring the museums.
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore the extensive collection.
- One ticket provides entry to all three venues.
- Only the Archaeological Museum, in the main building, is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The museum is centrally located in Istanbul and easily reached by public transportation. Take the tram to the Gulhane stop, take a public bus to Eminonu near the museum, grab a taxi, or walk from the Sultanahmet neighborhood.
When to Get There
The museums are open Tuesday through Sunday. Opening hours vary seasonally, with longer hours in the summer. Hours also change due to Turkish and religious holidays, so check online ahead of time.
Highlights of the Collection
The Istanbul Archaeological Museums are internationally known for several outstanding pieces, primarily the ornate Alexander Sarcophagus, which originated in Sidon in the late 4th century BC. In addition, the museums contains the Sarcophagus of the Crying Women and the Tabnit Sarcophagus, from Sidon as well. You can also see a Lycian tomb, cuneiform documents, spectacular busts of Alexander the Great and Zeus, and collections of tiles, Ottoman coins, and historical documents.
Address: Cankurtaran Mh, Istanbul 34122, Turkey
Admission: Varies
10 Tours and Activities to Experience Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzeleri)
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Luxury Small-Group Tour of Imperial Istanbul Including Lunch
Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s fascinating cultural highlights on this small-group, full-day tour in a luxury Mercedes minivan. Cruise through Istanbul in comfort and style as your expert local guide details the captivating events that shaped this great city. Hear tales of its different rulers, from the Romans to the Ottomans. Savor a 4-course traditional Turkish meal at the famous Matbah restaurant, then tour the Chora Church, the Hagia Sophia, the Istanbul Archaeology Museum and Topkapi Palace. This tour is limited to eight people to ensure a quality experience.
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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7 Days Anatolia Christian Heritage Tour
7 DAYS ANATOLIA CHRISTIAN HERITAGE TOUR
Private sightseeing tour Introduction:
Travel to the place and time of St. Paul and unearth the beginnings of Christianity. Specially designed for the Christian traveler and alike.
Highlights
The home of St. Philip the Evangelist, many of the sites where St. Paul preached, the Seven Churches of Asia minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis. The Basilica of St. John, the last earthly home of the Virgin Mary and some of Constantinople’s greatest Christian treasures such as Hagia Sophia and Kariye and a cruise on the Bosporus.
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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Face masks provided for travelers

12 Days Private Tour of Turkey
Relish the grand archeological sites and natural splendor of Turkey at your own pace on a private 12-day tour from Istanbul. Receive undivided attention from a private guide as you visit iconic cities like Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale. See a selection of ancient monuments and dramatic natural landscapes while enriching your knowledge of Turkey’s history and culture. Enjoy transportation by luxury vehicle and relish the freedom to choose your own accommodation throughout the tour.
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From
$2,518.04
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

10 Days Private Tour of the Best Sights in Turkey
Experience the scope of Turkey’s fantastic history, stunning landscape, coast, and culture on this magnificent 10-day private tour.
You can choose your accommodation independently to suit your needs and take domestic flights between Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Didyma, and Bodrum that are included in the price and see the highlights in each destination learning about each place as you go from a professional guide.
While on the ground, travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan visiting some of the best sights that Turkey has to offer including all the sights in Istanbul, Pamukkale, Cappadocia and Ephesus.
Explore some of the best highlights of Turkey and see some of the amazing places of history and stunning landscape that this beautiful country has to offer. Throughout your trip, you’ll visit Istanbul’s highlights, including Hagia Sofia and cruise between two continents on a Bosphorus cruise.
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$3,051.46
Price varies by group size
From
$3,051.46
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

10 Days Private Tour of Turkey
Experience the scope of Turkey’s history, landscape, coast, and culture on this 10-day tour. Choose your accommodation independently to suit your needs. Take domestic flights between Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Didyma, and Bodrum and see the highlights in each destination. Learn about each place from a guide. On the ground, travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan.
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$1,916.17
Price varies by group size
From
$1,916.17
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

10-Day Highlights of Turkey Private Tour from Istanbul
During this private tour you would visit highlight areas of Turkey: Istanbul, Aegean and Cappadocia. You will have chance to visit all the main sites in 10 days. You have freedom to arrange your own accommodation or After you book your tour, you can contact us and we can suggest you some accommodation options.
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$2,301.05
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From
$2,301.05
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Local Guide Istanbul Old City Walking Tour - RosetheGuide
Once serving as the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, Istanbul today is the largest city in Turkey and one of the biggest in the world. The city stretches across a narrow strait that connects Asia and Europe, making it the only city in the world spanning two continents. Impressive architecture, historic sites, dining, shopping, nightlife, and exotic atmosphere all make Istanbul one of the best places to visit in Turkey.
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$70.00
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From
$70.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Tour of Turkey In 8-Days: Cappadocia Ephesus Pamukkale From Istanbul
You will visit Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia, Pamukkale. This 8 days tour program contains the most visited sites in Turkey. If you are planing to stay 8 days in Turkey and see the highlights of this beautiful and interesting country. This is the best option for you. As there is not direct flight between Kayseri and Izmir; program can be modified to your dates. We have not include the accommodation so that you can choose your own place depending on your interest and budget. After you book your tour, you can contact us and we can suggest you some accommodation options.
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Price varies by group size
From
$1,498.54
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

15 Days Classical Turkey Tour
Turkey is a treasure chest. Being in Turkey is like being in candy shop. On this trip, you will reward yourself for being in such an amazing country withh all the stories you heard in history classes taking action in this country. You will witness how lucky the Turks are and leave the country by drying your appetite .
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From
$2,910.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Private Full-Day Walking of Istanbul Old City with Lunch
You are welcome to discover old city Istanbul with our Old City Private Walking Tour. The msot popular destinations are located in old city area of ıstanbul where you can walk by. This tour basically covers Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul Archeological Museum, and Grand Bazaar.
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From
$175.00
Price varies by group size
From
$175.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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