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Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzeleri) Tours
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Luxury Small-Group Tour of Imperial Istanbul Including Lunch
Recommended for your Istanbul trip
Free Cancellation
up to 24 hours in advance
8 hours (Approx.)
Pickup from select hotels
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
More questions?
(888) 651-9785
Overview
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.
- 8-hour Imperial Istanbul tour by luxury, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan
- Learn about Istanbul’s Imperial days when the city was known as Constantinople
- Explore four historical Istanbul attractions with a knowledgeable local guide
- Enjoy tours of Istanbul Archaeology Museum, Topkapi Palace, Chora Church and Hagia Sophia
- Stop for a traditional 4-course lunch at a local traditional Turkish or Ottoman restaurant
- Small-group tour with a maximum of eight people ensures a personalized experience
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Your full-day tour kicks off with a convenient pickup from your central hotel, located on the European-side of Istanbul. Climb into your luxury air-conditioned Mercedes minivan and settle in for a comfortable and fashionable ride. Meet your expert guide, a local who will educate you about Istanbul’s deep history.
Stretch your legs at your first stop of the day, the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. Keep your eyes tuned to the intricate works in the exhibits as your guide explains their historical significance. Works in the museum date back as early as the 4th century. A set of handy headphones will allow you to hear your guide clearly amidst the crowds of other visitors.
Pick up more fascinating insights from your guide en route to your next stop, such as the different rulers of Istanbul throughout history. See evidence of Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine empires scattered throughout the streets today.
Next, stop at Topkapi Palace, a sprawling work of architectural art built by 15th-century sultans. Stroll the maze-like quarters as you stumble upon gardens, fountains, vistas, and even the harem quarters. Listen to your guide tell stories of this unique time, and admire the intricate Ottoman décor.
Satiate your appetite at Istanbul’s renowned Matbah restaurant, serving traditional Turkish delicacies during a 4-course lunch. See the Itinerary for a sample menu. Once you’re re-energized, continue to Chora Church, a stunning Byzantine-era monastery.
A tour of Istanbul would not be complete without a visit to Hagia Sophia, your final stop. Tour the museum’s Ottoman- and Byzantine-era artifacts, admire the architecture, then climb back into your Mercedes van for a brief rest on the drive back to your Istanbul hotel.
Stretch your legs at your first stop of the day, the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. Keep your eyes tuned to the intricate works in the exhibits as your guide explains their historical significance. Works in the museum date back as early as the 4th century. A set of handy headphones will allow you to hear your guide clearly amidst the crowds of other visitors.
Pick up more fascinating insights from your guide en route to your next stop, such as the different rulers of Istanbul throughout history. See evidence of Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine empires scattered throughout the streets today.
Next, stop at Topkapi Palace, a sprawling work of architectural art built by 15th-century sultans. Stroll the maze-like quarters as you stumble upon gardens, fountains, vistas, and even the harem quarters. Listen to your guide tell stories of this unique time, and admire the intricate Ottoman décor.
Satiate your appetite at Istanbul’s renowned Matbah restaurant, serving traditional Turkish delicacies during a 4-course lunch. See the Itinerary for a sample menu. Once you’re re-energized, continue to Chora Church, a stunning Byzantine-era monastery.
A tour of Istanbul would not be complete without a visit to Hagia Sophia, your final stop. Tour the museum’s Ottoman- and Byzantine-era artifacts, admire the architecture, then climb back into your Mercedes van for a brief rest on the drive back to your Istanbul hotel.
Itinerary
Start your full-day tour with a pickup from your European-side hotel in Istanbul by luxury Mercedes minivan. Settle back in air-conditioned comfort as your guide talks to you and your small group about Istanbul’s Imperial history on the way to your first stop.
Under its historical name of Constantinople, Istanbul served as the capital city during the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman empires, and architectural relics from each of the eras can be found around the city’s streets today.
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Hop out of your minibus at Istanbul Archaeology Museum, and follow your guide inside to see classical artwork, sarcophagi and other intriguing artifacts — some of which date as far back as the 4th century. Your group is small, but Istanbul’s museums are popular with visitors, so slip on some headphones to make sure none of your guide’s commentary is missed.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
After exploring the palace and its harem rooms, visit the prestigious Matbah restaurant in the area for a traditional 4-course lunch with tea or coffee. See the Itinerary for a sample menu. Then, feeling rejuvenated, continue your tour to Chora Church, a spectacular Byzantine monastery that is a museum in its own right. Admire its stunning mosaics that depict the life of Christ and marvel at the frescoes, painted in intricate detail that was way ahead of its time.
Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Travel onward to Hagia Sophia, your final stop, and head inside the impressive museum to learn all about its Ottoman- and Byzantine-era artifacts. Browse the interior’s architecture and historical exhibits with your guide, and then finish your day with a hotel drop-off on the European side of Istanbul.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
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Product code: 3795LX3427
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