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From Byzantium to the Ottomans: A Journey Through History

6 Reviews 3.67 out of 5 stars Based on 6 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Istanbul, Turkey
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from $170 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
The Blue Mosque — Istanbul’s architectural jewel with six iconic minarets.
The magnificent Hagia Sophia — a timeless symbol of Istanbul’s rich history.
A Royal View of the Bosphorus from Topkapı Palace
A glimpse into Istanbul’s timeless maze – the Grand Bazaar’s archways and color.
Where chariots once raced — today, Istanbul's heart still echoes its ancient glory.
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
6 to 8 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover Istanbul’s top highlights on a guided walking tour! Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar with an expert guide. A perfect mix of history, culture, and unforgettable moments!

What's Included

  • Walking tour to explore Istanbul’s history, culture, and vibrant daily life
  • Entrance fee
  • Expert English-speaking guide brings Istanbul’s history to life.
  • Lunch
  • Hotel Pickup, start your tour with comfort and ease
  • Return transfer to hotel is not provided at the end of the tour
See 3 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Caddesi, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Pickup details

Please let us know if your pick up place is not listed here.

OR
Meeting point

Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Caddesi, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

The ancient Aya Sofya, often called Hagia Sophia in English and one of Istanbul’s most iconic and enduring monuments at nearly 15 centuries old, has been converted from a museum back into a mosque with a recent decree from Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The building has been classified as a museum since 1934 after a declaration from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first Turkish president and founder of the Republic of Turkey. The structure, considered a jewel of Byzantine architecture, was originally built as a cathedral in 537 CE by Roman Emperor Justinian I. Aya Sofya also had an almost five-century stint as a mosque when the Ottomans conquered Istanbul, then called Constantinople, in 1453 and converted the building into a religious space for Muslims.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

İstanbul's most photogenic building was the grand project of Sultan Ahmet I (r 1603–17), whose tomb is located on the north side of the site facing Sultanahmet Park. The mosque's wonderfully curvaceous exterior features a cascade of domes and six slender minarets. Blue İznik tiles adorn the interior and give the building its unofficial but commonly used name.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

The Byzantine emperors loved nothing more than an afternoon at the chariot races, and this rectangular arena alongside Sultanahmet Park was their venue of choice. In its heyday, it was decorated by obelisks and statues, some of which remain in place today. Re-landscaped in more recent years, it is one of the city's most popular meeting places and promenades.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

Topkapı is the subject of more colourful stories than most of the world's museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman empire. A visit to the palace's opulent pavilions, jewel-filled Treasury and sprawling Harem gives a fascinating glimpse into their lives.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Grand Bazaar

The colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar is the heart of İstanbul's Old City and has been so for centuries. Starting as a small vaulted bedesten (warehouse) built by order of Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461, it grew to cover a vast area as lanes between the bedesten, neighbouring shops and hans (caravanserais) were roofed and the market assumed the sprawling, labyrinthine form that it retains today.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the From Byzantium to the Ottomans: A Journey Through History?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-331805P7

Traveler Photos

Reviews

3.67
6 reviews

Average 3.67 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
1
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2
1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the From Byzantium to the Ottomans: A Journey Through History?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Walking tour to explore Istanbul’s history, culture, and vibrant daily life.
  • Entrance fee.
  • Expert English-speaking guide brings Istanbul’s history to life.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • Hotel Pickup, start your tour with comfort and ease.
  • Return transfer to hotel is not provided at the end of the tour.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 6. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the From Byzantium to the Ottomans: A Journey Through History is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for From Byzantium to the Ottomans: A Journey Through History will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Walking tour to explore Istanbul’s history, culture, and vibrant daily life
  • Entrance fee
  • Expert English-speaking guide brings Istanbul’s history to life.
  • Lunch
  • Hotel Pickup, start your tour with comfort and ease
  • Return transfer to hotel is not provided at the end of the tour

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name