Day trip3 Faiths, 3 Landmarks Tour
Ashkenazi Synagogue, the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fener, the Süleymaniye Mosque and Complex, the Galata area
Istanbul city tourDay trip
Sultanahmet Tour
Explore the most fascinating buildings of the historic peninsula in a single day, with a guide and on a well-planned route.
- Duration
- About 8 hours
- Tour type
- Istanbul city tour · Day trip
- Departure
- Istanbul
- Catalogue
- Page 5
The price is prepared according to your dates, group size and preferences.
About the tour
Sultanahmet is like an open-air museum where the Byzantine and Ottoman periods intertwine. On this tour you visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern in the morning.
After the lunch break, the day is completed with the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and the Hippodrome. As the stops are within walking distance of each other, your time goes on sightseeing rather than travelling.
Send us your dates and group size for Sultanahmet and we will tailor the programme to your group.
Tour programme
Times follow the programme in the catalogue; there may be small changes depending on traffic, weather and the group's pace.
Programme for the day
Departure
Sultanahmet: Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern
Lunch (extra)
Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome
Departure for the return journey
Arrival
Places to see
Hagia Sophia
Built under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I by the architects Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus, it was completed in 537. It was converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453, opened as a museum in 1935 and given mosque status again in 2020. Since 1985 it has been part of the 'Historic Areas of Istanbul' on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Topkapı Palace
Begun by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1459, the palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans and the administrative centre of the state for about four centuries. It was turned into a museum by a decision dated 3 April 1924. Its highlights include the Harem and the Chamber of the Holy Relics, which houses the mantle of the Prophet Muhammad.
Basilica Cistern
An underground water cistern built in the 6th century under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The structure, measuring about 138 x 65 metres, contains 336 marble columns, each about 9 metres high. The bases of two columns in the northwest corner bear Medusa head reliefs; the cistern reopened in 2022 after restoration work that began in 2017.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
The museum complex, made up of the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Tiled Kiosk, was founded under the leadership of Osman Hamdi Bey; the main building opened on 13 June 1891. The Alexander Sarcophagus found in Sidon and the tablets of the Egyptian-Hittite peace treaty dated 1258 BC are among the collection's well-known pieces.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Commissioned by Ahmed I, the mosque is the work of the architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Agha and was built between 1609 and 1617. It is known for its six minarets and the more than 21,000 İznik tiles that decorate its interior. Today it is a working mosque and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the 'Historic Areas of Istanbul'.
Hippodrome
Today's Sultanahmet Square stands on the site of the Hippodrome, the Byzantine-era venue for chariot races and ceremonies. Built under Septimius Severus (203), the hippodrome was enlarged by Constantine the Great in 324. In the square you can see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, the Walled Obelisk and the German Fountain, built in 1900.
Photos
What's covered and notes
Included in the programme
- Guided tour programme on the historic peninsula
Extras and exclusions
- Lunch (listed as extra in the catalogue)
Good to know
- The price is prepared according to your dates, group size and preferences, and is sent to you in writing together with the included services.
Who is it for?
- School and student groupsA pace suited to the age group, planned together with the teacher and group leader.
- History and culture enthusiastsDiscover historic and cultural heritage on site, with a guide's commentary.
- Friends and associationsTransport and programme planning from a single source for large groups.
Practical information
Best time to go
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are mild in Istanbul and suit city tours with plenty of walking; summer is hot and humid, while winter is cool and wet.
What to bring and know
- When visiting mosques, women need to wear a headscarf and everyone should wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees; visits may be restricted during prayer times.
- The programme involves a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
- There are security checks at museum entrances, so carry ID and avoid bringing large bags.
- In the summer months, bring water, a hat and sunscreen.
Sultanahmet as a school trip
A programme directly linked to history, social studies and art lessons. Byzantine and Ottoman buildings can be seen and compared on the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Is lunch included in the price?
In the catalogue, lunch is listed as extra. If you wish, a group menu can be planned separately at the quotation stage.
Are museum entry fees included?
As entry fees and options such as the museum card vary depending on the date of the visit and the make-up of the group, they are stated separately in the quote.
When is the best time for Sultanahmet?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are mild in Istanbul and suit city tours with plenty of walking; summer is hot and humid, while winter is cool and wet.
Can you pick us up from our school or organisation?
The departure point is planned according to the group's location. Whether pick-up from your school, workplace or another point you choose is possible is confirmed at the quote stage.
How can I get a quote for the Sultanahmet tour?
You can fill in the form on this page, message us on WhatsApp or call 0212 232 09 80. Sharing your dates, group size and, if applicable, your school or organisation details will speed up the quote.
What group sizes is it organised for?
The programme can be planned for anything from individual participants to large school and corporate groups. As the number of people determines vehicle and guide planning, simply state it in your quote request.
Sources for the information on this page (7)
Get a quote
Request a quote for Sultanahmet
Tell us your dates, group size and, if applicable, your school or organisation details, and we will prepare the programme and price for your group and get back to you.
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Travel agency with licence number A-12881, since 2012
Istanbul City Tours
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