For almost a millennium, Hagia Sophia was the world’s largest cathedral. Originally constructed as a basilica between 532 and 537, it served as the centre of the Eastern Orthodox Church. After Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453, it was converted into a mosque; covering its mosaics and removing its relics, the Turks replaced the altar with a mihrab and added minarets. In 1935, it was converted again, this time into a secular museum. It remained this way until 2020, when it was reconverted into a mosque once more, though it remains open to visitors of all faiths and nationalities, symbolising its continued significance as a cultural and historical landmark.
The 20th-century renovations removed the building’s carpeting, revealing the original marble floors; its Byzantine Christian mosaics, hidden behind plaster, were rediscovered and restored. The present state of the interior speaks of its fascinating layered history: Byzantine crucifixes are visible beneath later Islamic decoration; calligraphy sits alongside Christ.
Recent restorers have made efforts to strike a careful balance when choosing to reveal ancient Christian art, as this can necessitate the removal of important Islamic work that covers it. Controversy remains over the inside of the dome, which is believed to have a magnificent mosaic of Christ hidden beneath its present Islamic calligraphy. The building’s six-winged angels were discovered in the 19th century only to have their faces covered before being made visible again in the 1930s.In any case, visitors today can admire the magnificence of Byzantine architecture in a building of beautiful and surprising variety. The innovative cupola dome, in particular, is a marvel: its weight caused many problems over the years, suffering several collapses before Isidore the Younger improved its construction. The forty windows around its base flood the nave with light, giving the dome the appearance of floating above the building when viewed from below.
In a city of opulent, historical buildings, the Topkapi Palace is one of Istanbul’s finest relics of Ottoman history and architecture. Built by Sultan Mehmed II (the Conqueror) in 1459, shortly after his conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. The palace is a sprawling complex with four main courtyards and numerous smaller buildings, including pavilions, mosques, lush gardens and the beautiful Hagia Irene church. Navigating the immense site can be overwhelming, so having a knowledgeable local guide take you through a carefully curated selection of the most important parts ensures you make the most of your time in the palace and gain a deeper understanding of its historical and architectural significance.
On your private tour, you will:
Once the residence of countless Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century, the Topkapi Palace has been an operating museum since the early 20th century and a must-visit for anyone travelling to Istanbul. With an elaborate structure and hundreds of rooms – each of which served a different purpose - the museum and its remarkable contents are best explored with a private guide.
Your Ottoman adventure will begin centrally located meeting point with tickets procured ahead of time to allow seamless entry into the palace. After a short scenic stroll through the streets of Sultanahmet district, also home to the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome of Constantinople, you will arrive at your destination, where your guide can give you an introduction to the palace and point out interesting features of the exterior.
Once inside, you will dive straight into the rich history and intricate details of the palace. As you wander through its sprawling halls and courtyards, your guide will bring the stories of its illustrious inhabitants to life, giving you a crash course in the lives and legacy of the Ottoman sultans. You will have the chance to visit the Imperial Harem, the living quarters of the imperial family where you can get a sense of a secluded world of intrigue and luxury where a whole host of rituals and ceremonies took place. You will marvel at the dazzling decor, from exquisite tilework to priceless artefacts, and uncover the stories of the sultan, his mother, his wives, and his children. In addition to exploring the Harem, you will delve deeper into the palace’s treasures as you pass through the Circumcision Room, the charming Library of Ahmed III, and the splendid Apartments of the Queen Mother. Each space offers unique insights into the cultural and political significance of the Ottoman court.
As the tour concludes, you will step outside to the stunning Hagia Sofia Mansions, where you’re free to continue your exploration or unwind at your leisure. Once you say goodbye to your guide, you will be left with a deep appreciation for the marvels of the Ottoman Empire, having enjoyed a mesmerizing glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era.
Istanbul is a unique and enthralling city, a bridge between Europe and Asia where a historic crossroads of civilisations meets a bustling modern metropolis. Making your way through its myriad of incredible monuments can be overwhelming, so embarking on a comprehensive walking tour of Istanbul's highlights is a wonderful way to make the most of your time there and discover what makes the city tick in the company of a knowledgeable private guide.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
In this amazing private half-day highlights tour of Istanbul, you will have the chance to be fully immersed in the history and culture of this great city. Your tour will begin in the spectacular Sultanahmet Square, also known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople, where you will get acquainted with your guide and take in what was once the bustling centre of Byzantine social and political life. Your guide will bring the history of this ancient chariot-racing arena to life as you marvel at its enduring monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column, which bear witness to centuries of Istanbul's heritage.
You will step inside one of the most beautiful buildings in Istanbul: the breathtaking Blue Mosque. An architectural masterpiece renowned for its myriad domes, six minarets and the stunning blue Iznik tiles that inspired its name. You will learn about its historical and religious significance while admiring the intricate details of its serene interior. Later, you can follow in the footsteps of emperors and sultans as you explore the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. This iconic landmark, which has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum, is a true marvel of Byzantine architecture and a symbol of Istanbul’s multicultural legacy. Your expert guide will talk you through the fascinating history of the building, as well as the significance of the iconography and art you will find there.
Upon leaving the Hagia Sophia, you make your way to Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. As you navigate its labyrinthine alleys, your guide will reveal some of the secrets of Turkish trade as your guide, introducing you to local artisans and their exquisite craftsmanship. You’ll have the chance to peek into one of the city's ancient Hans, traditional trading inns that once buzzed with the activity of merchants and travellers and indulge in a feast for the sense in the vibrant Spice Market, where the air is filled with the enticing aroma of spices and sweet Turkish delights.
Your tour will conclude at the lively Eminönü Square, where you'll take in the stunning view of the Galata Tower, an icon of Istanbul’s skyline. By the time you say goodbye to your guide, you’ll have enjoyed an immersive experience of Istanbul's highlights, blending its monumental history with vibrant modern-day culture.
Please note: The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are religious places of worship, so please dress respectfully. Shoulders and legs must be covered, and head coverings are available at the mosque entrance for free. You will also be given a bag at entry in which to put your shoes.
Istanbul’s Old Town, known locally as Sultanahmet, is the historic heart of the city, home of its most iconic landmarks. Making your way around its many incredible monuments can be overwhelming, so embarking on a private tour with a knowledgeable local guide is a wonderful way to see the key sites, including the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia, and hear the incredible stories behind them. Our comprehensive full-day tour will give you a deep dive into Sultanahmet and its cultural, architectural and historical treasures.
On this private full-day tour, you will:
In this full-day highlights tour of the historic epicentre of the great city of Istanbul, you will have the pleasure of visiting some of the most iconic attractions of the city, accompanied by your expert guide. Your adventure will begin at a centrally located meeting point in the heart of Sultanahmet. From here you will proceed to enter the stunning Blue Mosque, one of the most beautiful buildings in Istanbul, constructed in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmet I. Your guide will explain the mosque's unique undulating exterior, featuring myriad domes and six slender minarets. Once inside, you will admire the gorgeous blue Iznik tiles that adorn the interior, giving the building its unique name, and discover its fascinating history.
Your next stop will be the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, a true marvel of Byzantine architecture. Originally constructed in the 6th century BCE, it is known for its remarkable design and its pivotal role in the history of Christianity and Islam, having served as a church, a mosque, and a later museum before being declared a mosque again in 2020. Your guide will point out the exquisite artistry on display throughout the building. You’ll take in its immense dome, beautiful mosaics and intricate stonework, and hear more about its origins, and transformations as well as its cultural and religious significance.
You will then make your way to the opulent Topkapi Palace to delve into the captivating world of the Ottoman Sultans who reigned there for hundreds of years. With tickets included, your guide will take you through the sprawling site, showing you its grand pavilions, dazzling treasury and formal rooms, regaling you with stories of significant events that occurred within these hallowed halls. Your tickets also include entry into the harem, the private quarters of the sultans and their families, giving you a glimpse into the private lives of the Ottoman elites, and the Hagia Irene, the only Byzantine church in Istanbul that has not been converted into a mosque.
After all this exploring, you are bound to have worked up an appetite, so your itinerary will include a pause for a delicious Turkish lunch (at your own expense). Then it will be time to discover the iconic Sultanahmet Square, also known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Your guide can show you landmarks such as the Obelisk of Theodosius and the striking Serpent Column and explain how the area has been a centre of social and political life for centuries.
The last part of your tour will consist of a visit to the colourful Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, which was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461. As you weave through its labyrinthine alleys, you will have the opportunity to watch craftsmen and artists at work and to peek inside one of Istanbul’s ancient Hans, uncovering the secrets of these traditional trading inns that once buzzed with the activity of merchants and travellers. As your tour comes to an end, you will be left with lasting memories and a profound appreciation for Istanbul’s oldest enclave and the many civilizations that have left their mark upon the city.
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