Byzantine Relics & Bosphorus Cruise – Full Day Istanbul Tour
Duration
8 Hours
Max People
50 People
Availability
All Year
Pick-up & Drop-Off
Include
Step back in time and discover the glorious legacy of the Byzantine Empire while experiencing the beauty of Istanbul from both land and sea.
This full-day tour combines the most iconic Byzantine landmarks with breathtaking panoramic views and a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise between two continents. From magnificent domes and ancient monuments to scenic hills and waterfront palaces, this experience offers the perfect balance of history, culture, and unforgettable views.
Your journey begins in the heart of the Old City, where centuries of empires shaped the soul of Istanbul. You will explore monumental squares, admire architectural masterpieces, and learn fascinating stories about emperors, conquests, and civilizations that changed the course of history.
In the afternoon, the tour continues beyond the historic peninsula, offering spectacular views from Pierre Loti Hill and concluding with a memorable Bosphorus Cruise along the strait separating Europe and Asia. As you sail between continents, enjoy stunning views of wooden Ottoman mansions, marble palaces, historic fortresses, and charming waterfront neighborhoods.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included for your comfort.
Included/Excluded
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off services from centrally located hotels (European side of Istanbul)
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Lunch
- Guiding service
- Bosphorus Boat Tickets
- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal Expenses
Tour Plan
Meeting Point – Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet – In front of Marmara University Rectorate Building at 08:45.
Hagia Sophia (Exterior Visit)
Admire the magnificent Hagia Sophia from the outside and learn about its transformation from church to mosque and its importance during the Byzantine Empire.
Byzantine Hippodrome
Explore the historic Hippodrome, once the social and political center of Constantinople. See the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column from Delphi, and the German Fountain.
Blue Mosque
Visit the iconic Blue Mosque (closed on Friday mornings due to prayer), famous for its six minarets and impressive central dome.
Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Golden Horn
Drive along the historic Golden Horn, one of the most important natural harbors of the Byzantine era.
Pierre Loti Hill & Cable Car
Take a scenic cable car ride up to Pierre Loti Hill and enjoy one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul.
Bosphorus Cruise
End your day with a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. Sail between Europe and Asia while admiring historic wooden mansions, marble palaces, fortresses, and waterfront neighborhoods.
Drop-off at Hotel
Sort reviews
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George Mitchell (verified owner) –
A top-notch tour that I would recommend to anyone. The historical sites are a must-see, and the guide’s explanations made them come alive. Pierre Loti Hill offers one of the best views in Istanbul. The Bosphorus cruise was relaxing and provided a unique perspective.
Sophie Adams (verified owner) –
Absolutely loved every minute of this tour! The guide was superb and made history fun. The scenery from Pierre Loti Hill was breathtaking. The Bosphorus cruise was the perfect end to the day, offering beautiful views of the city’s iconic waterfront. A must-do!
Andrew Scott (verified owner) –
A brilliant tour from start to finish. The guide was fantastic, full of energy and knowledge. The visit to the Byzantine relics was great. The cable car to Pierre Loti was a nice adventure. But the Bosphorus cruise was the star of the show. An amazing experience.
Laura Miller (verified owner) –
This was a perfect way to spend a day in Istanbul. The historical context provided at the Hippodrome and Hagia Sophia was fascinating. The views from Pierre Loti Hill are stunning. The Bosphorus cruise was incredibly scenic and relaxing. Highly recommended.
Mark Phillips (verified owner) –
A very good tour. The guide was knowledgeable and the itinerary was great. The Bosphorus cruise was definitely the highlight. I’m giving 4 stars because the lunch was just okay, but the overall experience was still very positive.
Paola Ricci (verified owner) –
Che giornata fantastica! La guida era eccellente e ci ha fatto appassionare alla storia di Costantinopoli. La salita a Pierre Loti con la funivia regala un panorama spettacolare. La crociera sul Bosforo è stata rilassante e ci ha permesso di ammirare bellezze uniche. Consigliatissimo!
Kevin Lewis (verified owner) –
An excellent tour for anyone wanting to see the historical and scenic sides of Istanbul. The Byzantine sites in Sultanahmet are incredible. The cable car up to Pierre Loti is fun and the view is amazing. The Bosphorus cruise is a must-do, with stunning views of the palaces.
Jessica King (verified owner) –
A truly memorable experience. The tour was well-paced and covered all the key highlights. The guide’s knowledge was impressive. Pierre Loti Hill offers a view you won’t forget. The Bosphorus cruise was the perfect, relaxing end to a day filled with history and beauty.
Daniel Walker (verified owner) –
This tour exceeded all my expectations. The guide was brilliant, bringing the history of the Byzantine Empire to life. The scenery from Pierre Loti Hill was breathtaking. And the Bosphorus cruise… just wow. Seeing Istanbul from the water is an experience everyone should have.
Sarah Jones (verified owner) –
Really enjoyed this tour. The historical sites were amazing. The guide was good. The cruise on the Bosphorus was lovely. The only reason for 4 stars is that I found the cable car queue a bit long, but it’s a popular spot. Overall, a great day out.
Thomas Baker (verified owner) –
An unforgettable day in Istanbul. The combination of ancient history and modern scenic views is perfectly balanced. The guide was a true professional. The views from Pierre Loti Hill were stunning. The Bosphorus cruise is an absolute must, and this tour does it right.
Elena Conti (verified owner) –
Tour fantastico! La guida era molto preparata e appassionata. La spiegazione della storia bizantina all’Ippodromo è stata chiara e interessante. La funivia per Pierre Loti e la vista mozzafiato. La crociera sul Bosforo è stata il coronamento perfetto di una giornata indimenticabile.
Robert Harris (verified owner) –
A very well-organized and informative tour. Seeing the Byzantine sites in the morning gave great context to the city. The cable car to Pierre Loti was a great experience. The Bosphorus cruise was fantastic, especially seeing the Rumeli Fortress from the water.
Alexandra White (verified owner) –
This tour was the highlight of our stay. The guide was exceptional, weaving tales of emperors and empires. The trip up Pierre Loti Hill by cable car was a delight. The Bosphorus cruise was breathtaking, offering unparalleled views of the city’s waterfront. A perfect day.
Christopher Martin (verified owner) –
A great tour overall. The historical part was fascinating. The guide was very good. The Bosphorus cruise was beautiful. I’m giving 4 stars because the lunch stop felt a bit rushed, but it was still a very enjoyable and informative day.
Gabriel Lopez (verified owner) –
Un tour excelente. El guía era muy conocedor de la historia bizantina. El hipódromo y Santa Sofía son impresionantes. La vista desde la colina de Pierre Loti es espectacular y el crucero por el Bósforo fue muy relajante, con vistas a palacios y fortalezas. Muy recomendable.
Laura Taylor (verified owner) –
This tour was simply wonderful. The guide brought the ancient city of Constantinople to life. The views from Pierre Loti Hill are postcard-worthy. And the Bosphorus cruise… magical. Sailing between two continents is an experience I’ll never forget. Highly recommended!
David Collins (verified owner) –
A top-quality tour. The historical insights into the Byzantine relics were excellent. The ride on the cable car to Pierre Loti was a nice break and the view was superb. The Bosphorus cruise was relaxing and scenic. Everything about this day was well-organized and enjoyable.
Olivia Green (verified owner) –
What an amazing experience! The tour was well-paced and covered so much. The guide was passionate and made the history of the Byzantine Empire fascinating. Pierre Loti Hill was beautiful, and the Bosphorus cruise was the perfect way to relax and take in the city’s beauty.
Joseph Hill (verified owner) –
A very enjoyable tour. The guide was excellent and shared many interesting facts. The Bosphorus cruise was fantastic. I’m giving 4 stars because the weather was a bit hazy, so the views weren’t crystal clear, but that’s not the tour’s fault. Still highly recommended.
Francesco Romano (verified owner) –
Un tour completo e ben organizzato. La visita ai luoghi simbolo dell’Impero Bizantino è stata molto istruttiva. La funivia per Pierre Loti offre una vista panoramica unica. La crociera sul Bosforo è semplicemente imperdibile. Ottima esperienza.
Hannah Scott (verified owner) –
This was a perfect day. The guide was knowledgeable and kept the group engaged. The cable car to Pierre Loti was a fun ride with a fantastic view. But the Bosphorus cruise was the absolute highlight, sailing past all those beautiful palaces and fortresses.
Matthew Wright (verified owner) –
A brilliant tour that gives you a real feel for Istanbul’s history and geography. The Byzantine sites are awe-inspiring. Pierre Loti Hill offers a stunning panorama. The Bosphorus cruise is simply the best way to see the city’s grand architecture from a different perspective.
Lucy Evans (verified owner) –
Absolutely loved this tour! From the ancient wonders of the Hippodrome to the serene beauty of the Bosphorus, it was all incredible. The guide was fantastic and the views from Pierre Loti Hill were unforgettable. A must-do in Istanbul.
Samuel Campbell (verified owner) –
A very informative and scenic tour. Our guide was great. The Bosphorus cruise was the highlight for me. The cable car ride offers a great view. I took one star off because the included lunch was just average, but the experience overall was still wonderful.
Giovanni Ferrari (verified owner) –
Tour stupendo! La guida era preparatissima e ci ha raccontato la storia bizantina in modo avvincente. La crociera sul Bosforo è spettacolare, specialmente al tramonto. La salita a Pierre Loti con la funivia è stata una piacevole sorpresa. Straconsigliato!
Alice Roberts (verified owner) –
This tour is a gem. The historical part in the morning was fascinating. The guide’s passion for the subject was infectious. Pierre Loti Hill provided one of the best views of the Golden Horn. The Bosphorus cruise was the perfect end to a perfect day.
John Mitchell (verified owner) –
A fantastic way to see Istanbul. The tour was well-paced and the guide was excellent, full of stories about the Byzantine emperors. The cable car up to Pierre Loti was a fun experience. The Bosphorus cruise was relaxing and offered incredible views of the waterfront mansions.
Victoria Nelson (verified owner) –
What a wonderful day! The combination of history and scenery is perfect. Learning about the Hippodrome and seeing Hagia Sophia was amazing. Pierre Loti Hill was breathtaking. And the Bosphorus cruise… just beautiful. Don’t miss this tour.
Charles Baker (verified owner) –
A very good tour covering the main Byzantine sites. The guide was pleasant and informative. The cruise on the Bosphorus was definitely the best part. The only reason for 4 stars is that I wish we had a bit more free time at Pierre Loti, but overall it was great.
Emily Phillips (verified owner) –
This tour was the highlight of our Istanbul visit. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made the history come alive. The Bosphorus cruise is a must, and the views of the Dolmabahçe Palace from the water are incredible. A truly memorable day.
Oscar Adams (verified owner) –
An excellent tour that I would recommend to anyone. The historical context provided by our guide was top-notch. The views from Pierre Loti Hill were spectacular, even on a slightly cloudy day. The Bosphorus cruise was serene and offered a unique perspective of the city.
Leonardo Russo (verified owner) –
Tour fantastico! Abbiamo apprezzato molto la visita all’Ippodromo e la spiegazione della storia bizantina. La funivia e la collina di Pierre Loti regalano una vista mozzafiato. La crociera sul Bosforo è il modo perfetto per concludere la giornata. Organizzazione impeccabile.
Grace King (verified owner) –
Really enjoyed this full-day tour. The guide was informative and the itinerary was great. The Bosphorus cruise was beautiful. Only slight downside was the cable car queue was a bit long, but the view was worth the wait.
Thomas Wright (verified owner) –
A perfect blend of history and sightseeing. The morning was spent exploring the heart of the old city, with great insights into the Byzantine Empire. The afternoon was all about relaxation and stunning views, especially from the Bosphorus. A top-notch tour.
Sofia Bianchi (verified owner) –
Un’esperienza indimenticabile! La guida era molto competente e simpatica. La crociera sul Bosforo è stata semplicemente magica, con viste meravigliose su palazzi e fortezze. La salita a Pierre Loti offre un panorama spettacolare sulla città. Consigliatissimo!
Jack Morgan (verified owner) –
Had a brilliant time on this tour. Learning about the Byzantine relics was fascinating, and the guide made it engaging for everyone. The cable car and Pierre Loti were great, but the cruise was the real star. Sailing between two continents is an incredible feeling.
Eleanor Cook (verified owner) –
This was an amazing day! From the ancient Hippodrome to the stunning Bosphorus, it was all perfect. The guide was excellent, very passionate about the city’s history. The views from Pierre Loti Hill are a photographer’s dream. A fantastic experience overall.
William Turner (verified owner) –
A good tour that covers a lot of ground. The morning history tour was solid. The highlight for me was the cable car up to Pierre Loti and the subsequent cruise. It was a very relaxing afternoon. Would recommend.
Daniel Perez (verified owner) –
Muy buen tour, muy completo. El guía era un experto en historia bizantina. El hipódromo y Santa Sofía (desde afuera) son increíbles. El crucero por el Bósforo es espectacular, y las vistas desde la colina de Pierre Loti son de ensueño. Relación calidad-precio excelente.
Charlotte Green (verified owner) –
Exceeded my expectations! The guide was fantastic and brought the history of Constantinople to life. The cable car ride was a fun bonus. But the Bosphorus cruise… wow! Seeing the city from the water, with all the grand palaces, was unforgettable.
Henry Foster (verified owner) –
A wonderful journey through history and scenery. The stories about the Byzantine emperors at the Hippodrome were captivating. Pierre Loti Hill offers a breathtaking panoramic view. The Bosphorus cruise is a must-do in Istanbul, and this tour packages it perfectly.
Mia Thompson (verified owner) –
Really enjoyed this tour. The historical sites are fascinating. Our guide did a great job explaining everything. The cruise was beautiful. I’d give it 5 stars but the lunch spot was a bit crowded. Still, a fantastic day out.
Lucas Rossi (verified owner) –
Tour eccellente! La guida era molto preparata e ha reso la storia bizantina davvero interessante. La parte migliore è stato il giro in barca sul Bosforo, con vista sui palazzi e le fortezze. La funivia per Pierre Loti è stata una bella esperienza.
Amelia Evans (verified owner) –
The highlight of our trip to Istanbul! The tour was very well organized. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable. The Bosphorus cruise offers postcard-perfect views. Pierre Loti Hill was a beautiful spot. Don’t hesitate to book this!
Benjamin Cooper (verified owner) –
A perfect day out in Istanbul. The blend of history in the morning and the scenic cruise in the afternoon is just right. Our guide was a walking encyclopedia! The cable car was a fun touch. Highly recommended for first-time visitors.
Maria Garcia (verified owner) –
Me encantó este tour. Aprendí muchísimo sobre la historia bizantina. El Hipódromo es impresionante. El paseo en teleférico a la colina de Pierre Loti y las vistas son increíbles. El crucero por el Bósforo fue muy relajante y vimos lugares preciosos. 100% recomendable.
James Patterson (verified owner) –
A very comprehensive tour. Saw all the major sites mentioned. The Bosphorus cruise was definitely the best part. I’m giving 4 stars only because the morning felt a little rushed at the Blue Mosque, but overall it was a great experience.
Ava Martinez (verified owner) –
This tour is a must-do! From the ancient Hippodrome to the stunning views on the cruise, every moment was special. The guide was excellent and shared fascinating stories about the emperors and the city. The lunch was also quite tasty.
Oliver Schmidt (verified owner) –
Sehr gut organisierte Tour. Die Abholung vom Hotel hat reibungslos funktioniert. Der Besuch der wichtigsten byzantinischen Stätten war sehr informativ. Die Bosporus-Kreuzfahrt war das absolute Highlight. Ein toller Überblick über Istanbul.
Chloe Dubois (verified owner) –
Une journée parfaite pour découvrir Istanbul. Le guide était passionnant et parlait très bien anglais. Le point fort a été la croisière sur le Bosphore, avec ses magnifiques palais et yalis. La colline de Pierre Loti offre une vue à couper le souffle. Je recommande vivement.
Noah Williams (verified owner) –
Our guide made history fun! We learned so much about the Byzantine Empire. The cable car up to Pierre Loti was a fun experience, and the view is worth it. The Bosphorus cruise was relaxing and scenic. Great value for money.
Isabella Conti (verified owner) –
Bel tour, molto completo. La guida era preparata e simpatico. Ho apprezzato molto la parte storica al mattino. Unica pecca: il pranzo è stato un po’ frettoloso, ma il cibo era buono. La crociera sul Bosforo nel pomeriggio è stupenda, assolutamente da fare.
Ethan Clarke (verified owner) –
A brilliant way to see the historical side of Istanbul. The tour hits all the key Byzantine spots. Pierre Loti Hill was a pleasant surprise with an amazing view. The cruise was smooth and offered great photo opportunities of the palaces and the Bosphorus Bridge. A well-paced day.
Sophia Rossi (verified owner) –
È stata una giornata magnifica! La crociera sul Bosforo è il momento clou, ma anche la visita al Ippodromo e la spiegazione della Basilica di Santa Sofia sono state molto interessanti. La salita a Pierre Loti con la funivia offre un panorama spettacolare. Pranzo incluso buono e organizzazione perfetta.
Liam O’Connell (verified owner) –
Absolutely fantastic tour! Our guide was so knowledgeable about the Byzantine history. The exterior visit to Hagia Sophia was informative, and the Hippodrome really came to life with his stories. The Bosphorus cruise at the end was the perfect way to relax and see the city from a different angle. Highly recommended!