Best of the Artistic & Historic Treasures of Istanbul

Enjoy the ultimate small group experience on this fascinating Istanbul tour. You'll visit sites that many travelers often miss. Get the full Istanbul experience by booking this tour.

Art and history buffs will delight in this excursion which takes guests to multiple points of interest, such as the Suleymaniye Mosque, Chora Museum, and Pierre Loti. The mosque is a notable structure of the Ottoman Empire. When it was constructed, it had the highest dome in the area. Unfortunately, wear and tear resulted in the mosque closing for renovations, not reopening until 2010. One of the highlights of this building is the great acoustics, apparent during times of worship and prayer.

At Chora Museum, travelers will have a chance to lay eyes on the 11th-century building and admire the many mosaics and frescoes throughout the structure depicting Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. This art dates back to the 14th century and provides a glimpse into works from the historic Byzantine Renaissance.

Next, take a tea break and see where the renowned author Pierre Loti penned his book Aziyade. During your stop at Pierre Loti Cafe, you'll learn about the author and how he spent his days taking in the beautiful views and writing. Your tour ends with a trip to the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar, where you'll explore the markets on your own and pick up exotic goods to take back with you. Book this Istanbul tour today for an incredible experience in Turkey.