Suleyman is incredible! Spending time sitting and discussing the history and context of what we were going to see before launching into visiting the first site helped us put everything into perspective. He is an excellent guide for this tour! Wish we’d had him for the Muticulturalism tour.
Hidden Traces of the Byzantine Empire with Chora Church
Peel back the layers of Istanbul's history with an expert
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Chora Church (Kariye Camii)
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Fatih district
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Tekfur Saray Palace
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Walls of Istanbul
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Vlaherna Meryem Ana Church (Greek Orthodox Church)
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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GratuitiesWe encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkRefreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Claire was wonderful! At the very beginning she asked us why we had selected this tour and what our interests were and then guided us accordingly. Her knowledge and insights on the mosaics of the Chora made our visit so much more meaningful. By the time we finished it was prayer time at the next church, so she took us to the Byzantine palace & walls instead -- perfect for our group and so moving to think of it as the last gasp of the Roman empire -- and then a walk through the Balat neighborhood to the Greek Orthodox Patriarch's church of St. George. The tour was everything we hoped for!
We made som we adjustments based on our energy levels and interests, and Claire was incredibly accommodating and informative!!
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.