Kariye Museum (Kariye Müzesi) Tours and Tickets

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname. Tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight. Flexible daily itineraries: Day 1 - Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, German Fountain, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar. Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside), Spice Market. Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Kadıkoy Market (or alternative sites).

The Chora Church Museum, also known as Kariye Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s finest examples of Byzantine art. Built in the 4th century and richly decorated in the 14th century, it stands out for its detailed mosaics and frescoes that tell Biblical stories in vivid color and expression. Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum, it reflects the deep cultural and religious layers of Istanbul. Visitors can explore with an audio guide, enjoy the calm atmosphere, and take their time to admire these beautifully preserved artworks that survived through centuries, offering a true glimpse into the city’s glorious past and timeless beauty. Please note that Chora Museum is closed to visitors on Fridays. An audio guide is included and available in 25 languages: English, German, Russian, Persian, Arabic, French, Italian, Chinese, Dutch, Spanish, Hindi, Romanian, Ukrainian, Korean, Turkish, Bulgarian, Polish, Swedish, Japanese, Indonesian, Greek, Hungarian, Portuguese, Urdu, and Croatian.

Discover Istanbul’s hidden Byzantine treasures on this 3–3.5 hour walking tour. Begin at Chora Museum, renowned for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes that bring the history of Constantinople to life. Continue to Tekfur Palace, the last surviving Byzantine imperial palace, and learn about the final centuries of the Eastern Roman Empire. Visit the historic Ayazma Church, famous for its sacred spring and religious significance. Walk through Balat’s colorful streets, lined with charming Ottoman houses and reflecting the area’s rich Jewish, Greek, and Armenian heritage. Stop at the unique Bulgarian Iron Church, built entirely from prefabricated cast iron shipped from Vienna in the 19th century. The tour concludes at the iconic Greek Orthodox College, known as the Red School, one of Istanbul’s most impressive landmarks overlooking the Golden Horn.

This self-guided digital walking tour blends history, culture, and storytelling into a carefully crafted route you can explore at your own pace. Unlike typical guides, this experience is designed as an immersive narrative journey — connecting landmarks, hidden corners, and historical moments through engaging, easy-to-follow content. With lifetime availability, and a detailed route map, travelers enjoy full flexibility while discovering the city in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Enjoy a convenient and cost-saving way to discover many of Istanbul’s most in-demand attractions when you book a 2-, 3-, 5-, or 7-day E-Pass. Upon booking, your pass provides entry to over 40 key Istanbul attractions and guided tours (some with bookings or reservations required). Choose from a range of sights, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Blue Mosque, plus experiences like a Grand Bazaar tour and Bosphorus cruise.

We will take you to non-touristy places and you will see the places where local people live and see the magnificent structures in old peninsula of istanbul. On this tour, you will see what a cosmopolitan city Istanbul is and how people with very different lifestyles live. If you want to get to know a city, its culture, lifestyle and people, join the Hidden Treasure's of Istanbul morning tour and see the culture and magnificent religious buildings of this city and have the chance to learn its history.

Explore the colorful and historic streets of Balat with a local expert guide Visit the magnificent Chora Museum and admire world-famous Byzantine mosaics Discover the hidden history of Tekfur Palace, the last Byzantine palace in Istanbul Enjoy a 3-hour walking tour through authentic neighborhoods beyond the tourist crowds All entrance tickets included for a seamless experience Perfect for culture lovers, photographers, and history enthusiasts See a different side of Istanbul full of local charm and rich heritage Small-group atmosphere with personal guiding experience

Realize the true impact of the Byzantine Empire on Turkey during this 3-hour guided history of Constantinople tour in Istanbul. Step back in time almost 1700 years and discover how Istanbul’s famous religious architecture and monuments took shape during this age of Christianity. Explore prime examples such as the Holy Virgin at the Church of St Mary of Blachernae, the Walls of Constantinople, and the ruins of Blachernae Palace. The legacy created by the Byzantine empire is uncovered on this tour.

We will drive you by the Old City Walls of Constantinople while our guide will be giving you all historical information behind of these walls. The Istanbul city walls has eyewitness many Sieges, Raids, Events. You will stop by 2/3 most important historical main attractions located near by city walls. First one is Seven Dungeons or well known name Yedikule Fortress. Second one is Chora Church with beautiful Byzantine Mosaics. And the third one is the last palace of Byzantine Emperors Tekfur Palace, and last one is hidden Nakkaş Cistern. A secret landmark in the center of Istanbul. This tour is operated by a professional licensed tour guide whom have certificate from Republic of Türkiye Minister of Culture and Tourism. -Private Guide Service -Private Luxary car with driver -Pick up from your hotel -Drop off back your hotel -Wifi on the board

See the real part and all colors of Istanbul. Every single corner of the city is hiding a secret, hiding a story. Come to see all history of the city. By a private tour you can customize your trip as you wish. Old city, City Walls, local places. City walls of the Great Byzantion

Enjoy a full-day Istanbul tour that takes in important sites around the Eyüp District, Pierre Loti Hill, the Golden Horn and more. See the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, the Chora Church (Kariye Museum), the Ecumencial Orthodox Patriarchate (aka Church of St George) and Suleymaniye Mosque as your informative guide shares the history of these Byzantine and Ottoman era monuments. Take in views of the Golden Horn from Pierre Loti Hill, and walk through the historic Fener and Balat districts, before ending the day at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar.

Explore the rich tapestry of Istanbul on this immersive half-day tour, uncovering hidden gems like the City Walls of Constantinople, the Yedikule Fortress, and the colorful neighborhoods of Fener and Balat. This journey offers a unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman history, local culture, and stunning architecture. Accompanied by a professional guide, delve into the fascinating stories behind each landmark and experience the authentic charm of Istanbul away from the typical tourist routes. - Duration: 4.5 hours of in-depth exploration - Professional licensed guide available in English or Spanish - Visit key historical sites including the Chora Museum and Yedikule Fortress - Ideal for culture enthusiasts, photographers, and families seeking a unique experience

Begin your immersive voyage through Istanbul's rich tapestry of history and culture with a meander through the vibrant streets of Balat District, the city's historic Jewish quarter. Marvel at the district's diverse architecture and bohemian ambiance, wandering through narrow alleys adorned with captivating street art and antique emporiums. Cross the Bosphorus to the Asian shore, where Beylerbeyi Palace awaits, an opulent Ottoman summer retreat. Admire its lavish interiors, verdant gardens, and sweeping views of the strait, while delving into its storied past as a haven for Ottoman sultans. Next, immerse yourself in Istanbul's archaeological legacy at the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, housing a vast array of artifacts spanning millennia. Explore exhibits chronicling the civilizations of ancient Greece, Rome, and the Ottomans, each contributing to the city's rich cultural tapestry. Conclude your journey at Dolmabahçe Palace, a masterpiece of Ottoman and European architectural fusion.

Whether you plan to spend one, two, or three days exploring Istanbul, you want to maximize every moment. Discover the city at your own pace on a private customized tour. Opt for the 1-Day itinerary and explore the historic center’s attractions, such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. The Day 2 tour takes travelers across the Golden Horn to Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim, and the Bosphorus. Day 3 includes the Fener-Balat districts, Pierre Lotti Hill, and more.

I joined a 5-hour Istanbul tour combining a walking tour and a Bosphorus yacht cruise. First, we explored Balat and the Kariye Museum with a live guide. Walking through Balat’s colorful streets, I saw historic churches and synagogues, and at Kariye, I admired the Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Next, we enjoyed a yacht tour along the Bosphorus, seeing Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, the Rumeli and Anadolu Hisarı fortresses, and the elegant mansions of Bebek and Beylerbeyi. The views from the sea offered a peaceful and scenic perspective of Istanbul’s skyline. In just 5 hours, I experienced historic neighborhoods on foot and the stunning Bosphorus by yacht, making it an unforgettable tour.

Istanbul, Constantinople, Byzantion… This amazing city, founded upon one of the most strategic positions in the world, was the capital of Roman and Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empires from 330 AD to 1453 AD. Even today, we can see many important Roman sites around the city. This route is all about exploring them. How did the city change from a small Greek colony to a huge Roman imperial capital? How did the Roman city change from a pagan city to a Christian one? How did the Roman heritage survive and change during the time of the Ottomans? By visiting various architectural sights, it is possible to trace the marks of these transformations. On this route, we will visit various locations in an attempt to understand how the city has changed over time.

Istanbul Revealed: Historic Pathways & Bosphorus Serenity From Ancient Walls to Bosphorus Breezes Step into the heart of Istanbul with an unforgettable journey that weaves together the city's ancient past and scenic beauty. This exclusive tour invites you to explore Istanbul's legendary landmarks, beginning with the majestic Old City Walls and the breathtaking artistry of the Kariye Museum. Wander through the vibrant streets of the Fener and Balat districts, where colorful architecture and cultural gems await. Then, experience the magic of the Bosphorus on a luxurious yacht cruise, drifting along the strait's tranquil waters with a stopover in Kanlica, a charming village known for its unique flavors. This is more than a tour-it's an immersive voyage into the essence of Istanbul, where every stop reveals a new story and every view inspires wonder.

Anatolia aka Asia Minor is a very large peninsula in western Asia and the westernmost part of the continent of Asia. It is the majority of modern-day Turkey, our country. Many great historical people, such as the Hittites, the Lydians, the Greeks, the Persians, the Armenians, the Romans, the Goths, the Minoans, the Byzantines and the Turks, have lived in or occupied Asia Minor. The Roman Empire had a province called Asia, also known as Phrygia. As we take you from one city to another, we just wanted to introduce those important civilizations that left their mark in our country. With 30 years of experience in the travel industry, our team is ready to offer us an unforgettable experience of a diverse mix of history and culture. Join our saga in Asia Minor.

Experience our Private Full Day Excursion tailored exclusively for you! Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of Turkiye as you make your way to the heart of the city. Upon your arrival, meet your seasoned tour guide, ready to lead you on an enchanting tour of Istanbul. Discover the awe-inspiring allure of the Pierre Loti Tepesi, marvel at the grandeur of Eyup, and capture iconic moments at landmarks like the Suleymaniye Mosque, Halic, Chora Museum, and many more. Our excursions are meticulously designed schedule. We'll greet you directly at the hotel and ensure you return with ample time to relax and relish your day. Leave the details to us as we escort you on an extraordinary adventure, crafting memories that will stand the test of time!

Discover the rich tapestry of Istanbul through its ancient walls and serene waters on this exclusive 7-hour tour. Begin with a visit to the Old City Walls and the enchanting Kariye Museum, showcasing stunning Byzantine art. Wander through the vibrant Fener and Balat districts, celebrated for their colorful architecture and cultural significance. A luxurious yacht cruise along the Bosphorus offers breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, with a stop at Kanlica to savor its famous yogurt. This immersive experience is perfect for history enthusiasts and culture seekers alike, led by expert guides with curated insights. - 7-hour guided tour including hotel pick-up and drop-off - Explore the Old City Walls, Kariye Museum, and local neighborhoods - Enjoy a relaxing yacht cruise with views of Dolmabahce Palace and more - Light snacks and drinks provided during the cruise, with a stopover in Kanlica

This is an 8 days biblical package combined with Istanbul, Alexandria Troas, Troy, Assos, and Seven Churches of Revelation. Walk on the 1st century roman road where Paul actually walked on his missionary journey. Discover the meanings of the letters in revelation by observing the actual places. Find out Ancient Christian Traditions of early congregations from your Bible Oriented Guide. Visit the treasures of Istanbul and learn history about Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Enjoy typical Turkish food in local restaurants. Experience shopping with locals in Grand Bazaar. Luxury transportation, bible-oriented guide, 4* accommodation provided.

Step into the colorful and historical heart of Istanbul’s Golden Horn with this immersive Small Group Walking Tour. Discover the city’s hidden gems as you wander through Fener, Balat, and Ayvansaray — neighborhoods bursting with character, history, and local life. Follow the footsteps of empires along Byzantine city walls, visit the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, and admire the striking red-brick Fener Greek High School. Continue your journey to the breathtaking Chora (Kariye) Mosque, famous for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, and explore the restored Tekfur Palace, the last surviving Byzantine palace in Istanbul. Perfect for history lovers, photographers, and curious travelers — this tour blends art, faith, and everyday life, offering a genuine taste of Istanbul beyond the tourist crowds.

Ideal for travelers on tight schedules, this private, insider’s tour of Istanbul offers one, two, and three-day options. Follow a customized itinerary tailored to meet your tastes and interests. Either tick off top city highlights, or get personalized recommendations to uncover off-the-beaten-track local hotspots. Guided tours include hotel pickup and drop-off each day.