Constantine Column Tours and Tickets

Explore the glorious legacy of the Byzantine Empire and learn about the fall of Constantinople on this 3.5-hour small-group tour, combining three of Istanbul's most captivating historic sights. Start by strolling around the former Hippodrome, where you'll see the Column of Constantine, the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column. Enjoy a tour of the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia mosque, then take a peek at the hauntingly beautiful Basilica Cistern, a remarkable underground aqueduct that dates back to Byzantine times.

Follow in the footsteps of Ottoman sultans, Islamic scholars and Byzantine emperors on a half-day Istanbul tour that takes in three fascinating destinations. Explore the 15th-century Topkapi Palace, where you'll discover a trove of art and artifacts from around the world, and architecture that evokes a dramatic era of court and harem intrigues in the seraglio. Browse handicrafts at a onetime madrasa, then take in the Roman, Egyptian and Ottoman monuments at Hippodrome Square, once the site of Byzantine games and chariot races.

You'll never look at Istanbul the same way again after this full-day private tour of the city. After meeting your friendly local guide at your hotel, you'll set off for a day of unforgettable sights, starting with the 15th century Hippodrome and Obelisks. You'll have the chance to wander amongst the Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius, Obelisk of Constantine and German Fountain before continuing on to the world-famous Blue Mosque. Next up is the Hagia Sophia, one of the oldest remaining Greek Orthodox churches and formerly used as a mosque. Go shopping for every kind of souvenir imaginable at the Grand Covered Bazaar and feast on traditional Turkish delicacies for lunch. Your tour will conclude with visits to the Topkapi Palace and Little Hagia Sophia Mosque.

A great choice for first-timers or cruise visitors, this private morning or afternoon tour takes in the highlights of Istanbul's UNESCO-listed historic quarter. Learn about Istanbul's two great empires, as you stroll through the Byzantine Hippodrome and tour the opulent Ottoman palace of Topkapi. Keep your camera to hand as you visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, two of the city's most magnificent works of architecture. Finally, soak up hundreds of years of history as you wander around the Grand Bazaar, with plenty of time for souvenir shopping.

Make the most of a day's cruise stop in Istanbul with this 7-hour city highlights tour. Visit the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, charting Istanbul's history as a Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman capital, and the importance of its location straddling Europe and Asia. Plus, punctuate your visits with time at the Hippodrome, where chariot races were held, and the Grand Bazaar, a souvenir-hunter's dream. Air-conditioned minivan transport and entrance fees included.

There's so much to see and do in Istanbul, it's can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, but this private 1- or 2-day tour is the perfect way to maximize your time. Tick off top attractions such as Topkapi Palace; admire architectural wonders like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia; cruise along the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia; and shop for souvenirs at the famous Grand Bazaar.

If you're keen to see Istanbul's highlights and also have free time during a cruise stop in the city, this 4-hour tour is ideal. Tour the UNESCO-listed treasures of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia as you learn about Istanbul's Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history, and stroll around the Hippodrome, whose gardens and monuments mark the long-ago chariot racing and sporting arena. Air-conditioned minivan transport and entrance fees included.