Take an exciting journey into the ancient world on a private tour of the 3 branches of the Istanbul Archeological Museums. Gain expert knowledge and see rare artifacts. Extended options: private transfers and a visit to Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet.

Highlights
  • Explore the Istanbul Archeological Museums with a Licensed History Guide
  • Save time with skip-the-line tickets to the “first museum in Turkey”
  • Discover ancient art and treasures collected by the Ottoman Empire
  • Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (5- and 6,5-hour options only)
  • Book private car transfers with pickup and drop-off service (4,5- and 6,5-hour options only)

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Adults

from 7 years old
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English
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Activity details

Facilities
  • 3 - 5,5 Hours
  • Private TourExclusive only for you
  • Just buy and we instantly organizeYour booking ensure the tour is already fully organized, just come and enjoy!
  • Live GuideEnglish, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Polish
  • Walking & Transport
Full description

The Istanbul Archeological Museums explore almost all eras and civilizations in world history. Join our History Expert Guide on a private tour of the first museum in Turkey and learn about archeology and Islamic art. With fast track tickets you can skip the line and spend more time exploring the excellent exhibitions. Step into the ancient world of wonders!

Choose the 3-hour tour to see the vast collections of the Istanbul Archeological Museums, including the Archeological Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art and the Museum of Ancient Oriental Works. This history tour will stimulate your curiosity of ancient civilizations as you will discover one of the collections of archeological artifacts and Islamic art. Your Expert Guide tells you about the background of the first museum in Turkey, the stunning museum buildings, and the historical artifacts gathered from the vast former territories of the Ottoman Empire. The collection includes Turkish, Hellenistic and Roman artifacts, as well as some rare objects from the early civilizations of Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Arabia and Egypt. You will see highlights such as the ornate Alexander Sarcophagus, the glazed tile images from the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, and many statues from ancient antiquity until the end of the Roman Era. Save time with skip-the-line tickets and explore the wonders of the ancient world!

Choose the 4,5-hour option to book private transfers and a 3-hour private tour of the 3 branches of the Istanbul Archeological Museums. We will have a licensed private driver pick you up directly from your accommodation in a clean, air-conditioned car, van or minibus (subject to group size). Drop-off is also included, so you can enjoy a hassle-free experience without worrying about transport in Istanbul.

Choose the 5-hour tour to explore the vast collections of the Istanbul Archeological Museums and visit Hagia Sophia, the most famous architectural monument and World Heritage Site in Istanbul. A guided tour to these 2 attractions will give you a new appreciation of the city’s history and its multicultural influences. Hagia Sophia offers a unique blend of Christian and Islamic elements, bringing these 2 religions closer together. It is a must-see in the Sultanahmet Old City, so don’t miss out on a chance to visit this top-ranked attraction after your exciting tour of the Istanbul Archeological Museums.

Choose the 6,5-hour option to book private transfers with a 5-hour private tour of the Istanbul Archeological Museums and Hagia Sophia. Both museums are located in the heart of the Old City on the European Side, so private transfers will be very convenient if your accommodation is located in a different area. You will travel in a private car instead of a coach for more comfort. Both pickup and drop-off at your accommodation are included in this option.

Includes
  • Private Guided Tour of the Istanbul Archeological Museums (number of attractions depends on the selected option)
  • 5-Star Licensed Guide who fluent in the language of your choice
  • Skip-the-line tickets to Istanbul Archeological Museums (all options)
  • Free entry to Hagia Sophia Mosque (5- and 6,5-hour options only)
  • Private transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (4,5- and 6,5-hour options only)
  • Free entry to Hagia Sophia Mosque (in 3- and 4,5-hour options)
  • Private transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (in 3- and 5-hour options)

Important information

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of The Empress Theodora Hotel, Cankurtaran, Alemdar Cd. No:22, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point and the staff is ot informed about the tour.

Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Istanbul (4,5- and 6,5-hour options only)

Important information

What you should know

  • Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
  • Please note that the number of attractions depends on the option selected. Private car transfers and the Hagia Sophia tour are not included in the basic 2-hour option.
  • Skip-the-line tickets to the Istanbul Archaeology Museums allow you to enter faster without purchasing tickets on the spot, but you may have to wait in line for ticket validation and mandatory security checks. Admission includes the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art.
  • Hagia Sophia is a functioning mosque, so there are special rules for visitors with free admission. Women are not allowed outside the women’s and visitor area and some parts of the mosque are closed to non-Muslims during prayer hours. All visitors must undergo mandatory security checks and adhere to mosque etiquette, which includes a modest dress (head scarves for women only; covered shoulders and knees, no hats and shoes for men and women).
  • The 4,5 and 5,5-hour options include approximately a 1,5-hour transfer time between the meeting point and the accommodation address provided when booking. Please note that the transfer time quoted is for information purposes only and may take longer or shorter depending on the distance and traffic.
  • We will arrange private transfers in a standard car (sedan) for groups of 1-4 people, and in a larger van or minibus for groups of 5 people and more. If you’re traveling in a smaller group but want to travel in a more spacious car, we recommend booking a 5-people tour to take advantage of a larger vehicle.
  • For the convenience of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests. The price of the tour will be higher if you need more than 1 guide.