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Home/Turkey/Istanbul/Kariye Museum (Kariye Müzesi)

Explore the Sacred Art of Kariye Museum (Kariye Müzesi)

Step into a world of breathtaking history at the Kariye Museum (Kariye Müzesi) in Istanbul. Renowned for its incomparable Byzantine mosaics and stunning frescoes, this architectural masterpiece offers an immersive journey through sacred art and ancient storytelling. Whether you are booking a private historical tour or a guided sightseeing experience, Kariye Museum provides a profound cultural encounter that captures the soul of Istanbul. Explore the intricate details of religious masterpieces and discover why this UNESCO-worthy treasure is a must-visit attraction for every traveler seeking authentic Turkish heritage and spiritual beauty.

4.9/5 avg ratingTours from $42.6011,438+ reviews94% free cancellation

At a glance

Rating

Rating

4.91★ average

Based on 11,438 pooled reviews with ~96% positive sentiment

Tour Price

Tour Price

$100–$364 typical

Median price is $175, with a range of $43–$623

Tour Length

Tour Length

7 hours median

Typical duration ranges from 4 to 19.2 hours

Tour Type

Tour Type

Sightseeing & Cultural

94% of options focus on these themes

Booking Perks

Booking Perks

94% free cancellation

94% of tours also offer instant confirmation

Languages

Languages

8 languages available

Including EN, ES, DE, FR, AR, IT, JA, and RU

30 Products

Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

21 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.96 (10,437 reviews)
97.63%
2.37%
highly recommendknowledgeablegreat experience
Viator
$90
Book now
View Details
Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
Summary

Visit highlights of Istanbul with your private tour guide in 1, 2 or 3 days with a flexible itinerary. Day 1 - Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum, Sultanahmet Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar. Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Squ...

Inclusions
  • Flexible Pick-up Point: Guide will meet you at central Istanbul hotels, Airbnb, or Galataport
  • Private Tour with a Licensed Professional Tour Guide
  • Traditional Turkish Arts & Crafts Experience (Depending on interest)
  • Skip-the-Line Tickets: Your guide will arrange priority tickets, you will pay directly to the guide
Exclusions
  • Transportation with Private Van (If the option is not selected)
  • Museum,Ferry,Cable Car Tickets (Available upon request)
  • Lunch and Drinks
  • Gratuities (Suggested)
Itinerary
  • Sultanahmet Square
  • German Fountain
  • Blue Mosque
  • Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
  • Basilica Cistern
  • TopkapI Palace
  • Grand Bazaar
  • Bosphorus Strait
  • Dolmabahce Palace
  • Taksim Square
  • Istiklal Caddesi
  • Galata Tower
  • Misir Carsisi
  • Cicek Pasaji
  • Suleymaniye Mosque
  • Balat
  • Fener Rum Patrikhanesi
  • Historic Areas of Istanbul
  • Pierre Loti
  • Chora Museum
  • Halic
  • Bulgarian Orthodox Church
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, The suggested first-day tour is designed as a walking tour, with transportation needed only between the hotel and the Old Town if the hotel is outside old town., The suggested second-day tour can be easily managed by public transportation, Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays can be replaced with alternatives such as Turkish And Islamic Arts Museum or Archaeological Museum depending on your wishes., Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and replaced with Spice Market., Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. Due to museum regulations, live guide service is not available at Dolmabahce Palace., For the tours that start later than 11 am, kindly note that you may have to skip one/a couple of sites as the sites are closed by 7 pm. Your guide will adjust the program according to your priorities., On Fridays, Blue Mosque will be visited in the afternoon due to Friday prayers., Grand Bazaar and Spice Market is closed during Eid. (Tue, Mar 9, 2027 – Thu, Mar 11, 2027)
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line

Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line

7 daysSkip the lineEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.8 (1,526 reviews)
90.82%
9.18%
highly recommendGreat experiencequick to respond
Viator
$143
Book now
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Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line
Summary

Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the contactless entry with your mobile pass without paying at the gate of attractions. Istanbul E-pass offers attractions in 3 different ways; - Walk-in ...

Inclusions
  • Instant digital Istanbul E-pass with access to over 100+ attractions, tours and activities
  • Professional Guidance in English for Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace
  • Day Trip Tours to Bursa City & Mount Uludag and Sapanca Lake & Masukiye
  • Enjoy a complimentary one-way private airport transfer with your Istanbul E-pass
  • Whirling Dervishes Show
  • Free Istanbul Guidebook in 6 different languages:English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Russian, Croation
  • Bosphorus Cruise (daytime or sunset options available, with Dinner, Turkish Breakfast or Late Lunch)
Exclusions
  • Public Transportation
  • Pick up service except for Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and day trip attractions
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
Itinerary
  • Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
  • TopkapI Palace
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Dolmabahce Palace
  • Whirling Dervishes Istanbul
  • Hagia Irene Museum
  • Museum Of Illusions Istanbul
  • Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Turk ve Islam Eserleri Muzesi)
  • Bosphorus Strait
  • Beylerbeyi Palace
  • Chora Museum
  • Blue Mosque
  • Istanbul Archaeological Museum
  • Princes' Islands
  • CamlIca Kulesi - Camlica Tower
  • Istanbul Sapphire
  • Istanbul Akvaryum
  • Miniaturk
  • Sapanca Lake
  • Emaar Akvaryum & Sualti Hayvanat Bahcesi
  • Yildiz Palace Museum
  • Istanbul Museum of The History of Science & Technology in Islam
  • Galata Mevlevi Museum
  • Viasea Akvaryum
  • Panorama 1453 History Museum
  • Istanbul Robot Muzesi
  • Balat Oyuncak Muzesi
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Passes are valid 2 years from the date of purchase
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Istanbul City and Hidden Gem Private Guided Tour 1, 2, 3 Day opt.

Istanbul City and Hidden Gem Private Guided Tour 1, 2, 3 Day opt.

18 hrsPrivate tourEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.99 (268 reviews)
98.54%
1.46%
amazingexcellent guidegreat tour
Viator
$250
Book now
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Istanbul City and Hidden Gem Private Guided Tour 1, 2, 3 Day opt.
Summary

Whether you are interested in history, architecture, culture or cuisine while exploring highlights or hidden gems of Istanbul our very well-made itinerary for 1,2 or 3 days private guided walking tour has you covered ! Istanbul: no other city on earth straddles two continents -Europe and Asia- and h...

Inclusions
  • Local Taxes
  • Private Tour
  • Professional Tour Guide
Exclusions
  • Public Transportation Fees
  • Meals
Itinerary
  • TopkapI Palace
  • Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
  • Blue Mosque
  • Hippodrome
  • Grand Bazaar
  • Dolmabahce Palace
  • Bosphorus Strait
  • KadIkoy CarsIsI
  • Rustem Pasha Mosque
  • Misir Carsisi
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Suleymaniye Mosque
  • Chora Museum
  • Balat
  • Bulgarian Orthodox Church
  • Fener Rum Patrikhanesi
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Basilica Cistern will be visited instead., Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Spice Market will be visited instead., Grand Bazaar and Spice Market will be closed in 2026 in the following dates; March 20/21/22-Ramadan Celebrations. May 27/28/29/30-Eid Celebrations. October 29-Republic Day., We have Kid-Friendly Tour Guides in our team., For the cruise passengers public transportation (tram) is strongly recommended due to heavy traffic in/around the old city. By the tram the old city takes only 10 minutes. Please book the tour accordingly, If you book the tour with a private van, please beware that extra charges may apply if your hotel/apartment is located in the Asian Side or far from the city center.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Istanbul Balat & Chora Mosque Guided Tour with Sunset Experience

Istanbul Balat & Chora Mosque Guided Tour with Sunset Experience

5 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
5 (34 reviews)
94.19%
5.81%
wonderfulGreat viewsHighly recommended
Viator
$114
Book now
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Istanbul Balat & Chora Mosque Guided Tour with Sunset Experience
Summary

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...

Inclusions
  • 2 hours sunset bosphorus cruise
  • Some snacks during sunset cruise such as cookies, baklava and nuts
  • professional local english tour guide
Exclusions
  • Public Transportation Tickets and Expenses
  • Admission and Entry Tickets for Chora Museum
Itinerary
  • Chora Museum
  • Ahrida Synagogue
  • Yanbol Synagogue
  • Balat
  • Mother Mary Catholic Church
  • Dolmabahce Palace
  • Ortakoy
  • Bosphorus Bridge
  • Rumeli Fortress
  • Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
  • Anadolu Hisari Fort
  • Kucuksu Pavilion
  • Beylerbeyi Palace
  • Uskudar
  • Galata Koprusu
  • Galataport
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour

Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour

4.5 hrsFree cancellation
5 (23 reviews)
98.99%
1.01%
amazingCHORA Mosquehighly recommend
Viator
$63
Book now
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Hidden Treasure's Of Byzantine/Roman & Ottoman sites Tour
Summary

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 ...

Inclusions
  • At the end of the tour, we will take the public bus and go to the tour end point which is in eminönü
Exclusions
  • Entrance fee for the museum section is not icluded. ( in Chora mosque )
Itinerary
  • Suleymaniye Mosque
  • Kadinlar Pazari
  • Fatih Mosque and Complex
  • Fatih Carsamba (Wednesday) Market
  • Chora Museum
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Our tour will take four and a half to five hours, including walking and stops., Please specify if you are allergic to gluten, vegetarian or do not consume dairy products let us know.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Istanbul City Walls & Byzantine Secrets – Private Walking Tour

Istanbul City Walls & Byzantine Secrets – Private Walking Tour

5 hrsPrivate tourEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
5 (21 reviews)
100%
0%
great tourist guidesamazinggreat experience
Viator
$354
Book now
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Istanbul City Walls & Byzantine Secrets – Private Walking Tour
Summary

Step off the tourist trail and walk the ancient walls that protected Constantinople for over 1,000 years. This private tour takes you through Istanbul’s most dramatic and least visited corners where history isn’t behind glass Why this tour is unlike anything else in Istanbul: ✔ Walk the actual Byzan...

Inclusions
  • In-person guide is licensed or certified - English.
Itinerary
  • Chora Museum
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Not recommended for anyone has leg problems
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: Hidden Stories & Secret Places

Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: Hidden Stories & Secret Places

4 hrsFree cancellation
5 (15 reviews)
100%
0%
enjoyable waycalmeasy to follow
Viator
$10
Book now
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Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: Hidden Stories & Secret Places
Summary

Discover Istanbul through 29 immersive audio-story locations, from famous landmarks to hidden corners. After booking, you’ll receive a private access link with English audio stories, written content, map links, and suggested routes. No app or scheduled meeting is required—open it on your phone and ...

Inclusions
  • Immersive audio stories and written content
  • 29-stop self-guided audio experience in English
  • Mobile web guide - no app required
  • Lifetime access to the complete experience
  • Interactive map links and suggested route
Exclusions
  • Optional admission tickets to attractions
  • Food, drinks, and personel expenses
Itinerary
  • TopkapI Palace
  • Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Sultanahmet Square
  • Grand Bazaar
  • Suleymaniye Mosque
  • Galata Tower
  • Balat
  • Fener & Balat
  • Chora Museum
  • Pierre Loti
  • KIz Kulesi
  • Beylerbeyi Palace
  • Rumeli Fortress
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour

Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour

5 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.94 (18 reviews)
97.41%
2.59%
excellentGreat Tourextremely knowledgeable
Viator
$400
Book now
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Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour
Summary

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...

Inclusions
  • Private Guide Service
Exclusions
  • foods and tips
Itinerary
  • The Walls of Istanbul
  • Chora Museum
  • Tekfur Sarayi
  • Nakkas Oriental Rugs & Textiles
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Istanbul Revealed: Historic Pathways & Bosphorus Serenity

Istanbul Revealed: Historic Pathways & Bosphorus Serenity

7 hrsFree cancellation
4.84 (38 reviews)
95.38%
4.62%
greatFantastic tourAmazing views
Viator
$143
Book now
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Istanbul Revealed: Historic Pathways & Bosphorus Serenity
Summary

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, ...

Inclusions
  • Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off (Takim and Fatih areas only)
  • Bosphorus Yacht Cruise
  • Complimetary Services on the Bosphorus Yacht cruise
  • Stopover in Kanlica
  • Walking Tour in Fener and Balat Districts
  • Comfortable Transportation
  • Professional English-Speaking Guide
Exclusions
  • Chora Museum entrance tickets (Ticket Price: 20 euro extra)
  • Lunch
Itinerary
  • The Walls of Istanbul
  • Yedikule (Castle of the Seven Towers)
  • Golden gate
  • Chora Museum
  • Bulgarian Orthodox Church
  • Meryem Ana Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi
  • Vlaherna Meryem Ana Church
  • Halic
  • Bosphorus Strait
  • Galata Koprusu
  • Galata Tower
  • Galataport
  • Dolmabahce Mosque
  • Dolmabahce Palace
  • Buyuk Mecidiye Camii
  • Bosphorus Bridge
  • Rumeli Fortress
  • Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
  • Kanlica Meydani
  • Anadolu Hisari Fort
  • Kucuksu Pavilion
  • Beylerbeyi Palace
  • KIz Kulesi
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Comfortable Walking Shoes Parts of the tour, especially in the Old City, Fener, and Balat districts, involve walking on cobbled and uneven streets. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes to enjoy the exploration., Modest Dress for Religious Sites In the Fener and Balat areas, you'll be visiting historic churches and possibly other religious sites. Dressing modestly is recommended to respect local customs., Weather Considerations Istanbul's weather can change quickly, especially by the Bosphorus. Bring a light jacket or scarf for cooler breezes on the yacht, particularly during spring or fall. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended for sunnier days., Hydration and Snacks While the tour includes meal stops, it's a good idea to bring a water bottle and a small snack for comfort, especially during walking portions., Local Currency (Turkish Lira) Small purchases, like snacks or drinks in Kanlica, may require Turkish Lira. While some places accept cards, having a few coins or notes is useful for small vendors., Photography-Friendly Tour This itinerary includes many scenic and historic spots perfect for photography. Charge your camera or phone fully and consider bringing a portable charger if you plan to capture the day extensively., Tasting the Famous Kanlica Yogurt Kanlica's yogurt is a local specialty often served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Be sure to try it, as it's a highlight of the village stopover., Punctuality for Smooth Transitions To make the most of the day's itinerary, try to stay punctual, especially when transitioning between land and yacht activities., Cultural Etiquette Istanbul is a welcoming city, and locals appreciate friendliness and respect. A simple "Merhaba" (Hello) or "Teshekkurler" (Thank you) can go a long way in connecting with people you meet during the tour., The minimum participant of this product is 1 person., Seven Towers (Yedikule) Fortress is closed on Mondays., Chora Mosque (formerly the Chora Museum) is closed on Fridays.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Istanbul Ancient Monasteries Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Istanbul Ancient Monasteries Full-Day Tour with Lunch

7.5 hrsFree cancellation
4.64 (14 reviews)
83.33%
16.67%
Great guideremarkable tourvery knowledgeable
Viator
$742
Book now
View Details
Istanbul Ancient Monasteries Full-Day Tour with Lunch
Summary

We will see as many churches as we can see from outside. Our day starts with the visit of St. Saviour of Chora from outside. Built originally as a part of a monastery complex in the 4th century, transformed to a mosque at the beginning of 16th century, became a museum in 1945, and recently retransfo...

Inclusions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • English speaking licenced & professional guiding
  • Transportation
Exclusions
  • Personal expenses
  • All the places in the itinerary will be visited from outside
Itinerary
  • Chora Museum
  • Tekfur Sarayi
  • Church of St. Mary of the Mongols
  • Fethiye Muzesi (Pammakaristos Church)
  • The Walls of Istanbul
  • Fener Rum Patrikhanesi
  • Church of St Polyeuktos
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, All the places in the itinerary will be visited from outside.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Kariye Museum (Kariye Müzesi).

Istanbul City Walls (Walls of Constantinople)
Learn more

Istanbul City Walls (Walls of Constantinople)

250 m away • from $40

Balat
Learn more

Balat

800 m away • from $3.54

Fener District
Learn more

Fener District

950 m away • from $21

Patriarchal Church of St. George
Learn more

Patriarchal Church of St. George

1.1 km away • from $8

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

The feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Based on a combined 4.65★ rating from 11,511 reviews across booking platforms, travelers frequently describe the experiences as amazing and all around awesome. Many specifically highlight the knowledgeable guides as a standout feature of their visit.

The duration depends on whether you are booking a quick visit or a full-day excursion. Most tours last between 2.9 and 11.7 hours, with a median duration of about 6.8 hours.

Yes, there is a wide variety of linguistic options available. Across the listings we compare, tours are offered in 8 different languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Arabic, Japanese, and Russian.

Flexibility is common when booking through major platforms. The vast majority, or 86% of the options we compare, offer free cancellation, allowing you to adjust your plans if needed.

If you are looking to minimize your travel impact, you may be interested to know that 43% of the tours listed are tagged as eco-friendly.

Use the Marmaray train or public ferries. They are efficient ways to travel between the European and Asian sides.

Carry Turkish Lira for small shops and bazaars. Most larger stores and restaurants accept credit cards.

Purchase museum passes online in advance. Visit sites like Hagia Sophia early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Golden Horn (Haliç)1.8kmZeyrek Mosque (Zeyrek Camii)2kmPanorama 1453 History Museum2.1kmPierre Loti Hill (Pierre Loti Tepesi)2.6kmSüleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)2.7kmBeyoglu2.8kmRustem Pasha Mosque (Rüstem Paşa Camii)2.9kmGalata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü)3kmGalata Tower (Galata Kulesi)3kmPera Museum (Pera Müzesi)3kmGalata Mevlevi Museum (Galata Mevlevihanesi Müzesi)3kmSpice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi)3.1km
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