Discover the art and treasures of the ancient world on a private tour of the 3 branches of the Istanbul Archeological Museums. Gain expert knowledge and see rare artifacts. Optional: private transfers and tour of Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet (Old City)

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 top 1 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)
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts
Best price guarantee - no brokers

Select participants, date, and language

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Activity details

Facilities
  • 3-hour to 6,5-hour
  • Private TourOnly your group - no strangers
  • Roso PromiseTop expert guide · Tailor-made plan · Flexible stops
  • Top expert guide Hand-picked by our local team
  • Car Transport
  • Skip-the-line tickets to Istanbul Archeological Museums, Hagia Sophia Mosque
  • Languages Language of your choice
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 at the ticket office and spend more time exploring these excellent exhibitions. Step into the ancient world of wonders!

Book a 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. Our Expert Guide will tell 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.

Book a longer 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’s Old City. Skip-the-line tickets are included to save you time. A guided tour to these 2 attractions will give you a new appreciation of the city's rich 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.

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Includes

    Private Guided Tour of the Istanbul Archeological Museums, Old City and Hagia Sophia (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)
  • Skip-the-line tickets 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)
  • Skip-the-line tickets 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)
Meeting point

3-hour: Istanbul Archeological Museums: The Empress Theodora Hotel, Cankurtaran, Alemdar Cd. No:22, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey | 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 or informed about the tour. Open in Google Maps

4,5-hour: Istanbul Archeological Museums & Transport: İstanbul, Türkiye | Pickup & drop-off: Guests will be driven from their accommodation to the meeting point, where the guide will be waiting in front of the The Empress Theodora Hotel, Cankurtaran, Alemdar Cd. No:22, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey. After the tour, the driver will wait at the same location for return transfer. Open in Google Maps

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5-hour: Archeological Museums & Hagia Sophia: The Empress Theodora Hotel, Cankurtaran, Alemdar Cd. No:22, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey | 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 or informed about the tour. Open in Google Maps

6,5-hour: Archeological Museums, Hagia Sophia & Transport : İstanbul, Türkiye | Pickup & drop-off: Guests will be driven from their accommodation to the meeting point, where the guide will be waiting in front of the The Empress Theodora Hotel, Cankurtaran, Alemdar Cd. No:22, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey. After the tour, the driver will wait at the same location for return transfer. Open in Google Maps

Important information

What you should know

  • Check your email the day before the tour for important details from Rosotravel, your tour operator.
  • The itinerary depends on the selected option.
  • Skip-the-line tickets to Istanbul Archeological Museums let you bypass the ticket office, but not the queue for security and entry. Access is for the permanent collection.
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  • Skip-the-line tickets to Hagia Sophia Mosque let you bypass the ticket office, but not the queue for security and entry.
  • In 4,5- and 6,5-hour options: We will provide private transport with hotel pickup and drop-off in a standard car (sedan) for 1-4 people, or a van for groups of 5+ people. You can book a 5-people tour for a larger vehicle.
  • This is a moderate walking tour, including some uneven surfaces or steps. The guide will adapt the pace to your group. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather – the tour runs rain or shine!
  • For a personalized experience, we keep our private groups small (1-25 guests per guide). We will provide additional guides for larger groups.