Gods on the Bosphorus – Pagan Byzantium

Long before churches and mosques shaped Istanbul's skyline, the people of Byzantium sacrificed to Poseidon, Apollo and Aphrodite. On this tour we follow the traces of the old gods: oracles, temples, victory monuments and myths that are still visible in the old town today – often hidden beneath later layers.

Highlights

• The Serpent Column from the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi (479 BC)
• The Egyptian obelisk of Thutmose III in the Hippodrome
• The Medusa heads in the Basilica Cistern
• The Alexander Sarcophagus and statues of the gods in the Archaeological Museums
• The Column of the Goths – one of the oldest Roman monuments in the city
• The Column of Constantine and the legend of the buried Palladium

Full description

According to legend, Byzantium was founded by Byzas after the oracle of Delphi told him to settle “opposite the city of the blind”. The temples of the founding era stood on the hill of today's old town; the gods, the imperial cult and the city goddess Tyche shaped life in the city for more than a thousand years.

We read the city layer by layer: images of the gods and funerary art in the Archaeological Museums, trophies from pagan sanctuaries in the Hippodrome, mythological mosaics from the imperial palace, the Medusa heads of the cistern and the Column of Constantine, where paganism and Christianity meet.

Ideal for history lovers, students of classics and religious studies, and anyone who wants to understand Istanbul beyond the familiar paths. Our licensed guide explains the context without passing judgement.

What we see

We adapt the order and selection to the day of the week, opening hours, crowds and your wishes.

• Acropolis of Byzantium and Column of the Goths
  Where the oldest city stood – the founding legend of Byzas and one of the oldest Roman monuments in the city.
• Istanbul Archaeological Museums
  The Alexander Sarcophagus, statues of Zeus and Apollo, Tyche as city goddess and finds from ancient Byzantium.
• Lunch break
  At your own expense, in a restaurant in the old town.
• Hippodrome
  The Serpent Column from Delphi (479 BC), the obelisk of Thutmose III and the Walled Obelisk – trophies from pagan sanctuaries.
• Mosaic Museum
  Floor mosaics from the Great Palace with mythological creatures and hunting scenes.
• Basilica Cistern
  The two Medusa heads – myth, protective magic and the reuse of ancient building parts.
• Column of Constantine
  The first Christian emperor portrayed as the sun god – and the legend of the Palladium from Troy beneath the column.

Included

• 7 hours with a private, state-licensed guide from our team in the booked language
• Planning, coordination and time management of the day
• Tickets bought at the guides' counter – no queuing
• Headsets for groups of 16 or more

Not included

• Admission fees (Archaeological Museums, Mosaic Museum, Basilica Cistern) – Museum Pass Istanbul can be added
• Vehicle with driver and transfers (can be added)
• Lunch and drinks
• Personal expenses, tips

Optional extras

• Vehicle with driver
• Museum Pass Istanbul
• Private boat tour, 2 hrs – €300
• Luxury VIP yacht, 2 hrs – from €400

Meeting point

Meeting point at your hotel in the old town or at an agreed point in Sultanahmet. Pick-up from other hotels with the optional vehicle.

You will recognise our guide by the “MeinReiseleiter.de” sign and the visibly worn guide licence (Rehber ID). We confirm the meeting point and time with your booking.

Important information

Online booking in German, English and Turkish – 25 more languages on request.

• Price: from €240 for up to 3 people · each additional person €10 · child (3–12) €8 · infant (0–2) €5
• No shopping stops – visits to carpet, jewellery or leather shops are expressly not part of the tour.
• 30% deposit on booking, balance in cash on the day of the tour; cancellation fees 30 / 50 / 75 / 100%, changes to bookings are subject to a fee.
• The order of the stops depends on opening hours and crowds.
• Comfortable shoes – mostly on foot, cobblestones.