-What you can expect- Unlock Istanbul's untold stories and rich history on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Beyond the iconic Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia lies a world of Byzantine wonders, the precursors to the mighty Ottoman Empire. On this tour, you will discover these hidden gems, showcasing the grandeur and innovation of the Byzantine era, setting the stage for centuries of history to come.Your day starts at the Zeyrek Mosque, formerly the Monastery of Christ Pantokrator, a living testament to Byzantine splendour. Guided by a National Geographic-trained guide with an expertise in architecture, you'll delve into its profound significance and explore the controversies that shroud its restoration.As the tour unfolds, visit the Valens Aqueduct, an ancient token of the Byzantines' progressive water systems and their ties to the wider Roman Empire. Learn how, in its time, the Byzantine Empire was known as the 'Eastern Roman Empire.'Next, discover the remains of the Church of St. Polyeuctus, once the grandest church in the city, now a haunting relic of the past. At the Great Palace Mosaics Museum, prepare to be enchanted by intricate Byzantine mosaics, connecting you to the city's artistic legacy. The tour comes to an end at the remarkable Basilica Cistern, a symbol of architectural brilliance that transcended empires.