Istanbul: Half-Day Tour with Topkapi Palace

4.6666665 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.6666665 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
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Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Istanbul: Half-Day Tour with Topkapi Palace
4.6666665 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.6666665 out of 5 stars
12 reviews

Explore the Ottoman and Byzantine sights of Istanbul on a 4.5-hour sightseeing tour by luxury vehicle. Learn the history and culture of Turkey’s most cosmopolitan city at the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and more.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 4.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
Spanish, English, French, German, Greek
Pickup included
Pickup is available at the port, airport, or your hotel. Please indicate your preference when booking.
Private group

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Y
Yolanda –

Our guide Aylin picked us early at our hotel. She was marvelous!!! She explained everything and even tried to help us rescue our lost luggage. Would definitely use this company again and recommend to friends. Excellent experience!!!!

P
Patrick – Switzerland

We were picked up by our local guide on time directly at the port station where our cruise ship embarked. A very clean, spacious and air conditioned van brought us straight to Topkapi palace where our perfectly English speaking guide introduced us to Istanbul and the history of this important place. Besides magnificent views across all of Istanbul we also visited nearby mosques and the bazar. Too bad that the 4 hours passed by so quickly. But well worth considering that we skipped the usual waiting queues and sales events of the tours organized by the cruise ship.

Select participants and date

Highlights

  • Marvel at the minarets of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
  • See the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace
  • Visit the site of former chariot races at the Hippodrome

Full description

See the landmark sights of Istanbul on a half-day tour by air-conditioned vehicle. You will be picked up from your hotel, port, or airport, and transferred in comfort to the historic city center.

Discover the Ottoman and Byzantine history of the city at sites such as the Hagia Sophia, one of the marvels of world architecture. Constructed as an Orthodox basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, its 4 minarets were added when it was converted to a mosque.

Marvel at the Blue Mosque, facing the Hagia Sophia. Famous for its blue Iznik tiles and 6 minarets, it is the icon of Istanbul and the culmination of 2 centuries of Ottoman development.

Move on to the Hippodrome, center of chariot races, athletic events, and political activities of the city when it was known as Constantinople. Next, admire the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace. See the exquisite jewels in the treasury, and a priceless collection of miniatures and medieval manuscripts

Includes

  • Licensed English-speaking guide (or other preferred language)
  • Transportation by air-conditioned luxury vehicle with professional driver
  • Pick-up and drop off service
  • Entrance fees to museums and sites according to the itinerary
  • Gratuities to guide and driver
  • Any items not specifically mentioned as included

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat

Know before you go

  • Please bring a camera, sunhat, and comfortable walking shoes

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 12 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    5/5
  • Value for money
    4.3/5
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Y
Yolanda – June 18, 2015 – Verified booking
Our guide Aylin picked us early at our hotel. She was marvelous!!! She explained everything and even tried to help us rescue our lost luggage. Would definitely use this company again and recommend to friends. Excellent experience!!!!
P
Patrick – SwitzerlandAugust 14, 2015 – Verified booking
We were picked up by our local guide on time directly at the port station where our cruise ship embarked. A very clean, spacious and air conditioned van brought us straight to Topkapi palace where our perfectly English speaking guide introduced us to Istanbul and the history of this important place. Besides magnificent views across all of Istanbul we also visited nearby mosques and the bazar. Too bad that the 4 hours passed by so quickly. But well worth considering that we skipped the usual waiting queues and sales events of the tours organized by the cruise ship.
D
David – United KingdomNovember 2, 2015 – Verified booking
Very nice guide, lots of information. Prompt collection from our hotel

Product ID: 34179

Activity provider:OKEANOS TRAVEL

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