Enjoy a walking tour through the heart of Istanbul's old town, Sultanahmet, to see the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace and its Harem. Gain priority admission, and skip the long lines with your professional and local tour guide.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 4 - 5 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, German, Russian
- Wheelchair accessible
- Private group available
Experience
Highlights
- Visit the two major highlights of historical Istanbul on a small group or private tour
- See the Hagia Sophia from inside out and enjoy the mozaics gallery
- Learn about the Ottomans as you walk through the Topkapi Palace
- Have the privilage of a professional and local guide for priority admission and skip-the-lines
- Visit the Harem in Topkapi Palace to learn about the Sultan's home
Full description
Meet your professional and local guide at a central Sultanahmet location, from where you will enjoy skip-the-line admission tickets to visit the famous Hagia Sophia and see its glory from the 6th Century.
You can climb up the gallery with your guide to see the mosaics surviving from this ancient church, former mosque, and now internationally famous museum. Continue your journey to Topkapi Palace, the second stop for the day. Here you can explore the palace grounds, courtyards, and its Harem on a guided tour.
Later on, you will visit the Harem, ruled by the Queen Mother who wielded domestic and political power. The harem housed hundreds of women and family members as well as hundreds of eunuchs, who performed a wide range of duties. Marvel at its opulence and mystery and learn about this period in Istanbul's history.
See the several exhibitions inside the Palace as you Admire cupboard doors inlaid with mother of pearl and tortoiseshell and stunning Iznik tiles with verses from the Quran. Admire cupboard doors inlaid with mother of pearl and tortoiseshell and stunning Iznik tiles with verses from the Quran. Your tour will end with a visit to the holy relics and the imperial kitchens.
Includes
- Skip-the-line ticket to Topkapi Palace
- Visit to Hagia Sophia (no ticket needed)
- Professional licensed local guide
- Small-group tour (maximum 12 people) or a private walking tour (depending on option chosen)
- Walking tour
- Guided visit of the Harem
- Lunch
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All required protective equipment is provided
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meet at the House of Medusa Restaurant in Sultanahmet, Alemdar Mh., Yerebatan Cd. No:32, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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