Things to do in Topkapi

Welcome aboard our yacht! We are embarking on a two-hour sunset or daytime small group (16 people) yacht cruise along the Bosphorus, where you will experience Istanbul from a completely different perspective. Istanbul is a city situated across two continents, with the Bosphorus Strait serving as a defining feature. This strait is one of the main attractions, and no visit to Istanbul is complete without a boat trip along its waters. From the deck of our snow white yacht, you will have the opportunity to behold nearly all of Istanbul's major landmarks: Dolmabahce Palace, Topkapi and Chiragan Palaces, Sultan Suleiman Mosque, the city's main bridge—the Bosphorus Bridge—and, of course, the famous Maiden Tower. We are delighted to accommodate your group of up to 16 people on our 20 metres yacht. Prepare to immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences and savor the unique views of Istanbul that unfold before you along the Bosphorus. Onboard our yacht, not only will you enjoy the stunning sights of Istanbul, but we also have a treat in store for you. As you take in the beauty of the Bosphorus, our attentive staff will serve you with light snacks and seasonal fruits. Indulge in a delectable selection of appetizers as you cruise along, complemented by the freshest fruits of the season.

Join a guided tour to discover Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Benefit from skip the line tickets and priority admission at the museum ticket offices led by your efficient guide. There will be a maximum of 12 people in your small group tour. Meet your guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood at an easy spot and check out Istanbul's greatest monuments on a walking tour. Start with the Basilica Cistern, wander around the “Subterranean Palace” and learn about its history. See the underground pillars and learn about Byzantine architecture. Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa heads. Next, visit the Hagia Sophia with skip the line tickets and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul and learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Explore the stunning monument with elements of a mosque and a church standing next to each other. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome, minarets, and countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns. Continue to Topkapi Palace to explore the splendor of the Ottoman Empire. Enter the famous palace with skip the line tickets and priority admission. Discover the complex of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards. Explore the outer-terraced gardens and admire the view over the Golden Horn. Choose to visit the Harem with your included tickets at your leisure. Starting From Galataport Option for Cruise Guests If you are on a cruise holiday with a stop in Istanbul, don’t miss the chance to explore this stunning city. Choose the Galataport cruise port as your meeting point, where your guide will greet you upon arrival. From Galataport, travel via tram to the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood with your guide. Discover Istanbul’s major highlights, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern, with priority entry tickets for a seamless experience.

Find your guide at the meeting point or enjoy the convenience of being picked up from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul. Sit back and relax in an airconditioned coach with plenty of space on your way to the departure point. First drive along the Golden Horn. With your guide narrating the history, spot traditional wooden houses, historic churches, synagogues, mosques and remnants of the ancient Roman Wall. Ascend Pierre Loti Hill by bus for panoramic views of the Golden Horn, then glide down by cable car, capturing postcard-perfect photos of Istanbul’s skyline along the way. Visit the revered Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a close companion of Prophet Muhammad. Learn how this sacred site became the ceremonial location for the coronation of Ottoman sultans, where they were girded with the Sword of Osman at the start of their reigns. Sample traditional Turkish treats like apple tea, baklava, and Turkish delight at a nearby shop. Wrap up your day with a relaxing Bosphorus cruise. Sail between Europe and Asia as you admire the city’s stunning waterfront landmarks including the Golden Horn, Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Hagia Sophia, Maiden’s Tower, Galata Tower, Blue Mosque and Ortaköy Mosque. Take in the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus bridges that connect two continents. At the end of your unforgettable day, return to your original pickup point by coach

Explore Istanbul's most iconic landmarks with our history-shaping tour, opening doors to 15 centuries of awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia and over 5 centuries of fascinating Topkapı Palace. Illuminate your understanding, as our expert historian guide shares incredible narratives and sparks discussions about the known and the enigmatic. While the world marvels at the splendor of Hagia Sophia, you'll encounter this architectural marvel during hours of relative calm, expertly timed by your seasoned guide. Accompanied by an experienced historian guide, delve into an assortment of incredible tales as the unknown morphs into the familiar and curiosity paves the path to enlightenment. Benefit from our express entrance to Topkapi palace – a fast-paced experience without the hassle of long ticket queues, enabling you to fully immerse in your excursion. Let a historian breathe life into their hallowed halls with incredible stories and curious tales. Navigate the lesser-tread paths and witness the unknown with expertise tailored to provide an unforgettable, crowd-free extraordinary journey. This is not just a tour; it's your passport to Istanbul's past! ***Attention; All the guests has to follow the timetable below. - Hagia Sophia: 9.00 or 16.00 (* There’s no tour only on Fridays and Tuesdays) - Topkapı Palace: Daily 10.30 and only session (*Fridays at 9.30 and there's no session on Tuesdays). ⏱️ Duration: +105 Minutes ✨ English

Immerse yourself in the magic of Turkey's culture and history on this dinner cruise on Istanbul's Bosphorus river with a 3-course meal. Enjoy a range of international and Turkish entertainment such as Turkish folk dance, belly dancing, DJ. Start the evening with convenient pickup from your hotel in Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Topkapı, Taksim, Harbiye, Beyoğlu, or Karaköy. Gorgeous golden horn view.Magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque,Historical Galata tower and bridge.Admire spectacular views of Istanbul’s beautifully illuminated palaces, mosques, and Bosphorus bridges while you wait for your 3-course meal. As you eat, watch belly dancers, whirling dervishes, and other local artists. Be enticed by Turkish folklore dances from different regions of Anatolia performed by professional dancers. After the cruise, you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Find your guide at the meeting point or enjoy the convenience of being picked up from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul. Sit back and relax in an airconditioned coach with plenty of space on your way to the departure point. Begin your tour with a visit to the magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles and six elegant minarets. Learn how this architectural masterpiece was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I and stands as the last great mosque of the Classical Ottoman period. Next, step into the heart of ancient Constantinople at the Hippodrome, once the city’s vibrant social and sporting center. Admire historical monuments including the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Column of Constantine. Visit the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century marvel built by Emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox church. Discover the building’s rich history as it transitioned from church to mosque and later into a museum—standing as the world’s largest church for nearly a millennium. Before reaching the Grand Bazaar, enjoy a brief stop at a local shop—an ideal opportunity to pick up authentic souvenirs and handcrafted goods. Then, gather in front of the Grand Bazaar’s main gate to hear fascinating insights about its rich history. Afterward, explore the Grand Bazaar at your own pace. Lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the world’s oldest and largest covered market, with 65 bustling streets and over 4,000 shops offering everything from carpets and jewelry to spices, ceramics, and more. In the afternoon, after the free time for Lunch, board a comfortable coach for a scenic drive along the Golden Horn. With your guide narrating the history, spot traditional wooden houses, historic churches, synagogues, mosques and remnants of the ancient Roman Wall. Ascend Pierre Loti Hill by bus for panoramic views of the Golden Horn, then glide down by cable car, capturing postcard-perfect photos of Istanbul’s skyline along the way. Visit the revered Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a close companion of Prophet Muhammad. Learn how this sacred site became the ceremonial location for the coronation of Ottoman sultans, where they were girded with the Sword of Osman at the start of their reigns. Sample traditional Turkish treats like apple tea, baklava, and Turkish delight at a nearby shop. Wrap up your day with a relaxing Bosphorus cruise. Sail between Europe and Asia as you admire the city’s stunning waterfront landmarks including the Golden Horn, Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Hagia Sophia, Maiden’s Tower, Galata Tower, Blue Mosque and Ortaköy Mosque. Take in the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus bridges that connect two continents. At the end of your unforgettable day, return to your original pickup point by coach.

Find your guide at the meeting point or enjoy the convenience of being picked up from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul. Sit back and relax in an airconditioned coach with plenty of space on your way to the departure point. Begin your tour by crossing the Bosphorus Bridge, transitioning from the European to the Asian side of Istanbul. Your first stop is Çamlıca Hill, a beloved retreat that offers sweeping panoramic views of the city—where the skyline gracefully blends historic landmarks with modern charm, all framed by the iconic Bosphorus Strait. Next, visit the magnificent Çamlıca Mosque, a stunning example of modern Islamic architecture. This grand structure seamlessly fuses traditional Ottoman elements with contemporary design, offering not only architectural splendor but also breathtaking views over Istanbul. Around noon, return to the European side for lunch and the afternoon segment of your tour. Pause at a local shop before lunch, a great chance to browse unique souvenirs and artisanal crafts. In the afternoon, after the free time for lunch, board a comfortable coach for a scenic drive along the Golden Horn. With your guide narrating the history, spot traditional wooden houses, historic churches, synagogues, mosques and remnants of the ancient Roman Wall. Ascend Pierre Loti Hill by bus for panoramic views of the Golden Horn, then glide down by cable car, capturing postcard-perfect photos of Istanbul’s skyline along the way. Visit the revered Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a close companion of Prophet Muhammad. Learn how this sacred site became the ceremonial location for the coronation of Ottoman sultans, where they were girded with the Sword of Osman at the start of their reigns. Sample traditional Turkish treats like apple tea, baklava, and Turkish delight at a nearby shop. Wrap up your day with a relaxing Bosphorus cruise. Sail between Europe and Asia as you admire the city’s stunning waterfront landmarks including the Golden Horn, Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Hagia Sophia, Maiden’s Tower, Galata Tower, Blue Mosque and Ortaköy Mosque. Take in the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus bridges that connect two continents. At the end of your unforgettable day, return to your original pickup point by coach

Find your guide at the meeting point or enjoy the convenience of being picked up from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul. Sit back and relax in an airconditioned coach with plenty of space on your way to the departure point. Begin your tour with a visit to the magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles and six elegant minarets. Learn how this architectural masterpiece was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I and stands as the last great mosque of the Classical Ottoman period. Next, step into the heart of ancient Constantinople at the Hippodrome, once the city’s vibrant social and sporting center. Admire historical monuments including the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Column of Constantine. Visit the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century marvel built by Emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox church. Discover the building’s rich history as it transitioned from church to mosque and later into a museum—standing as the world’s largest church for nearly a millennium. Before reaching the Grand Bazaar, enjoy a brief stop at a local shop—an ideal opportunity to pick up authentic souvenirs and handcrafted goods. Then, gather in front of the Grand Bazaar’s main gate to hear fascinating insights about its rich history. Afterward, explore the Grand Bazaar at your own pace. Lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the world’s oldest and largest covered market, with 65 bustling streets and over 4,000 shops offering everything from carpets and jewelry to spices, ceramics, and more. In the afternoon, after the free time for Lunch, continue to Topkapı Palace, once the exclusive residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Sultans for over four centuries. Explore its opulent chambers and marvel at priceless collections, including sacred Islamic relics of the Prophet Mohammed, imperial treasures, Chinese porcelain, weapons, and exquisite calligraphy. Admire the Harem, nestled within the palace grounds, which once housed the sultan, his mother, wives, concubines, children, and other female members of the court. A walk through this secluded section reveals a maze of rooms, courtyards, and private chambers, offering a unique glimpse into the complex social and political life of the Ottoman Empire. Next, visit the Hagia Irene Church, a remarkable Byzantine landmark and the first church built in Constantinople. This ancient structure provides deep insight into the city’s early Christian history and architectural legacy. Wrap up your enriching day with a comfortable return to your hotel, ensuring a smooth and relaxing end to your journey through Istanbul's imperial past

Enjoy a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Orient Exprés Train Station, and Spice Bazaar in Istanbul. Along the way, stop to hear the stories of the Roman Hippodrome (including the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpent Column German Fountain) This tour starts from our meeting point which is located in the heart of Istanbul. Your guide will meet you and you will start with the Hagia Sofia which hosted two religions over 1500 years. The tour will follow by Blue mosque which is the most popular mosque in Istanbul. It willl follow by under ground Basicila Cistern with heads of Medusa turned upside down in the water. After this, the tour will follow with the walk in Gulhane park which was the back yard of the Topkapı palace. We will have a tea/coffee break here to enjoy the tranquility of the peaceful park while watching the nests of the heron birds and birds tweeting. We will follow to look at the final station of the famous Orient Express and will conclude the tour with tasting the Turkish delights, nuts and spices at the Spice Bazaar.

Begin your adventure at the opulent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans and the heart of the empire. With our skip-the-line entry, you’ll avoid long queues and step directly into the rich history and grandeur of this iconic landmark. Wander through the palace’s stunning courtyards, lush gardens, and magnificent rooms, with a specially curated audio guide. The tour includes access to the famed Harem Section, where you’ll gain insight into the private lives of the sultans. Enjoy flexible exploration time to fully appreciate the palace’s architectural splendor and historical significance. Topkapi Palace Tour Options Explore the rich history of the Ottoman Empire with our Topkapi Palace tour options. Experience the 20-minute hosted entry tour led by a professional English-speaking guide, offering detailed insights into the palace's opulent past and intricate architecture.  Ascend to New Heights at Galata Tower After your palace visit, head to the Galata Tower, an architectural marvel that has been a symbol of Istanbul since the 14th century. With skip-the-line access to the tower, you’ll quickly ascend to its observation deck, where breathtaking panoramic views of the city await. Your digital QR ticket ensures a smooth entry, allowing you to bypass the ticket queues and immerse yourself in the tower’s fascinating history. Discover its varied roles over the centuries, from watchtower to prison, and enjoy the stunning vistas that offer a unique perspective on Istanbul’s sprawling skyline. A Seamless Experience of Istanbul’s Rich Heritage This combo ticket provides an exceptional blend of historical exploration and panoramic views, allowing you to experience two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with ease. Bypass the ticket lines, delve into the opulence of the Ottoman Empire, and marvel at the city’s beauty from above. Whether you're captivated by the history of Topkapi Palace or enchanted by the views from Galata Tower, this combo offers a comprehensive and memorable Istanbul experience. The operating hours of the attractions included in this combo product are as follows: • Topkapi Palace Hosted Entry and Highlights Tour: 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00 • Galata Tower: 09:00 - 22:00 Please keep in mind the operating hours of the attractions in this combo. For the Topkapi Palace tour, you must join the tours starting at the specified times and visit with your host. Please note that the Topkapi Palace included in this combo is closed on Tuesdays.