Things to do in

Topkapi

Join a guided tour to discover Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Benefit from priority admission at the museum ticket offices led by your efficient guide. 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 pre-reserved 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. Learn how the impressive İznik tiles were added over time in the Mosque, how the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic was made, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard. Continue to Topkapi Palace to explore the splendor of the Ottoman Empire. Enter the famous palace with priority admission tickets and 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. Admire cupboard doors inlaid with mother of pearl and tortoiseshell and stunning Iznik tiles with verses from the Quran. End your with a visit to the holy relics and the imperial kitchens.

Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace with Harem are two of the city’s unmissable cultural and historic sites. Focusing on these two places will allow you to concentrate on their beauty and unique histories at leisure, without rushing on to other sites. Save time by skipping the ticket line in Topkapı Palace with priority access, definitely a bonus whether it’s your first time in Istanbul or you’re a repeat visitor. Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque by many tourists because of its bluish interior decoration (blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design), is the most important mosque of Istanbul standing next to the Byzantine Hippodrome in the old city center.. Topkapı Palace was the seat of Ottoman Empire more than 380 years where 24 of 36 Sultans lived and ruled their land. The palace was transformed into a museum in 1924 and now one of Turkey’s richest museums with its permanent and temporary exhibition halls. Buildings and courtyards, including a treasury, apartments, bathhouses, harems, and an armoury, holy relics section, not to mention imperial halls, kitchens and royal chambers that make a visit into Topkapi’s inner walls one of the world’s great wonders. Treasures within include 13th-century Japanese porcelain, weaponry used by the Ottoman army, 86 carat 4th biggest diamond of its kind and world famous Topkapi Dagger any many more..

Enjoy stress-free sightseeing with the option to tour each of these 4 attractions across the day at flexible times. Your booking includes a 30-minute Basilica Cistern tour, a 1-hour Topkapi Palace tour, a 1-hour Blue Mosque tour, and a 1-hour Old the Hagia Sophia tour. Simply choose a time to tour each attraction and meet your guide at the meeting point to get started. After each tour, get free time to keep on exploring at your own pace. 60-Minute Blue Mosque Tour: Daily at 11:00 A.M. & 1:45 P.M. Journey back in time in the courtyards ot the Blue Mosque. Then, step inside and admire the architecture and the famous blue Iznik tiles. As you explore, learn about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam, and Istanbul's rich history. After the tour, benefit of free time and take amazing pictures. 1-Hours Topkapi Palace Tour: Daily except Tuesdays at 10:00 A.M., 11:00 A.M., 12:00 P.M., 1:00 P.M., 2:00 P.M. and 3:00 P:M. Skip the ticket lines and visit all 4 courtyards and the Harem section of this magnificient Palace. Learn about the Ottoman Empire at this expert tour. After the tour you have the option to stay inside and explore on your own pace. 30-Minute Basilica Cistern Tour: Daily at 10:00 A.M., 12:00 P.M., 2:00 P.M., 4:00 P.M. Skip the long ticket lines with your guide and discover the Basilica Cistern beneath the streets of Istanbul. Wander through the ancient cistern and admire the architecture and Medusa heads from Greek mythology. Stay inside as long as you wish after the tour finishes. 60-Minute Hagia Sophia Tour from Outside: Daily at 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. Learn fascinating facts about 2,000-year-old landmark as you explore with your guide. Have closer look at the Million Stone, the Hippodrome a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire and much more. The tour ends with the history and most important architecture facts about the Hagia Sophia which was for more than 1,000 years the biggest church of christianity who converted into a mosque in 1453. The Blue Mosque has no admission charge and no ticket lines, however there is a security check line, which can take up to 30 minutes during the mid season and up to 60 minutes during the high season. But don't worry, during your waiting time, your guide, who has very good information and great client relation skills, will entertain you with great stories, facts and useful information about Istanbul. To enter the Blue Mosque, women must cover their knees, shoulders, and chest. They must also partially cover their hair with a scarf. Men must cover their knees and shoulders. If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (a scarf is €1 and a body cover is €3)

Explore Istanbul by land, sea, and air on this unique tour. Enjoy sights like the Eyup Sultan Mosque by bus, admire the city from the Bosphorus Strait on a scenic cruise, and take in the views from Pierre Loti Hill with a cable car ride.  Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul. Relax in an airconditioned bus on your way to the departure point for your cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. Hop aboard a comfortable ship and admire the city from the water. Take in unobstructed views of the Golden horn, the Topkapı palace, the Dolma Bahçe palace, the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Maiden’s Tower, Galata Tower, the Blue mosque, and the Ortakoy mosque. Gaze out at the two bridges that connect Europe and Asia. Get back on the spacious bus and drive to the 19th century Eyup Sultan Mosque where Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (a friend to the Islamic prophet Muhammad) is thought to have been laid to rest. Pass by historical wooden houses, churches, synagogues, mosques and the remains of the Roman Wall. Drive up the Pierre Loti Hill to capture pictures of views of the city and the Golden horn. Enjoy the views on the way down with a thrilling cable car ride. Return to your hotel at the end of your tour.

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. Visit the Blue Mosque to admire its 20,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles and its 6 towering minarets. Find out how it was built for Sultan Ahmet I and how it was the last great mosque of the Classical period. Make your way to the sporting and social center of ancient Constantinople at the Hippodrome. View the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Column of Constantine. Stop in front of Hagia Sophia. Learn about this 6th century building that was constructed by the emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox Church. Hear about how the Hagia Sophia has transformed over time and how it was the largest church in the world for 1000 years. Continue to the Basilica Cistern, avoid the hassle of waiting in lengthy ticket lines and uncover the wonders of the Basilica Cistern beneath the enchanting streets of Istanbul. Immerse yourself in the ancient beauty of this subterranean marvel as you stroll through its intriguing chambers, marveling at the impressive architecture and encountering the legendary Medusa heads from Greek mythology. Indulge in a shopping for memorable gifts at the store we'll visit prior to reaching the Grand Bazaar. Take as stroll through the Grand Covered Bazaar, the oldest and biggest covered market in the world. Get lost in 65 streets with more than 4000 shops. In the afternoon, hop aboard the coach for a scenic exploration of the Golden Horn by bus. Allow your guide to narrate the journey, pointing out historic wooden houses, churches, synagogues, mosques, and remnants of the Roman Wall as you traverse the captivating landscape. Ascend the Pierre Loti Hill by bus and snap some photos of sweeping views of the Golden Horn. Marvel at city views as you descend the hill on a cable car ride. Visit the Eyup Sultan Mosque and see the Abu Eyup Alansari Tomb (Abu Ayyub al-Ansari was the standard bearer and companion of Muhammad) The Mosque, due to its unique sacredness, it was the place where the coronation ceremonies of new Ottoman Sultans took place. Sultans came here processing along the grand Cülus Yolu (Accession Way) - to be girded with the Sword of Osman at the start of their reigns. Take in the city sights from the sea on a Bosphorus cruise. Capture pictures of of the Golden Horn, the Topkapı palace, the Dolmabahçe palace, the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Maiden’s tower, Galata tower, the Blue Mosque, Ortaköy mosque. Gaze out at the bridges connecting Europe and Asia. At the end of your tour, return to your pickup point by coach.

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.

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.

Meet your guide in the Old City, close by the Blue Mosque, and go on a fantastic 5 to 6-hour journey of discovery including a lunch break. Enjoy on a captivating journey through time as you explore the UNESCO-listed Old City. Admire the architecture and blue Iznik tiles at the Blue Mosque. Learn at Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia Mosque the insights into Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islamic religion, and Istanbul's history. At the Blue Mosque, journey back in time as you explore its courtyards with your expert guide. Then, step inside and admire the architecture and the famous blue Iznik tiles. As you explore, learn about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam, and Istanbul's rich history from your guide. At Topkapi Palace, skip the long lines with your fast track admission and enlighten yourselves about the Ottoman Empire with the audio guide app available in various languages. Explore all 4 courtyards. Enjoy a lunch break at local restaurant. Keep on exporing with your tour guide, the Old City and the Hagia Sophia. Your guide will help you with the audio guide and the skip the line tickets to Hagia Sophia. This way, you can easily enter and explore this 1,500-year-old building.

Begin your tour by crossing the Bosphorus Bridge from the European continent to the Asian continent. Visit Çamlıca Hill, a popular resting spot on the Asian side of Istanbul that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape, blending modern urbanity with historic landmarks such as the iconic Bosphorus Strait. After this, head to Çamlıca Mosque. It stands as a majestic symbol of modern Islamic architecture, blending traditional Ottoman design with contemporary elements. With its impressive size and stunning panoramic views of the city. We head to European continent for the afternoon part of our tour. You can buy gifts for yourself and your friends from the tourist store we will visit. Afternoon, sit back and explore the Golden Horn, colorful neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, known for their historic architecture, narrow streets, and vibrant houses by bus. Visit Pierre Loti Hill, a picturesque viewpoint on the European continent. The hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Golden Horn, providing a serene and captivating atmosphere. It is not only a scenic destination but also a cultural touchpoint, featuring cafes and touristic shops. Take the cable car to get down from the hill, it lasting a few minutes this ride offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the historic Eyüp district. Visit The Eyüp Sultan Mosque is a significant religious and cultural landmark in Turkey. As one of the most sacred sites in the city, the mosque is the final resting place of Eyüp Sultan, a companion of Prophet Muhammad and holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike, reflecting both historical importance and architectural beauty. You can taste Turkish delight, apple tea and Turkish sweets in the store we will visit. At the end of the day, we are Embarking on a Bosphorus cruise tour in Istanbul unfolds a mesmerizing experience, as you glide through the iconic strait that separates Europe and Asia. With the city's enchanting skyline as your backdrop, the cruise offers a unique perspective of Istanbul's historic landmarks, including the majestic palaces, ornate mosques, and modern bridges, creating an unforgettable blend of tradition and contemporary allure.

Your guide will greet you at your hotel at 09:00 to begin your 8-hour walking tour in the capital of 3 great empires. Your tour begins at Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence from which the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled for nearly 400 years. Today a spectacular museum, it is well known for its collection of royal treasures. Your guide will tell you about 4 centuries of glorious victories as well as tragic times. From Topkapi Palace you’ll walk to Hagia Sophia along a cobblestone road lined with old Ottoman-era houses. This 6th century church, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, features stunning mosaics. You’ll learn about the history of the structure, a main attraction of Istanbul since its construction. After a stop to enjoy lunch you’ll continue by foot to the site of the Hippodrome, the center of sportive and political activities in ancient Constantinople. See the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the Fountain of Willhelm II. The Blue Mosque, built in the 17th century, and also known as the Sultanahment Mosque, is one of the principal adornments of the Istanbul skyline. Admire the interior covered with blue Iznik tiles. Your final stop will be at the Grand Bazaar. Your guide will tell you about history of the Bazaar and provide some helpful tips on navigating its more than 4,000 shops. The tour ends between 16:00 and 17:00.