About this activity
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Itinerary
- Suggested Start Time: Flexible between 09:00 am and 10:30 am. Your private guide will meet you at your hotel, and you will set off in a comfortable private vehicle towards Istanbul's Old Town.
- Visit Topkapı Palace: Explore the expansive courtyards, imperial treasures, and the intricate Harem section of the palace. Approximate visit duration: 2 hours.
- Visit Hagia Sophia: Discover the stunning architecture and rich history of Hagia Sophia, tracing its transformation from a cathedral to a mosque. Approximate visit duration: 1 hour.
- Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a delightful lunch at a selected local restaurant, savoring traditional Turkish cuisine. Dining expenses are not included in the tour price. Approximate duration: 1.5 hours.
- Visit Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı): Experience the serene ambiance and marvel at the Byzantine engineering of this underground water reservoir. Approximate visit duration: 1 hour.
- Return to Your Hotel: After your visits, your private transfer will take you back to your hotel.
Highlights
- Topkapı Palace: Discover the opulent courtyards, imperial treasures, and Harem section of the Ottoman Sultans’ former residence.
- Hagia Sophia: Explore the architectural marvel and historical significance of one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
- Yerebatan Sarnıcı (Basilica Cistern): Experience the underground beauty and Byzantine engineering of this serene subterranean structure.
- Tailored Guiding Experience: Accompanied by a licensed local guide fluent in your preferred language, ensuring a seamless and informative journey.
Includes
- Private transfer throughout the tour
- Licensed Local Guide in Your Preferred Language
- Entrance fees to Topkapı Palace (including Harem and Hagia Irene Church)
- Drinks on the transfer vehicle (water, sparkling water)
- Entrance fees to Hagia Sophia
- Entrance fees to Yerebatan Cistern
- Specific vehicle request for transfer (additional fee applies)
- Meals (Lunch at a local restaurant included but not the cost of the meal)
Details
Dive into the heart of Istanbul’s historic Old Town with this full-day cultural journey. Your day begins at the awe-inspiring Topkapı Palace, the former imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Explore its opulent courtyards, treasure-filled rooms, and learn about the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire as you uncover the secrets of royal life.
Next, step into the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has stood the test of time. Marvel at its breathtaking dome, intricate mosaics, and the layered history that has shaped this monumental structure as a church, mosque, and museum.
Continue your adventure with a visit to the Yerebatan Sarnıcı (Basilica Cistern), an atmospheric underground wonder that showcases the ingenuity of Byzantine engineering. The serene ambiance of its reflective waters and grand columns offers a mesmerizing experience.
This full-day tour offers a seamless blend of history, culture, and expert guidance, ensuring an unforgettable experience in Istanbul’s timeless Old Town.
Know Before You Go
- Recommended Start Time: Between 09:00 and 10:30.
- Duration: 7-8 hours.
- Dress Code: Comfortable and modest attire suitable for walking and visiting religious sites. Head scarf
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, camera, cash or credit card for personal purchases
- Itinerary may vary: Based on local conditions and guide recommendations.
What To Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes, head scarf
- Camera for capturing stunning moments
- Cash or credit card for personal purchases
