Explore Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks on a small-group tour through the city’s imperial heart led by an expert. With priority admission to each site, skip the long lines and dive straight into the fascinating stories of empires, sultans, and sacred traditions.
Begin in the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, where you’ll meet your expert guide and stroll together toward the atmospheric Basilica Cistern—the “Subterranean Palace” hidden beneath the streets. Walk along wooden pathways above still waters and discover Byzantine engineering at its finest. Marvel at a forest of marble columns and the mysterious upside-down Medusa heads that have intrigued visitors for centuries.
Next, continue to the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul’s most celebrated monument. With pre-reserved tickets, enter seamlessly and stand beneath its colossal dome—a masterpiece of both Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Learn how this sacred space evolved from a Greek Orthodox basilica to an imperial mosque, and now a symbol of layered heritage. Admire the delicate mosaics, ancient Roman columns, and richly detailed İznik tiles. Uncover the stories behind the Virgin Mary mosaic and the royal tombs in the courtyard.
Your journey continues to Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. Explore the palace’s expansive courtyards, lavish pavilions, and ceremonial halls, gaining insight into daily life in this city-within-a-city. Step out to the terraced imperial gardens for panoramic views over the Golden Horn, a timeless reminder of Istanbul’s strategic beauty.
Your guided experience concludes with the opportunity to visit the Harem at your own pace, using your included ticket. Inside this private world, you’ll find exquisite Iznik tilework, secluded courtyards, and the stories of those who lived behind the palace walls.
We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk just by the side of the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square. It is across the German Fountain. Your guide will be in front of the Ersoy Bufe with a sign that says, “Walks in Europe.”
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Join a full-day private walking tour of Istanbul with your expert local guide and experience the city’s iconic landmarks in Sultanahmet, the historic heart of the city. Enjoy the flexibility of a private tour and benefit from skip-the-line entry tickets available for purchase directly from your guide.
Start your journey at the stunning Blue Mosque, where you’ll discover the meaning behind its elegant minarets and dazzling blue tiles while learning about Islamic traditions in context.
Walk across the Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine public life. Hear stories of chariot races, emperors, and the legendary obelisks that still stand today. See the German Fountain, a symbol of friendship between the Ottoman Empire and Germany.
Descend into the magical Basilica Cistern, famously nicknamed the “Subterranean Palace.” Wander through dimly lit columns and over water pathways until you reach the mysterious Medusa heads.
Step into the Hagia Sophia, one of the most significant buildings in history. Learn how it served as both a cathedral and a mosque, and admire the awe-inspiring dome and blend of Christian and Islamic elements.
Pause for lunch at a local favorite, then follow your guide into Topkapi Palace, once the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans. Walk through its courtyards and pavilions, and take in sweeping views over the Golden Horn.
Conclude your day at the Grand Bazaar, the world’s oldest covered market. Wander through its maze-like alleys filled with vibrant shops, handwoven carpets, fine jewelry, ceramics, and leather goods. Sip Turkish tea and take in the timeless rhythm of daily life.
Discover the heart of old Istanbul on this expertly guided walking tour. Visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the historic Hippodrome. Explore centuries of religious, cultural, and architectural heritage in small groups. Expert guides and skip the lines tickets are included.
Begin in Sultanahmet Square and step into the Blue Mosque, famous for its 21,000 İznik tiles and elegant domes. Learn about Islamic traditions and the Ottoman Empire as you admire this still-active imperial mosque.
Continue to the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that later became a mosque. Inside, marvel at the vast dome, intricate mosaics, and the coexistence of Christian and Islamic symbols. Your guide will share insights into its transformation over the centuries.
Walk through the Hippodrome, once the social and sporting center of Constantinople, and see monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius. End your tour at the Arasta Bazaar, a peaceful market tucked behind the mosque, perfect for local shopping and a cup of tea.
With expert commentary and skip-the-line access, this tour offers a perfect introduction to Istanbul’s timeless landmarks.
Step into the heart of imperial Istanbul with a guided tour of Topkapı Palace and its legendary Harem. Enjoy the glory of the palace with skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide. Explore the seat of Ottoman power for nearly four centuries—a city within a city, filled with intrigue, ceremony, and the echoes of empire.
Wander through a maze of courtyards, pavilions, and imperial chambers where sultans lived with their vast households, guarded secrets, and governed an empire that stretched across three continents. With your expert guide, explore the highlights of the palace, including the dazzling Treasury, the Sacred Relics of the Prophet, and serene gardens overlooking the Bosphorus.
Then, step beyond the public façade into the Harem—the private world of the royal court. Ruled by the formidable Queen Mother, this hidden section was home to the sultan’s family, concubines, and black eunuchs, each playing a role in the complex hierarchy of palace life.
Admire the exquisite Iznik tiles, mother-of-pearl inlays, and intricate calligraphy that line the halls. Visit the quarters of the concubines, the sultan’s private rooms, and the opulent salons that whisper stories of ambition, romance, and politics.
Whether in an intimate small group or a private experience, our Topkapı Palace tour offers unparalleled insight into Ottoman life—balancing historical depth with behind-the-scenes access to one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
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