The Essential İstabul Small Group Tour

For those of you who want to dig deeper than the average tourist The Essential İstanbul Tour is just for you. 

Don't waste time waiting in queues! On this 4-hours, small-group historical tour in the city center, you will visit the amazing Topkapı Palace which was built by Sultan Mehmed II after he conquered Constantinople in 1453. See the magnificent former residence of Ottoman Sultans. Hear about the extraordinary royal, political and military history and prepare for stories of royal extravagance and execution, romance and retribution. A fully escorted tour by an English-speaking expert guide who will tell you many stories about the palace life as well as the sinister plots in the Harem. 

This is a particularly fine tour if you are in İstanbul for a short period of time, and would like to leave with an understanding of the most prominent sites. As an addition to Topkapı Palace, you will visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, masterpiece of Sinan, the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, built in the name of Suleyman the Magnificent during the 16th century, considered as the best amongst the imperial mosques.

Crucially, as with all our tours, our experienced, personable and passionate guide is keen to ensure you will get to know İstanbul in a fun and exciting way.

Highlights

Half day morning İstanbul city tour, led by an expert local guide.

Discover the hallways and walls of the Topkapı Palace still whispering stories.

Check out the spectacular Süleymaniye Mosque, a typical sample of Islamic architecture.

Following this mosque, upon request, visit to a unique place for art lovers! A boutique, family-owned atelier producing handmade tiles & ceramics without sacrificing quality.

Small-group tour with a maximum of 15 people ensures personalized attention from the guide. (The maximum group number is 15 persons, but we guarantee departure minimum with 2 persons).

Why a Small-Group tour?

You get skip-the-line access to one of the world famous Topkapı Palace and a guided tour detailing this masterpiece’s history from 1453. All the excitement, none of the wait!

Inclusions

• Pre-booked Topkapı Palace entrance ticket
• Expert guide
• Small group tour (maximum 15 people)

Exclusions

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (Meeting Point: In front of the “Information Desk” at the Entrance of Hagia Sophia. Tour ends at Sultanahmet Center where you can continue to visit other sights of İstanbul on your own).
• Gratuities (optional)
• Ticket to Harem (quarters of the women in a household). Enough time will be given for Guests who would like to visit the section.

Note

Tour can not be operated on Tuesdays as Topkapı Palace is closed.

Duration

09:30 – 13:30