Discover Istanbul's history on a guided tour of the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Uncover the beauty and heritage of these iconic landmarks while exploring Ottoman culture.
Step into the grandeur of Istanbul’s past with an immersive guided tour of two of its most celebrated landmarks, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. This unique experience provides an in-depth look at the city’s architectural brilliance, spiritual heritage, and the fascinating tales of the Ottoman Empire, all in the heart of the historic Sultanahmet district.
Your journey begins with a visit to the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Renowned for its striking blue tiles that adorn the interior walls, this architectural masterpiece is a symbol of Istanbul's Islamic heritage. Marvel at the intricately designed domes and minarets, the grand prayer hall, and the serene courtyard. Your guide will share captivating stories about its construction under Sultan Ahmed I in the early 17th century and the architectural vision of Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, a student of the legendary architect Mimar Sinan. Learn how the mosque harmonizes elements of Byzantine and Islamic design, and discover its enduring role as a center of worship and spirituality.
From the mosque, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of Sultanahmet, where layers of history unfold at every corner. The district is home to numerous relics of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, and your guide will provide insights into the life and times of the city that was once the capital of empires.
Next, delve into the splendor of the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans and the administrative heart of the empire for over 400 years. This sprawling complex offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman rulers. Explore the vast courtyards, lush gardens, and intricately decorated chambers that once hosted royal ceremonies and state affairs.
Your guide will take you through the Imperial Treasury, where you’ll see priceless artifacts, including jewel-encrusted swords, ceremonial robes, and the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond, one of the largest diamonds in the world. In the Holy Relics Room, experience a moment of reverence as you view sacred artifacts, such as the cloak of Prophet Muhammad and other significant religious treasures.
One of the highlights of the palace is the Harem, a secluded and mysterious part of the complex that once housed the sultan's family and concubines. As you walk through its ornately decorated halls, private quarters, and bathing areas, your guide will narrate the intriguing stories of power, intrigue, and tradition that defined life within these walls. Please note that entrance to the Harem requires an additional ticket, which your guide can help arrange to save you time and hassle.
Beyond its opulence, the palace is a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the Ottomans. Admire the exquisite tilework, delicate calligraphy, and the harmonious blend of functional design and aesthetic beauty that characterize this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As the tour concludes, take a moment to appreciate the panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus Strait from the palace’s terraces. These breathtaking vistas remind visitors of Istanbul’s strategic importance as a bridge between continents and cultures.
Throughout the tour, your guide will enrich the experience with historical context, cultural anecdotes, and fascinating stories that bring Istanbul’s past to life. This small-group tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the history and grandeur of these iconic landmarks.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a curious traveler, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Istanbul's heritage. Book now to secure your spot and experience the timeless allure of the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
Admire the stunning architecture, intricate mosaics, and serene ambiance of the Blue Mosque. Learn about its rich history and cultural significance from your expert guide as you explore.
Admire the exterior of this iconic structure, a symbol of Istanbul's rich history. Learn about its transformation from a church to a mosque and now a museum.
Step into the grandeur of Topkapi Palace, once the heart of the Ottoman Empire. Discover its courtyards, artifacts, and treasures, including the legendary Topkapi Dagger.
Visit the private quarters of the sultans and learn about life behind the palace walls. Marvel at the intricate designs and hear stories of the Ottoman royal family.
Conclude your tour by exploring more of the palace grounds or nearby landmarks. Your guide will provide tips and answer any questions about Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
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Claire Bennett - United Kingdom
01 January
There’s so much to see here! The area is huge and packed with interesting details and artifacts. Took my time and loved every minute. Highly recommend for anyone curious about history.
Lina Kovács - Hungary
03 January
Loved the calm ride and the views. The lack of an audio guide was noticeable, but it didn’t ruin the experience at all.
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.7/5
Based on 66 Reviews
4.7/5
4.7/5
4.7/5
There’s so much to see here! The area is huge and packed with interesting details and artifacts. Took my time and loved every minute. Highly recommend for anyone curious about history.
Helpful? Yes
Loved the calm ride and the views. The lack of an audio guide was noticeable, but it didn’t ruin the experience at all.
Helpful? Yes
It was a bit more expensive than I expected, but honestly, it was worth it. The guide was excellent super knowledgeable and shared a lot of interesting history that I wouldn’t have picked up on my own. The places we visited were absolutely beautiful. Also, the meeting point was easy to find and close to everything, which made things smoother. I had a great time overall!
Helpful? Yes
Very informative and interesting! My partner and I really enjoyed how much we learned during the cruise. Even though it was a relaxed atmosphere, we still got a good dose of history and fun facts about Istanbul. It’s such a unique way to see the city from the water it just looks completely different. Would definitely recommend this for anyone wanting something chilled but still meaningful.
Helpful? Yes
We had a great time on this cruise, and our guide really made it special. He was incredibly knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting anecdotes that brought the history to life. My teenage son, who usually zones out on tours, was actually engaged! The route was scenic and relaxing, and hearing the stories behind the buildings and bridges made it feel more than just a sightseeing trip. Would absolutely do it again.
Helpful? Yes
It was perfect. The guide was absolutely the bestsuper friendly and really knew what he was talking about. You could tell he enjoyed sharing the history of the city and made sure everyone felt included. I was traveling solo, but never felt out of place. The whole experience was smooth, relaxed, and full of beautiful views. I can definitely recommend this cruise if you want a nice balance of history and chill time on the water.
Helpful? Yes
Great experience overall! The cruise gave us an amazing view of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. What stood out most was how detailed the explanations were—clear, informative, and just the right amount of history without being overwhelming. My partner and I really appreciated how smoothly everything went. It was a lovely way to wind down our day and take in the city from a different angle. Would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Istanbul for the first time.
Helpful? Yes
Such a great experience! The guide was absolutely brilliant super knowledgeable but also had a fun way of sharing those quirky, lesser known stories that made everything feel more personal. I especially liked that we were in a small group (just 7 of us), so it was easy to follow along and ask questions. No crowding, no struggling to hear just a smooth and really enjoyable cruise with the perfect balance of sightseeing and storytelling. Highly recommend for anyone who likes history with personality!
Helpful? Yes
Our guide,he made the whole trip unforgettable. For three hours, he shared fascinating facts and deep history about Istanbul, and you could tell he really loves what he does. He was super patient with all our questions and took the time to explain everything clearly. Our teens stayed interested the whole time, which says a lot! If you get a chance to have , don’t miss it. Highly recommend!
Helpful? Yes
The guide was fantastic, providing really interesting explanations throughout the tour. I learned so much about Muslim culture, the castle’s history, and especially the details about the lives of women in the harem. It was informative without being overwhelming, and the guide made everything come alive. A great experience for anyone curious about Istanbul’s rich past!
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was very kind and knowledgeable during our tour of the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. He shared lots of historical insights that really helped us understand what we were seeing. I’d definitely recommend having a guide because the Topkapi Palace is huge and can be confusing to explore on your own. Maybe some extra background on Turkey’s history at the start would help those completely new to it. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes because there’s quite a bit of walking, but overall it was a very rewarding experience. Thanks...
Helpful? Yes
The tour was really impressive and gave me a great overview of the site. The history and architecture blew me away. My only gripe was that the time flew by and before I knew it, it was 6 p.m. and we hadn’t seen everything yet. I wish there was a bit more time to fully take it all in, but overall, it was definitely worth it!
Helpful? Yes
The tour was a bit on the pricey side, but honestly, the guide made it worth it. He knew a lot about the history of all the places we saw, which made the experience much richer. The sites themselves were absolutely magnificent. I had a really good time overall. Also, the meeting point was easy to find and conveniently close to the attractions, which made everything smooth from the start.
Helpful? Yes
Solo traveler here! I appreciated how the group was small enough that I never felt lost or overwhelmed. The guide was fantastic, mixing facts with fun stories that kept me hooked throughout the walk. Would do this again in a heartbeat.
Helpful? Yes
Solo traveler here! I appreciated how the group was small enough that I never felt lost or overwhelmed. The guide was fantastic, mixing facts with fun stories that kept me hooked throughout the walk. Would do this again in a heartbeat.
Helpful? Yes
Went with a couple of friends, and we all agreed the guide was very informative. We loved the extra stories she shared beyond the usual facts. The cost felt a bit high for a group of us, but the quality made up for it.
Helpful? Yes
As a solo traveler, it was great to have a guide who spoke clear German and knew the city inside out.
Helpful? Yes
He was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable and friendly. We really enjoyed the tour and would recommend both him and this experience to anyone visiting the city.
Helpful? Yes
The tour was packed with useful info on history and culture.He made it fun by answering all our questions with entertaining stories. Perfect for a group looking to learn and enjoy at the same time.
Helpful? Yes
The tour was smooth and really interesting. Our guide was nice and made sure we got all the key information. I’d definitely recommend this to any group of friends wanting to explore the city.
Helpful? Yes
We had a great time on the tour! Our guide was smart and very kind. She gave us lots of photo opportunities and never rushed, which was perfect for our family. Highly recommend!
Helpful? Yes
It was a good experience, and the tour gave us a lot of interesting information.
Helpful? Yes
Really enjoyed this tour. The guide was excellent and shared lots of interesting info. The group was small, so it was easy to ask questions. We saw the Blue Mosque, then the palace where the guide showed us the best parts and suggested how to explore more later
Helpful? Yes
The directroy was essential to making our tour of the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace memorable. He’s very knowledgeable but also approachable and funny. Our whole family loved it!
Helpful? Yes
I really enjoyed our guide. He knew so much about the place and Turkish history. I learned a great deal and felt engaged the whole time.
Helpful? Yes
Great tour for the whole family. Very good and well organized
Helpful? Yes
Such a great experience. Our guide was lovely and very knowledgeable. I’d highly recommend this tour
Helpful? Yes
Really enjoyed the tour, excellent all around. Would have loved it if it lasted an hour longer. Kudos to our guide!
Helpful? Yes
Loved our guide! She was so pleasant and patient, and really knew her stuff. The small group made it feel personal and relaxed.
Helpful? Yes
The directroy was great very knowledgeable and so friendly. The tour was both fun and informative.
Helpful? Yes
Really enjoyed the tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting details about history and culture. Worth it!
Helpful? Yes
The directory was a wonderful guide kind, knowledgeable, and happy to answer all our questions. He also took great photos for us. Entrance fees aren’t included and are paid directly to him on the tour day
Helpful? Yes
“My partner and I loved how approachable and knowledgeable our guide was. They made each stop feel special by sharing stories you wouldn’t find in a guidebook. It was the perfect mix of fun and learning.”
Helpful? Yes
“We were a group of friends looking for something fun and informative, and this tour hit the mark. The guide kept things light and entertaining while still sharing lots of good info. It was a nice mix of history, culture, and just good vibes. Would do it again for sure.”
Helpful? Yes
Such a beautiful place. The guide was polite and very helpful, even if English wasn’t perfect for me. A bit expensive but still worth doing.
Helpful? Yes
The directory was very knowledgeable and professional. The tour was well organized, and we covered both Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace in a good amount of time. Highly recommend this tour with him!
Helpful? Yes
The directroy English was very clear and she was very communicative. She helped us a lot and made the tour smooth and fun
Helpful? Yes
The directory was very knowledgeable and friendly. Meeting at our central hotel was convenient, and the detailed history he shared, especially about the Harem, really made the tour special.
Helpful? Yes
Really enjoyed the tour! Our guide was super nice and very knowledgeable. The whole experience was well organized, and my mom and I had a lovely day.
Helpful? Yes
Really enjoyed the visit. Our guide was excellent and provided a full picture of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi. Definitely recommend this tour!
Helpful? Yes
The tour was fantastic. Meeting at the hotel was super easy. We loved his detailed stories and especially the Harem section of Topkapi Palace. Would definitely recommend!
Helpful? Yes
Outstanding guide with so much knowledge. Made the tour informative and fun.
Helpful? Yes
We really enjoyed this tour. The guide was engaging and made the whole experience special. Perfect way to see the city and get some great stories along the way.”
Helpful? Yes
our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable in the sites we visited
Helpful? Yes
“The tour guide and the tour itself were great. However, the title of the program was a bit misleading because the Blue Mosque tour guiding wasn’t actually included in the appointment I booked. I wasn’t the only one confused other tourists thought the Blue Mosque was part of the tour too, so be sure to double check which program you’re signing up for. The Harem was included and was fascinating, and I highly recommend visiting the Treasury and Armoury rooms as well. My guide, Kiymet, was lovely and extremely knowledgeable about Istanbul’s famous sites and local culture. Overall, a very good tour with a fantastic guide.”
Helpful? Yes
“Great experience thanks to an amazing guide! Just a heads-up though it wasn’t clear when booking that the Blue Mosque visit wasn’t included. Still, we really enjoyed the tour and learned so much. Huge thanks to Tolga for making it special!”
Helpful? Yes
The tour guide was very good and clearly knowledgeable. It would have been nice if the entrance fee was included in the price, though. Overall, still a solid experience.”
Helpful? Yes
Had a great time thanks to an amazing guide! Just a quick note it wasn’t clear when booking that the Blue Mosque visit wasn’t included. Still, we really enjoyed the tour and learned a lot. Big thanks to for making it so memorable!”
Helpful? Yes
It was perfect. The guide was the best, friendly, a big competence. I just can recommend him.
Helpful? Yes
“Great experience overall! The guide gave very detailed explanations that really helped me understand the history and culture. Would definitely recommend for anyone interested in learning more.”
Helpful? Yes
“The English commentary wasn’t very clear, and my husband had a hard time hearing what was being said. I guess when you book upfront, you don’t really know who the guide will be. It was a bit frustrating.”
Helpful? Yes
“Our guide was kind, punctual, and very detailed with explanations, which we appreciated. However, the ticket title clearly said ‘entrance to Topkapi,’ but we had to pay for entrance again ouble what we’d already paid elsewhere. That felt unfair. Also, we didn’t get to see the Harem, and in the end, we only visited the mosque. Considering this, the price seemed quite high for what we got.”
Helpful? Yes
“Our guide was excellent very knowledgeable and professional, which really made the tour enjoyable. That said, the cost felt completely disproportionate. The tour does not include entry to Topkapi Palace, even though we’d already paid a significant amount through . We had to pay an that, which was never clearly stated. I absolutely don’t recommend this tour based on the value for money. Don’t go unless you’re okay with unexpected extra costs.”
Helpful? Yes
“Our guide was good and gave helpful explanations, but the pricing felt really misleading. On the page, it said the activity cost which made sense since Hagia Sophia is free and . But in small print, it said the Topkapi entrance fee wasn’t included. We missed that detail and ended up scrambling on the day to gather enough money for three people, mixing euros and lira. On top of that, they suggested tipping the guide at least So in the end, we paid for what was advertised as a activity. The quality-price ratio just didn’t feel fair. I wouldn’t have booked it if I’d known all this upfront.”
Helpful? Yes
The tour went very well overall. The guide shared a lot of interesting and detailed information, which I really appreciated. The only downside was that there wasn’t any free time at Hagia Sophia to walk around or enjoy the space on my own. It felt a bit rushed at that point.”
Helpful? Yes
“I really enjoyed this tour! The guide knew so much about the history and shared it in a way that was super easy to follow. The places we visited were stunning. It’s not the cheapest tour, but it’s worth it if you want to really understand what you're seeing.”
Helpful? Yes
“Very informative and interesting! The guide made the history come alive, and I really enjoyed learning about each site we visited. Would definitely recommend
Helpful? Yes
“It was perfect from start to finish. Our guide was the best friendly, professional, and really knowledgeable. You could tell he knew what he was talking about and loved sharing it. I can fully recommend him!”
Helpful? Yes
“Great experience! The guide gave very detailed explanations and made the whole tour super engaging. I learned a lot and really enjoyed every part of it.”
Helpful? Yes
Great guide! She really knew her stuff and shared not just the main history but also the little, quirky stories that made the tour more fun. The small group size max10 people was perfect. We could hear everything clearly, which made the experience even better.”
Helpful? Yes
“All the explanations from the guide were really interesting. The tour gave me a deep understanding of Muslim culture, the castle’s construction, and especially the fascinating details about the lives of women in the harem. It was both informative and eye opening.”
Helpful? Yes
“Great guide and great sites. Everything was well-organized and enjoyable. Good work by the whole team!”
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared a ton of interesting information about the city. We really enjoyed the tour and learned a lot. The price felt a bit high for our family, but overall, I’d highly recommend it.”
Helpful? Yes
“The tour was well organized and the guide shared interesting facts about the palace courtyards. We finished a bit earlier than expected, which gave us some extra time to explore on our own. The meeting instructions were clear, though the dress code could be emphasized more. Customer service was a bit slow with our group changes, but overall it was a nice experience and I’d recommend it for families looking to learn about the palace.”
Helpful? Yes
“Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about all the sites we visited. It really made the experience enjoyable and informative. Highly recommend!”
Helpful? Yes
“The tour guide was very good and shared a lot of interesting details. It would have been nice if the entrance fee was included in the price, but overall it was a great experience.”
Helpful? Yes
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