Spend the afternoon exploring Istanbul's Ottoman past at the enchanting Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
Highlights
- Four-hour afternoon tour of Istanbul's most famous Ottoman relics
- Hippodrome and Obelisk
- Ottoman architecture and museums of Topkapi Palace
- Shopping for bargain souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar
- English-speaking guide
- Pick-up and drop-off from central Istanbul hotels
Recent Photos of this Tour
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Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque
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Topkapi PalaceTulip GardenPhoto by: Krishnan VaitheeswaranAustralia, 05 2011 -
Topkapi PalaceTulip GardenPhoto by: Krishnan VaitheeswaranAustralia, 05 2011 -
Topkapi PalaceTulip GardenPhoto by: Krishnan VaitheeswaranAustralia, 05 2011 -
Topkapi PalaceTulip GardenPhoto by: Krishnan VaitheeswaranAustralia, 05 2011 -
Topkapi PalaceInside the palace complexPhoto by: Krishnan VaitheeswaranAustralia, 05 2011 -
Topkapi PalaceThe entrancePhoto by: Krishnan VaitheeswaranAustralia, 05 2011 -
Useful Information
Turkish lamps at the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
Blue Mosque:
One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style. The mosque has six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.
Topkapi Palace:
The largest and oldest palace in the world, Topkapi was the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience. Note, the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
Hippodrome and Obelisk:
The Hippodrome was once the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life, and the scene of games and riots through 500 years of Ottoman history. Today it is a city park called the At Meydanı (Horse Grounds) because of its function in Ottoman times. The Hippodrome includes the 3500-year-old Egyptian granite Obelisk, brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius in 390 AD.
One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style. The mosque has six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.
Topkapi Palace:
The largest and oldest palace in the world, Topkapi was the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience. Note, the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
Hippodrome and Obelisk:
The Hippodrome was once the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life, and the scene of games and riots through 500 years of Ottoman history. Today it is a city park called the At Meydanı (Horse Grounds) because of its function in Ottoman times. The Hippodrome includes the 3500-year-old Egyptian granite Obelisk, brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius in 390 AD.
Recent Reviews of this Tour
Reviewed by Margaret F, Ireland, January 2010
Myself and my husband were the only 2 on the tour and our guide was wonderful! Very informative and a lovely friendly fellow. The palace was wonderful, and we visited the Blue Mosque instead of The Mosque of Soleman, as it was closed on the day. After the tour ended our guide offered to walk us through Taksim Square. It was really enjoyable! I would definitely recommend the tour for value for money, excellent tour guide and transportation provided.
Reviewed by Rory M, Ireland, October 2008
Really good. Had a guide, a Merc minibus and driver just for the two of us. Our "half day tour" was from 1pm to about 7pm and even then the guide was in no hurry home. In the end we felt guilty had to tell him to go on home! He was really excellent. Much better than the Ship organized tours which are twice the price, shorter and much less personal.
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