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Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace Half Day Tour: Small Group Istanbul Exploration
4.7
72 Ratings
Fatih
Discover the essential sights of Istanbul, along with its lesser-known, yet equally memorable details on this exclusive small-group tour. Your guide will lead you through an extensive exploration of both the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, filling your minds with intriguing tales often skipped by other tours.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - Hagia Sophia the Church of Divine Wisdom, a fifteen hundred years old splendid monument, is a must see in Istanbul, built to be the world’s largest place of worship by Emperor Justinian in 532 AD.
The Church of Divine Wisdom, a fifteen hundred years old splendid monument, is a must see in Istanbul, built to be the world’s largest place of worship by Emperor Justinian in 532 AD. First a Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Basilica, later an imperial mosque, in 1935 it was opened to the public as a museum. After being neutral for about 86 years it was converted into a mosque again in July 2020. Hagia Sophia is the only mosque anywhere in the world right now where you could see Islamic elements along with the Christians images. The lofty interior, stunning surviving mosaics and the massive dome, which seems to float unsupported and gives the church its amazing sense of space. An unforgettable experience awaiting you.
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Small group
What's Not Included
- Topkapi Palace entry ticket (1,500 TL or 45 EUR per person)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratitudes
Additional Information
- Modest clothing should be preferred when visiting the Blue Mosque. Shorts for men or women should be below the knee. Women cover their heads and exposed shoulders with a scarf or shawl, skirt should be below the knee. For those who do not have suitable clothes, stands are available at the entrance. Overalls and headscarves are provided for free of charge.
- Entrance to Topkapı Palace (1,500 TL or 45 EUR per person) is not included in the tour price. Once you pay your entrance fee to your tour guide, you will have the privilege of skipping the ticket queue. Your guide will use e-tickets and you can just walk in to the palace directly without waiting. You can pay the tour guide preferably cash in TRY (or in equivalent to USD or EURO).
- Kids under 6 years old are free. Kids up to 12 years old is ₺150. You should bring along a Photo ID showing your kid’s age so that your guide can get the free or discounted tickets for your kids.
Location
Foodie-ist Cafe and Brasserie
Muhterem Efendi Sokak
In front (outside) of FOODIE-IST CAFE AND BRASSERIE. It is approximately 2 minutes walking distance from (T1) Sultanahmet tram stop. Your guide will wear a tour guide badge and will be easy to spot.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(72 Ratings)
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Rebecca
Jun 16, 2024
To recommend. - We had a very friendly and competent tour guide!!!
An entertaining three-hour history briefing
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicola_m
May 5, 2024
Totally recommended - Really competent guide, interesting and beautiful sites to visit.
Totally recommend in order to speed up the ticket process as well
Review provided by Viator
Charlotte_t
Apr 6, 2024
Lovely Experience - Our guide was very knowledgeable, and willing to share. We were both injured (knee strains) and unable to walk quickly but our guide was extremely accommodating in that she walked slowly and allowed us frequent rest breaks. We appreciated her kindness and loved the history and current events that were shared with us throughout our time together. Thanks for the wonderful tour!
Review provided by Viator
Rovp69
Feb 21, 2024
Beautiful visit - Erol was a super guide that he goes through all the secrets of this beautiful visit . This was an exciting visit and unbealucable experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
780fauziaa
Feb 15, 2024
Guide Erol at Topkapi palace - The guide Erol showed us around Topkapi Palace. He was extremely patient and passionately explained everything to us. He was well informed about all the historical details and his stories took us back to the past. He gave us tips for our further stay in Istanbul. Worth it, but with Erol!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L9514fnlaurenceh
Nov 27, 2023
Great Experience! - My experience was outstanding. I had a great tour guide, Billura. We visited the Topkapi Palace for 2 hours. Billura had a great wealth of information, including both fun facts and good stories. She also made recommendations that saved me money. After the tour of the Topkapi Palace, she recommended a wonderful place for lunch, the Basilica Cistran, and the Grand Bizarre, which are amazing places. Again she gave me a lot of information, recommendations, as well very good suggestions. I highly recommend the tour with Billura, she adapted the tour to my interests, had significant knowledge, and is an outstanding guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kellie_t
May 3, 2024
Read the fine print - Erol was very charismatic and informative.
l think you should put in the title when there is extra costs involved for a tour.
Review provided by Viator
Wasan1963
Dec 8, 2023
Visit to interesting places - Done through tematique tours , our guide Erol was very informative, we met him at the allocated place ( hotel ) & walked to aya Sophia & then to Topkapi . Explanation was good & we enjoyed the day .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tundeh2023
Oct 27, 2023
Misleading and poor - The tour name is misleading, the topkapi palace ticket was NOT included. Furthermore the information that was given was short and way too brief. We expected a lot more knowledge and information in both buildings.
In the Topkapi Palace the tour was way too short. For the money that they ask, this tour is definitely not worth it.
The only positive was the tour guide was a lovely person, however that's not what we paid for.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Salima
May 8, 2024
Guided tour reservation - What scams, what are the 70 euros paid when booking for? Be careful you also have to pay 80th to the guide to access the palace, I do not recommend this visit at all, do it alone if possible, you will only pay 1500try with a audio guide, never again TripAdvisor
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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