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Private Tour: Topkapi Palace & Harem Exploration in Ottoman Istanbul
5.0
2 Ratings
Fatih
Embark on a private tour of Topkapi Palace and Harem in Ottoman Istanbul. Explore the history, myths, and hidden gems with an expert guide. Skip the lines, see the Holy Relics, Imperial Kitchens, Royal Court, and terraced gardens. Marvel at the Harem's opulence and enjoy breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. Get insider tips for your next adventure.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Sultanahmet District - Join forces with your knowledgeable guide on a private journey to discover the wonders of Topkapi Palace, including its renowned Harem.\n\nBypass the queues with fast-track entry tickets and make the most of your visit to Istanbul’s premier attraction!\n- Topkapi Palace - Your exploration begins beyond Sultanahmet Square.\n\nDelight in the narratives provided by your guide about Topkapi and the Ottoman rulers who resided there.\n\nTour the palace’s expansive complex, featuring an array of low-rise structures, pavilions, kiosks, and courtyards - a veritable city within a city that its dwellers seldom departed.\n\nNumerous areas are accessible for exploration, and you’ll be treated to a comprehensive stroll through all the exhibits.\n\nIndulge in the enchanting atmosphere, complemented by views of the Bosporus in Istanbul.\n\nStroll through the exterior terraced gardens, vibrant with multicolored tulips, and ascend to the elevated terrace for a panoramic vista of the Golden Horn.\n\n- Topkapi Palace - Harem in Topkapi Palace: the illustrious residence of the royal family.\n\nNavigate the Harem, separating fact from fiction as your guide shares captivating tales.\n\nDiscover the epicenter of the Ottoman Sultan’s authority nestled deep within the Harem’s confines.\nLearn about the Queen Mother’s significant influence in both household and state affairs.\n\nThe Harem was home to a multitude of women, predominantly prisoners of war, along with family members, and a host of eunuchs who fulfilled various administrative and personal roles.\n\nExplore the quarters where the eunuchs resided and were educated.\n\nCapture images of the concubines’ courtyard and the Queen Mother’s Chambers.\n\nAdmire the exquisite inlaid mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell cabinet doors.\n\nYour passage through the Harem grants exclusive access to view the earliest and exceptional Iznik tiles adorned with Quranic verses and intricate floral patterns.\n\nConclude your tour with a visit to the Holy Relics and the Imperial Kitchens. You may opt for some leisure time afterwards.
What's Included
- 3 hours private tour at a relaxed pace
- Private tour for a more personalized experience
- Galataport pick up if you provide ship details
- Skip-the-line tickets for the Harem
- Skip-the-line tickets for Topkapi Palace
- Expert local guide for insider’s knowledge
Additional Information
Explore the historical accounts and legends of Ottoman-era Istanbul guided by a proficient tour expert.
Benefit from priority access tickets and skip lengthy queues.
Visit the Sacrosanct Antiquities, Sultanate Kitchens, Imperial Court, and the tiered gardens sprouting with tulips.
Experience the Sultan’s Harem, the private living areas, up close.
Enjoy spectacular views of Bosphorus as you gaze over the city
Receive suggestions from your guide at the conclusion of the tour on further sights to explore.
- Topkapi Palace is a vast complex with multiple sections open for visit. During our tour, we’ll visit the most magnificent masterpieces. However, if you wish to explore all sections at your leisure, we recommend booking a morning tour and allocating the afternoon to explore the Palace grounds.
Location
Ersoy Bufe
At Meydanı Caddesi
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.”
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(2 Ratings)
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1 star
Voriaexplorer
Sep 19, 2022
Excellent Guide; Punctual and well-run Tour - The Topkapi Palace & Harem is a vast complex. I can't imagine just "wandering around" and having anything like the experience we had with our guide, Timur. Speaking impeccable English, he provided very fact-based explanations of many aspects of the architecture and activities of the Palace & Harem. Any question he received, he was able to answer with additional facts and anecdotes. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aishah1995
Jul 14, 2022
Excellent day at topkapi palace and harem - Very good tour guide, he gave us a lot of information throughout! Enjoyed our day here, was amazing to visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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