Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk in the footsteps of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire? To witness all the splendour of the palace where they lived? To walk in the most mysterious of places? To enter the forbidden chambers of the harem and behold the jewels and luxury silks that were every bit the part of the Ottoman era? If you have wondered even just a little, then this is the perfect chance for you to explore the wonders of Ottoman Istanbul.
Sultan Mehmed II ordered the construction of the Topkapi Palace in 1459 and it was the residence of numerous Sultans for the next few centuries. It is located in prime position to catch the breeze off the bosphorous with excellent views over the Golden Horn. The architecture on its own is enough to draw visitors to the Palace but there are also many wonders to behold once inside the walls. Even the walls themselves are a delight as they are ornate with gold and mosaics.
The Palace is actually a full complex including council buildings, audience chambers, libraries, kitchens, baths and a treasury to name but a few. Of course it also includes the harem where all men bar the Sultan and the Eunuchs were forbidden to enter.
Today it is also used to house and display ancient Islamic relics and sacred items belonging to the prophet Mohammed. It also houses the treasury containing famous jewels that belonged to the Sultans before the fall of the Ottoman empire. You may gaze upon the ornate sılks of the Emperor’s kaftans and be reminded of the folktale The Emperor’s Clothes.
A stone’s throw away is the impressive building of Hagia Sophia whose outer walls house the tombs of Sultans, their concubines and their children. Hagia Sofia has a diverse history across the main religions and is today used as a mosque.
In 2024, price of Istanbul Ottoman Relics Tour is 50 € for adults, 40 € for children between age 8 and 12, free for children under 7 years old.
| Type | Age | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 13 years and older | €50 |
| Child | 8 — 12 years old | €40 |
| Infant | 0 — 7 years old | Free |
You will be picked up from your chosen meeting point by car with full air conditioning at 1pm. You will then be guided by an expert on Ottoman history through the wonders of the Palace before visiting the tombs of several Sultans located in the outer courtyard and cemetery of Hagia Sophia.
The tour itself should take approximately 3 hours and entrance fees (except the Harem) are included within the price. Tours are available every day except Tuesdays when the museum is closed. As this is a half day tour it would be perfect paired with another tour to make use of your time efficiently.
This tour begins when a comfortable vehicle picks you up from your hotel.
You will be accompanied by a professional tour guide on this afternoon tour. Guide will be by your side and guide you through the sights. In addition will provide important details about these monuments.
Very first stop on this tour is visitation to the sultan’s tombs. These monuments are located in the courtyard of Hagia Sophia in small mosque-like buildings. Inside, visitors can see the sarcophagi of five sultans and their family members. An interesting highlight of this monument is the interior design of the rooms. Colorful tiles and floral motifs are among the most impressive details. Participants should know that this particular monument is closed on Mondays. Therefore, the schedule is changed to include a visit to the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque.
Then you will visit one of the most famous and most visited monuments in Turkey, Topkapi Palace. This magnificent and majestic building was the residence of the Ottoman sultans during the Ottoman period. The palace unfolds the history of the Ottoman era. Visitors can tour the palace, which is now a museum. Among the most interesting and important collections are the costumes that the sultans wore, their jewelry and a special collection of precious stones.
Approximate duration of this half-day afternoon tour is 4 hours. After completing the tour, a comfortable and modern bus will bring you back to your overnight location. This wonderful tour offers you an alternative and exciting sightseeing experience.
