Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace Half Day Tour: Explore Istanbul's Cultural and Historic Treasures
4.8
57 Ratings
Fatih
Discover the cultural and historic treasures of Istanbul with a half-day tour of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Skip the ticket line and explore these iconic sites at your own pace.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque - 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 pp) is included depending on the option selected
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratitudes
Additional Information

Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace stand out as must-see sites for their cultural significance and historical depth. By dedicating attention solely to these landmarks, you can appreciate their splendor and distinct pasts in a relaxed manner, rather than hastening to additional attractions. Benefit from time-saving priority entry at Topkapi Palace, bypassing the queue—a distinct advantage for newcomers and seasoned travelers alike.

  • 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 (cash in Turkish Lira) to your tour guide, you will have the privilege of skipping the ticket queue. Please take this into consideration and have the entrance fee ready.
  • Children under 6 years old are free. Children up to 12 years old are ₺150. You should bring along a Photo ID showing your child’s age so that your guide can get the free or discounted tickets for your kids otherwise you will have to pay the adult difference in cash to your guide.
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
4.8
(57 Ratings)
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Albert_y
May 21, 2024
Excellent tour of Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. - Our tour guide was professional, personable and gave us a great tour of Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Edward_r
May 11, 2024
Enjoyed our guides knowledge - The guide was very knowledgeable and took photos of us at a few special spots. We got through most of the topaki palace grounds and were able to stay afterward to see a few more rooms. The timing was great as we got through before the bigger midday crowds
Review provided by Viator
Shay_h
Apr 29, 2024
Great Guide - Elif was a fantastic guide, full of information and facts. She really helped us enjoy our visit to Topaki palace and the Blue mosque.
Review provided by Viator
632jaanu
Apr 28, 2024
We enjoyed your Topkap tour wery much! - Tour guided by guide Furkan was excellent; guide waited us in time and hours flyed fast. Furkan,s english was simple and understandable sufficient. All our 25 teachers group members enjoyed the tour and recommend o everybody! We plan to manage our next Istanbul visit in the next year and use for guiding tour just the same company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alessia_a
Apr 27, 2024
Skip the queues and learn lots about Istanbul! - Great experience! Tour guide was lovely and chatty. She knew a lot about the history of the places we visited and brought the tour to life. Plus it was great to skip the queues! Would defintiely recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Kelly_p
Apr 25, 2024
Tarık is the best - The tour was amazing, especially thanks to Tarık, my guide. He told me very interesting stories about the places.
Review provided by Viator
Brittany_c
Apr 27, 2024
Very pretty - Guide was friendly & knowledgeable, and took time to explain important historical facts. She also took us around the Palace in a way that avoided large crowds, which was much appreciated.
Review provided by Viator
Andi_a
May 23, 2024
Alright - It was okay. We didn't skip the line and still had to wait. Also, we thought this tour had tickets included but had to pay 1500 TL upon arrivial. I was definitely sure I read that it was included when I booked this tour
Review provided by Viator
Olga_k
May 27, 2024
Not worth the money! - Out guide was terrible. She did not speak English well and did not put much effort to make her guiding interesting and I formative! We were left to look at all exhibits by ourselves, which we could've done with out any guide. T Do not use this agency!
Review provided by Viator
844salimah
May 11, 2024
Scam visit - I couldn't go because it was a big scam, I paid 70 euros TripAdvisor believing that everything was included tickets and guide but no I had to add 80 euros to the guide so the visit cost 150 euros no thank you so I don't absolutely do not recommend that you make your reservation via TripAdvisor the entrance to the palace is 43 euros per person and free audio guide, I am disgusted to have lost 70th but in all never again TripAdvisor
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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