Istanbul Tour

Private Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar Tour

Explore Topkapi Palace, the underground Cistern of Theodosius and the Grand Bazaar with a private guide.

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Tour Overview

Visit the main sights of old Istanbul on a private tour of Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar, including the underground Cistern of Theodosius. With your professional guide you explore the imperial palace of the Ottoman sultans, descend into one of the city's oldest water structures, and wander the world-famous Grand Covered Bazaar, with hotel pick-up and drop-off and all entrance fees included.

Tour Highlights

  • Private tour of Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar
  • Home of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries
  • The 1,600-year-old Cistern of Theodosius (Serefiye)
  • The world-famous Grand Covered Bazaar
  • Private guiding and all entrance fees included

What's Included

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Private guiding service
  • Entrance fees

What's Excluded

  • Lunch and drinks
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Hotel pick-up outside the city centre

Tour Itinerary

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace was home to all the Ottoman sultans until the reign of Abdulmecid I, a period of nearly four centuries. Commissioned by Mehmed II after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 on Seraglio Point overlooking both the Marmara and the Bosphorus, the first palace covered an area of 700 square metres enclosed by fortified walls 1,400 metres long.

Cistern of Theodosius

The Serefiye Cistern is one of the oldest water structures on the historic peninsula, with a history dating back almost 1,600 years, built during the reign of Theodosius II. Inside are 45 sail-vaults and 32 columns of Marmara Island marble, their tops decorated with acanthus leaves, and its interior walls are covered with waterproof plaster to withstand water pressure.

Grand Covered Bazaar

Finish at the Grand Covered Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world and a highlight of old Istanbul, with its labyrinth of covered streets and thousands of shops.

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