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Sultans and Secrets: Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia Private Tour

12 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 12 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Istanbul, Turkey
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Spanish
Instant confirmation

Overview

Explore two of Istanbul’s most remarkable landmarks with a private guide and the freedom to take your time.
At Topkapı Palace, step into the world of the Ottoman court and discover how sultans, royal women, officials and servants lived behind the palace walls — within a fascinating world of power, ceremony, ambition and tradition.
At Hagia Sophia, trace the extraordinary story of a building that has witnessed Byzantine emperors, Ottoman sultans and centuries of change in Istanbul.
Along the way, your guide will bring the monuments to life through the people, stories and details behind them — not just dates and names. Ask questions, follow what interests you and explore at your own pace, without having to keep up with a large group.

What's Included

  • Private Walking Tour
  • Skip-the-line priority
  • Guiding Service from a local expert guide
  • Entrance fees for the Topkapi palace - 50 EUR per person, Santa Sofia is 25 EURO per person
  • Transportation
  • Gratuties (optional )
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
OR
Meeting point

Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Caddesi, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Sultanahmet
Alemdar, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul

Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, originally built as a grand cathedral in the 6th century. Over the centuries, it has been transformed into a mosque, then a museum, and now back to a mosque, each phase adding to its rich history. With its stunning dome, breathtaking mosaics, and towering minarets, Hagia Sophia offers visitors a rare chance to experience the perfect blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences. A must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul, this architectural wonder takes you on a journey through the city’s fascinating past1
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Topkapi Palace Museum

Surrounded on three sides by the Marmara Sea, the Bosporus, and the Golden Horn, Topkapi Palace was the imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans and home to his court and harem. The palace complex is huge and contains 4 main courtyards with beautiful gardens, an enormous kitchen, mosques, a hospital, many pavilions, and the Harem. The Topkapi housed each of the Ottoman sultans from Sultan Mehmed II to Sultan Abdulmecid, covering nearly four centuries and 25 sultans.This opulent palace witnessed the greatest glories and the most heartbreaking tragedies in the history of the Ottoman Empire.You will travel through centuries listening to great stories and uncover the secret life of mighty Ottoman sultans and their Harem.
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3 hours Admission Ticket Free

Sultanahmet

Historical District of Sultanahmet will be explained as that's the center of country for centuries.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Sultans and Secrets: Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia Private Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-101884P20

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
12 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 12 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
12
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Private Walking Tour
  • Skip-the-line priority
  • Guiding Service from a local expert guide
  • Entrance fees for the Topkapi palace - 50 EUR per person, Santa Sofia is 25 EURO per person
  • Transportation
  • Gratuties (optional )
  • Entrance fees
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque
  • TopkapI Palace

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

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Activity name