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Guided Tours

Istanbul Walking Tour with Topkapi Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets and Bosphorus Cruise

Guided tour by the Ortakoy mosque
Guided tour by the Laleli Mosque
Guided tour by the Ortakoy mosque
Guided tour by the Laleli Mosque

This combo lets you go on a walking tour into the heart of the Old City, skip the queues at Topkapi Palace, and sail the Bosphorus, perfect for busy travelers.

Highlights

  • Istanbul, a city where continents collide and millennia intertwine, is a living museum, and the perfect way to explore is with this 1-hour guided walking tour.

  • Walk through Sultanahmet Square, where the remnants of the once-grand Hippodrome, a center for chariot races during Roman eras, lie scattered.

  • Step through the colossal gates of Topkapi Palace, where intricate tilework whispers stories of sultans, concubines, and a flourishing empire.

  • A Bosphorus cruise, armed with an audio guide as your digital Rosetta Stone, unlocks the secrets of this waterway through Istanbul's heart.

  • Did you know? A Greek myth states that the Bosphorus was once guarded by monstrous maidens called the Bosphoranian Naiads.

Inclusions

  • 1-hour walking tour of Istanbul Old City

  • English-speaking guide

  • Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace

  • Access to the Harem section

  • Audio guide for Topkapi Palace in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German

  • 90-minute Bosphorus Cruise

  • Audio guide for cruise in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese

  • Map of Bosphorus for cruise

Exclusions

  • Guided tour of Topkapi Palace

  • Entry to Hagia Sophia

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Explore the city in between

Your adventure begins in the heart of the Old City, Sultanahmet Square. Imagine the roar of the crowd as you stand by the Obelisk of Theodosius, a towering Egyptian monument brought to Constantinople in the 4th century. A short stroll away, the Blue Mosque explodes with vibrant Iznik tiles, earning its famous moniker. Next, delve into the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, a sensory overload of sights, smells, and sounds. Wander through the endless covered alleyways, browsing an eclectic mix of carpets, spices, ceramics, and Turkish delights.

An Ottoman wonder

Istanbul's Topkapi Palace is a sprawling masterpiece, a testament to the opulent reign of the Ottoman Empire. Begin your journey through the monumental Bab-i Hümayun (Imperial Gate), a symbolic gateway to the Ottoman world. Housing the Imperial Treasury, the Second Courtyard is home to a treasure trove of Ottoman riches, like the Topkapi Dagger, a masterpiece of 16th-century craftsmanship. Then, take in the vastness of the city on a Bosphorus cruise. Glide past palaces, Ottoman-era mansions, and seaside villas, all while an audio guide whispers tales of empires, sultans, and a city's fascinating past.

Sights you’ll see

Walking tour

Sultanahmet Square | Hippodrome | Blue Mosque | Topkapi Palace | Hagia Sophia | Grand Bazaar

Bosphorus cruise

Galata Tower | Dolmabahce Palace | Ciragan Palace| Ortakoy Mosque | Bosphorus Bridge | Beylerbeyi Palace | Uskudar | Maiden Tower | Topkapi Palace | Hagia Sophia | Seaside Villas

What to bring

  • Bring your walking shoes, water bottle, hat, sunglasses, and snacks for comfortable exploration.

  • Bring local currency or your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

  • Stay ahead of the game; download the audio app beforehand to dodge any network glitches at the location.

  • Don’t forget your trusty earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.

Accessibility

  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

  • Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for mobility issues.

Additional information

  • The walking tour focuses on the exteriors of landmarks and the stories behind them. Entrance fees to Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern are not included.

  • You can choose to take the Bosphorus cruise on the same day or the next day. In addition to midday and afternoon departures, enjoy a special evening cruise at 6 PM, available from April to October.

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

  • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Meet your guide at Dsign Cafe.

  • Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34093 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

  • Landmark: In front of the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum located on the Hippodrome, right next to Egyptian Obelisk.

Get directions to the meeting point

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