Sultans & Emperors: A Private Tour of Istanbul’s Historic Heart

Sultans & Emperors: A Private Tour of Istanbul’s Historic Heart

By Turkey Experiences

Free cancellation available

See tickets

Features

Free cancellation available
10h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup

Overview

⭐ Explore Istanbul’s imperial landmarks with your own private guide
⭐ Visit Dolmabahçe Palace, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar
⭐ Private hotel or Galataport Cruise Port pickup & drop-off for maximum comfort
⭐ A seamless blend of history, culture, and iconic sights—designed just for you

This specially designed tour offers an exclusive way to discover the city’s rich imperial heritage. Begin your day with a private pickup from your hotel or Galataport Cruise Port and step into the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace, the final residence of the Ottoman sultans. Continue to the historic heart of the city to admire the timeless beauty of Hagia Sophia and explore the legendary Topkapi Palace, once the center of Ottoman power. Conclude your journey at the lively Grand Bazaar, where centuries-old trade and local life come together. With a fully private setup, flexible pacing, and personalized guidance, this tour delivers a refined and unforgettable Istanbul experience.

Activity location

Galataport Istanbul
- KIlIc Ali Pasa Mahallesi Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi, No: 8 Karaköy Beyoğlu
- 34433, Istanbul, Turkiye

Meeting/Redemption Point

German Fountain
- At Meydanı Caddesi
- 34122, Binbirdirek, İstanbul, Turkiye

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Pick-up/Drop-off at Galataport

10h
English

Pick-up & Drop-off Services: Available for Galataport Cruise Port.
Duration: 9 hours: This duration is an estimate.Depending on the crowd levels in museums and traffic, there may be variations of +/- 45 minutes.
Guided Tour Level: Private Tour - You will not be sharing the tour car and tour guide services with any other passengers or travelers.
Starting point:
Galataport Istanbul, Kılıçali Paşa, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. No: 8 İç Kapı No: 102, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Pickup included

Travelers

Language options: English

Starting time

Price details

P 12,690.65 x 2 AdultsP 25,381.30

Paid at activityP 15,449.48

Total

Pick-up/Drop-off at Hotels

10h
English

Pick-up & Drop-off Services: Available for hotels (or AirBnb address if parking is available) in Istanbul city.
Duration: 10 hours: This duration is an estimate.Depending scheduled timing of flight on your tour date, there may be variations of +/- one hour.
Guided Tour Level: Private Tour - You will not be sharing the tour car and tour guide services with any other passengers or travelers.
Starting point:
Istanbul, İstanbul, Türkiye
Pickup included

Travelers

Language options: English

Starting time

Price details

P 13,656.24 x 2 AdultsP 27,312.48

Paid at activityP 15,449.48

Total

What's included, what's not

Hotel pick-up & drop-off - Valid for "Pick-up/Drop-off at Hotels" option
Professional tour guide who licensed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Port pick-up & drop-off - Valid for "Pick-up/Drop-off at Galataport" option
Private tour – Enjoy exclusive use of the tour car and guide
Meals & Drinks
Hagia Sophia Upper Floor / Gallery
Topkapi Palace
Dolmabahce Palace

Know before you book

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
OPTION OF PICK-UP / DROP-OFF AT GALATAPORT : This option includes pick-up and drop-off services by transportation from Galataport Cruise Port in Istanbul.
OPTION OF PICK-UP / DROP-OFF AT HOTELS : This option includes pick-up and drop-off services by transportation from hotels in Istanbul.
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults. If you will be 1 adult + 1 child, the local tour operator can request & charge the amount of 2 adults.
Please note that if you cancel or skip any part of the itinerary during the tour, no refund will be provided for the cancelled or skipped portions.
All the information provided above forms part of the terms and conditions for tour. You have been confirmed your acceptance of these when you book this tour. The local tour operator clearly specifies the details in the program, explanations, and reservation options, and is responsible only for the services indicated. That's why, please read those details while booking this tour.

Activity itinerary

Galataport Istanbul

OPTION OF “PICK-UP/DROP-OFF AT GALATAPORT” : This option includes pick-up and drop-off services by transportation from Galataport Cruise Port in Istanbul. Your private tour guide will meet you at Galataport Cruise Port, and then your private tour of Istanbul’s Historical Peninsula will begin.

Istanbul

OPTION OF “PICK-UP/DROP-OFF AT HOTELS” : This option includes pick-up and drop-off services by transportation from hotels in Istanbul. Your private tour guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel, and then your private tour of Istanbul’s Historical Peninsula will begin.

Hagia Sophia Mosque

1h
Admission ticket not included

A masterpiece that has shaped the soul of Istanbul for over 1,400 years, Hagia Sophia stands as a testament to the city's layered heritage. Built in 537 as the grand basilica of the Byzantine Empire, its immense dome, intricate mosaics, and ingenious engineering continue to inspire awe. Having served as a church, a mosque, and a museum over the centuries, Hagia Sophia embodies the rich cultural fusion of civilizations. Every visitor is drawn into its profound atmosphere, where history seems to whisper from the walls.

Topkapi Palace

1h 30m
Admission ticket not included

Step into the heart of the Ottoman Empire at Topkapı Palace, the grand residence of sultans for nearly four centuries since its construction in the mid-15th century by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. This magnificent complex, overlooking the Bosphorus, brings history to life with its opulent courtyards, exquisite tiles, and legendary treasures, including sacred relics and the world-famous Imperial Treasury. During our guided tour, you’ll discover stories of power, intrigue, and royal ceremony that shaped an empire. Topkapı Palace is not just a museum—it’s a journey into a world of grandeur you’ll never forget.

Grand Bazaar

Experience the vibrant soul of Istanbul at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, founded in the 15th century during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II. With more than 4,000 shops spread across a maze of colorful streets, the bazaar offers everything from handcrafted jewelry and carpets to spices, ceramics, and unique souvenirs. Our guided visit helps you explore the best corners of this historic marketplace, meet local artisans, and enjoy an authentic shopping experience full of culture, energy, and unforgettable discoveries.

Dolmabahce Palace

1h
Admission ticket not included

Dolmabahçe Palace is a splendid 19th-century imperial palace located along the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. Built during the final period of the Ottoman Empire, it showcases a harmonious blend of Ottoman tradition and European architectural styles. The palace is renowned for its grand ceremonial halls, richly decorated interiors, and impressive crystal chandeliers. Serving as an important administrative center and royal residence, Dolmabahçe Palace reflects the empire’s modernization efforts and remains one of Istanbul’s most iconic historical landmarks.

Galataport Istanbul

For guests who have selected the “Pick-up/Drop-off at Galataport” option, we will provide a comfortable return transfer back to Galataport Cruise Port at the end of the tour. Please follow your guide’s instructions for boarding the vehicle.

İstanbul

For guests who have purchased the “Pick-up/Drop-off at Hotels” option, we will provide a comfortable return transfer back to your hotel at the end of the tour. Please follow your guide’s instructions for boarding the vehicle.

Location

Activity location

Galataport Istanbul
- KIlIc Ali Pasa Mahallesi Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi, No: 8 Karaköy Beyoğlu
- 34433, Istanbul, Turkiye

Meeting/Redemption Point

German Fountain
- At Meydanı Caddesi
- 34122, Binbirdirek, İstanbul, Turkiye
Istanbul
- Istanbul, İstanbul, Turkiye
Galataport Istanbul
- No: 8 Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi
- 34433, Kılıçali Paşa, İstanbul, Turkiye

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