Your experience

Step into centuries of history at Topkapi Palace

Begin your adventure at Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace, the ornate centre of Ottoman power for more than four centuries. Skip the regular ticket queues and make the most of your day exploring this sprawling museum complex, where sultans ruled and empires flourished. Stroll through the wide courtyards bordered by lush gardens and marvel at the breathtaking Iznik tiles that display striking blue, green and red motifs. These intricate designs, along with the calligraphy and stained glass, are central to the palace’s luxurious atmosphere.

Visit the infamous Harem section, once the private domain of the sultan's family and entourage. With the included audio guide, unlock stories of intrigue and tradition as you navigate rooms with gilded walls, secluded courtyards and elaborate lattice windows. Allow the guide to immerse you in the daily life of those who both served and lived behind the palace walls, and glimpse the historical legacy of the empire's most powerful figures.

Continue your palace tour to see the celebrated Treasury’s dazzling jewels, ceremonial swords and emerald-encrusted daggers. Don’t miss the world-renowned Spoonmaker's Diamond, a 70-carat marvel, and the relics rooms housing revered artifacts. Throughout your walk, listen as the audio guide sheds light on the personalities and events that shaped this iconic site.

Sail the Bosphorus and view Istanbul's wonders from the water

After your palace exploration, head to the pier for your Bosphorus cruise. Glide past grand landmarks on both the European and Asian shores. Listen to detailed narration as you pass by the elegant Dolmabahce Palace, the welcoming silhouette of the Hagia Sophia, the Galata Tower's historic outline and vibrant neighbourhoods lining the waterfront.

Spot the slender minarets of Ortakoy Mosque, the majestic Bosphorus Bridge, and extravagant seaside villas while enjoying the cool breeze and sweeping views. The cruise offers an unmatched perspective on Istanbul’s layered history, tracing the boundary between two continents as you learn about the fortresses, summer palaces and lively markets that have made the Bosphorus central to city life for centuries. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins and seagulls that frequent the strait, adding to the natural beauty of the journey.

Itinerary

Bosphorus cruise

• Galata Tower

• Dolmabahce Palace

• Ciragan Palace

• Ortakoy Mosque

• Bosphorus Bridge

• Beylerbeyi Palace

• Uskudar

• Maiden Tower

• Topkapi Palace

• Hagia Sophia

• Seaside Villas

Your visit combines the grandeur of imperial Istanbul with relaxing moments on the water, all enhanced by in-depth audio commentary. It’s a seamless way to experience some of the city’s most celebrated sites in both comfort and style, whether traveling solo or with family and friends. Accessible pathways, varied cruise departure times and multi-language guides ensure a flexible and accommodating adventure for every visitor.

Book your Topkapi Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets with Harem Access & Bosphorus Cruise tickets now!