With our Half-Day Ottoman Relics Tour, you will step into the world of the sultans. We crafted this tour to celebrate the magnificent heritage of Istanbul’s Ottoman past, inviting you to experience its grandeur. We will begin with a visit to the Rustem Pasha Mosque, a masterpiece by Mimar Sinan, admired for its stunning Iznik tilework. The tour will continue to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the political and ceremonial heart of the empire for nearly four centuries. We will explore treasures, pavilions, and courtyards and reveal the opulence of Ottoman life. Finally, dive into the bustling energy of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, where colorful stalls brim with jewelry, textiles, spices, and souvenirs. Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays—on those days, the tour includes a visit to the remarkable Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici), a 6th-century underground wonder that adds yet another layer of history to your experience. This half-day journey is the perfect way to connect with Istanbul’s Ottoman heritage in just a few unforgettable hours.
Half-Day Ottoman Relics Tour
- We will pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul and drive you to the historic city center.
- We will visit Rustem Pasha Mosque, a remarkable example of Ottoman architecture. The famous Turkish architect Mimar Sinan built the mosque for Sultan Suleiman’s son-in-law and grand vizier. It is well-known for its floral designs, and blue tiles adorn its indoor walls.
- Our next stop is the Topkapi Palace. It is known as the residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries. Today, it is a museum showcasing significant Muslim relics, including Muhammad’s cloak and sword. Visitors can explore the courtyards, pavilions, the Imperial Council Chamber, the Privy Chamber, the Imperial Treasury, and many other remnants from the remarkable Ottoman era.
- The last stop on our tour is the Grand Bazaar, the world’s biggest and oldest covered market. It was built in 1455, right after Constantinople was conquered. Today, it feels like navigating a maze with 61 streets and over 3,000 shops, where you can find all sorts of stuff, from jewelry and antiques to unique souvenirs.
- We will drop you off at your hotel at the end of the tour.