• Topkapi Palace - Following our meeting, we will enter the Palace through the Babu Humayun gate and begin our exploration from there. Topkapi Palace served as a residence, educational, and administrative center for the Ottoman Sultans and their families. We will thoroughly explore each gate and garden within the Palace.

We will provide insights and information about each section of the palace, uncovering hidden stories and details.

Additionally, we will visit the Harem Section of Topkapi Palace, a part often overlooked by many visitors.

Our tour will include the Babuhumayun Gate, Royal Mint, Babusselam gate, Fatih open-air museum, Palace Kitchens, Harem Section, Justice Tower, Divan-ı Humayun, Treasury, Babussade gate, Chamber of Petitions, and Enderun (the “Interior Service” of the Imperial Court).

• Hagia Irene Museum - The Second Largest Church After Hagia Sophia:
  The Hagia Irene, located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace, is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine) and the second largest in Istanbul after Hagia Sophia. The name Hagia Irene, meaning “sacred peace” (Hagia Eirene), holds special significance as the birthplace of Turkish museology.

Hagia Irene, a quintessential Byzantine structure with its materials and architecture, was constructed on the site of an ancient temple in 330. During Emperor Justinianus’s reign, the Nika Revolt in 532 led to the destruction of both Hagia Sophia and Hagia Irene, and they were subsequently rebuilt together.

Following the fall of Constantinople, since the church was not converted into a mosque, it served as a loot and gun depot (Harbiye Warehouse) for an extended period.

• Topkapi Palace Museum - We will explore the most fascinating part of the Palace, the Harem Section.

The Topkapi Palace Harem is undoubtedly the most luxurious part of the palace, featuring lavishly decorated marble hallways, arched doorways, and over 400 rooms. Discover the opulent lifestyle led by the Ottoman Sultans in the Harem.

Built at the end of the 16th century, the Harem was a labyrinth of approximately 300 magnificently tiled rooms, connected by courtyards and fountain gardens.

As Islam prohibited the enslavement of Muslims, most harem women were Christians or Jews, often received as gifts from dignitaries and nobles. Girls from Circassia, now known as Georgia and Armenia, were particularly favored for their stunning beauty.

Upon entering the Harem, the girls were educated in Islam and received comprehensive palace training: they learned to write, read, play instruments, sing, dance, and entertain the sultan.

• Professional English Speaking Historian Tour Guide

• Entrance fees
• Lunch
• Entry ticket for Harem section, Aya Irini Church and Topkapi Palace Museum is in one ticket-$26.00

Topkap Palace served as the lavish abode for the Ottoman Sultans and functioned as the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire for over four centuries. Each section of the palace carries fascinating historical narratives and intricate details. Unfortunately, regular sightseeing group tours tend to overlook these elements, wrapping up the visit within an hour - a duration that is grossly inadequate. With our expertise as professional historian guides, we ensure a comprehensive exploration of every segment of the palace, spending a thorough three hours.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.