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Ottoman Palaces of Istanbul

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Tour Code:

30-4899
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Duratıon

8 Hours

Tour Type

Private & Group

Group Size

2 - 25

Language

English

“Explore the legacy of the empire where sultans once ruled”

  • Tour Name: Ottoman Palaces of Istanbul

  • Duration: 1 Day (Approx. 7–8 hours)

  • Start/End: Hotel or cruise port pick-up / drop-off

  • Language: English-speaking licensed guide

  • Transport: Private A/C Mercedes Vito or Sprinter

  • Type: Private / Small Group

  • Focus: History, architecture, imperial lifestyle

🕘 09:00 – Pick-up from Hotel or Cruise Port

  • Meet your professional licensed guide

  • Overview of the day’s historical journey

🕌 Topkapı Palace Museum

The heart of the Ottoman Empire for over four centuries

  • Explore the courtyards, Imperial Treasury, Council Hall

  • Visit the Holy Relics Chamber and Imperial Kitchens

  • Optional: Harem section (separate ticket)

  • Bosphorus photo point from the palace terraces

📌 Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. On these days, Dolmabahçe Palace is visited first instead.

🌳 Gülhane Park Walk

  • Short stroll through the former palace gardens

  • Historic atmosphere under ancient plane trees

🍽️ Lunch at Local Restaurant

  • Optional Ottoman-style cuisine at a recommended restaurant

  • Specialties: Lamb stew, stuffed vine leaves, pomegranate molasses dishes

🏰 Dolmabahçe Palace Tour

The empire’s last seat of power – opulent and Western in style

  • Guided visit of the Selamlık (State Rooms)

  • Marvel at the Crystal Staircase and Ceremonial Hall

  • Optional: Visit to the Harem section and Painting Museum

  • Bosphorus seaside location for great photography

📸 Çırağan Palace & Ortaköy Stop

  • Short photo stop outside Çırağan Palace

  • Optional coffee or tea break in Ortaköy, with views of the Bosphorus Bridge and Ortaköy Mosque

🛍️ Optional: Grand Bazaar or Arasta Bazaar

  • Time for souvenir shopping (if requested)

  • Local handicrafts, ceramics, textiles, and more

🕔 17:00 – Return to Hotel / End of Tour

  • Private vehicle with driver

  • Hotel/cruise port pick-up and drop-off

  • Licensed English-speaking guide

  • Fuel, parking, tolls

  • Bottled water during the tour

  • Flexible, customizable itinerary

Payable on Site or in Advance

Site Ticket Price
Topkapı Palace Combo (Palace + Harem + Hagia Irene) €55 (approx. 1,700 TL)
Dolmabahçe Palace (Selamlık + Harem + Museum) 1,800 TL (~ €44 / $45)

  • 🍽️ Lunch

  • ☕ Drinks and personal expenses

  • 💰 Tips for guide and driver

  • 🛍️ Shopping or optional stops

📌 Tickets can be arranged in advance or purchased directly at the entrance. Contact us for advance booking assistance.

  • Visit the most iconic palaces of the Ottoman Empire

  • Learn about the empire’s inner life and protocol from expert guides

  • Enjoy panoramic Bosphorus views and lesser-known hidden gems

  • Travel in comfort with a private, personalized experience

🧭 Tour Type & Pace

  • This is a private cultural tour, designed for a relaxed yet informative experience.

  • Includes moderate walking, some staircases, and large palace grounds.

  • Suitable for all ages, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

🕰️ Museum Closures

  • Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays → On that day, the tour starts directly with Dolmabahçe Palace.

  • Museums may have long queues during high season, but your guide will assist you with ticketing and route optimization.

🧴 What to Bring

  • Passport copy or ID (some museums may ask for verification)

  • Water bottle (refillable if possible)

  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and power bank (for photo lovers!)

  • Turkish Lira or credit card for entrance tickets

📱 Communication

  • Your guide and driver will remain accessible throughout the tour.

  • For any last-minute questions, contact Aziz or Ali via WhatsApp.

📌 Accessibility

  • Palaces like Dolmabahçe and Topkapı have limited wheelchair access in some sections. Please notify us in advance for accessible arrangements.

  • Modest and respectful clothing is appreciated, especially in historical or sacred sites.

  • Bring sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen in warmer months.

  • Layered clothing is ideal for cooler seasons.

Cruise passenger? No worries. This tour is designed with port timings in mind. We ensure a timely return to your ship, with flexible scheduling according to your docking time.

  • All indaha.com tours are fully customizable.

  • Want to skip a stop? Add lunch by the sea? Extend the day with a Bosphorus cruise?
    ✅ Just let us know in advance — we’ll adjust the plan to fit your style and pace.

Are your tours private or group-based?

We offer both private and small group tours. Most of our cultural packages are private by default, but we also run small group options on specific dates. If you prefer exclusivity and flexibility, private tours are ideal.

Can I customize a tour based on my interests?

Absolutely. We specialize in customized itineraries tailored to your preferences, timing, group size, and interests (e.g. religious sites, history, gastronomy, shopping, family-friendly). Let us know what matters to you, and we’ll create your ideal experience.

Are your tours suitable for cruise passengers?

Yes. We offer shore excursions specially designed for cruise guests. Some are only suitable if your ship stays overnight or departs late, so always provide your cruise details when booking. Port pick-up and drop-off are included.

Do your tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off?

Yes. All of our tours include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Istanbul or the city where the tour starts. We also offer airport or cruise port transfers upon request.

Are meals included in the tour price?

Usually, meals are not included, unless specified in the itinerary. However, we always provide trusted restaurant recommendations during the tour, and your guide will assist you in choosing the right option.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees to museums, archaeological sites, and attractions are usually not included, unless clearly stated. This allows guests to decide which optional sites they want to enter and gives flexibility with national vs. foreign visitor pricing.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

We use modern, licensed, and air-conditioned vehicles:

  • For 1–4 guests: Mercedes Vito or similar

  • For 5–12 guests: Mercedes Sprinter or similar

  • For larger groups: Tour coaches with microphone & AC
    All vehicles are clean, insured, and driven by professional chauffeurs.

Do you provide multilingual guides?

Yes. Our default guiding language is English, but we also offer guides in Bahasa Indonesia, Spanish, French, Arabic, and more upon request. Let us know your preference at the time of booking.

Is tipping required?

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated if you’re satisfied with the service. A general guideline is around €5–10 per person for full-day tours.

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer flexible cancellation policies depending on the tour type and notice period. Generally:

  • Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour

  • 50% fee if canceled within 24–48 hours

  • No refund for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance
    Custom and multi-day tours may have separate policies, shared at booking.

How do I book a tour?

You can book via:

  • WhatsApp: [your number]

  • Email: [your email]

  • Booking form on our website
    For customized itineraries, we recommend contacting us directly to discuss the best options for your group.

What should I bring with me?

Depending on the tour, we suggest:

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Weather-appropriate clothing (hat/sunscreen or warm layers)

  • Modest attire for religious sites

  • Passport copy (sometimes required for certain monuments)

  • Camera, reusable water bottle, and a curious spirit!

Are your tours suitable for travelers with limited mobility or disabilities?

We strive to accommodate travelers with mobility limitations, disabilities, or special needs. Since most of our tours are private and flexible, we can adjust the pace, stops, and logistics based on your comfort level.

However, please be aware that certain historical sites may include:

  • Uneven ground or cobblestone streets

  • Limited wheelchair accessibility

  • Steps or narrow passages in older buildings

We strongly recommend that you inform us in advance if anyone in your group:

  • Uses a wheelchair or mobility aid

  • Has difficulty walking long distances

  • Requires frequent rest stops

  • Has any condition that may affect tour participation

We will do our best to:

  • Choose more accessible routes

  • Modify the itinerary if needed

  • Get as close as possible by vehicle to each stop

  • Suggest alternatives where necessary

Our goal is to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for every guest. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your specific needs — we’ll personalize the tour accordingly.

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Booking Form

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😎 Expert Tour Guide

$200.00

🧑‍🏫Expert Tour Guide Services / Englısh

🕒Between 9:00-17:00 / 8 Hours Servıce

👉Guides Available in Multiple Languages

🚌 Full day Rental - VIP Mercedes Minivan

$275.00

🚐 Private Transportation Service

🕘 Duration : 8 HOURS – MAX : 4 PAX

✔️ 4-Seater Mercedes VIP Minivan – modern, air-conditioned & comfortable
✔️ Professional Driver – experienced & reliable
✔️ All-inclusive: fuel ⛽, parking 🅿️, highway tolls 🛣️ & bridge tolls 🌉
✔️ Door-to-Door Service – hotel,Port pick-up & drop-off
✔️ No Hidden Costs – hassle-free travel for your group

🚢 Bopshorus Boat Cruise

$600.00

⏰2 Hours

🚤 Private Yacht Rental / Bosphorus

👥 1-15 PAX

🎟️ Ticket Ephesus Open Aır Museum

$50.00

🎟️Roman Empire Ancient Site

🧒🆓 0-5 Years old Chıldren are free of Charge (Requıred  ID card or Passport)

👉 Some points in the open aır museum are not included in this price

⚠️🚶‍♂️⛰️ Not a flat area, includes approx. 1 km walk with uphill & downhill paths

⚠️🚶‍♂️💦 Slippery Floor

⚠️🚻 No toilets during the tour (only at entry & exit points)

🎟️ Ticket Dolmabahce Palace Museum

$55.00

🎟️ Dolmabahce Palace Museum with Harem Section & Royal Painting Section

👶✅ 0-5 Years old Chıldren are free of Charge (Requıred  ID card or Passport)

🎟️ Ticket Topkapı Palace Museum

$55.00

🎟️  Topkapı Palace Museum with Harem Section & Imperial Treasury Section

👶✅ 0-5 Years old Chıldren are free of Charge wıth ID card / Passsport confırmatıon

🎟️ Ticket Chora / Kariye Museum

$30.00

🎟️ Chora / Kariye Museum / Mosque with Museum Section

👶✅ 0-5 Years old Chıldren are free of Charge (Requıred  ID card or Passport)

🎟️ Ticket Cappadocia Balloon Tour

$275.00

🚐⬆️⬇️ Pick-up & Drop-off Service

⚠️👶✈️ Children 0–6 years old can fly only with permission (Requıred  ID card or Passport)

💵↩️🌦️ Full refund in case of cancellation due to weather conditions

⏱️✈️ Flight Duration: 45 min – 1 hour

⚠️💲📈 Seasonal / High Demand Price Variation – Confirmation Required

👶⚠️ Infant is only 0–1 years old