Ottoman Heritage Tour of Istanbul
- Topkapi Palace
- Harem of the Topkapi Palace
- Suleymaniye Mosque
- Grand Bazaar
- Spice Market
- Bosphorus Crusise Tour
What to Expect?
- A comprehensive overview of Istanbul’s Ottoman heritage
- A full understanding of the importance of commerce in Ottoman Istanbul
- A useful guide to the city’s geographical layout to help you choose other tours
The Ottoman Heritage Tour visits major architectural and commercial complexes of Ottoman Istanbul. Be astounded by the jewels in Topkapi Palace. Imagine being part of the court on Divan Yolu. Wonder at the grandeur of Suleymaniye Mosque. Sample delights in the Spice Market. Daydream as you cruise along the Bosphorus.
The Ottoman Heritage Tour begins with a visit to the impressive Topkapi Palace. It's built over a series of courtyards and halls. They contain displays of precious jewels and relics from Mecca. Then, we enter the pinnacle of Ottoman Istanbul, the Harem, full of tales of mystery and intrigue.
The tour takes us along Divan Yolu. Once the road leading to the Imperial Council (Divan), it leads to Bayezid Square. The square takes its name from the nearby mosque, built for Bayezid II. It's a meeting point of commerce and intellect. The Grand Bazaar borders one side and Istanbul University the other.
The impressive Suleymaniye Mosque is the second largest mosque in the city. It’s the work of the great Mimar Sinan. You’ll learn about his role in creating a significant Ottoman heritage.
In Ottoman Istanbul the Grand Bazaar was the centre of the city. It covers 64 streets, has 4000 individual shops and many small hans. We’ll enter several. Originally used by travelling merchants as places to sleep and do trade, hans are dedicated to specific crafts. On the Ottoman Heritage tour your guide will give you in-depth information about the commercial life and dynamics of the Empire and Istanbul.
Have lunch at a restaurant recommended by your guide.
Once at the Spice Market, you’ll be hard-pressed to decide which flavour is your favourite. Don’t have a sweet tooth? Don't worry. You’ll find plenty of freshly ground spices to tempt you.
For the Bosphorus Cruise we catch a public ferry up the strait. Istanbul’s Ottoman heritage lines the shores. You’ll see Ottoman palaces, fortresses and wooden summer houses. We stop in at some of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city.
From your hotel or port
To your hotel or port
Sun protection (or umbrella depending on the season/weather)
Hat and sunglasses
Camera
Cash/credit cards
Comfortable walking shoes
Digital device storage cards and/or power bank
Sea Pass card and photo identification (these are for cruise ship passangers)
- Professional, Licensed Guiding Services
- Admission Fees
- Skip the ticket line
- Lunch
- Personal Expenses
Dynamic Pricing:
Basically the dynamic pricing is the reduction of per person price when the number of people in your party increases. The more people in your group, the less you would pay person.
- 1 Adult - $195
- 2 Adults - $115 pp
- 3 Adults - $100 pp
- 4 Adults - $85 pp
- 5 Adults - $75 pp
- 6 Adults - $70 pp
- 7 - 9 Adults - $63 pp
- 10 - 12 Adults - $58 pp
Legal Notice:
This tour is organized within the legal scope of the Turkish Law concerning Travel Agencies And The Association Of Travel Agencies (TURSAB) numbered 1618, and Vocational Tour Guides Law numbered 6326. Guiding without a license (issued by Ministry of Culture and Tourism) is illegal!
You may cancel your tour reservation up to 3 days before the planned start of the tour. No cancellation charge is issued within the allowed deadline. Please read our cancellation policy at “Booking Terms & Conditions“.