Sultans and Secrets: Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia Private Tour
At a glance
Sultans and Secrets: Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia Private Tour is a 4h 30m private experience in Istanbul, Turkey, operated by Food Trail Istanbul Tours. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 13 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $99 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Guiding Service from a local expert guide, Private Walking Tour, Skip-the-line priority.
Highlights
- Private experience — just you and your group
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 3 stops in one well-planned itinerary
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 4h 30m
- Group
- Private tour — only your group
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Pickup
- Hotel pickup or meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Travellers
- 1–12 per booking · adult required
- Ages
- Infant 0–3 · Child 4–8 · Adult 9–99
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Options & availability
-
Sultans and Secrets: Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia Private Tour
from $58
Pickup included
- Days:
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Start times:
- 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00
Times and prices come from the operator’s live schedule and are confirmed when you book.
Overview
Explore two of Istanbul’s most remarkable landmarks with a private guide and the freedom to take your time.
At Topkapı Palace, step into the world of the Ottoman court and discover how sultans, royal women, officials and servants lived behind the palace walls — within a fascinating world of power, ceremony, ambition and tradition.
At Hagia Sophia, trace the extraordinary story of a building that has witnessed Byzantine emperors, Ottoman sultans and centuries of change in Istanbul.
Along the way, your guide will bring the monuments to life through the people, stories and details behind them — not just dates and names. Ask questions, follow what interests you and explore at your own pace, without having to keep up with a large group.
What's included
What's included
- Guiding Service from a local expert guide
- Private Walking Tour
- Skip-the-line priority
Not included
- Entrance fees for the Topkapi palace - 50 EUR per person, Santa Sofia is 25 EURO per person
- Transportation
- Gratuties (optional )
- Entrance fees
- Hagia Sophia Mosque
- TopkapI Palace
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 1h
Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, originally built as a grand cathedral in the 6th century. Over the centuries, it has been transformed into a mosque, then a museum, and now back to a mosque, each phase adding to its rich history. With its stunning dome, breathtaking mosaics, and towering minarets, Hagia Sophia offers visitors a rare chance to experience the perfect blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences. A must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul, this architectural wonder takes you on a journey through the city’s fascinating past1
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Stop 2 · 3h
Surrounded on three sides by the Marmara Sea, the Bosporus, and the Golden Horn, Topkapi Palace was the imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans and home to his court and harem. The palace complex is huge and contains 4 main courtyards with beautiful gardens, an enormous kitchen, mosques, a hospital, many pavilions, and the Harem. The Topkapi housed each of the Ottoman sultans from Sultan Mehmed II to Sultan Abdulmecid, covering nearly four centuries and 25 sultans.
This opulent palace witnessed the greatest glories and the most heartbreaking tragedies in the history of the Ottoman Empire.
You will travel through centuries listening to great stories and uncover the secret life of mighty Ottoman sultans and their Harem. -
Stop 3 · 30m
Historical District of Sultanahmet will be explained as that's the center of country for centuries.
Meeting point
German Fountain is located in the heart of SULTANAHMET across the street from the B gate of the Blue Mosque.
End point
The tour ends in Sultanahmet Square
Traveller ratings
5.0
13 reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor
- 5 ★ 13
- 4 ★ 0
- 3 ★ 0
- 2 ★ 0
- 1 ★ 0
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Sultans and Secrets: Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia Private Tour take?
The experience lasts about 4h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $99 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Guiding Service from a local expert guide; Private Walking Tour; Skip-the-line priority.
Where does it start?
German Fountain is located in the heart of SULTANAHMET across the street from the B gate of the Blue Mosque.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English, Spanish.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 13 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Istanbul.
