Istanbul Private Topkapi Palace, Harem & Basilica Cistern Tour with Fast-Track

Your private guide meets you at your hotel and the tour begins.

The first stop is Topkapi Palace, the headquarters of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. Your guide explains palace life and the palace's importance in Istanbul's history as you move through its main courtyards to see the Palace Kitchens, the Imperial Council chambers, the Treasury and collections, and the Sacred Relics.

Your guide then takes you through the Harem, the private quarters of the Ottoman dynasty and the palace household, and explains daily life there and the role the Harem played in Ottoman history.

Next is the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul's great marvels. As you look at the famous Medusa heads, your guide explains the cistern's history and the engineering achievements of ancient Constantinople.

At the end of the tour you are dropped back at your hotel.

This is the end of our service. Thank you for travelling with us; we look forward to welcoming you again.

• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, so this tour is not available on Tuesdays.
• Your guide meets you at central Istanbul hotels or Galataport. If your hotel is not central, the meeting point is the German Fountain.
• Without van service, your guide meets you on foot at centrally located hotels.