Istanbul Old City Half Day Afternoon Tour
Explore the Topkapi Palace, its mysterious Harem, and the historic Hagia Irene Church on this guided afternoon tour into Istanbul’s imperial legacy.
Service Provider: Azure
Service Details
Begin your afternoon with a hotel pick-up and meet your licensed professional guide to explore the royal heart of Istanbul — where the Ottoman Empire ruled for over 400 years.
Topkapi Palace with Harem Section
Step into the opulent world of the Ottoman sultans with a guided visit to the Topkapi Palace. Wander through grand courtyards, council chambers, and the Imperial Treasury housing dazzling jewels and sacred relics of Islam. This tour includes access to the Harem, the private residence of the sultans and their families.
Walk through intricately tiled halls, private chambers, and royal baths as your guide unveils stories of power, secrecy, and royal life behind closed doors.
Hagia Irene Church
Next, visit the peaceful Hagia Irene Church, located within the palace grounds. One of the oldest churches in the city, Hagia Irene was never converted into a mosque, preserving its original Byzantine layout and serene acoustics.
Learn about its role in early Christian history and admire its understated yet spiritual ambiance. At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel or can continue exploring the historic peninsula at your own pace.
Tour Highlights
Topkapi Palace, Topkapi Palace and Harem
Why Book This Service
- Enjoy a deep dive into Ottoman imperial life at Topkapi Palace.
- Includes access to the Harem section, a highlight many tours skip.
- Visit Hagia Irene, a quiet, rarely visited Byzantine gem.
- Led by a licensed professional guide with in-depth historical knowledge.
- Ideal for afternoon travelers or cruise visitors arriving later in the day.
- Small group or private options available for a more personalized experience.
What's Included
- Hotel Pick-up and drop-off
- Professional Tour Guide
- Entrance fees, mentioned in the itinerary
- Transportation with non-smoking A/C bus
Please Note
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. This tour does not operate on Tuesdays.
- The Harem section is included, and your guide will accompany you through all areas.
- Some sections of the palace may be crowded during peak season.
- This is a walking tour; comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
- Modest dress is appreciated when visiting sites of historical and spiritual significance.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included from centrally located hotels.
Meeting Point
At Your Hotel
Cancellation Details
Booking can be cancelled up to 3 day(s) before the tour start.
16 reviews for Istanbul Old City Half Day Afternoon Tour
Tour Pictures from Travelers
A must-do afternoon tour for anyone interested in Istanbul’s royal past. Kemal gave us a brilliant explanation of Topkapi Palace, the Harem’s secrets, and Hagia Irene’s Christian heritage.
The Harem section was stunning with its detailed tiles and secretive atmosphere. Fatih from Azure Tour shared stories of palace intrigue, and Hagia Irene felt like a peaceful escape from the city’s energy.
We loved every minute of this tour. Zeynep explained the history behind Topkapi’s courtyards and the private Harem quarters. Hagia Irene Church was quiet and spiritual, a rare find in Istanbul.
Exploring Topkapi Palace with Murat was the highlight of our trip. He made the Harem’s history engaging and easy to understand. The peacefulness of Hagia Irene was the perfect way to end the afternoon.
Our afternoon with Ayşe was packed with insight and charm. The Harem’s royal rooms were fascinating, and Hagia Irene’s ancient walls left us in awe. A well-balanced and well-paced tour by Azure Tour.
Selin guided us through Topkapi Palace like a pro. The Harem’s ornate chambers and Hagia Irene’s simple elegance showed two very different sides of Istanbul’s past.
We explored the palace’s most beautiful rooms and heard stories of royal life from our guide Fatih. Hagia Irene was calm and unspoiled—a quiet treasure.
History came alive at every stop. Ali showed us the grandeur of Topkapi’s courtyards and the intimacy of the Harem. Hagia Irene Church gave us a glimpse of Istanbul’s Byzantine past.
The tour was wonderfully organized by Azure Tour. Gamze explained how the sultans lived in Topkapi’s private spaces. Hagia Irene’s peaceful ambiance was the perfect end to our visit.
دوپہر کے وقت آیا صوفیہ اور گرینڈ بازار کی سیر کرنا ایک شاندار تجربہ تھا۔