Ottoman Relics Half Day Afternoon Tour

Journey into the heart of the Ottoman Empire with this half-day afternoon tour featuring two of Istanbul’s most historically rich and architecturally stunning sites — Topkapi Palace and Hagia Irene Church.

Topkapi Palace

Begin your afternoon with a guided tour of Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of the Ottoman sultans for over four centuries. Overlooking the Bosphorus, this vast complex served not only as a royal residence but also as the administrative and ceremonial center of the empire.

Explore its grand courtyards, imperial chambers, and royal treasures, including Ottoman robes, weaponry, miniatures, and gifts from foreign rulers. Your guide will share stories of palace intrigue, lavish ceremonies, and sultanic power.

Hagia Irene Church (Aya İrini)

Next, visit the serene and historic Hagia Irene Church, located within the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace. Dating back to the 4th century, it was the first church built in Constantinople and one of the few that was never converted into a mosque. Its raw interior, simple cross-in-square design, and exceptional acoustics provide a unique contrast to other Byzantine and Ottoman structures.