Ottoman Istanbul Tour
This tour begins with a visit to the famous Topkapı Palace, with its maze of buildings, gardens, and courts. The palace was used by royalty from the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries. You will see a magnificent wooded garden in the outer – or first – court. The second court is shaded by beautiful cypress and sycamore trees with the palace kitchens to the right of the court. This area now houses galleries exhibiting the imperial collections of crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain. A unique part of the Palace is The Harem, the secluded quarters of the wives, concubines, and children of the sultan, which echoes of the intrigue of centuries. A visit to The Harem is only included in private tours. Nowadays, the third court holds the Audience Hall, the Library of Ahmet III, an exhibition of imperial costumes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the treasury, and a priceless collection of miniatures from medieval manuscripts.
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Ottoman Istanbul Tour
Pickup included
What's included in Ottoman Istanbul Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
TopkapI Palace
Topkapi Palace was constructed between 1460 and 1478 during the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror. Served as the royal residence for Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace is actually a large complex consisting of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings including mosques, harem, a hospital, bakeries, and mansions. The palace houses the world famous 86 carat Spoonmaker's Diamond.
The word "Harem" means 'forbidden'. The Harem was not only an erotic hut, unlike many don't want to believe. It was forbidden for all males, except the black noblemen guarding the sites, the Sultan's private space and his sons. On the other hand, women had no difficulty entering. But there was no way out once you get in. Built in the late XVIth century, the Harem was a maze of about 300 beautifully tiled rooms, connected by courtyards and wells. More than 1.000 harem women, children and black eunuchs were at home in its height or gilded cage we say. After the admission of Harem, the girls were trained and converted into Islam and they received an adequate palace training: how to write, read, play an instrument, sing, dance, and make the Sultan happy. The Harem's leader was its “Valide Sultan”, the sultan's mother. Not only did she keep the Harem organised, she also decided on the woman's life and death and had an enormous impact on the selection of women and concubines of the sultan.
German Fountain
The German Fountain is a gazébo-styles fountain located at the north end of the ancient hippodrome, Istanbul, Turkey and opposite Sultan Ahmed I's mausoleum. It was built to commemorate Wilhelm II's second birthday in 1898, when he came to Istanbul. Built in Germany, it was then transported in part and assembled at its present location in 1900. The octagonal dome in neo-byzantine style is eight marble columns with golden mosaics in the inside of the dome. In four of medallions, Abdülhamid II's tughra is written on green background, and in other four Wilhelm's symbol "W" is written on a Prussian blue background. Also, over "W" there is a crown and below it a "II" is written. The fountain was surrounded with a bronze fence, but unfortunately this has been lost. The outside of the dome is ornately patterned bronze; the dome's ceiling is decorated with golden mosaics and again with Abdülhamid II's tughra and Wilhelm II's symbol.
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- WiFi on board
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Fuel surcharge
- Parking Fees
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 5 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
- Hand sanitizers and masks will be available for the best hygiene practice. - Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time and let the lobby staff know that you are expecting a tour guide. - Comfortable shoes are advised - Wheelchair users must inform our agent whether guest(s) is/are fully dependent on the chair or partly able to walk or move. - Cruise port pickups from Yenikapi Port and Topkapi International Cruise Port are included in the tour price. - Airport picks up and transfers are also available at extra charge. Please contact us for further information.
