Exclusive Topkapi Palace and Harem
This exclusive tour explores the opulent heart of the Ottoman Empire. Discover the Palace’s grand courtyards, imperial chambers, and treasures showcasing Ottoman art and power. The Harem reveals the private lives of the sultans and their families, featuring beautifully decorated rooms and intricate tilework. This tour offers a captivating insight into royal life and Ottoman history.
* Topkapı Palace Museum is closed on Tuesdays. Thus, this tour can not be operated on Tuesdays.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At the agreed location (e.g. cruise ship port, hotel).
- Upon your request, the meeting time can be adjusted.
Topkapi Palace Museum (with Harem)
Topkapi Palace served as the political and administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. Built by Sultan Mehmed II in the 15th century, it features grand courtyards, pavilions, and imperial collections reflecting Ottoman splendor. The Harem, one of the most intriguing parts of the palace, was the private residence of the sultan’s family. It showcases exquisite tilework and architecture, offering insight into the daily life and traditions of the Ottoman royal court.
End of the tour
Ending Point
At the agreed location (I will return you safely to the location).
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Private Guiding Service by a Licensed Local Guide
Priority Access (Skip-the-line) for Admission Tickets
Personal Expenses
Souvenirs
Public Transportation Tickets
Food, Drinks, Snacks
Admission Ticket Fees (per person in your group):
- Topkapi Palace Museum (with Harem) * (2400 Turkish Liras)
* Important Notice: Please have enough cash on you for admission tickets of Topkapi Palace Museum (with Harem) in order to skip the long ticket line.
** During the tour, you do not need to make any payments specifically in local currency (i.e. Turkish Liras). Payments in foreign currencies (e.g. USD, Euro) and all major credit cards are accepted.
Tour Important Information
This is a walking tour. Please, wear comfortable shoes.
If you stay in a walking distance to the sites in the itinerary, we do not need any transportation. We may take public transportation (i.e. tram, metro) if needed.
Upon request, I can arrange a private van with a driver for you.
Please, kindly note that this private tour can be customized according to your wishes and preferences.
Not available on Tuesdays.
Important message from the supplier
All my tours are fully guaranteed, comply with the Laws enforced by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, and cooperated with an A-Class Travel Agency (A-3000) registered in Türkiye Travel Agencies Association. Thus, you will feel confident and safe during your journey with my guidance.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Muzaffer E.
Welcome to Türkiye! Your passionate local guide (originally from Istanbul!) is here! It is my pleasure to customize my tours for your unique experiences according to your requests.
After getting my bachelor's degree in econometrics as a valedictorian and working in finance and foreign trade sectors in Türkiye for several years, I went to the USA. When I had studied my master's in economics at George Washington University (GWU), I was offered two prestigious postgraduate scholarships by The University of Nottingham (UoN) and so, I moved to the UK. After getting my PGCert in economics from The UoN, I moved back to Istanbul and started my master's in econometrics in order to pursue a PhD. However, at the same time, I took my first steps towards my professional carreer in tourism.
During my life in Washington DC, for about 4 years, I had experienced not only being a volunteer translator for Turkish delegations and international students hosted by non-profit organizations sponsored by the US government, but also being a volunteer guide of them for cultural tours including the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex.
Therefore, after moving back to Istanbul, I desired presenting Istanbul - my lovely hometown! - and Türkiye to tourists in the right way and completed the tourist guidance program at Cappadocia University as a full scholarship scholar. I also hold an associate of arts degree in cultural heritage and tourism and have been studying art history at Istanbul Medeniyet University.
I have been qualified by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Republic of Türkiye, as an expert professional guide in Istanbul / Cappadocia / Ephesus, Kusadasi and on the Eastern Roman Empire / Gobekli Tepe and Upper Mesopotamia / the Seven Churches of Revelation.
Looking forward to meeting you on your next trip to Türkiye.
Thank you for your time and interest.
All the best,
Muzaffer
Reviews
John K.
“One day in Istanbul ”
I had the opportunity to spend one day in Istanbul and I received a great day of sights and information. The say exceeded my expectations and I was able to experience everything on my list and some great additions f or my day. I only had one day and now am wishing I had more. I am sure I will be back and let Muzaffer create additional travel itineraries for me and explore more of Turkey!
Mark L.
“We toured the major sites of Istanbul on a day tour. We actually went over and it was no problem with a guide Muzafer.”
WE had a wonderful time with Muzaffer and kept him on his toes. We were 4 people who are very interested in history so we asked a lot of questions and wanted to see everything we could. Muzaffer was patient and accommodating. I recently returned from a trip to Istanbul. Upon arrival we hired Muzaffer E. being an art history major and auction house specialist, I was very impressed with his knowledge of both Ottoman history, art history, architecture and all that one would need to know while visiting the historical monuments of Istanbul. His mastery of English was excellent, his personality and stamina excellent. In sum I have never had a tour guide as knowledgeable about the subject they were guiding. I would hire him upon my return and recommend him as a guide without reservation.
$250/ per group
More tours by Muzaffer E.
Highlights of Istanbul (Full Day)
This 7-hour tour takes you on a journey through Istanbul's iconic landmarks. See the largest courtyard of the Topkapi Palace where Hagia Eirene is, explore the majestic Hagia Sophia and its stunning dome, marvel at the elegant Blue Mosque, and discover the ancient Basilica Cistern with its impressive columns. Visit the historic Hippodrome, adorned with ancient monuments, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, where diverse goods and rich cultural experiences await.
Highlights of Istanbul (Full Day)
Highlights of Istanbul (Half Day)
This 4-hour tour takes you on a journey through Istanbul's iconic landmarks. Explore the majestic Hagia Sophia and its stunning dome, marvel at the elegant Blue Mosque, and discover the ancient Basilica Cistern with its impressive columns. Visit the historic Hippodrome, adorned with ancient monuments, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, where diverse goods and rich cultural experiences await.
Highlights of Istanbul (Half Day)
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Istanbul
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Landmarks of İstanbul
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Landmarks of İstanbul
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Taksim - Istiklal Street - Galata Tower
Taksim and Istiklal Street are Istanbul's most visited and famous pedestrian streets. In this tour, starting from Taksim Square, you will see historical passages, churches and beautiful artistic buildings on Istiklal Street. Additionally, Galata Tower, one of the most beautiful towers of Istanbul, will be seen.
Taksim - Istiklal Street - Galata Tower
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Istanbul Daily (Old City) Walking Tour
Meeting at your hotel/location Tour Itinerary ~ Topkapi Palace (Harem included) - Enterance fee : 2400 Turkish Lira per person ~ Hagia Sophia (Upper Gallery for non muslims Enterance fee (25 Euro) per person. ~ Basilica Cistern - Enterance fee : 1500 Turkish Lira per person ~ Blue Mosque - Free ~ Hippodrome - Free ~ Grand Bazaar - Free
Istanbul Daily (Old City) Walking Tour
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Historical Constantinople
Welcome to the city where was the heart of the three Empires. We will witness the greatness of the Istanbul and become a part of the history within. Get ready to time travel!
Historical Constantinople
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