The Ultimate Guide to an Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace Combo Tour

Are you planning a trip to Istanbul and looking for an unforgettable experience? Look no further than a Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace tour. A tour of these two iconic Istanbul attractions will leave you with unforgettable memories and plenty of photos to show your friends back home.Istanbul has some of the most remarkable sites to visit and the Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace combo tour, which also includes a selection of other historic sites, is one of the top experiences available in the city. It is definitely not a tour you want to miss. In this guide, we will break down the itinerary, places you will visit, what to expect on the tour, and guide you through our top tips on how to make the most out of it!

What You’ll See On This Tour.

Your 9-hour tour of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace will give you a comprehensive overview of the two main sites, as well as multiple other attractions along the way. After meeting your guide in the designated spot, you will set off on your journey. On this tour, you’ll get to see:

• Hagia Sophia: The Byzantine Church-turned-Mosque is one of the most iconic sites that are waiting to be explored by tourists. It is the main highlight on this tour and you will spend nearly three hours inside taking in the stunning architecture and artwork.
• Topkapi Palace: As the home of the Ottoman sultans for centuries, this palace boasts a luxurious interior as well as extraordinary gardens with fantastic views of the Bosphorus. As part of this tour, you’ll get to go inside the Imperial Harem and explore the palace.
• Blue Mosque: A magnificent example of Ottoman architecture, this timeless beauty is immediately visible when arriving in Istanbul. Named for its famous blue tiles, it’s a must-visit attraction for anyone in the city.
• Basilica Cistern: Also known as the “sunken palace”, this is an underground water reservoir with an incredible atmosphere. You’ll be able to walk around its pillars and admire its surreal beauty.
• Grand Bazaar: This ancient bazaar is one of the largest in the world with its collection of stores that offer everything from carpets, spices, and souvenirs to jewelry and clothes.

Preparing for your Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace Tour

While there are certain preparations you should take before almost any tour, there a few extra tips for this particular excursion:

• Comfortable footwear: As the Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace tour involves extensive walking, especially indoors at multiple attractions, it’s important to wear comfortable shoes that can handle cobbled roads and long museum galleries.
• Climate-appropriate clothing: Istanbul has a distinct change in climate between winter and summer months. The individual traveling should make sure to wear enough layers in winter and dress lightly in summer.
• Food: It’s probably best not to have a full meal before this extensive tour as your body will be constantly working throughout the entire day. It’s a good idea to pack some snacks or bring along some cash for food in case you get hungry during your journey.

What to Expect on Your Tour

Once you start your tour, led by an expert guide who speaks English, Spanish, French, or German, you’ll hit the ground running with visits to these major attractions. Depending on your group size, you might take a shuttle bus or mini-van between stops. Your pace will be moderate to give you time to enjoy each lane and exhibit. Along the way your guide will provide detailed information about each site including their history and stories related to each one. Most importantly, like all fully guided tours, all tickets are included in the price of your booking so you won’t have to worry about paying anything else while on the tour as long as it was pre-purchased. At each attraction, there should also be at least one stop for food and drinks, either at close by café or stands selling food items within each attraction compound. Even better, lunch should also be included in your ticket price so that what provides more value for your budget. At the end of the day there’s plenty time for souvenir shopping either at each sight or in major bazaars that can be visited on request depending on time availability.

Tips for Getting The Most Out of Your Tour

Since this is an extensive tour that will last up to nine hours (if each stop is taken full advantage of), making sure that you get maximum value out of it is key; Here are some tips that we’ve learned over the years:

• Arrive early: Getting there early allows you to start exploring right away and get enough rest between stops.
• Take time for breaks: If you need some extra time for food or drinks, don’t hesitate to ask your guide.
• Rest when needed: Even though it’s a 1-day tour, it involves plenty of walking and sightseeing so make sure to rest when necessary.
• Be Strategic with Souvenir Shopping: This can be difficult with all the attractions offered on this tour but if possible try to limit yourself to only one or two souvenirs per site. This way you can buy as many items as possible without overbuying.

Overall Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace Combo Tour is a fantastic way to spend your day while in Istanbul and gain valuable insight into two of its most iconic sites. Moreover, all practicalities such as tickets are taken care of so you don’t have to worry about any extra fees or charges during your visit. If this sounds like something you’d like to experience for yourself, book your Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace Combo Tour today. Trust us when we say that there’s nothing better than getting lost within so much history!