Combo: Topkapi Palace + Blue Mosque Guided Tours with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Save loads with these combo tickets to 2 iconic attractions of Istanbul, and get 2 days to visit them. Witness the wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blue Mosque with a guide, and enjoy skip-the-line access for a guided tour of Topkapi Palace.

Ottoman Royalty at Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace, built in the 15th century, was the official residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. With skip-the-line tickets, bypass the long queues and explore the vast palace with your guide. Explore different areas like the Treasury, which houses some of the most valuable artifacts from the Ottoman Empire. The Imperial Council Chamber, with distinctive Ottoman domes and intricately designed Kütahya tiles lining the walls, is another must-see attraction. Spectacular views of the Bosphorus Strait and the city of Istanbul from the palace's gardens and courtyards make for a picture-perfect scenery.

Enveloped in a Dreamy Blue Glow

As you enter the spacious courtyard of the mosque, you will be greeted by a beautiful fountain and a special area for ablution. The lower levels and interior walls of the mosque are adorned with over 20,000 handmade İznik-style blue ceramic tiles. The mosque is steeped in the rich history and secrets of the Ottoman Empire, dating back to its opening in 1616. Marvel at the stunning crystal chandeliers and observe the clever use of ostrich eggs within them. These eggs serve the purpose of keeping away spiders and preventing cobwebs from forming inside the mosque.

Combo: Topkapi Palace + Blue Mosque Guided Tours with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Discover the opulent history and architectural splendor of Istanbul on this comprehensive sightseeing tour that includes skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. Tour highlights span nearly four centuries, covering major landmarks such as Topkapi Palace, built in 1478, which served as the primary residence for Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. The tour also delves into the Byzantine heritage with a visit to the Blue Mosque, completed in 1616 and featuring over 20,000 blue handmade tiles and six minarets. Additionally, guests enjoy guided tours of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient Greek reservoir from the early 6th century, which spans approximately 53 meters by 73 meters (1,438 square meters) and houses iconic columns including the Medusa heads. The tour is conducted in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for all visitors, and lasts around three hours, providing a rich blend of historical insights and cultural appreciation.

Explore Topkapi Palace

Your tour stops at Topkapi Palace, where you will experience the grandeur of Ottoman history through its intricate architecture and expansive grounds. Built in 1478, this palace served as the primary residence for the Ottoman Sultans until 1856, covering an area of approximately 700,000 square meters (about 173 acres). Visitors can explore several courtyards, including the First Court with its impressive entrance gates and the Second Court housing the Imperial Council Chamber. The palace kitchen alone boasts over 12,000 porcelain pieces from China and Japan, showcasing a remarkable collection of international ceramics. Additionally, guests will see the weaponry on display in various sections, highlighting the military might of the Ottoman Empire. A notable highlight is the celadon bowl that changes color if food inside contains poison, demonstrating the advanced security measures employed by the sultans. This tour provides an unparalleled look into the daily life and governance of one of history's most powerful dynasties.

Marvel at the Blue Mosque

At the Blue Mosque, guests can admire its stunning architecture and rich historical significance as a 17th-century Ottoman masterpiece completed in 1616. The mosque is renowned for its intricate blue tiles adorning the interior walls, with over 20,000 handmade tiles covering an area of approximately 348 square meters (3,750 square feet). Visitors will also notice six minarets, each towering at about 32 meters high, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Istanbul. The mosque's unique design and grandeur set it apart from other Islamic structures globally, reflecting the architectural innovation and religious devotion of its time. This tour offers a deep dive into Ottoman architecture and spirituality, providing context for understanding the cultural and political landscape of 17th-century Turkey.

Delve into the Basilica Cistern

Your tour includes an exploration of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient Greek reservoir built in 528 AD during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. Spanning approximately 53 meters by 73 meters (1,438 square meters), this underground water storage facility was designed to hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water and served as a critical source for Istanbul's historic neighborhood of Sultanahmet. Visitors will marvel at the iconic Medusa heads supporting two columns in the northwest corner, along with other unique architectural features such as the Corinthian-style columns lining the vast underground chamber. This tour provides an intimate look into Byzantine engineering and urban planning, offering insights into how ancient societies managed their water resources.

Tour Highlights

• Enjoy skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace with a guide
• Explore the Blue Mosque in 17th-century Ottoman style architecture
• Marvel at over 20,000 blue handmade tiles inside the mosque
• Discover the palace kitchen's collection of porcelain pieces from China and Japan
• Upgrade your ticket to include guided tours of the Basilica Cistern
• Learn about the history behind the Medusa heads in the cistern
• Experience the grandeur of Topkapi Palace covering 173 acres
• Admire six minarets towering at 32 meters each

This combo tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and culture seekers, providing an immersive experience through guided tours with skip-the-line access. The three-hour format allows you to explore Topkapi Palace's opulent courtyards, marvel at the Blue Mosque's intricate blue tiles, and delve into the Basilica Cistern's ancient engineering feats.