Half Day Old City Tour: Topkapi Palace & Sultanahmet District

Have a free afternoon in Istanbul? Join us for an in-depth visit to Topkapi Palace, the beautiful residence of the Ottoman Sultans and their families and the administrative centre of the Empire for over 400 years. You'll see the courtyards, Audience Hall, the High Court, historical kitchens and more! There's even a Religious Relics Chamber which contains items relating to the Prophet Muhammad, Moses and others! It's an amazing collection. 

We'll see the Hagia Irene Church from the outside which stands within the walls of Topkapi Palace. It was the main Byzantine Cathedral until Hagia Sophia was completed. Since then, it has had many uses and is now a museum and concert hall. 

Next, walk around to the Caferaga Medrese which was built by Architect Sinan during the Ottoman period. It was a school but has been transformed into a tourist centre where they teach, make and sell Turkish handicrafts including calligraphy, ceramics and jewellery. Finally, we'll take you down Sogukcesme Street to see the wooden Ottoman houses from the 19th and 20th centuries.