Half Day Ottoman Splendours Tour
Half Day (13:00pm–16:30pm)
Departure : Everyday except Tuesdays
Highlights : Topkapi Palace and Imperial Treasury
We begin at Topkapı Palace*, from the 15th to the 19th century, was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapı Palace is now a museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world. It also possesses numerous Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably including one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese celadon ceramics, many gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. We also visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest feature of Topkapı Palace are its courtyards’ ancient trees; it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire. Our final stop, the New Mosque, or Yeni Cami, is new only in the extended timeframe of Turkish history. The New Mosque overlooks the harbor next to the Galata Bridge on the Golden Horn. The beautiful exterior consists of a great courtyard, two slender minarets, and a cascade of domes tumbling down from a central dome. Hundreds of pigeons make their nests among the architecture.
* On Tuesdays, when Topkapı Palace is closed, this tour is not offered.
Included Services
• Hotel Pick-up & drop-off
• Entrance fees as per itinerary
• Guide and Air-conditioned Vehicle
• All local taxes.
Guide in:
English, German, Italian, Spanish, French