Meeting at your hotel
Private guide in your language
Museum tickets
Fast-track at the museums
Neighbourhood Maps (Online)
Lunch and transportation
“My husband, two children (12 and 18) and I did the Magnificent Ottomans tour. It was an excellent introduction to the history of Turkey, and gave us a good feel for the city. Our guide, Betul Basak was great. She was very warm, engaging and knowledgeable, able to answer all our questions about Turkish history and about modern Turkey. I was worried about how my son (aged 12) would cope with about 6.5 hours of walking and history but he enjoyed the tour and seemed to learn a lot.” Read more on Tripadvisor
Our Magnificent Ottomans tour is designed to give you a comprehensive and rich perspective to explore the city’s glorious Ottoman past. As one of the longest-lasting empires in world history, ruling over large areas of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa for more than 600 years, the Ottomans had enough reason to revel in the effects of such power. The empire turned Istanbul into an epicenter of culture, with some of the world’s greatest architecture, gastronomy, and decorative arts.
We will take you on a journey through this glorious past, visiting iconic landmarks and historical monuments such as Topkapi Palace Museum, Süleymaniye Mosque and the Spice Bazaar. You will learn about the profound culture and traditions of the Ottomans.
Along the way, you’ll also get an insight into their architecture, cuisine, art and literature. Needless to say you will enjoy a traditional Turkish tea or coffee at one of Istanbul's oldest coffee houses. At the end of the tour, you’ll have a greater appreciation for Istanbul and its long-standing relationship with the Ottomans. So if you’re ready to explore one of the most historic cities in the world, join us on our private guided tour and learn about its magnificent Ottoman heritage.
Süleymaniye Mosque and Complex: This magnificent structure is the most adored and largest masterpiece of the famed Ottoman architect Sinan in Istanbul. It is a signature of the city and since the day of its construction in 1557 it has ruled over the cityscape observed from the Golden Horn and Bosphorus. In this vast mosque complex, there is a medrese, soup kitchen, hospital, caravanserai, library, bazaar, and several tombs. Some of these facilities are still in use today. Notable are the tombs of Sultan Suleiman I and his wife , Haseki Hürrem, (also known as Roxelana). Both are impressive; inlaid with precious metals, stones and stained glass.
Rüstem Pasha Mosque: Built around 1563 by Mimar Sinan, this hidden gem of a mosque is situated right behind the Eminönü square and some describe it as a miniature Blue Mosque, however without the crowds. The ornate world of its interior is characterized by an astounding diversity of beautiful Iznik tiles.
Stroll through the birthplace of Turkish coffee culture and coffee break at a traditional inn.
Spice Bazaar: Built in 1664, this is one of the most colorful and aromatic places in the city. Today, this historic bazaar is still home to a wide range of spices, Turkish delights, dried fruits, nuts, and more. You can sit down for lunch at the century of & famous Pandeli Restaurant if you'd like - which is located right above the main entrance of Spice Bazaar.
Topkapi Palace Museum and Harem: This was the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. Built during the 1460s, soon after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans, it is an interconnected complex, rather than a single structure filled with Ottoman treasures. The Harem is the most inaccessible part of the palace, given that the more than 400 rooms housed the sultan’s mother, wives, concubines, and the rest of the sultan’s family and their servants.
Haseki Hürrem Turkish Hamam: You will see the hamam from the outside and learn about the famous Turkish hamam culture, the quintessential Turkish beauty experience.
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