トプカプ宮殿での半日プライベート ガイド付きオスマン ロイヤル ツアー

We were met at our hotel at 9:30 am on Aug 5, 2026 by the incomparable Cenk. Cenk is an excellent tour guide and we were lucky to spend most of the day with him. First, we used the Fairmont’s car service to take us (along with Cenk) to Topkapi Palace. Cenk provided a complete narrative during our drive to the Palace. Upon arrival, he took us through the Palace side doors bypassing the huge lines. He then provided a comprehensive tour of the Palace and made sure we saw the highlights, including the Ottoman band performance. He took pictures of the two of as well so we have great photos to share! Following our Palace tour, we began our leisurely walk to the Grand. Bazaar, stopping to lunch at his friend’s restaurant, Galeyan Restaurant. Cenk ordered an excellent assortment of tasty food for us. Honestly, this was probably the best meal we had on our 23 day trip. He then walked us to an exquisite cashmere boutique with incredible personal service. We finally entered the Grand Bazaar (which was not what either of us expected.) It was much more mall like and much less Indiana Jones’ish. Cenk then arranged for our pick up from the Zeyrek Cinili Hamam for our afternoon Turkish bath experience. He met with the Hamam driver and made sure we were in safe hands. All in all we would both highly recommend booking Cenk for your private Istanbul excursion! We will definitely use him on every return trip!

A professional Russian-speaking guide met us at the hotel. I took an interesting and not very busy route in the palace, and a short tour of the central square. Interesting and positive. Transfers are best not taken. Very large traffic jams in the center, walk and tram travel faster.