Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul

So much history regarding the Emperors and their time in the palace.

Despite torrential rain on the day we visited Topkapi Palace, it was very good. Very culturally interesting. Paid extra for harem visit but wasn't really necessary as there was lots to see otherwise. Particularly enjoyed the Cistern tour. Exceptionally busy but we later found out it was a public holiday. Despite the crowds, we found it very interesting and got lots of amazing photos

Excellent and gentle guide. We saved a lot of time by going through the groups queue. Highly suggested.

Situated next to Hagia Sophia in the old quarter this is full of gold and jewels reflecting to opulence of the time it was built. Complete with gardens and a insight into the living quarters and the hareem it is very interesting to wonder at the life of the rich and powerful. Well worth a visit.

The tour of Topkapi Palce was disappointing for a number of reasons. The tour is entirely outdoors and there is much more of interest within the walls. It would’ve been nice to have touched on the contents of the palace and seen inside. That said, one was free to peruse at your own leisure afterwards, we just didn’t have the time. When we book a tour we kind of want the highlights done within the schedule because we didn’t have all day. The tour of the Basilica Cistern on the other hand was brilliant. An amazing underground gem, with a great introduction from Akhmed that took about 20 mins, with same amount of time again needed to get round and enjoy the place. The meeting points given in the description were a bit out using google maps, but the company responded within 10 mins to queries by msg on Viator App., which saved the day.

I agree with the other reviewers. Do not go near this company. I bought a combo ticket today at 3pm. Went to the basilica. It advertises as skip the queue, that was really not the case at the basilica. There was no preference for pp holding this eticket at all. Then got lost trying to find the meeting place for the palace. I attempted to go to the palace itself and was denied entry. Finally , i got to the meeting place at 430pm. I was told by the people that they could not help me, could not even let me enter as all their guides had gone home. Now the palace shuts at 6pm. The last round was at 4pm and the ticket sellers told me that it takes hours to finish inside, so there must be at least a guide inside. Anyway, i was given a whatsapp contact to see if they could help as I was leaving to Izmir the next morning and would not be back for at least 5 days. Anyway, by the time, i went back to buy a ticket myself, it was 5pm and the ticket counter guy told me that there was no way that I could even get to the harem before it shuts. The response i got from the company was that it was stated only valid for 3 days. ZERO help, refused credit or extension for a few more days. How can a company get high reviews when they are so unhelpful? Been here 5 days, spent thousands of pounds shopping and this was the first time that I have been left with a bad impression in Turkey. 5 star reviews cannot be given to this type of company. I have travelled to lots of countries and joined lots of groups and this has to be the most unhelpful company. Do not waste your money. False economy. I will be back to visit the palace but will be buying the ticket directly. Let the palace make some money to contribute to its maintenance and do not let companies such as this one profit.

I paid almost $700SGD for Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace. Due to an honest mistake, my spouse read the instructions wrongly. He led us to Basilica Cistern instead of the Chimney Bistro, the meeting point. We could not exit Basilica Cistern without going through the whole entire journey, entry to exit, so we walked quickly to meet at Chimney Bistro to make the 4pm (last session, supposed to meet at 3pm) Note that last entrance for Topkapi is at 4pm, and Basilica Cistern at 6.30pm. Upon finishing Topkapi, the ppl in front of Basilica did not allow us to go it and asked to pay for another round of entry which will costs me about $300+ SGD. They were rude and damn arrogant. I just think that the whole city is full of scammers, blood thirsty of money. I will not go to IST ever again nor engaged with any tour agencies, as they will surely and most definitely cut your throat and rob you in broad daylight.

the cistern very impressive, you must have seen. Skip the Line with Online Ticket The Topkapi Palace ,a large complex with well-preserved palaces, gates and outbuildings. Worth seeing the interior fittings

+3

Tour guide for the places visited were very helpful. Amazing day out and great value for money. A must see in Istanbul.

Our guide was very good and energetic. Her knowledge was commendable. The cistern basilica was amazing. But the meeting points were not very clear especially since there were huge crowds. We didn’t know where to go. But after talking to the office things became better