Topkapı Palace
The sultans’ palace on Sarayburnu: courtyards, the Imperial Council, the treasury and the terraces over the water. Dated entry, sold online on its own site.
Black Sea
Museums in Giresun
2 museums and archaeological sites in the province of Giresun, with hours and what to see at each.
Giresun
Giresun Museum
A former Orthodox church near the sea at the foot of Giresun's citadel, restored and opened as a museum in 1988.
Visitor guide
Giresun
Monastery of the Virgin Mary Archaeological Site
A four-storey monastery carved into a sheer cliff near Şebinkarahisar in Giresun, often compared with Sumela, with a rock-cut church at the top.
Visitor guideIstanbul tickets online
Four Istanbul landmarks, each sold on its own site by the agency behind this guide — dated entry and free cancellation up to 24 hours.
Basilica Cistern
Justinian’s great underground reservoir: 336 columns in still water and the two Medusa heads. Fast-track entry with a digital audio guide.
Hagia Sophia
Justinian’s cathedral, the sultans’ mosque and a working mosque again today. The ticket admits you to the upper visitor gallery.
Dolmabahçe Palace
A nineteenth-century palace on the water’s edge: the Selamlık, the Ceremonial Hall under its chandelier, the crystal staircase and the Harem.