Dolmabahce Palace Tour in Istanbul

Sightseeing  :  Turkey  :  Marmara  :  Istanbul  :  Cultural Tours

Enter a world of Ottoman extravagance on a 3-hour tour of Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace, and then cross the Bosphorus Bridge to see Istanbul from its Asian side. With an expert guide, explore ornately decorated rooms like the Medhal Hall and the Crystal Staircase, learning about the sultans and dignitaries who once made the palace their home. The tour ends on a high note as you see the city skyscape unfold from the vantage point of Çamlıca Hill or Yeditepe. After pickup from your central Istanbul hotel, travel to Dolmabahçe Palace by air-conditioned coach with your guide. Sitting on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait, this magnificent building was one of the last palaces to be built during the Ottoman Empire. As you approach, gaze in wonder at the exterior’s decadence – a beautiful mix of Ottoman and European architecture.

Head inside and explore the sumptuous public rooms with your guide, learning about the sultans who once made the palace their home. Extravagance abounds around every corner -- watch for exquisite crystal chandeliers that frame opulent marble rooms.

Walk through the Medhal Hall and up the Crystal Staircase. Learn about Mustafa Atatürk – the first president of the Republic of Turkey. Listen about this much-revered dignitary from your guide, and hear how all the palace’s clocks were stopped at the time of his death – precisely 9:05am.

After your tour of the palace, hop back on board your coach and travel along Bosphorus Bridge – the iconic crossing that links the European and Asian continents. Before returning to your hotel, your tour takes you to either Çamlıca Hill or Yeditepe (depending on traffic conditions on the day). Both places are glorious vantage points from which you can see sweeping panoramic views over the city below – the perfect ending to your Istanbul tour!