Travel by boat and discover the sights from the Bosphorus. Visit the Dolmabahçe Palace, the last Palace of the Ottoman Empire. Enjoy your coffee on Pierre Loti Hill, which has a perfect view of the Golden horn from Eyüp to Eminönü.
Tour Itinerary
Full day Istanbul tour, including lunch, a professional guide, and drop-off by air-conditioned coach.
Meet your guide at your Istanbul hotel and then join the bustling boat traffic on the Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy views of the European and Asian sides of the city, whose shorelines are crowded with palaces, grand villas, and historic landmarks. After leaving the boat for a seat on a minibus, and crossing the stunning Bosphorus Bridge from Europe to Asia, a 5,500-foot (1704-meter) span that links two continents and cultures. Take time for photos and a relaxing lunch at the top of Pierre Lotti, where you can see Istanbul and the Golden Horn from above. Trace a fascinating route through the Ortaköy neighborhood as you travel to Dolmabahçe Palace. Listen to stories about the powerful Sultans who built the European-style palace, and learn how Mustafa Kemal Atatürk lived.
Note: Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Monday and Thursday. On those days, the tour concludes with a visit to Chora Museum, the Church of the Holy Savior, which was completed in 1321.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Harem section
- Guided tour of the palace halls and gardens
- Lunch on the boat
- Scenic views of the Bosphorus from the palace grounds
- Comfortable air-conditioned transport
- Bottled water during the tour
- Photography inside the palace (if not permitted)
- Tips and gratuities for the guide and driver
- Personal expenses
The palace is closed on Mondays, 1 January, and the first days of Ramazan and Kurban Bayramı.
On Mondays, Palace will be replaced with the Miniatürk Museum, the display window of Türkiye.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for palace gardens and cobblestone areas.
- Dress modestly; shoulders and knees should be covered inside the palace
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas
- The tour includes both palace halls and gardens, but some areas may be temporarily closed
- Tour duration may vary depending on group size and traffic conditions
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off times should be confirmed in advance
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and palace gardens
- Light jacket or layers, especially in cooler months
- Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for outdoor areas
- A camera or a smartphone to capture views
- Small personal items such as water, snacks, or medication