Dolmabahçe Palace Tour and Bosphorus Cruise

The sultans' palace and the Bosphorus

Dolmabahçe Palace, completed in 1856 on the European shore of the Bosphorus, was built to show that the Ottoman Empire could match the courts of Europe. Its marble halls, crystal staircases and the giant chandelier of the ceremonial hall are among the most spectacular interiors in Istanbul, and it was here that Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, spent his last days.

This full-day tour starts with a guided visit to the palace, then takes you on a cruise across the Bosphorus to the Asian side, with lunch on board. From there, the coach climbs Çamlıca Hill for a panorama of both continents, crosses the Bosphorus Bridge, follows the ancient city walls and ends on Pierre Loti Hill, where you take the cable car down over the Golden Horn. Entrance fees, lunch and the cable car are all included.

Tour highlights

• Dolmabahçe PalaceMarble, crystal and gold in the 19th-century palace of the sultans.
• Bosphorus cruiseSail past Rumeli Fortress, the Maiden's Tower and the palaces of both shores.
• Lunch on the boatGrilled chicken, meatballs, rice, salad and soup.
• Çamlıca HillThe highest viewpoint in Istanbul, over Europe and Asia.
• Pierre Loti Hill and the cable carTurkish coffee above the Golden Horn, then a ride down.
• The city wallsThe 5th-century Theodosian walls of Constantinople.

Itinerary

1. 09:00 Hotel pickup
   Transfer to Dolmabahçe Palace.
2. Dolmabahçe Palace
   A guided visit of the palace, with time to see the clock tower and the mosque by the water.
3. Bosphorus cruise with lunch
   Board the boat for a cruise towards the Asian side; lunch is served on board, with time for souvenir shopping.
4. Çamlıca Hill
   Panoramic views over the Bosphorus and the city.
5. Across the Bosphorus Bridge
   Drive back to Europe over the first bridge, then along the city walls.
6. Pierre Loti Hill
   Free time at the famous café, then the cable car down to the Golden Horn and the drive back to your hotel.

What is included in the dolmabahçe tour

Good to know before you go

• Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Mondays; on those days we replace the palace visit with another historic site.
• Photography is not allowed in some halls of the palace.
• Children up to 4 years join for free; children from 5 to 8 years get 30% off.
• Wear comfortable shoes; there is some walking on the hills and in the palace.

What our guests say about our cruises

Booking, payment and cancellation

1. BookingReserve here, on WhatsApp or by email. No prepayment.
2. ConfirmationWe confirm your seats and meeting time, usually within the hour.
3. On the dayPay in cash in euro, US dollar or Turkish lira.
4. 24+ hours beforeCancel or change your date free of charge.
5. Under 24 hoursLate cancellations and no-shows cannot be refunded.

If a cruise is cancelled because of bad weather or an official warning, you choose a new date or cancel at no cost. These terms are for guided tours and shared cruises; private yachts have their own private tour terms.

Dolmabahçe tour FAQ