Dolmabahçe Palace and Topkapı Palace Tour

Explore one of the most important museums in Turkey and the Balkan Peninsula without waiting in line. Following the pickup of visitors from Istanbul hotels in the city's center, the tour commences at 9:30 am. Visit Dolmabahçe Palace to observe the 19th-century westernization of Turkey. Admire the area Sultan Abdulmecid utilized as the Ottoman Empire's administrative center. Before boarding the bus again and traveling to the Bezmiâlem Vâlide Sultan Mosque, enjoy views of the Bosphorus at the Dolmabahçe Palace. Experience the elegant fusion of Baroque and Empire architectural styles within this distinctive mosque that was built at the request of an Ottoman ruler.
Learn about the fascinating story of the construction of the Topkapi Palace, which was the residence and administrative center for the Ottoman Sultans for more than 400 years, from 1466 and 1478. In 1924, the year the Republic of Turkey was founded, it debuted as a museum. The Topkapi Palace Museum is noteworthy for the history and culture of the Ottoman Empire as well as its impeccable architecture and pristine collections. If learning about architectural wonders and anthropological anecdotes excites you, this tour should be on your bucket list!  

Enjoy the wonderful architectural splendor of this spectacular Ottoman Empire landmark before moving on to the magnificent Hagia Irene Church, the first Byzantine-era church to be completed in Constantinople. Finally, pay a visit to the 6th-century Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and learn how it evolved from Emperor Justinian's Greek Orthodox Church to a mosque, a museum, and back to a mosque. We return all Guests to their hotels around 18:30 after the tour.