Tour Overview
Dolmabahce Palace, a magnificent example of European-style architecture in Istanbul, is situated on the Bosphorus waterfront. It boasts a staggering 285 rooms, making it one of the largest palaces in Turkey. Built by the Balyan family in a span of 13 years (19th century), the palace was initially occupied by the Ottoman royal family until the downfall of the Empire. Later, it was the residence of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, until his death in 1938. Today, the palace serves as a museum, drawing thousands of visitors every year.
Attractions
Highlights
- Dolmabahce Palace, Hereke carpets, Baccarat crystals, Sèvres, Yildiz porcelains and numerous other artifacts
Itinerary
Dolmabahce Palace, situated in Istanbul on the Bosporus coast, was constructed to rival the grandeur of Versailles Palace in France. In 2019, the palace welcomed over a million tourists, who were left in awe of its opulence, beauty, and radiance. As part of the Tanzimat Reforms, which aimed to modernize the Ottoman Empire and bring it in line with European norms, Sultan Abdulmecit built the palace between 1843 and 1856 in the European style.
The palace has three distinct sections, each serving a different purpose, and has two regular floors, an attic, and a basement. The Administrative Section (Mabeyn-i Hümâyûn) was where national affairs were discussed, while the Private Section (Harem) housed the Sultan and his family. The Sultan's reception area was the Grand Ceremonial Hall, which was used for both state and religious ceremonies and was situated in the middle of these areas. The palace, which spans a ground area of 14,595 m2, boasts 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets, and 6 Turkish baths, making it the largest palace in Turkey.
A nod to conventional Turkish architecture can be seen in the palace's design, which places a central hall surrounded by rooms. Nevertheless, by incorporating Western architectural styles like Baroque, Rococo, and Neo-Classical, the decoration blended Ottoman and Western aesthetics. The walls and floors of the palace are adorned with Hereke carpets, Baccarat crystals, Sèvres and Yildiz porcelains, and paintings by Western artists, in addition to gifts from various state leaders.
The tour will end with the transportation; however, you can sign up to take advantage of TSG credits, and this is the best way to snag credits and use them for your next trips as a discount, as well as to hear about the hot deals according to your interests.
Trip includes
Included
Professional English-speaking tour guides
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Return transfer to your hotel
Guided Dolmabahce Palace Tour
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
[Combine Ticket I] National Palaces Full Pass; Dolmabahçe Palace+
Palace Kiosk And Pavilions Of Asian Side +
Palace Kiosk And Pavilions Of European Side (Except Topkapi Palace And Küçüksu Pavilion Picnic Area)
Excluded
Lunch
All types
Personal expenses: Lunches,
Extras at hotel or additional meals
Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
City Tax
Availability
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Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
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