Excursion Dolmabahce palace & ottoman art tour at Istanbul

Discover unique insight into the lives and art of the Ottoman Sultans of the early-19th century during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Istanbul, Dolmabahce Palace, Service Buildings, Clock Tower, Rear Garden

Depart the pier for the short drive to the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans after Topkapi Palace. Dolmabahce Palace was built in 1856 by Sultan Abdülmedjid, and, from this point on, served as the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. The expansive, 151,559-square-yard (about 110,000-square-metre) Dolmabahce Palace consists of 16 separate sections, in addition to the main structure. Those sections are buildings with different functions, such as palace stables, mills, pharmacies, kitchens, aviaries, glass shop, foundry, and a patisserie shop. During the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II (1876 - 1909), the clock tower and the lodges in the rear garden of the Crown Prince's apartment were added.

About the Palace, Guided Walking Tour

The palace was constructed by the foremost Ottoman architects of the period, Karabet and Nikogos Balyan. The main block of the palace is composed of three sections, namely Mabeyn-i Hümayun (Selamlik), Muayede (Ceremonial Hall) and the Harem-i Hümayun (Harem). Mabeyn-i Hümayun is where state affairs take place, Harem-i Hümayun is the private section of the Sultan and his family, and, in the centre, Muayede is the hall where Sultan received guests of honour and official ceremonies took place. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the Dolmabahce Palace.

National Palaces Painting Museum, Paintings by Turkish and Foreign Painters

Following your palace tour, proceed to the Crown Prince's living quarters at Dolmabahçe Palace which has been converted into the National Palaces Painting Museum. The museum today displays many important paintings by Turkish artists and foreign artists that used to adorn the palace. A magnificent part of the structure has been dedicated to painter Ivan Aivazovsky, who is considered one of the greatest marine artists in history. In the Turkish Painters section, there are paintings by the second- and third-generation of westernized Turkish artists such as Seker Ahmed Pasa, Süleyman Seyyid, Osman Hamdi Bey, and Halil Pasa. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Istanbul, Dolmabahce Palace, Service Buildings, Clock Tower, Rear Garden, National Palaces Painting Museum, Paintings by Turkish and Foreign Painters

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the Dolmabahce Palace. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and local currency for purchases. Photography/videography is prohibited at the Dolmabahce Palace and at the National Palaces Painting Museum. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. The tour is not operated on Mondays because Dolmabahce Palace is closed.