Imperial Splendor: Dolmabahce Palace & Bosphorus Yacht Cruise

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Dolmabahce Palace

   Dolmabahçe Palace is a magnificent palace located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the most significant architectural and historical landmarks in the city. Here's some information about Dolmabahçe Palace: History: Construction of Dolmabahçe Palace began in 1843 and was completed in 1856. It served as the main administrative center and residence for the Ottoman sultans from the mid-19th century until the end of the Ottoman Empire. Architecture: The palace is a blend of various architectural styles, combining elements of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Ottoman architecture. It features an impressive façade, grand halls, and exquisite interior decorations. Layout: Dolmabahçe Palace is situated on the European side of Istanbul, along the Bosphorus Strait. The palace complex covers an area of approximately 45,000 square meters and consists of several buildings, including the main palace, the harem section, the imperial stables, and the clock tower.

   75 minutes here · Admission included

2. Dolmabahce Mosque

   The Bezmi Alem Mosque, also known as the Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan Mosque, is a historical mosque located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey. Here's some information about the Bezmi Alem Mosque: History: The Bezmi Alem Mosque was built in the 19th century and completed in 1851. It was commissioned by Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan, the mother of Sultan Abdülmecid I and the widow of Sultan Mahmud II. The mosque is named after her. Architecture: The mosque is an impressive example of Ottoman architecture. It was designed by the architect Senekerim Balyan, who was part of the renowned Balyan family of architects during the Ottoman Empire. The architectural style of the Bezmi Alem Mosque is characterized by its grand dome, elegant minarets, and spacious courtyard.

   15 minutes here

3. Bosphorus Strait

   The Bosphorus Strait is a natural waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It divides Istanbul into two parts, with the European side on the west and the Asian side on the east. Cruising along the Bosphorus offers stunning views of the city's iconic landmarks, palaces, and beautiful waterfront mansions. Bosphorus Cruise Tours in Istanbul Turkey, A Short Overview of the Bosphorus Istanbul is a maritime city, and many travelers find that climbing aboard one of its famous flotillas of ferries ends up being a highlight of their stay. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Bosphorus and Golden Horn (Halic) were alive with caiques (long, thin rowboats), their oars dipping rhythmically into the currents as they carried the sultan and his courtiers from the palace to the pavilion, and from Europe to Asia. The caiques are long gone, but in their place are the sleek speedboats of the monied elite and the much-loved public ferries used by the rest of Istanbul's population.

   150 minutes here

4. The Çırağan Palace (Çırağan Sarayı), also known as the Çırağan Palace Kempinski, is a historic palace-turned-luxury hotel located on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. Here's some information about the Çırağan Palace: History: The Çırağan Palace has a rich history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. It was originally constructed in the 19th century during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid I. The palace served as the residence of Ottoman sultans and witnessed significant events in Turkish history. Architecture: The Çırağan Palace showcases magnificent Ottoman architecture. It features a fusion of architectural styles, combining elements of classical Ottoman design with influences from European Neoclassical and Baroque styles. The palace boasts grand domes, ornate façades, and intricate interior decorations.

   Pass by without stopping

5. Buyuk Mecidiye Camii

   The Ortaköy Mosque, also known as the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, is a famous mosque located in the Ortaköy neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. Here's some information about the Ortaköy Mosque: History: The Ortaköy Mosque was built in the mid-19th century during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid I. It was designed by the Armenian architect Nigoğayos Balyan, who was a member of the prominent Balyan family of architects in the Ottoman Empire. Architecture: The mosque combines various architectural styles, including Neo-Baroque, Neoclassical, and Ottoman elements. It is known for its distinct and elaborate design, featuring a large central dome and two minarets with intricate ornamentation. The mosque's façade is adorned with colorful tiles and intricate stone carvings.

   Pass by without stopping

6. Bosphorus Bridge

   Which was inaugurated on October 29, 1973, on the fiftieth anniversary of the Turkish Republic, has the longest span in Europe and the fourth in the world. This suspension bridge has a total length of 1560 metres (1706 yards) and a width of 33.4 metres (110ft). The span between pylons is 1074 metres (1175 yards) and the clearance above sea level is 64 metres (210ft). The construction of the steel box-girder suspension was carried out by a British-german consortium.

   Pass by without stopping

7. Galatasaray Island

   Location: Su Ada is a small island located in the Bosphorus Strait, between the districts of Beşiktaş and Üsküdar on the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, respectively. History: Su Ada was originally a breakwater built in the 19th century to protect the nearby Ottoman palace from strong currents. It was later transformed into an artificial island and developed as an entertainment and recreational complex. Facilities: Su Ada is primarily known for its luxury restaurant, beach club, and swimming pool facilities. The island offers a tranquil atmosphere, with its lush greenery, private cabanas, and lounging areas. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and indulging in a variety of culinary delights at the restaurant.

   Pass by without stopping

8. Rumeli Fortress

   Rumelishisari Fortress - (Rumelihisari Castle) At the narrowest point of the Bosphorus stands the Rumelihisarr Fortress, built by Sultan Mehmet, the Conqueror on the European shore. The Sultan himself on the 26th day of March 1452 laid the foundation stone of the Fortress with a view to controlling the passage of the ships through the Bosphorus and using it as a base for his attack on the city. The fortress or castle was built upon the ancient site of Hermaion. It was completed in five months on August 28th 1452. The cannon on the towers could command this narrowest part of the Bosphorus opposite the older fortress of Anadoluhisarr. Darius in 500 BC had thrown a pontoon bridge across the Strait at this point and passed over 700,000 men. To Sultan Mehmet, the Conqueror, it was the key to Constantinople. The design of the walls and the towers display the Prophet's and the Conqueror's name - Muhammet - Mehmet.

   Pass by without stopping

9. Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge

   The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, also known as the Second Bosphorus Bridge, is a bridge in Istanbul, Turkey spanning the Bosphorus Strait. When completed in 1988, it was the 5th-longest suspension bridge span in the world

   Pass by without stopping

10. Anadolu Hisari Fort

    Anadoluhisarı, known historically as Güzelce Hisar is a medieval Ottoman fortress located in Istanbul, Turkey on the Anatolian side of the Bosporus.

    Pass by without stopping

11. Kucuksu Pavilion

    Kucuksu Summer Palace Called the "Garden of Lamps" in Ottoman times, the royal garden at Kucuksu was much loved by Murat IV (1623-1640), who called it the "Silver Cypress." Beginning in the 17th century, particularly in the beginning of the 18th century, there was a great deal of construction here.

    Pass by without stopping

12. Beylerbeyi Palace

    Beylerbeyi Palace Since Byzantine times, Beylerbeyi and its vicinity have been a settled area. According to the famous Swiss traveler Inciciyan, Constantine the Great erected a cross there, and the area was called the "Crucifix Gardens" in Byzantine times.

    Pass by without stopping

13. KIz Kulesi

    Kizkulesı (Maiden's Tower - Leander's Tower) About 180 meters away from the shores of Üsküdar stands this tower which bears two different names. Europeans who named it the Leander's Tower thought that it was there where Leander was drowned while attempting to swim the Bosphorus to reach his beloved Hero, the priestess of Aphrodite. But, in fact, Leander never crossed here even in the legend which refers to the Hellespont, Dardanelles. The Turkish name is KIZ kulesi ( Maiden's Tower ). It is now a modern lighthouse. In the past, it served as a fort to tax ships up to one-tenth of their cargo, similar to Pfalz Castle on the Rhine. The story of the Maiden's Tower, which has never been verified goes like this.

    Pass by without stopping

14. Blue Mosque

    THE MOSQUE OF SULTAN AHMET (THE BLUE MOSQUE) One of the most famous monuments of the Turkish and Islamic world is the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, which enchants visitors of Istanbul. An example of classical Turkish art and architecture, it is the only mosque with six minarets. It is surrounded by two thousand year old historical monuments.

    Pass by without stopping

15. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

    ST. SOPHIA Hagia Sophia: Typical examples of the unique qualities of Byzantine architecture arc found in Istanbul, the capital of ancient Byzantium. Architects, created a new style inspired by ancient nonuments. Such as the basilica, which was basically a market or gathering place, a Roman hall of justice, was Christianized to become a church. In the place of a judge to settle small trade disputes, Jesus became the judge in Christianity. The basilica is oblong in shape. The interior is separated into three naves by a series of columns, with the middle nave wider than those beside it. On the eastern side is a semi-circular apse extending outward. To the west is a passageway or hall, called a narthex.

    Pass by without stopping

16. Suleymaniye Mosque

    Suleymaniye Mosque The most impressive of the mosques which form the famous Istanbul silhouette is the mosque of Suleymaniye. The well-proportioned and neat esthetics of its exterior and Only the three walls of the fountain's courtyard, the fountain, the crown doors, the mihrab, up to the first balcony of the minarets, and a part of the surrounding wall remain from the original construction. The qible wall of the arcade in the fountain courtyard is higher than the other walls. The outer hoops of the domes are eight-sided and rest on arches.

    Pass by without stopping

17. Galata Koprusu

    The Galata Bridge is an iconic landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. It spans the Golden Horn, a natural harbor that divides the city's European side into two parts. The bridge connects the neighborhoods of Karakoy and Eminonu. The history of the Galata Bridge dates back to the Byzantine period, but the current bridge is a modern structure. The original bridge was constructed in the 19th century and was a wooden bridge. However, it was replaced with a more durable and functional bridge in the 1990s.

    Pass by without stopping

18. Galata Tower

    The Galata Tower, also known as Galata Kulesi in Turkish, is an iconic medieval tower located in the Galata neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and offers panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline. The tower was originally built in the 14th century by the Genoese colony that inhabited the area during the Byzantine period. It served as a defensive tower and a watchtower for the city. Over the centuries, the tower has undergone several renovations and restorations.

    Pass by without stopping

19. Galataport

    Galataport is a large-scale urban regeneration project located in the Karaköy neighborhood of Istanbul, along the shores of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It aims to transform the area into a modern and vibrant waterfront destination, offering a mix of residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational spaces. The project involves the revitalization of the existing port area, formerly known as the Salıpazarı Port, and its transformation into a multi-purpose complex. The development includes a cruise ship terminal, a marina, luxury residences, hotels, retail outlets, restaurants, parks, and cultural spaces.

    Pass by without stopping

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

Group size

Up to 25 travelers per booking

Operated by

Velena Travel

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos

Traveler reviews

46 verified traveler reviews for Imperial Splendor: Dolmabahce Palace & Bosphorus Yacht Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.