Dolmabahçe Palace, Pera & Galata
Itinerary
Day 1
Dolmabahçe Palace: Dolmabahçe Palace, Turkey’s largest mono-block palace, was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecit in 1843. Built to belie the military and financial decline of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul’s first European-style palace was an opulent one, excessive in size and lavishly decorated with gold and crystal to impress the world. The Palace designed by Armenian architects Karabet Balyan and his son Nikoğos Balyan is an ostentatious blend architectural styles including baroque, rococo, neoclassical and modern Ottoman, dripping in luxury.
Istiklal Avenue Walk: When it comes to Istiklal Street (Istiklal Avenue), it is a must for all travelers in Istanbul. Istiklal Street which means “Independence Avenue” is a 1,5 km. long colorful pedestrian street and grand boulevard cutting through Beyoglu and full of all kind of shops, restaurants, cafes, street shows and it is located by the Taksim Square. The nostalgic tram runs through the length of the Istiklal Street.
Galata Tower: The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul's most iconic visuals, overlooking the city from its perched position, while the colorful lights of the tower can be seen at night from all over the city. The origin of the Galata Tower goes back to the fifth century CE, when Byzantines built a wooden tower named Magalos Pyrgos (Great Tower) in order to control the city of Constantinople and Golden Horn. Galata Tower was the tallest building of Istanbul until the construction of Beyazıt Tower in 1749. During the Ottoman period, Galata Tower functioned as jail, observatory house, and watch tower. After the restorations took place in 1960, Galata Tower was commercialized and opened to the public. Today, the tower functions as 360-degree viewing platform of Istanbul.
Taksim Tünel: Connecting İstanbul's Karaköy and Beyoğlu in a 90-second ride is the second oldest metro in the world, the Taksim Tunnel boasts a unique architectural history that links neighborhoods and cultures, from past to present. Today, the cars have a capacity of 170 and the system transports about 12,000 passengers per day.
Photo Gallery
Other Information
Price Includes
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Fully guided tour with the services of an experienced and licensed English speaking guide
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Public transportation fee
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All entrance fees
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V.A.T.
Price Excludes
- Pick-up from hotels
- Drink
- Gratitudes
- Travel insurance
- Note that items marked as ’optional’ are suggestions; not yet included in the price of the tour
- Any expenses not noted in the above list of inclusions.
Extra Notes
Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays; so this tour does not operate on that day.
Please make note of the following:
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Dolmabahce Palace and Galata Mevlevihanesi are closed on Monday.
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There is a 10% discount for children under the age of 7 and children aged 2 and younger are free.
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Tour is based on group tour with a maximum of 14 people and the transportation will be made by public transportation.
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Timing specified in the daily itinerary is only for reference, therefore may be subject to change.
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Please note that the order in which sights are visited may vary.
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There are no shopping stops made during our tour but if our guests would like to do some shopping following the conclusion of the tour we can be of assistance
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It is advised to wear conservative clothing when visiting mosques and churches.
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Please wear comfortable shoes which are also easy to take off since this tour is a walking tour and includes mosque visits.
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You are kindly requested to present yourself at the pick-up point 15 minutes prior to the advised pick up time
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Smoking is not permitted in transportation vehicles nor in museums
Booking Conditions:
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100% fee of tour is required upon reservation together with photocopies of passports.
Cancellation Policy:
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The following cancellation charges will apply:
- Until 7 days before departure – 50% of the package price
- Less than 7 days before departure – 100% of the package price
