The Imperial City - Part 2

The Imperial City – Part 2

Visit Topkapi Palace and the Harem, the Archaelogical Museum, and Dolmabahce palace before ending the tour with a cruise on the Bosphorus and an evening at the Galata tower, where you can enjoy a traditional Turkish show and spectacular views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul.

Destinations

Bosphorus

The Bosphorus, also known as the Strait of Istanbul, is a narrow, natural strait that divides Turkey between Anatolia and Thrace, and forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia. It is one of the most important maritime routes in the world as it enables passage from the Black Sea all the way to the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean via Gibraltar, and the Indian Ocean through the Suez Canal.

Topkapi Palace and Museum

Topkapi Palace was home to all the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries. Construction began in 1459, on the orders of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. It was only in 1860 that the imperial court moved from Topkapi to the newly constructed Dolmabahçe Palace. In 1924, Topkapi was converted into a museum. The key sights in the museum today are the Harem and the treasury, which houses the Spoonmaker's Diamond and the Topkapi Dagger.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Located on the European coast of the Bosphorus, Dolmabahçe Palace served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887 and 1909 to 1922. Mainly built to counter the belief that the Ottoman empire was in decline, the palace was exquisitely decorated with gold and the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish republic, died here on November 10, 1938.

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower just to the north of the Golden Horn's junction with the Bosphorus. The current 220 foot high tower dates back to 1348, when it was the highest point in the city walls of the Genoese colony called Galata. Today, the upper floors of the Galata Tower have a panoramic balcony that offers spectacular views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus, and a nightclub which hosts a Turkish show.

Schedule

9:00 am Departure from hotel
9:30 am Topkapi Palace and Museum
11:30 am Archaelogical Museum
12:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Dolmabahce Palace
3:00 pm Bosphorus Cruise
5:30 pm Galata Tower Cultural Show & Dinner
8:00 pm Return to hotel

Departure & Return Locations

Departure Locations

Major hotels in Istanbul

Return Locations

Major hotels in Istanbul

What’s Included

Private transportation and tour guide
Entrance tickets to sights
Lunch
Cruise
Dinner & Cultural Show

Personal expenses

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Camera

Special Requirements

None

The Imperial City – Part 2

Bosphorus

Topkapi Palace and Museum

Dolmabahçe Palace

Galata Tower

Departure Locations

Return Locations

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