Tour Details
Private Dolmabahce Palace and Tea at Ciragan Palace
Meet your friendly and professional tour guide and begin with a short orientation drive through the modern city of Istanbul. Continue to Dolmabahce Palace, which displays architecture from a period in time when the Ottoman traditional architectural style was ignored for the more western patterns being used elsewhere in Europe. The palace, which consists of 285 rooms, 46 halls, 4 grand salons, 6 galleries, and 6 baths is divided into two sections: the Ceremonial Section, where the sultan would receive distinguished guests from all over the world, and the Harem, where the Sultan's wife, mother, and concubines lived.
After this exciting visit, you will stop at the Ciragan Palace Hotel for a short break and a Turkish High Tea. This 5-star luxury Imperial Palace hotel, lovingly restored and ideally located on the shores of the magnificent Bosphorus, provides a one of a kind experience with its historical ambiance, luxurious facilities and impeccable service.
After tea, you will visit the Palace section. When Sultan Abdulaziz came to the throne in 1861, Ciragan Palace was built with a bridge connecting it to the Yildiz Palace, which is located behind it. For centuries, the palace has always been one of the most precious buildings, enriching the shores of the Bosphorus. The columns of the palace are the most beautiful examples of stonework. Besides precious carpets and furniture, there are rooms decorated with handwork covered by golden gloss and mother-of-pearl. The front walls of the palace are made up of colorful marbles, which also add a vividness to its architecture. The palace is used for private and public events, so the rooms viewed will not be known until the day of the tour. After you visit the palace building, you will return to the pier.
Please note: Tea at the Palace is from a set menu and is included in the tour price.
Duration: 4.5 hours
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Reference: Viking Oceans, Viking Saturn, Departing Mon, Apr 21, 2025
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More about this tour
Shore Excursion Size: Private
Shore Excursion Type: Culinary / Food
Shore Excursion Duration: 4.5
Shore Excursion Departs From: Cruise Ship Pier
Activity Level: Moderate
Food/Beverage Provided: Turkish High Tea
Recommended Dress: Tea will be taken in one of the main dining rooms of the Cirigan Palace so comfortable resort wear that covers shoulders, mid-sections and thighs is appropriate. Sensible, comfortable walking shoes are suggested.
Restrictions: Both palaces have steps. Many of the floors are polished stone which can be slippery. Rubber-soled shoes are suggested.