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Istanbul city tourDay trip
Beşiktaş Naval Museum and Harbiye Military Museum Tour
Two major museums spanning maritime and military history, plus a Mehter (Ottoman military band) performance, all in one day.
- Duration
- About 7 hours
- Tour type
- Istanbul city tour · Day trip
- Departure
- Istanbul
- Catalogue
- Page 7
The price is prepared according to your dates, group size and preferences.
About the tour
In the morning you tour the Naval Museum in Beşiktaş with a guide, seeing historic boats, imperial caiques and maritime artefacts.
Before noon you move on to the Harbiye Military Museum. The museum visit ends with the Mehter band performance included in the programme.
Send us your dates and group size for the Naval and Military Museums and we will tailor the programme to your group.
Tour programme
Times follow the programme in the catalogue; there may be small changes depending on traffic, weather and the group's pace.
Programme for the day
Departure
Beşiktaş Naval Museum, guided tour
Harbiye Military Museum and Mehter band performance
Departure for the return journey
Arrival
Places to see
Naval Museum
The Istanbul Naval Museum, near the Beşiktaş pier, was founded in 1897 by the Minister of the Navy, Bozcaadalı Hasan Hüsnü Pasha. Its new building, opened in 2013, displays artefacts from Ottoman maritime history, a banner belonging to Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha and the Historic Galley from the 16th–17th century.
Imperial caiques
Imperial caiques are the rowing boats used by Ottoman sultans for transport and ceremonies on the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. The Naval Museum displays many imperial caiques and other historic boats.
Harbiye Military Museum
Located in Harbiye, on the site of the former Ottoman Military Academy where Atatürk studied from 1899 to 1905. Run by the Turkish Armed Forces, the museum holds a collection of about 50,000 items; around 9,000 pieces from the Ottoman period to the First World War are displayed in 22 halls.
Mehter band performance
The Mehter is the historic military band of the Ottoman army. At the Military Museum the Mehter band gives a concert in traditional costume; the performance is one of the highlights of the museum visit.
Photos
What's covered and notes
Included in the programme
- Guided tour at the Naval Museum
- The Mehter band performance is part of the programme
Good to know
- The price is prepared according to your dates, group size and preferences, and is sent to you in writing together with the included services.
Who is it for?
- School and student groupsA pace suited to the age group, planned together with the teacher and group leader.
- FamiliesA programme that participants of all ages can enjoy together.
- History and culture enthusiastsDiscover historic and cultural heritage on site, with a guide's commentary.
Practical information
Best time to go
As the programme is mostly indoors in museums, it can be done all year round; still, spring and autumn in Istanbul are mild while winter is cool and rainy, so the spring months are more comfortable for the outdoor sections.
What to bring and know
- There are security checks at museum entrances, so carry ID and avoid bringing large bags.
- The programme involves a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Photography may be restricted in some sections of the Military Museum; follow the staff's instructions.
The Naval and Military Museums as a school trip
A museum day that matches the social studies and history curriculum closely. The Mehter performance keeps primary and middle school pupils especially engaged.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Mehter performance every day?
The days and times of the Mehter band performance are set by the museum. We choose the date together based on the performance schedule.
When is the best time for the Naval and Military Museums?
As the programme is mostly indoors in museums, it can be done all year round; still, spring and autumn in Istanbul are mild while winter is cool and rainy, so the spring months are more comfortable for the outdoor sections.
What is included in the price?
What is covered for transport, guiding, admission fees and meals is stated in writing in the quote, according to your dates, group size and preferences. Services marked as extras in the catalogue are charged separately.
Can you pick us up from our school or organisation?
The departure point is planned according to the group's location. Whether pick-up from your school, workplace or another point you choose is possible is confirmed at the quote stage.
How can I get a quote for the Naval and Military Museums tour?
You can fill in the form on this page, message us on WhatsApp or call 0212 232 09 80. Sharing your dates, group size and, if applicable, your school or organisation details will speed up the quote.
What group sizes is it organised for?
The programme can be planned for anything from individual participants to large school and corporate groups. As the number of people determines vehicle and guide planning, simply state it in your quote request.
Sources for the information on this page (3)
Get a quote
Request a quote for the Naval and Military Museums
Tell us your dates, group size and, if applicable, your school or organisation details, and we will prepare the programme and price for your group and get back to you.
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Travel agency with licence number A-12881, since 2012
Istanbul City Tours
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