9 Attractions

Istanbul Full Day Bosphorus Cruise And Discover Two Continents

Discover two continents in one day with a Bosphorus cruise, Spice Bazaar visit, Beylerbeyi Palace tour, and stunning views from Çamlıca Hill.
5.0 (17 reviews)
Duration Full Day
Tour Type Regular
Departure Everyday
Start 08:30
End 17:00
Transport Boat
Starting From
72 €

Child pricing applies to children 2-6 years old on the tour departure date.


Infant pricing applies to children under 2 years old on the tour departure date.

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Discover Two Continents of Istanbul & Bosphorus Cruise

Discover two continents in one day with a Bosphorus cruise, Spice Bazaar visit, Beylerbeyi Palace tour, and stunning views from Çamlıca Hill.

Tour Overview

Join a full-day adventure exploring both Europe and Asia on the Istanbul Full Day Bosphorus Cruise and Discover Two Continents Tour. From the vibrant Spice Bazaar to a scenic Bosphorus boat cruise, followed by visits to the Beylerbeyi Palace and Çamlıca Hill, this tour offers a unique look at Istanbul’s cultural and natural beauty — all in one day!

  • Discover two continents in a single day
  • Visit the colorful Spice Bazaar and enjoy free time to shop
  • Sail along the Bosphorus Strait with panoramic views and photo ops
  • Explore Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of Ottoman sultans
  • Take in breathtaking views from Çamlıca Hill, the city’s highest point
  • Enjoy a local lunch at a traditional restaurant

Tour Itinerary

08:30 ─ Pickup from centrally located hotels in Istanbul.
Transfer to the tour departure point.

  1. Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Market): Begin your day exploring Istanbul’s most fragrant and colorful market. Shop for fresh spices, teas, Turkish delights, and more.
  2. Bosphorus Cruise: Board the boat and cruise between Europe and Asia. Marvel at elegant waterfront mansions and landmarks such as:
    • Çırağan Palace
    • Dolmabahçe Palace
    • Old Ottoman Pasha Villas
    • Leander’s Tower (Maiden’s Tower)

    The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

  3. Lunch: After the cruise, enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch at a local restaurant.
  4. Cross the Bosphorus Bridge: Drive from Europe to Asia via the iconic suspension bridge, enjoying panoramic views over the strait.
  5. Beylerbeyi Palace: Visit the final summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Your guide will take you through richly decorated rooms and explain the historical significance of the palace.
  6. Çamlıca Hill: Conclude the day with sweeping views of Istanbul from its highest hill. Both continents, the Bosphorus, and major landmarks will unfold beneath you — perfect for memorable photos.

17:00 ─ Tour ends with drop-off at your hotel or central location.

What's Included

Included

  • Hotel pick up and drop off from Central Hotels (Sultanahmet, Aksaray, Beyazit, Laleli, Taksim, Beyoglu, Karakoy)
  • All necessary land transportation by A/C Touristical Buses
  • English Speaking Licenced Tour guide
  • Bosphorus Boat Cruise
  • Entrance fees
  • Lunch at the local restaurant
  • Local Taxes

Not Included

  • Personal Expenses
  • Drinks at the lunch
  • Any extra fees for transportation if your hotel is not central

Important Remarks

Please read the following important information carefully before booking. These remarks contain essential details about your tour experience.

  • Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays — in that case, an alternative site will be visited or the tour will be operated without interior visit.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included only for centrally located hotels in Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Taksim, Karaköy, and Galata.
  • This is a shared group tour with a professional English-speaking guide.
  • Drinks during lunch are not included in the tour price.

More Details

Your journey begins as you’re picked up from your hotel and transported to the heart of Istanbul’s vibrant life. The day opens at the Spice Bazaar, where colorful stalls overflow with exotic aromas — saffron, cinnamon, sumac — pulling you into the city’s centuries-old mercantile soul.

Next, you step aboard a boat gliding across the Bosphorus Strait, the iconic waterway separating Europe and Asia. As you sail between continents, palaces like Dolmabahçe and Çırağan pass by like scenes from a grand Ottoman film, with your guide narrating tales of sultans and sea captains.

After a traditional lunch, the adventure continues with a scenic drive across the Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side. There, the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace reveals marble halls, chandeliered rooms, and coastal gardens — the final summer retreat of Ottoman rulers.

You finish the day at Çamlıca Hill, the highest point in Istanbul. From here, the entire city unfolds beneath you — a meeting of empires, continents, and cultures. It’s a view that stays with you long after your return.

G
Ghadir
Verified Purchase

It is a serene morning Bosphorus boat cruise and a perfect start to the day! The tour began bright and early, just as the sun was beginning to cast its golden hues across the city. Boarding the boat was a breeze, and the welcoming and friendly staff immediately set the tone for a memorable experience. The vessel was clean, comfortable, and well-equipped, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. As we set sail along the tranquil waters of the Bosphorus in the early hours, I was immediately struck by the calmness of the surroundings. It was a stark contrast to the bustling city I had explored the day before, and I cherished this peaceful respite. The tour guide's commentary was informative and engaging, providing historical insights and local anecdotes that enriched my understanding of the Bosphorus Strait and its cultural significance. Learning about the centuries-old history and the tales of emperors and conquerors was both educational and fascinating. In conclusion, the Morning Bosphorus Boat Cruise Tour is an absolute gem of an experience for anyone visiting Istanbul. It offers a serene and unique perspective of the city's beauty, culture, and history, all while enjoying the calmness of the morning hours. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of picturesque views, or simply seeking a peaceful start to your day, I wholeheartedly recommend this tour. It's a serene and enchanting journey that will leave you with a profound sense of appreciation for Istanbul's timeless allure.

J
John
Verified Purchase

This tour was an incredible way to experience Istanbul's beauty and culture from a different perspective. The Bosphorus Cruise offered stunning views of the city's iconic landmarks, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. The boat was comfortable, and the crew was friendly and informative, providing us with a wealth of knowledge about the city's history and culture. The highlight of the tour was visiting two different continents in one day. We crossed the Bosphorus Bridge, which connects Europe and Asia, and visited the charming neighborhood of Camlica Hill on the Asian side of Istanbul. The guide gave us a fascinating insight into the neighborhood's history and culture. We watched Istanbul from the hill. The tour company reserves the right to change the program without notice due to operational reasons. In this program, they were going to show Beylerbeyi Palace, but they changed it and showed Dolmabahçe Palace. That made it even better for us :). We then returned to the European side of Istanbul and visited the Dolmabahce Palace, a magnificent palace built in the 19th century. The interior was opulent, with crystal chandeliers, gold leaf ceilings, and intricate marble work. The guide gave us a detailed history of the palace and its significance in Istanbul's history. Overall, the Bosphorus cruise and discover two continents tour program by Toursce tour company was a fantastic experience. The itinerary was well-planned, and we had enough time to explore each attraction thoroughly. The guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating, making the tour both informative and enjoyable. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul who wants to experience the city's beauty and culture from a different perspective.

YS
Yuk Shu
Verified Purchase

The Bosphorus Cruise Tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Istanbul. The scenic views of the city from the water, the historic monuments, and the beautiful sunset make for a truly memorable experience. The tour guide was informative, providing interesting details and background about the sites we passed. The boat was clean and comfortable, with plenty of seating and photo opportunities. Overall, the Bosphorus Cruise Tour is a fantastic way to see Istanbul and its rich history and culture.

J
Jessica
Verified Purchase

Thank you to guide Ugur for sharing Istanbul with us with wonderful narratives, humor, and heart. The guide made our first experience in Istanbul a lasting impression. We haven't stopped talking about our new friends Erkan and Coskun and have taken away with us a broader view of Turkey, the beautiful people, and the life there in the past and the present. If you do one thing while in Istanbul, don't hesitate to take a tour plan with these men... It's the best in Istanbul! Thank you for treating us Californians with such kinship and streamline. That was a spectacular experience that we will recommend to all our friends.

E
Elmy
Verified Purchase

I have to say with peace of mind that it is the best tour I have attended in Turkey. It was deep history and informative tour. They picked me up from my hotel and dropped me back to my hotel at the end of the tour, which was very comfortable. Everything has been thought for the comfort of foreign guests. Thank you so much.

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