Bosphorus Tour with Two Continents
See Istanbul’s top sights by land and sea on this tour with Bosphorus cruise, Spice Market, Beylerbeyi Palace, Camlica Hill, and lunch. Cross continents in one day. Not available on Mondays. Días de tour en español: lunes y sábado
Service Provider: She Tours
Service Details
(Not operated on Mondays – Beylerbeyi Palace is closed)
Discover the best of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides in one unforgettable day. This full-day tour blends history, culture, breathtaking views, and a Bosphorus cruise, taking you from the ancient city walls to imperial palaces and panoramic hilltops.
City Walls of Constantinople (Drive-By)
Start your day with a drive along the 5th-century Theodosian Walls, once the mighty defense system of Byzantine Constantinople. Your guide will introduce their historical significance as you pass by.
Golden Horn (Drive-By)
Continue along the scenic Golden Horn, a natural harbor that shaped the city’s development. Enjoy views of mosques, old city districts, and waterfront neighborhoods as you travel toward the Old City.
Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar)
Arrive at the vibrant Spice Bazaar, where you can explore aromatic stalls filled with Turkish delights, teas, spices, and local products. This 17th-century marketplace is one of Istanbul’s liveliest and most colorful spots.
Bosphorus Cruise by Boat
Board a cruise boat for a guided Bosphorus tour, sailing between Europe and Asia. From the water, admire some of Istanbul’s most iconic waterfront landmarks, including:
• Dolmabahçe Palace
• Ortaköy Mosque
• Rumeli Fortress
• Bosphorus Bridge
• Ottoman-era mansions and villages along both shores
Lunch
Enjoy a set-menu lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic Turkish cuisine. (Drinks not included.)
Shopping Break (Optional)
A brief shopping stop may be offered, subject to traffic conditions. Browse for traditional handicrafts, leather goods, or Turkish souvenirs.
Bosphorus Bridge Drive
Cross the Bosphorus Bridge, connecting two continents in one breathtaking drive — from Europe to Asia — offering panoramic views of the city and the strait.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Visit the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace, the 19th-century summer residence of the Ottoman sultans. Admire its crystal chandeliers, marble interiors, and richly decorated halls.
Camlica Hill
Conclude your tour with a visit to Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul, offering spectacular views of the Bosphorus, European skyline, and Marmara Sea. A perfect photo opportunity to end your day.
Note: The palace is closed on Mondays, and the tour does not operate on that day.
Tour Highlights
Rumeli Fortress, Walls of Constantinople, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Bosphorus, Bosphorus Bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Ortakoy Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Camlica Hill
Why Book This Service
- Cruise the Bosphorus Strait and see top sights from the water.
- Visit both European and Asian sides of Istanbul in one day.
- Explore Spice Bazaar, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Çamlıca Hill.
- Enjoy expert narration and historical insight from a licensed guide.
- Includes lunch and optional shopping (traffic permitting).
- Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive city and cultural experience.
What's Included
- Hotel pick up & drop off by air-conditioned non-smoking tour coaches
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Service charges & local taxes
Please Note
- Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays. The tour is not operated on Mondays.
- Shopping stop is optional and depends on traffic flow.
- Lunch is included; drinks are extra.
- Moderate walking involved; comfortable shoes recommended.
- This tour may include shared transportation and boat services.
- Tour ends in the late afternoon; drop-off details vary by operator.
Meeting Point
Sultanahmet
Cancellation Details
Booking can be cancelled up to 3 day(s) before the tour start.
18 reviews for Bosphorus Tour with Two Continents
Tour Pictures from Travelers
Wonderful morning cruise across the Bosphorus, seamlessly crossing from Europe to Asia. The guide shared fascinating historical insight, and the boat offered gorgeous views of both shores. Highly recommended!
Recorrido encantador por el Bósforo entre dos continentes. El guía fue muy profesional y explicó la historia de los palacios que bordean el agua. Una mañana muy recomendable.
This tour was a highlight of our Istanbul trip. From the moment we stepped onto the boat, the views of both the European and Asian shores were breathtaking. The guide was knowledgeable and gave fascinating details about the Ottoman palaces, modern bridges, and local neighborhoods we passed. Crossing from one continent to another by boat gave the whole experience a special charm. Highly recommend it for anyone wanting a relaxed introduction to Istanbul’s geography and culture.
The scenic ferry ride between continents was the highlight. Comfortable seating, clear narration from our guide, and plenty of time to take photos of Istanbul’s iconic skyline.
Excellent dose of culture and scenery in a short time. We glided past seaside palaces, stopped briefly on the Asian side, and returned just in time for lunch. Perfect balance.
A fantastic way to see Istanbul’s layout. Guide explained history clearly, boat was clean, and the view of the minarets from the sea was thrilling. Great value for half-day excursion.
The perfect half-day tour to see Istanbul from a new perspective. Sailing between two continents, we enjoyed the cool breeze and panoramic views. The commentary was clear and interesting, helping us understand the importance of the Bosphorus in Istanbul’s history. The Asian-side stop was brief but enjoyable, and overall, the tour felt peaceful yet enriching. I’d do it again on my next visit!
Very well paced and smooth experience. We learned about Ottoman-era waterfront mansions, crossed the Bosphorus Bridge, and marveled at both city sides in one trip. Great morning!
Experiencia excelente: navegación cómoda, vistas magníficas y parada breve en Asia muy interesante. El guía hablaba con claridad y pasión.
The crew was friendly, the narration informative, and the boat ride refreshing. Seeing the Bosphorus Bridge between two continents and sipping tea on deck was memorable.