Full Day Bosphorus Cruise Tour with Asian Side
Cruise the Bosphorus and explore Istanbul’s Asian side in one day. Visit the Spice Bazaar, Camlica Hill, Grand Mosque, and Beylerbeyi Palace on this scenic, two-continent tour.
Service Provider: ITS
Service Details
Discover the best of both continents on this immersive full-day tour that combines a scenic Bosphorus cruise with the cultural richness and panoramic beauty of Istanbul’s Asian side. From vibrant bazaars to imperial palaces and hilltop vistas, this tour blends sightseeing and storytelling in a truly unforgettable journey.
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)
Your day begins with a guided visit to the 17th-century Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most colorful and fragrant markets. Built as part of the New Mosque complex, it offers an authentic taste of Istanbul’s trading heritage with stalls full of exotic spices, Turkish delights, teas, dried fruits, and handcrafts.
Note: On rare Sundays or holidays when the Bazaar is closed, a cultural orientation will be provided instead.
Golden Horn Scenic Drive
Travel along the historic Golden Horn, the natural harbor that shaped the city’s development for centuries. As you pass through ancient neighborhoods, city walls, and Ottoman mosques, your guide will share stories that bring this harbor to life.
Bosphorus Cruise (Europe & Asia Shores)
Next, embark on a cruise along the Bosphorus, the iconic strait that separates Europe and Asia. Aboard your comfortable cruise vessel, enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul’s most elegant waterfront sights, including:
• Dolmabahçe Palace and Ciragan Palace
• The elegant Ortakoy Mosque beneath the Bosphorus Bridge
• The mighty Rumeli Fortress, built by Mehmet the Conqueror
• The charming villages of Arnavutkoy, Bebek, and Cengelkoy
• Ottoman-era yalıs (seaside mansions) and hunting lodges
• The serene Anadolu Hisari on the Asian shore
• Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges, connecting continents
Your guide will provide insights throughout the cruise, helping you appreciate the significance of each site.
Afternoon: Asian Side Exploration
Bosphorus Bridge Crossing
After disembarking, you’ll cross the Bosphorus Bridge — one of the most photographed symbols of modern Istanbul — and enter the Asian side of the city.
Camlica Hill
Reach the summit of Camlica Hill, one of Istanbul’s highest natural points, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Princes’ Islands. It’s the perfect spot for memorable photos and a breath of fresh air.
Grand Camlica Mosque
Visit the awe-inspiring Grand Camlica Mosque, Turkey’s largest mosque, opened in 2019. Designed by female architects Bahar Mızrak and Hayriye Gül Totu, it merges classical Ottoman and modern styles. The mosque complex includes a museum, library, art gallery, and more.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Conclude the day with a guided tour of the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace, the 19th-century summer residence of Ottoman sultans. Admire its six exquisitely furnished reception halls, glittering Bohemian crystal chandeliers, Sèvres and Chinese porcelain, and the iconic main salon with an indoor marble fountain. Historic royal visitors included Empress Eugénie of France, Shah Nasruddin of Persia, and Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia.
Tour Highlights
Rumeli Fortress, Anadolu Fortress, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Bosphorus, Bosphorus Bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Ortakoy Mosque, Camlica Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Camlica Hill
Why Book This Service
- Enjoy a full-length Bosphorus cruise with views from both European and Asian shores.
- Visit Istanbul’s Asian highlights, including Camlica Hill and Grand Camlica Mosque.
- Step inside the opulent Beylerbeyi Palace, a masterpiece of Ottoman elegance.
- Explore the historic Spice Bazaar and shop like a local.
- Learn from a licensed, knowledgeable guide throughout the day.
- Ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive, two-continent experience in one day.
What's Included
• Museum entrance fees mentioned on the itinerary
• Professional Guidance
• Free pick up and drop off service from your hotel
• Lunch
• Transportation with A/C vehicles
• Cruise on the Bosphorus by boat
• TURSAB insurance, which covers the costs of services accepted and committed by the travel agency
Please Note
- Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays. This tour does not operate on that day.
- Modest attire is required for mosque visits; women should bring a scarf.
- The Spice Bazaar is closed on some religious holidays and rare Sundays; on those dates, a historical orientation will be offered instead.
- This tour involves moderate walking through palace grounds and hilly areas — comfortable shoes recommended.
- Cruise boats have both open-air decks and indoor seating — the tour operates in all weather.
- Lunch is not included; a break is provided for refreshments.
Meeting Point
At Your Hotel
Cancellation Details
Booking can be cancelled up to 3 day(s) before the tour start.
17 reviews for Full Day Bosphorus Cruise Tour with Asian Side
Tour Pictures from Travelers
Beautiful contrast between European landmarks and the charming Asian villages. The afternoon ferry ride was a highlight.
Well‑planned tour with quality service and cool breeze all day.
This full-day cruise exceeded expectations. From the European side’s grand palaces to the bustling charm of the Asian markets, every stop was well-timed. The onboard commentary gave great context, and the lunch by the water was delicious. A perfect mix of sightseeing and relaxation.
Great mix of history and culture, very informative guide.
Excellent value! We cruised past the Bosphorus Bridge, ate great lunch, and strolled through the uskudar. Would do again.
A beautifully balanced day. We admired Ortaköy and Rumeli palaces, relaxed over lunch on the Asian shore, and explored local bazaars. The guide was engaging and the vessel comfortable. Loved every moment.
An unforgettable experience! The Bosphorus’s beauty, the historic palaces, and the hike into the Asian side’s local markets created a day I’ll never forget. The guide shared fascinating stories, and the ferry rides were smooth and scenic.
We enjoyed the mix of sightseeing and relaxation—a scenic cruise past palaces, then a fun visit to the Asian side market. Loved the tea stop!
Perfect for anyone wanting to experience both sides of the Bosphorus. Scenic cruise, delicious food, and a relaxing stroll in Asian Istanbul. The commentary was insightful, and the day flowed naturally without rush. Highly recommend!
From boarding in the morning to returning at sunset, this tour was seamless. Skipped the crowds, learned regional history, savored Turkish cuisine by the shore, and watched Istanbul change faces as we crossed continents. Ideal for travelers seeking variety.