Full Day Bosphorus Cruise Tour with Asian Side

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.