Full Day Istanbul Highlights Europe & Asia with Bosphorus Cruise

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Full Day Istanbul Highlights Europe & Asia with Bosphorus Cruise — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Full Day Istanbul Highlights Europe & Asia with Bosphorus Cruise, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Unlike many standard Bosphorus cruises or short sightseeing tours, this experience offers a full-day journey on land, carefully designed to explore both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Guests will not only admire the Bosphorus from afar but also step inside historic fortresses, visit churches and mosques, enjoy panoramic viewpoints, and taste authentic Turkish cuisine.

The itinerary balances history, culture, and scenic landscapes, ensuring travelers see the hidden gems as well as the most iconic landmarks. With the guidance of a professional English- and Russian-speaking guide, this tour provides a richer, more personal understanding of Istanbul’s unique geography and multicultural heritage.

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At a glance

Duration: 10 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–20
Guide: Russian, English
Operated by: Sultanahmet Old City Travel Turizm Organizasyon

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–5 years) · Adults (6–118 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Sightseeing as per itinerary
Included: Lunch
Included: Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off (from designated transfer zones)
Included: Professional English- and Russian-speaking guide

Not included

Not included: Drinks
Not included: Personal expenses

Itinerary

Istanbul

30 min

Pickup Information

Guests will be picked up from their hotels within the designated transfer zones in the morning. Please be ready at your hotel entrance by 08:30 AM. Your guide will meet you at the hotel entrance to begin the tour.
Stop 2

one hour

Located right on the Bosphorus shoreline, Ortaköy Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 19th century during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid, it is a masterpiece of Ottoman Baroque architecture. With its elegant minarets and stunning waterfront location, the mosque offers a breathtaking backdrop where the Bosphorus Bridge rises just behind it. Today, it is not only a place of worship but also a favorite spot for visitors to admire Istanbul’s unique harmony of history, culture, and scenery.
Stop 3

one hour

Located along the Bosphorus shoreline in the Kuruçeşme district, Ayios Dimitrios Church is one of the most significant places of worship for the Greek Orthodox community in Istanbul. Originally built in the 18th century and restored over time, the church is dedicated to Saint Demetrius, the patron saint of Thessaloniki. With its elegant architecture, richly decorated icons, and spiritual atmosphere, it offers visitors both a cultural and religious experience.

Please note: The church is closed on Wednesdays.
Rumeli Fortress

one hour Admission included

Standing proudly on the European side of the Bosphorus, Rumeli Fortress was built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II, just before the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Its strategic position, directly across from Anadolu Fortress, allowed the Ottomans to control naval traffic through the Bosphorus. With its massive stone towers and walls stretching down to the shoreline, the fortress is a remarkable example of Ottoman military architecture. Today, it serves as an open-air museum where visitors can walk along its walls, explore its towers, and enjoy spectacular views of the Bosphorus.
Bosphorus Bridge

one hour

Bosphorus Bridge (Photo Stop)

The Bosphorus Bridge, officially known as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, is one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul. Opened in 1973, it was the first bridge to connect Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Spanning over 1,500 meters, the bridge is a true engineering marvel and a powerful symbol of Istanbul’s unique location between two continents. During this tour, guests will enjoy a photo stop with breathtaking views of the bridge and the Bosphorus, offering the perfect opportunity to capture Istanbul’s charm.
Otagtepe

one hour Admission included

Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Otağtepe Hill is a hidden gem that offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Bosphorus. Surrounded by lush gardens and peaceful walking paths, it is a tranquil spot away from the city’s hustle and bustle. From the top, visitors can admire breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait, the bridges connecting Europe and Asia, and the charming neighborhoods along the shoreline. It is an ideal stop for photography lovers and those who want to enjoy Istanbul’s beauty in a calm and scenic setting.
Istanbul

one hour

Lunch Included

During the tour, guests will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant on the Asian side of Istanbul. The meal offers a selection of traditional Turkish dishes, giving visitors the opportunity to taste authentic local flavors while taking a relaxing break in the middle of the day. Drinks are not included and can be purchased separately.
CamlIca Mosque

one hour

Visit Çamlıca Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Turkey, located on the highest hill of Istanbul’s Asian Side. Guests will admire its impressive Ottoman-style architecture, spacious courtyards, and elegant interior while enjoying panoramic views overlooking both the Asian and European sides of the city. The peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings make this stop a memorable cultural experience.
CamlIca Kulesi - Camlica Tower

one hour Admission not included

Rising on Istanbul’s highest hill, Çamlıca Tower is the city’s newest and tallest landmark. Opened in 2021, it combines modern architecture with state-of-the-art technology and offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. From its observation decks, visitors can admire the Bosphorus, both the European and Asian sides of the city, and even the Princes’ Islands on a clear day. Inside, there are also cafés and restaurants where guests can enjoy the view in comfort.

Please note that the entrance ticket is optional and not included in the tour price. Çamlıca Tower entrance ticket (approximately €20)
KIz Kulesi

one hour

The Maiden’s Tower, standing gracefully on a small islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. With a history of over 2,000 years, it has served as a lighthouse, defense tower, and customs station, and is surrounded by many romantic legends. During the tour, the Maiden’s Tower will be admired from the outside and at a distance, allowing guests to capture stunning photographs of this timeless symbol of Istanbul.
Istanbul

30 min

End of the Tour & Hotel Return

At the end of the tour, guests will be comfortably transferred back to their hotels within the designated transfer zones. The return to the hotel is scheduled for around 7:00 PM, allowing you to relax after a full day of exploration.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meeting Point: The Marmara Taksim Hotel, Gümüşsuyu, Tak-ı Zafer Caddesi, Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey – Guests will meet the guide in front of the hotel. Please be ready at 08:30

End point

Meeting Point: The Marmara Taksim Hotel, Gümüşsuyu, Tak-ı Zafer Caddesi, Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey – Guests will meet the guide in front of the hotel. Please be ready at 08:30

Pickup points

Harbour Suites Old City
Atlantis Royal Hotel
Vardar Palace Hotel
Gulseda Otel Apart
Imagine Istanbul - Sultanahmet
Hotel Inter Istanbul
Union Hotel Port
Xenia Hotel Istanbul
AHC Ayasofya Hotel - Special Class
Meddusa Hotel
Gulhane Corner Hotel
Chambers of the Boheme

and 2,375 more pickup points

Important Information

Pick-up is available only from hotels located in the following areas: Istanbul City Center Hotels, Sultanahmet, Aksaray, Laleli, Grand Bazaar, Sirkeci, Karakoy, Taksim, Beyoglu, Fatih, Eminonu, Cankurtaran, Sisli, Kadırga, Kumkapi, Beyazit.

Hotel pick-up is scheduled between 08:15 between 09:00

No transfers are provided from hotels outside these locations, and there is no pick-up service from the Asian side of Istanbul.