You cannot say you have truly seen Istanbul until you have visited the markets and monuments that this beautiful city has to offer. Likewise, you cannot truly feel the importance of the city until you have seen the famous Istanbul skyline for yourself, dotted with minarets and towers that leave you longing to learn more about the history of this most impressive metropolis.
This tour will offer you the chance to not only sail between two continents but to step foot on them too! You will combine a cruise along the mystic waters of the Bosphorus with visits to some of the main points of interest dotted along the coastline of Istanbul. What better way to explore the city?
A visit to the spice bazaar should not be confused with the grand bazaar. Here you will be treated to an invasion of the senses with colourful stalls selling herbs and spices, teas, and Turkish delight among so many other delightful sweets and savouries. You will be able to soak up the atmosphere as you rub shoulders with locals buying their fresh spices and hear the call of the marketers. As you wander the ancient streets of this underground bazaar, you will be enticed by the sights, sounds and smells and maybe even enjoy some complimentary samples.
As you float along the strait of the Bosphorus you will see extravagant palaces and summer homes of Sultans as well as the architectural wonder of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge that stands astride Europe and Asia. The skyline of Istanbul is dotted with minarets of yesteryear combined with skyscrapers of modern Istanbul, creating a silhouette unlike any other.
You will enjoy the panoramic views from not only the sea but from Camlica Hill which is one of the highest points in the city offering some of the most spectacular views over the straits and the two continents. From your vantage point on top of the hill, you can see as far as the Princes Islands and across the water to Topkapi Palace. From here you will understand the true extent and richness of this glorious city.
So, if you enjoy sightseeing, shopping, boats and stunning views then this is an excursion that you won’t want to miss!
In 2024, price of Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Discover Two Continents tour is 53 € for adults, 45 € for children between age 3 and 7, free for children at and under 2 years old.
| Type | Age | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 8 years and older | €53 |
| Child | 3 — 7 years old | €45 |
| Infant | 0 — 2 years old | Free |
You will be met at your hotel by a luxury coach at approximately 08:30 and take your seat near the air conditioning. Your guide will be with you throughout the day to help you understand the points of interest along the way and assist you with any requests.
Your first stop will be a visit to the Spice market where you will be met with a plethora of stimulants to the senses. You will have around 45 minutes to wander the underground bazaar, sample some local delights and shop. Don’t forget to look beyond the colourful stalls and experience just how old the market really is.
After you have had your fill and are ready to leave the locals behind to do their spice shopping you will be taken down to your boat for the cruise along the Bosphorus. The cruise will last around 1.5 hours and you will make a slow steady journey allowing you to fully appreciate the sights. You will pass by the Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Kempinski Palace, Maiden’s Tower (or Leander’s Tower) and many more waterside mansions owned by the elite of Istanbul.
Following the cruise you will dock to be served a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant near to the Bosphorus before meeting your coach once more to explore the Asian side. You will drive to Üsküdar and the Beylerbeyi Palace. This was once the palace chosen by Sultans in which to spend their summers and is a fine example of architecture prominent in the 19th Century.
Your ultimate visit will be to Çamlica Hill which is the best place to view Istanbul from a height. At just under 300 metres above sea level it will allow you to observe the city from above and take some beautiful photographs.
Following the last visit you will be taken back to your original pick up point feeling satisfied in the knowledge that you have truly seen Istanbul in the best way possible, having visited two different continents in one day. You should be back at your hotel at around 16:30.
