Istanbul: Explore Europe and Asia by Guided Bus and Boat

Eyup Merkez, Istanbul



Explore Istanbuls Two Continents with us: Bosphorus cruise, Beylerbeyi Palace visit, and Camlica Mosque. Enjoy a Turkish breakfast onboard, lunch, and panoramic views Experience Istanbul's highlights.

Overview

This guided Bosphorus boat tour in Istanbul suits travelers interested in history, culture, and scenic views across Europe and Asia.

Highlights

  • Breakfast and lunch served on the boat
  • Visits to Istanbul’s highest hills
  • Crossing between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul
  • Tour of the Ottoman palace Beylerbeyi
  • Professional guide fluent in English and Russian

Description

Begin with breakfast and Turkish tea aboard a boat cruising the Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise separating the European and Asian continents before heading to Beylerbeyi Palace, the Ottoman Empire’s summer residence located on Istanbul’s Asian side.

Explore Beylerbeyi Palace’s statues, refined architecture, elegant gardens, and richly decorated interiors including chandeliers, furniture, and carpets. On Mondays, the palace visit is replaced by Miniatürk, an open-air museum featuring scale models from across Türkiye.

Next, visit Çamlıca Hill and Çamlıca Mosque. Walk along the hilltop for panoramic views of both continents, then visit the largest and newest mosque in Türkiye known for its vast scale and calm atmosphere.

Return to the boat for lunch, enjoying a balanced menu of soup, braised meat, salad, and dessert while cruising back to the European side.

Upon arrival, visit Pierre Loti Hill overlooking the Golden Horn and historic peninsula. The tour finishes with a scenic cable car ride and free time for rest after a full day of exploration.

Includes

  • Bosphorus boat tour
  • Breakfast and lunch on the boat
  • Professional English and Russian guide

Excludes

  • Soft drinks
  • Entrance fees to Beylerbeyi Palace (optional garden entrance or combined garden and palace tickets available at low cost)
  • Hotel transfer

Important Information

  • This is a group tour; please arrive on time as per the guide’s instructions.
  • Seating on the bus and boat is unreserved. Guests may choose any available seat.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera. Morning tours offer quieter views on the Bosphorus.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes a Bosphorus cruise with breakfast and lunch served on the boat, visits to Istanbul’s highest hills, crossing between Europe and Asia, and a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace.
The boat cruise takes place on the Bosphorus Strait, which separates the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
A professional guide fluent in English and Russian will lead the tour, providing insights into Istanbul’s history and culture.
Yes, the tour includes crossing between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul by boat and bus.
The tour includes a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace, an Ottoman summer palace located on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Yes, breakfast and lunch are served onboard the boat during the Bosphorus cruise.
The tour visits Istanbul’s highest hills, giving panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait.
The Bosphorus boat cruise portion of the tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
It is recommended to book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Check the official tour website or booking platform for the most up-to-date information on hours and availability.

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