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Offered languages
- English
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
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.
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
Itinerary
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1Istanbul
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Büyük Mecidiye Mosque
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3Ayios Dimitrios Church
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4Rumeli Fortress
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
5Bosphorus Bridge
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
6Otagtepe
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
7Istanbul
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
8Anadolu Hisari Fort
Located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, Anadolu Fortress is one of the oldest Ottoman fortifications in Istanbul. Built in the late 14th century by Sultan Bayezid I, it stands at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, directly across from Rumeli Fortress. Its strategic position allowed the Ottomans to control the passage of ships through the strait long before the conquest of Constantinople. Today, the fortress and its peaceful surroundings offer visitors a glimpse into Istanbul’s medieval history and provide a picturesque setting along the waterfront. Please note: The fortress is closed on Mondays.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
9CamlIca Kulesi - Camlica Tower
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)
1 hour • Admission ticket not included -
10KIz Kulesi
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
11Istanbul
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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