Best of Istanbul in One Day Europe and Asia Highlights Tour

8 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Discover the best of Istanbul in one unforgettable day with this panoramic Two Continents tour designed for travelers who want to see more in less time. Travel comfortably with your guide and vehicle while exploring both the European and Asian sides of the city, crossing the Bosphorus by ferry and bridge for a unique local experience. Enjoy photo stops at Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks including Maiden’s Tower, Camlica Mosque, Camlica Hill, Beylerbeyi Palace, Sultanahmet, Pierre Loti Hill, and the colorful streets of Balat. This tour focuses on sightseeing, storytelling, and breathtaking views rather than long museum visits, making it perfect for first-time visitors and photography lovers. From historic neighborhoods to panoramic Bosphorus viewpoints, this experience offers the ideal introduction to the beauty, culture, and atmosphere of Istanbul.

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea
Meals

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Our guide will be waiting for you at the Sirkeci Marmaray exit with a red flag in hand.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Bosphorus Strait

    Our tour starts with the Sirkeci–Harem ferry ride. During the crossing to the Asian side, you will have the chance to enjoy breathtaking Bosphorus views from the car ferry.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2
    KIz Kulesi

    Maiden’s Tower is one of the iconic symbols of Istanbul. We will have a 20-minute photo stop here.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3
    CamlIca Mosque

    Located on Camlica Hill, Camlica Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most impressive modern mosques and currently the largest mosque in Türkiye. We will have a 30-minute stop here to explore the mosque from inside.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Camlica Hill

    Camlica Hill is one of the best panoramic spots in the city to enjoy views of the European side of Istanbul. We will have an approximately 30-minute photo break here. During this time, you can relax at the hill’s cafes and enjoy tea or coffee.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Beylerbeyi Palace

    Beylerbeyi Palace was the summer palace of the Ottoman Empire, where the sultans used to spend their summers. Located right next to the Bosphorus, the palace offers magnificent views that are truly worth seeing. We will stop here for a photo break.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Bosphorus Bridge (Pass by)

    While returning to the European side, we will use the Bosphorus Bridge. This way, our valued guests will experience crossing between the two sides of Istanbul both by car ferry and by bridge.

    Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Balat

    Balat is one of Istanbul’s historic districts, located along the Golden Horn. Today, the neighborhood is very popular for its colorful houses, historic streets, churches, and synagogues. During our visit, we will see the famous Iron Church and enjoy a photo and coffee break in front of the colorful houses, stairs, and umbrella streets.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Pierre Loti Tepesi

    Pierre Loti Hill is one of the seven hills of Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula and takes its name from the famous writer Pierre Loti. Here, we will enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Golden Horn and have a photo break.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Hippodrome

    Hippodrome of Constantinople was one of the most important public squares of Istanbul during the Byzantine period and was mainly used for chariot races and imperial ceremonies. It was first built by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus and later expanded by Emperor Constantine the Great. The Hippodrome was also the social and political center of Byzantine life. Today, visitors can still see historical monuments such as the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk in the square. During the Ottoman period, the area continued to be used and became known as the “Horse Square

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Blue Mosque

    Blue Mosque is one of the most famous landmarks of Istanbul and was built in the early 17th century during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is known for its six minarets and beautiful blue İznik tiles decorating the interior, which gave the mosque its popular name. It was built as an imperial mosque and includes a madrasa, courtyard, and fountain complex. The Blue Mosque is still an active mosque and welcomes both worshippers and visitors from around the world. Its impressive architecture and location facing Hagia Sophia make it one of the highlights of Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula.

    25 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (Pass by)

    Hagia Sophia is one of the most iconic monuments in the world and has served as a church, mosque, and museum throughout its long history. It was originally built in 537 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and remained the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmed II. Hagia Sophia is famous for its massive dome, impressive mosaics, and unique combination of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Today, it continues to attract millions of visitors every year as one of Istanbul’s most important historical and religious sites.

    Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Topkapi Palace Museum

    Topkapı Palace was the main residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. The palace was built by Sultan Mehmed II shortly after the conquest of Constantinople in the 15th century. Located between the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul. The palace includes imperial courtyards, the treasury, the harem section, and sacred Islamic relics. Today, Topkapi Palace is one of the most visited museums in Türkiye and an important symbol of Ottoman history and culture

    30 minutes Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by İstanbul Vidi Travel

Tags

Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Historical Tours
Archaeology Tours
Car Tours
Small Group

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more
from per person
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}