Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side With Lunch From Istanbul

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Istanbul as you cruise along the iconic Bosphorus Strait. This captivating excursion not only showcases the vibrant contrast between Europe and Asia, but also immerses you in the city’s rich cultural tapestry. From the striking Bosphorus Bridge to the serene Camlica Hill, where a delightful lunch awaits, every moment promises to leave a lasting impression. And as you explore the opulent Dolmabahçe Palace, you’ll uncover the hidden gems that make Istanbul such a captivating destination. Prepare to be enchanted as you discover the true essence of this remarkable city.

Key Points

• This tour offers a journey along the Bosphorus Strait, connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, with a Bosphorus cruise and visit to the Bosphorus Bridge.
• The tour includes an indulgent Turkish lunch with stunning views from Camlica Hill, as well as a guided tour of the opulent Dolmabahçe Palace.
• Participants can experience the bustling maritime activity and vibrant cultures along the Bosphorus shores, and capture breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul’s iconic skyline.
• The tour is stroller accessible but not wheelchair accessible, and the total duration is approximately 3 hours, including various stops and activities.
• Reviews indicate a mixed experience with the Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side Tour, but positive feedback on the quality of the lunch and stunning views.

Tour Overview

This tour offers an enchanting journey along the renowned Bosphorus Strait, where the vibrant waters flow between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

Priced at $154.58 per person, the "Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side with Lunch from Istanbul" promises an immersive experience for up to 16 travelers.

With a 3.5/5 average rating from 4 reviews, the tour includes a Bosphorus cruise, a visit to the Bosphorus Bridge, lunch at Camlica Hill, and a guided tour of Dolmabahçe Palace.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience.

Whether you’re seeking panoramic views or historical insights, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Istanbul’s iconic waterway and its surrounding landmarks.

Inclusions and Highlights

The tour includes an indulgent lunch with stunning vistas of the Bosphorus, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of Turkish cuisine while drinking in the captivating panorama.

Beyond the culinary delights, the experience offers a wealth of highlights:

• Cruising along the Bosphorus, witnessing the bustling boat traffic and admiring the European and Asian shorelines dotted with magnificent palaces and landmarks.

• Traversing the impressive 5,500-foot Bosphorus Bridge, which connects the two continents.

• Savoring panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait from the vantage point of Camlica Hill.

• Exploring the opulent Dolmabahçe Palace, with its 285 rooms and rich history of sultans and Atatürk.

Bosphorus Cruise

Embarking on a Bosphorus cruise, visitors enjoy the bustling maritime activity that has long defined Istanbul’s identity.

Along the storied strait, they witness the interplay of European and Asian cultures, glimpsing majestic palaces, historic fortresses, and modern cityscapes that line the shores.

The 5,500-foot Bosphorus Bridge, an engineering marvel, spans the waterway, connecting the two continents.

As the boat glides through the waves, passengers are treated to sweeping panoramas of Istanbul’s skyline, punctuated by the iconic minarets of mosques and the graceful domes of Byzantine churches.

This cruise offers a unique perspective on the city, fostering an appreciation for its vibrant maritime heritage and geopolitical significance.

Bosphorus Bridge and Camlica Hill

One highlight of this captivating tour is the chance to cross the iconic Bosphorus Bridge, an engineering marvel that spans the storied strait and connects the European and Asian continents.

After the scenic cruise, the tour ventures to Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul, offering panoramic vistas of the city and the Bosphorus.

Some key experiences at Camlica Hill include:

1. Savoring a delightful lunch with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul’s skyline.
2. Admiring the architectural splendor of the Camlica Mosque, one of the city’s most prominent religious landmarks.
3. Exploring the lush, landscaped gardens that surround the hilltop, providing a serene respite from the bustling city below.
4. Capturing unforgettable photographs from the lookout points, showcasing the bridge, the strait, and the city’s iconic landmarks.

Dolmabahçe Palace or Galata Tower

Typically, the tour culminates with a guided exploration of the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace, a 19th-century Ottoman imperial residence that dazzles visitors with its grandeur.

Visitors are captivated by the opulent interiors, adorned with crystal chandeliers, gilded ceilings, and lavish furnishings that reflect the extravagance of the Sultan’s reign.

If Dolmabahçe Palace is closed, the tour offers an alternate stop at the iconic Galata Tower.

Ascending to the top of this medieval stone tower provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s historic skyline, including the iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

Whether experiencing the ornate palace or the sweeping vistas from Galata Tower, this tour’s finale leaves a lasting impression of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.

Accessibility and Duration

This tour offers accessibility for a variety of travelers. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible and conveniently located near public transportation.

The duration of the tour includes:

• 1 hour at Camlica Hill
• 1.5 hours on the Bosphorus Strait
• 30 minutes at Beylerbeyi Palace
• 30 minutes at the Golden Horn

With a total duration of approximately 3 hours, this comprehensive tour allows visitors to enjoy the rich history and stunning scenery of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides.

Whether you’re seeking panoramic views, architectural marvels, or a leisurely cruise, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Customer Feedback

The customer reviews for this Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side Tour from Istanbul provide a mixed perspective.

Reviewers praise the quality of the lunch and the stunning views along the Bosphorus Strait.

However, some note issues with the tour’s logistics, particularly during a stadium event that caused unexpected traffic.

While the guide received positive remarks, a few reviewers felt their focus could have been improved.

The tour seems to offer a memorable experience, but guests should be aware of potential challenges with crowds and transportation, especially during peak tourism periods.

With an average rating of 3.5 out of 5, the tour appears to be a solid option for exploring Istanbul’s Asian side and cruising the iconic Bosphorus.

Recap

Discover the best of Istanbul’s captivating cultural tapestry on this Bosphorus cruise and Asian side tour. Savor a scenic boat ride, explore iconic landmarks, and indulge in a delightful lunch with breathtaking views. This enchanting experience offers a seamless blend of European and Asian influences, leaving you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Istanbul’s rich heritage.