Istanbul: Full-Day 2-Sides City Tour With Lunch & Boat Tour

Exploring the vibrant and culturally rich city of Istanbul has never been more captivating. The Full-Day 2-Sides City Tour promises an unforgettable experience, taking visitors on a journey through both the European and Asian sides of this mesmerizing destination. From iconic landmarks like the Camlica Hill and Mosque to the grandeur of Beylerbeyi Palace, this tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into Istanbul’s diverse heritage. But the true highlight might just be the serene Bosporus boat tour, where travelers can witness the city’s enchanting waterfront panoramas. With a delectable Turkish lunch included, this tour sets the stage for an immersive cultural exploration that could leave you yearning for more.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Istanbul.

Key Points

• The full-day tour covers both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, providing a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historical and cultural landmarks.
• The tour includes a relaxing boat tour along the Bosporus, offering scenic views of the city’s skyline and connecting the two continents.
• Visitors can enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch during the tour, seeing the local cuisine and culinary heritage.
• The tour is led by live guides available in English, Spanish, French, or Russian, ensuring a personalized and informative experience.
• The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, providing flexibility for the visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day Istanbul city tour offers an immersive exploration of both the European and Asian sides of the city. Priced from 2,153 Turkish lira per person, the tour lasts 9 to 12 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and a live English, Spanish, French, or Russian-speaking guide.

The tour is likely to sell out, so travelers are advised to check availability and reserve their spot early. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

Key highlights include panoramic views from Camlica Hill, visits to landmark sites like the Camlica Mosque and Beylerbeyi Palace, and a relaxing Bosporus boat tour.

Inclusions and Itinerary

The Istanbul city tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select areas, as well as a traditional Turkish lunch.

Travelers will be accompanied by a live tour guide available in English, Spanish, French, and Russian.

The tour covers key locations, including the Camlica Hill for panoramic views, the Camlica Mosque, the Beylerbeyi Palace, the Eyup Sultan Mosque, and the Pierre Loti Hill.

Plus, guests will enjoy a relaxing boat tour along the Bosporus.

The tour provides an opportunity to explore both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, immersing visitors in the city’s rich historical and cultural landmarks.

Key Locations Explored

Exploring the Camlica Hill, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the city of Istanbul.

The Camlica Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkiye, opened in 2019 and boasts an impressive architectural design.

Next, the tour takes guests to the Beylerbeyi Palace, a 19th-century residence of Ottoman lords, offering a glimpse into the grand lifestyle of the past.

At the Eyup Sultan Mosque, a significant religious site, visitors can experience the spiritual significance of the location.

The tour also includes a stop at the Pierre Loti Hill, a scenic viewpoint offering a relaxing boat cruise along the Bosporus.

Camlica Hill and Mosque

Camlica Hill offers visitors a prime vantage point to capture the breathtaking panorama of Istanbul. From the top of this lush green hill, guests can gaze out over the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Bosporus Strait that divides Europe and Asia.

Adjacent to the hilltop is the grand Camlica Mosque, the largest in Turkey. Opened in 2019, this architectural masterpiece boasts intricate designs and can accommodate up to 63,000 worshippers. The mosque’s towering minarets and gleaming domes make it a prominent feature of the Istanbul skyline.

As part of the full-day city tour, visitors can explore the Camlica Hill and Mosque, gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

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Beylerbeyi Palace Highlights

Beylerbeyi Palace’s opulent grandeur captivates visitors, transporting them back to the height of the Ottoman Empire.

As one of Istanbul’s most impressive historical landmarks, the 19th-century residence of Ottoman lords offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of the ruling class.

Key highlights include:

1. Ornate Interior Decor: The palace’s interior is adorned with intricate woodcarvings, mother-of-pearl inlays, and gilded ceilings, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of the era.

2. Panoramic Bosporus Views: Situated on the shores of the Bosporus Strait, the palace provides breathtaking panoramic views of the waterway, with its picturesque bridges and European and Asian landscapes.

3. Architectural Elegance: The palace’s Neo-Baroque and Rococo architectural styles blend harmoniously, creating a visually stunning and historically significant structure.

Eyup Sultan Mosque Significance

As one of the most significant religious sites in Istanbul, the Eyup Sultan Mosque holds immense cultural and historical significance.

It’s named after Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, and is considered a sacred pilgrimage destination for Muslims.

The mosque’s ornate architecture, featuring intricate calligraphy and beautiful domes, reflects the Ottoman legacy. Visitors can explore the mosque’s serene interior and learn about its role in shaping Istanbul’s spiritual landscape.

The mosque’s location, nestled in the Eyup district, adds to its tranquil ambiance, providing a peaceful respite from the bustling city.

For those seeking to understand Istanbul’s rich religious heritage, a visit to the Eyup Sultan Mosque is a must.

Bosporus Boat Tour Experience

The Bosporus boat tour offers visitors a captivating perspective of Istanbul’s landscape. Cruising along the iconic strait, passengers can admire the city’s skyline, including the stunning Dolmabahce Palace and the historic Galata Bridge.

The tour provides a unique vantage point to appreciate Istanbul’s harmonious blend of East and West, with the European and Asian sides visible on either side of the waterway.

Key highlights of the boat tour include:

1. Passing under the Bosporus Bridge, which connects the two continents.
2. Witnessing the bustling maritime activity, including ferries, cargo ships, and traditional fishing boats.
3. Enjoying the panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia.

The Bosporus boat tour is an essential part of the Istanbul city tour, providing a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Reviewing the customer feedback, the Istanbul city tour appears to have garnered an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 13 reviews. The tour’s transportation and value for money were both rated 4.3/5, indicating a high level of satisfaction. Travelers praised the knowledgeable guides, timely pickups, and enjoyable experiences throughout the tour.

Metric	Rating
Overall	4.7/5
Transportation	4.3/5
Value for Money	4.3/5

While some reviews mentioned the tour could feel chaotic at times, the guides were noted as attentive and experienced, ensuring a well-organized experience. The tour’s unique perspective of Istanbul, including visits to less popular sights, also seems to have resonated with customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Languages Are the Audio Guides Available In?

The tour offers live tour guides available in English, Spanish, French, and Russian, providing a multilingual experience for visitors to explore the sights and history of Istanbul.

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Mosques?

There’s typically a dress code for visiting mosques, which often requires covering up. Visitors should wear long pants or skirts and tops that cover the shoulders. Women may need to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Site Visit?

The tour allocates approximately 1-2 hours for each site visit, allowing visitors ample time to explore the key landmarks and sights. The duration at each location may vary depending on the size and complexity of the attraction.

Are There Any Accommodations for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour provides accommodations for travelers with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility on the boat and transportation. Guides are trained to assist those with special needs and can make adjustments to the itinerary if necessary.

What Food Is Typically Served During the Included Lunch?

The tour typically serves a traditional Turkish lunch, which often includes a variety of hot and cold meze dishes, a main course such as kebabs or vegetarian options, and seasonal fresh fruits for dessert.

Recap

This full-day Istanbul tour offers a captivating experience exploring both the European and Asian sides of the city. With visits to iconic landmarks like Camlica Hill, Camlica Mosque, and Beylerbeyi Palace, along with a scenic Bosporus boat tour and a traditional Turkish lunch, the tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Istanbul’s rich history and culture. Knowledgeable guides and positive customer reviews suggest this is an excellent way to discover the enchanting beauty of this vibrant city.

You can check if your dates are available here: