Discover the captivating duality of Istanbul on this immersive full-day tour. Exploring both the European and Asian sides of the city, you’ll uncover a rich tapestry of history, culture, and architecture. From the iconic Çamlıca Mosque to the opulent Beylerbeyi Palace, each landmark offers a unique glimpse into Istanbul’s past. Complementing the guided visits, a scenic Bosporus boat cruise allows you to appreciate the city’s stunning waterfront vistas. With a delicious lunch included, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you eager to delve deeper into Istanbul’s mesmerizing charms.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Istanbul.
Key Points
- This full-day tour explores both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, including iconic landmarks like the Çamlıca Mosque and Beylerbeyi Palace.
- Visitors can enjoy a scenic Bosporus boat cruise and a delicious lunch as part of the comprehensive tour package.
- The tour is led by expert guides fluent in multiple languages, providing in-depth commentary on Istanbul’s rich history and culture.
- Highlights include panoramic views from Çamlıca Hill, visits to significant Islamic sites, and a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks.
- The tour is highly rated by previous guests, emphasizing its excellent value and a seamless, enjoyable experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour offers a full-day exploration of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, priced from $94.23 per person.
The 10-12 hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a delicious lunch, and an expert live guide fluent in several languages.
Travelers can explore iconic landmarks like Çamlıca Hill, the grand Camlica Mosque, the historic Beylerbeyi Palace, and the significant Eyup Sultan Mosque.
A scenic Bosphorus boat cruise is also included, offering panoramic views of the city’s waterfront sites.
The tour provides flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from previous guests, this comprehensive Istanbul tour is an excellent value.
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Tour Highlights
This full-day Istanbul tour offers travelers the opportunity to discover both the European and Asian sides of the captivating city. Highlights include a visit to Çamlıca Hill for breathtaking views of the city and the Bosporus, as well as the recently opened Camlica Mosque, the largest in Turkey. The tour also includes a stop at the majestic Beylerbeyi Palace, built during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II, and the historic Eyup Sultan Mosque, a significant Islamic site. Visitors will enjoy a boat cruise on the Bosporus to see the city’s iconic landmarks and end the day with panoramic vistas from Pierre Loti Hill.
Tour Highlight | Description |
---|---|
Çamlıca Hill | Offers stunning views of Istanbul and the Bosporus |
Camlica Mosque | Turkey’s largest mosque, opened in 2019 |
Beylerbeyi Palace | Magnificent palace built during the Ottoman era |
Eyup Sultan Mosque | A revered Islamic site in Istanbul |
Inclusions
The Istanbul full-day tour includes a comprehensive package of experiences to fully immerse visitors in the city’s rich history and culture.
The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off from select areas, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. Included is a delicious lunch, as well as a live tour guide fluent in multiple languages, including English, Russian, Spanish, and French, to provide insightful commentary.
Visitors will enjoy a boat cruise on the Bosporus, offering stunning views of historic sites.
The tour also covers visits to iconic landmarks like Çamlıca Hill, Camlica Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Eyup Sultan Mosque, and Pierre Loti Hill, providing a well-rounded exploration of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
Important Information
Certain scheduling considerations are worth noting for this Istanbul full-day tour.
Beylerbeyi Palace, one of the tour highlights, is closed on Mondays, so visitors will explore Çamlıca Tower instead on those days. Plus, if the cable car to Çamlıca Hill is out of service, the tour will travel by car instead.
Travelers are encouraged to bring the following items:
- Sunglasses and a sun hat to protect against the sun
- Camera to capture the stunning views
- Snacks and water to stay refreshed throughout the day
- Sunscreen to protect against the elements
These planning tips will help ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience on the Istanbul two-sides tour.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Istanbul full-day tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 5 customer reviews.
Reviewers highlighted the tour’s engaging guides, who provided valuable insights and brought the history and culture to life. Guests also enjoyed the diverse experiences, from the stunning vistas at Çamlıca Hill to the serene ambiance of the Eyup Sultan Mosque.
The boat cruise along the Bosporus was a particular highlight, allowing travelers to take in the city’s iconic landmarks from a unique perspective.
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Discover Istanbul’s Two Sides
This immersive full-day tour allows visitors to discover the vibrant contrasts that define Istanbul – a captivating city that straddles the continents of Europe and Asia.
You’ll explore:
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The European side, visiting the iconic Çamlıca Mosque, the grand Beylerbeyi Palace, and the historic Eyup Sultan Mosque.
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The Asian side, ascending to the top of Çamlıca Hill for panoramic views of the city and the Bosporus.
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The waterways, enjoying a relaxing boat cruise to see Istanbul’s landmarks from a unique perspective.
This comprehensive tour provides an in-depth glimpse into the diverse cultural and architectural treasures that make Istanbul a truly fascinating destination.
Explore Iconic Landmarks
Immersed in the rich history and cultural tapestry of Istanbul, visitors embark on a captivating journey through the city’s iconic landmarks. The tour takes guests to the majestic Çamlıca Mosque, Turkey’s largest and recently opened in 2019. Next, they explore the opulent Beylerbeyi Palace, a stunning 19th-century structure that served as a summer residence for the Ottoman sultans. At the Eyup Sultan Mosque, a significant Islamic site, the group discovers the spiritual heart of the city. Culminating the tour, they ascend Pierre Loti Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the Golden Horn, a historic inlet separating the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
Landmark | Significance |
---|---|
Çamlıca Mosque | Turkey’s largest mosque, opened in 2019 |
Beylerbeyi Palace | 19th-century summer residence of Ottoman sultans |
Eyup Sultan Mosque | Spiritual heart of Istanbul |
Pierre Loti Hill | Offers panoramic views of the Golden Horn |
Cruise the Bosporus
A Bosporus cruise offers a captivating way to witness Istanbul’s historic sites from the waterways.
As part of the tour, guests will have the opportunity to:
- Admire the opulent Dolmabahçe Palace, the last residence of the Ottoman sultans
- Gaze upon the magnificent Ortaköy Mosque, a Baroque-style structure along the shore
- Marvel at the stunning Bosporus Bridges that connect Europe and Asia
The serene boat ride provides a unique vantage point to observe Istanbul’s skyline, dotted with iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
This leisurely cruise allows visitors to appreciate the city’s rich heritage and natural beauty from the tranquility of the waterways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?
This tour may accommodate people with disabilities, but it’s best to inquire about specific accessibility arrangements. The itinerary includes some sites that may have limited accessibility, so it’s important to discuss any needs in advance.
Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Sites?
Yes, customers can typically customize the tour to visit specific sites. However, they should check with the tour operator, as some modifications may incur additional costs or require changes to the overall itinerary.
How Large Are the Tour Groups Typically?
The tour group sizes typically range from small, intimate groups to larger groups, depending on demand. Most tours accommodate between 8-15 participants to provide a personalized experience while maintaining efficiency.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. However, customers can inquire about the possibility of a longer tour or customized itinerary directly with the tour provider. Additional fees may apply for extended tour times.
Are Photography and Video-Taking Allowed Throughout the Tour?
Photography and video-taking are generally allowed throughout the tour. However, visitors should be respectful and follow any specific guidelines or restrictions that may apply at certain sites visited during the tour.
Recap
This full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks on both the European and Asian sides. With guided visits to famous mosques, palaces, and a scenic Bosporus cruise, it provides an immersive experience for travelers seeking to discover the diverse facets of this captivating metropolis. The tour’s inclusions and duration ensure an unforgettable adventure, making it an excellent choice for those eager to explore Istanbul’s vibrant history and stunning architecture.
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