Morning Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Bazaar

The Morning Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Bazaar tour is a captivating experience that allows visitors to enjoy the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul. Embarking on a scenic cruise through the Bosphorus Strait, travelers can admire the city’s iconic landmarks while gaining insights from a knowledgeable guide. After the tranquil cruise, the tour takes visitors to the bustling 17th-century Egyptian Spice Bazaar, where the sights, sounds, and aromas of this renowned marketplace promise to delight the senses. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this comprehensive tour offers a seamless introduction to some of Istanbul’s most captivating attractions.

Key Points

• 4-hour excursion offering a Bosphorus cruise and guided tour of the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul.
• Highlights include scenic views of the Bosphorus Strait, Bosphorus Bridge, and Rumeli Hisari Fortress.
• Visit the lively 17th-century Egyptian Spice Bazaar, engaging with local vendors and experiencing Turkey’s rich culinary heritage.
• Tour includes hotel/port pickup, private/ferry boat, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide.
• Free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This morning Bosphorus cruise and Spice Bazaar tour offers a 4-hour excursion to explore Istanbul’s historic sights and vibrant markets.

Priced from $70.00 per person, the tour includes hotel/port pickup, a private or ferry boat cruise, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide.

The tour’s highlights include visiting the 17th-century Egyptian Spice Bazaar, taking in the sights along the Bosphorus Strait, and seeing landmarks like the Bosphorus Bridge and Rumeli Hisari Fortress.

Guests can enjoy the atmosphere of the Spice Bazaar and have the opportunity to bargain.

The tour also provides stunning views of the historic waterfront mansions along the shoreline.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Activity Details

The morning Bosphorus cruise takes guests on a scenic journey through the strait that divides Europe and Asia, showcasing the striking Bosphorus Bridge, historic waterfront mansions, and the impressive Rumeli Hisari Fortress.

Travelers will board a private or ferry boat and enjoy views of the city’s iconic landmarks as they cruise along the waterway.

The tour also includes a visit to the 17th-century Egyptian Spice Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace where visitors can browse the stalls, observe the lively atmosphere, and even practice bargaining with the local vendors.

With hotel pickup, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide included, this morning excursion offers a well-rounded introduction to some of Istanbul’s top sights.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to the 17th-century Egyptian Spice Bazaar, where travelers can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. They have the opportunity to bargain with local vendors or simply observe the bustling marketplace.

Next, participants board a private or ferry boat for a scenic cruise through the Bosphorus Strait, which divides Europe and Asia. Along the way, they’ll witness the impressive Bosphorus Bridge, the stunning Rumeli Hisari Fortress, and the historic waterfront mansions that once belonged to the Ottoman elite.

This cruise provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the city’s rich history and architectural landmarks.

Cruise Experience

Along the Bosphorus Strait, participants enjoy a serene cruise offering panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks and architecture.

As the boat glides across the waters, travelers can admire the grand Rumeli Hisarı Fortress, an impressive medieval structure built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months.

The cruise also provides a unique perspective of the historic waterfront mansions, palaces, and hunting lodges that once belonged to the Ottoman elite.

Throughout the journey, the guide shares fascinating insights about the Bosphorus and the landmarks along its shores, enhancing the overall experience.

Despite some occasional issues with sound clarity, the Bosphorus cruise is widely praised for its scenic beauty and educational value.

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Spice Bazaar Exploration

After the tranquil Bosphorus cruise, participants head to the lively 17th-century Egyptian Spice Bazaar, an iconic Istanbul landmark.

This bustling marketplace offers a multisensory experience, with stalls brimming with an array of aromatic spices, teas, and other local delicacies.

Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, browse the diverse offerings, and even engage in the time-honored tradition of bargaining with the friendly vendors.

The sights, sounds, and scents of the Spice Bazaar create a captivating sensory journey, allowing participants to discover the rich culinary heritage of Turkey.

Whether seeking to purchase fragrant spices or simply soak in the lively ambiance, the Spice Bazaar is a highlight of the morning tour.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes a hotel pickup and drop-off, a private or ferry boat for the Bosphorus cruise, entrance fees, a guide, and an air-conditioned vehicle.

Gratuities are also covered as part of the package.

The price of the tour starts from $70.00 per person, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

It’s important to note that the tour itinerary may change due to unexpected conditions, such as museum closures, holidays, strikes, or weather.

Plus, the Spice Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so the tour won’t include a visit there on that day.

Important Notices

Neon Tours may change the tour itinerary due to unexpected conditions, such as museum closures, holidays, strikes, or weather. Plus, the Spice Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so the tour will not include a visit there on that day.

Participants should be aware of the following important information:

Eventuality	Impact
Museum Closures	Itinerary may be adjusted
Public Holidays	Itinerary may be adjusted
Strikes	Itinerary may be adjusted
Inclement Weather	Itinerary may be adjusted
Spice Bazaar Closure (Sundays)	No visit included on Sundays

It is essential that travelers plan accordingly and remain flexible, as Neon Tours works to provide the best possible experience despite unforeseen circumstances.

Customer Feedback

Customers have generally provided positive feedback on the Morning Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Bazaar tour, as evidenced by the overall 3.9/5 rating based on 25 reviews.

The service and organization of the tour have been standouts, earning 4.3/5 and 4.5/5 ratings, respectively. Reviewers have praised the knowledgeable and engaging guide, as well as the smooth logistics of the tour.

However, some issues have been noted, such as limited time at the Spice Bazaar and occasional sound clarity problems on the boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Cruise?

Yes, you can take photos during the cruise. The tour typically allows passengers to take photos throughout the scenic journey along the Bosphorus Strait. However, be mindful of any restrictions or guidance provided by the tour guide.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no specific dietary restrictions for this tour. Travelers with special dietary needs can enjoy the sights and activities, though food options at the Spice Bazaar may be limited. The tour focuses on the cruise and sightseeing experience.

How Much Time Do We Have to Explore the Spice Bazaar?

According to the tour overview, visitors have the opportunity to explore the Spice Bazaar, though the time allocated is not specified. The tour itinerary highlights visiting the Spice Bazaar, but the exact duration is not provided.

Is the Boat Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour operator does not explicitly state whether the boat is wheelchair accessible. Travelers with mobility concerns should contact the tour company in advance to inquire about accessibility accommodations and ensure the cruise can meet their needs.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs on the Cruise?

Yes, travelers can purchase souvenirs during the cruise. The boats typically have a small onboard shop selling Turkish goods like spices, teas, and handicrafts, so passengers can conveniently shop for mementos of their Bosphorus sightseeing experience.

Recap

The Morning Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Bazaar tour offers an immersive introduction to Istanbul’s iconic sights.

Guests can admire the Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Hisarı Fortress, and historic waterfront mansions during the scenic cruise, while a knowledgeable guide provides insights into the city’s rich history.

The tour’s convenient hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless experience, making it a delightful 4-hour experience for travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here: