8 hours
Up to 3 days
Unlimited
English, Selectable
Istanbul is a popular destination in Turkey, attracting millions of tourists annually. It is a city that has it all, offering a memorable holiday experience with a mix of culture, history, and fun. Nicknamed the “city of contradictions,” Istanbul is situated across two continents – Europe and Asia – divided by the Bosporus Sea. This full-day tour and cruise allow visitors to explore both continents and see the major landmarks of the city. The vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul can be felt as you sail through the Bosporus and take in the sights on this exciting excursion.
On the day of your tour, a comfortable bus will come to your hotel in the morning to pick you up. You will then be driven to the starting point of the excursion. A knowledgeable tour guide will be with you throughout the experience, providing insights and historical information about the landmarks and city. The guide will ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the sights you are seeing and make the excursion even more enjoyable.
One of the first stops on the tour will be at the famous Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. This is a great opportunity to practice your negotiation skills as you browse the wide selection of spices on offer. You will have 45 minutes to wander through the bazaar and get a sense of the culinary traditions of Turkey. This is a unique chance to see an array of spices and learn more about the country’s culinary culture.
After the Spice Bazaar, you will join a tour guide for a cruise along the Bosporus, the strait that divides Europe and Asia. On the cruise, you can appreciate the beautiful Ottoman villas and their unique architectural style. You will also have the chance to see several notable landmarks, such as the Ciragan Kempinski, the Dolmabahce Palace, and the Leander’s Tower. The cruise will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
After the cruise, you will be taken to a local restaurant for a lunch break. This is a good opportunity to rest and recharge before continuing on to the Asian side of the city.
After lunch, you will be transported to Asia on a fully air-conditioned bus, crossing over the majestic Bosporus Bridge. The drive between the two continents offers stunning views. The first stop on the Asian side is the Beylerbeyi Palace Museum, which was once the summer mansion of the Ottoman sultans. Now a museum, it preserves the Ottoman decor and showcases Ottoman architecture.
The final stop of the tour will be at Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul. From here, you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the city and snap some photos of the two continents. After this, you will be driven back to the European side. The bus will return you to your hotel in the afternoon.
This incredible full-day tour and cruise takes you to two continents – Asia and Europe – and allows you to experience the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Istanbul. The city is divided by the Bosporus Sea, and this excursion is perfect for anyone who wants to see the major landmarks and enjoy a guided tour on both continents. The tour features a Bosporus cruise, stunning views, and impressive monuments, making it a unique and memorable experience.
Istanbul Two Continents Tour is designed for you and your friends or family. The displayed price is per person for a group of 4, but rates may vary for smaller or larger groups. Contact us for more information and to customize your tour. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the unique and captivating history on a private tour.
In the morning, a vehicle will come to your hotel in the city center to take you to the first stop of the tour. A knowledgeable guide will be with you to provide information about the culture and history of Istanbul. The guide will ensure that you have a deep understanding of the city and its significance as you explore the various landmarks.
The first stop on the tour will be at the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. This is one of the most well-known bazaars in Istanbul, offering a wide range of spices for sale. You will have 45 minutes to wander through the bazaar and try your hand at negotiating with the vendors. This is a great opportunity to see the diverse selection of spices and immerse yourself in the local culture.
After the Spice Bazaar, you will embark on a 1 hour and 30 minute boat trip through the Bosporus. This cruise is special because it takes you between Asia and Europe. It is also a great way to see the sights as you pass by several notable landmarks and buildings. You will get a chance to see the Ottoman mansions along the shores of the Bosporus, as well as the Ciragan Kempinski, the Dolmabahce Palace, and the Leander's Tower. This cruise is a unique way to take in the beauty of Istanbul.
After the Bosporus cruise, the walking tour will continue with a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia. This massive monument will leave a lasting impression with its size and history. It was originally built in the 4th century by Constantine the Great and later renovated in the 6th century. Today, it is one of the most popular landmarks in Turkey.
After the Bosporus cruise, you will have a lunch break at a local restaurant. Here, you can sample some authentic Turkish cuisine and take a break in a cozy atmosphere. The lunch break is a chance to recharge and enjoy a taste of the local culture.
Following lunch, a cruise departs from the European side to Asian Side. The trip is a great opportunity to take in the beauty of the city and appreciate its unique location between two continents.
The bus will take you to the Beylerbeyi Palace Museum on the Asian side. This stunning building was once the summer palace of the Ottoman sultans. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing Ottoman architecture and interior design. The Beylerbeyi Palace Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Ottoman history and culture.
The final stop of the guided tour will be at Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul. From here, you can take in panoramic views of the city and snap some spectacular photos. This is a great way to end the tour, taking in the beauty of Istanbul from a high vantage point.
The tour will conclude in the afternoon, with the bus returning you to the European side in the city center. When you arrive back at your hotel, you will have a wealth of great memories and photos to look back on. This excursion offers a comprehensive and enjoyable way to see the best of Istanbul and take in its rich culture and history.
Private tours only include your group (up to 13 people), your guide, and driver. We offer the most personalized and intimate experience for you and your friends/family! Regular SIC tours stand for Seat-in-Coach Basis Tours, which means you will share an air-conditioned coach or van with other tourists and you will have an English-speaking tour guide to take you to all the scenic spots listed in the itinerary that day. While the prices of private tours may vary according to the number of people, the prices of regular tours are fixed.
Tour start and end locations are stated above. If you want to transfer from a different place, you can contact us.
Our Regular SIC Tours are operated in English. Exceptional languages like Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese and other languages might be organized as a private guided tour with your personal guide. You can contact us for your private tour requests.
You can make your payments by cash, bank transfer or credit card.
You can directly contact us to make a booking for any tour listed on our website or for your personalized tour requests.
If you can't find the tour or activity you want, you can contact us for your request. Our operation team will create a personalized tour plan as you wish.
Yes, we have been a fully licensed tour operator in Turkey since 2011 and giving service all over Turkey. Do not hesitate to contact us for any travel-related request.
Ours headquarter is in Istanbul, and we have branches in Cappadocia and Ephesus.
Member Since 2022
