Istanbul Two Continents Tour – Private Guided

Duration
  • 8 Hours
Tour Type
  • Private Guided
Activity Level
  • Medium
Season
  • All Year Round
Tour Theme
  • Cultural
  • ·
  • Historical
Perfect for
  • Family
  • ·
  • Friends
  • ·
  • Groups

Tour Description

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.

Istanbul Bosphorus Tour

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.

Discover Two Continents of Istanbul

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.


Tour Details

Sights

  • Istanbul
  • ·
  • Turkey

Highlights

Spice Bazaar
Bosphorus Cruise
Beylerbeyi Palace
Camlica Hill

Departure Location

Istanbul Hotels

Inclusions

Sightseeings in the Tour Program
Professional Official Tour Guidance
Entrance Fees
Transfers on a Private Basis
Lunch
Local Taxes

Exclusions

Beverages
Personal Expenses
Tips

Add-ons

Private Yacht Cruise on Bosphorus
Departure from Istanbul Airport
Departure from Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Tour Program

09:00 Pickup

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.

10:00 Spice Bazaar

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.

12:00 Bosporus Cruise

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.

13:00 Lunch

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.

14:00 Beylerbeyi

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.

15:00 Camlica Hill

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.

17:00 Return Back

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.


Tour Map


Tour FAQ

How can I change the tour itinerary?

Customizable itineraries where you may choose sightseeings as per your taste & comfort. The tour program listed is representative and may completely change to suit your wishes. Feel free to say hello to us!

What is the difference between Private and Regular SIC Tours?

Private tours only include your group, your guide, and your driver. We offer the most personalized and intimate experience for you and your friends/family in a private tour! 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.

What languages are available for tours?

Our private tours are operated in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Japanese. Feel free to contact us for any other languages.

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