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

Exploring Istanbul can feel overwhelming with its vast layout and countless attractions. The Istanbul: Full-Day 2-Sides City Tour with Lunch & Boat Tour offers a well-organized way to see both the European and Asian sides in a single day. Priced at $102 per person, this 9-hour guided experience combines scenic views, historical sites, and cultural highlights, making it ideal for visitors who want a rundown of the city without the hassle of planning multiple trips.

Highlights such as the Bosporus boat cruise, visits to Beylerbeyi Palace, and stops at Camlica Hill and Pierre Loti Hill showcase Istanbul’s diverse scenery and architecture. The tour includes hotel transfers, a delicious Turkish lunch, and entry to key sites, ensuring a smooth and enriching day. While the tour covers a lot, it also requires a full day of activity, so it suits those ready for an immersive experience.

Key Points

• Covers both sides of Istanbul: European and Asian, in one full-day trip.
• Includes a Bosporus boat cruise: Enjoy scenic views from the water.
• Visits iconic sites: Beylerbeyi Palace, Camlica Mosque, and Eyup Sultan Mosque.
• Offers a Turkish lunch: Served during the day for convenient fueling.
• Guided tour with live commentary: Available in English, Russian, and Spanish.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off: From select central locations for ease.

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Pickup and Itinerary Start Time at 10:00

The tour begins with hotel pickup between 09:00 and 10:00, depending on the location of your accommodation. The early start allows for a full day of sightseeing, with the guide leading you through Istanbul’s highlights in a structured manner. The pickup service ensures you avoid the headache of navigating public transport and get straight to the day’s activities.

Once onboard, the first stop is Camlica Hill, where panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosporus unfold. This vantage point offers excellent photo opportunities before moving on to the Camlica Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkey, completed in 2019. Its strategic location ensures it can be seen from all parts of Istanbul, making it a standout sight early in the tour.

Exploring Camlica Hill and the Camlica Mosque

Camlica Hill provides sweeping views of Istanbul, offering a chance to capture memorable photos of the city’s skyline and waterways. The Camlica Mosque, built recently, is notable for its size and design, and it attracts visitors for both its architecture and spiritual significance. The site is an excellent introduction to Istanbul’s modern religious landmarks and offers a peaceful break from the busy streets below.

This stop is ideal for those interested in Istanbul’s religious architecture and cityscapes. The views from Camlica Hill also serve as a visual summary of the city’s vastness, with the Bosporus winding through the landscape.

Discovering Beylerbeyi Palace’s Ottoman Luxury

Next, the tour takes you to Beylerbeyi Palace, a 19th-century summer residence of Ottoman sultans. Constructed during Sultan Abdulhamid II’s reign, the palace exudes Ottoman elegance with its ornate interiors and riverside setting. Visitors gain insight into how imperial Ottoman lords relaxed and entertained during their summers.

Entry to Beylerbeyi Palace is included, allowing full access to its opulent rooms and gardens. The palace’s strategic location on the Bosporus offers picturesque views of passing boats and the waterway, making it an attractive photo stop. The palace’s historical importance and beautiful setting make it a highlight for those interested in Ottoman history and architecture.

Visiting Eyup Sultan Mosque and Its Sacred Mausoleum

The tour continues with a visit to Eyup Sultan Mosque, one of the most sacred religious sites in Turkey. This mosque is associated with Ebu Eyup el-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, and is a major pilgrimage spot for Muslims.

The mausoleum adjacent to the mosque marks Ebu Eyup’s final resting place, making it a site of deep religious significance. The mosque’s architecture and the surrounding area provide insight into Turkish religious traditions and community life. Visitors often find the atmosphere here to be both tranquil and spiritually enriching.

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Climbing Pierre Loti Hill for Panoramic Views

Pierre Loti Hill, named after the French novelist, offers spectacular views over the Golden Horn. The area is perfect for relaxed sightseeing and enjoying Istanbul’s cityscape from above. The hill is accessible by cable car, providing a fun and scenic ascent.

At the summit, visitors find cafes and viewpoints where they can take in the landscape, making it an ideal spot for a coffee break or photo session. The view from Pierre Loti Hill is widely regarded as one of the best vistas of Istanbul’s historic peninsula and natural beauty.

Bosporus Boat Tour with Free Wi-Fi

An essential part of this tour is the 2-hour Bosporus cruise. The boat ride offers a unique perspective of Istanbul’s skyline, bridges, and waterfront mansions. As the boat glides along, the guide points out significant landmarks and historic sites visible from the water.

The cruise includes free Wi-Fi onboard, allowing travelers to share photos or look up additional information during the ride. The boat tour is praised for its relaxing atmosphere and the opportunity to see Istanbul from a different angle—an experience that often becomes a favorite part of the day.

Lunch Break with Authentic Turkish Cuisine

A delicious Turkish lunch is included in the tour, providing a break in the busy schedule. While the specific menu details are not provided, reviews highlight the quality and enjoyment of the meal, with some mentioning the lunch on the boat as a particular highlight.

This stop allows travelers to recharge and enjoy local flavors, aiding in keeping energy levels high for the rest of the day’s sightseeing.

Visiting the Unique Trams and Less-Visited Sites

While some reviews note the tour’s length and a bit of chaotic start, they also highlight the value of seeing less obvious sights alongside the main attractions. The tour’s use of buses and boats helps navigate Istanbul’s sprawling layout efficiently.

Specific details about tram rides are not listed, but the overall experience emphasizes the combination of multiple transportation modes to cover more ground than a walking tour could.

Tour Logistics and Practical Details

The tour is operated by Terra Luna Travel and includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select central locations. The guide is available in English, Russian, and Spanish, providing options for a broad range of travelers.

The full-day experience lasts approximately 9 hours, and travelers are advised to be prepared for a day filled with sightseeing, walking, and some transportation. The tour is flexible in terms of canceling up to 24 hours in advance and offers the option to reserve now and pay later, adding convenience for planning.

Overall Experience and Suitability

The tour receives a high rating of 4.6 out of 5, based on 130 reviews. Common praise goes to the knowledgeable guides, the stunning views, and the varied itinerary that highlights both popular and less-visited sites. The inclusion of lunch, hotel transfers, and a Bosporus cruise offers good value for the price.

It is important to note that the tour can feel long and busy, with some reviewers mentioning a slightly chaotic start or a desire to skip certain parts, such as the tram ride. Visitors should be prepared for a full day of activity, with comfortable shoes and an open mind for a diverse experience.

Istanbul: Full-Day 2-Sides City Tour with Lunch & Boat Tour — Final Thoughts

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Istanbul, combining water, history, and scenic viewpoints into one package. It shines for its expert guides, beautiful stops, and the opportunity to explore both city sides in a single day. Perfect for those who want a structured, informative day covering key sights without the stress of logistics.

While it requires a full day and some patience, the included Bosporus cruise, palace visit, and views from Camlica and Pierre Loti ensure travelers leave with a well-rounded impression of Istanbul’s diverse charm. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors or anyone eager to see the highlights efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $102?
The tour price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, guide services, lunch, entry to Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosporus boat cruise.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak English, Russian, and Spanish.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 9 hours, starting with pickup around 09:00-10:00.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Since the tour involves walking through outdoor sites and some stairs, it is best suited for those with moderate mobility.

What if Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays?
On Mondays, the Camlica Tower is visited instead of Beylerbeyi Palace**.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance.

Is food available on the boat?
No, the tour does not specify food on the boat, and some reviews mention that food is not served at the end of the cruise.

How early should I be ready for pickup?
Pickup times are between 09:00 and 10:00, depending on your location, and are scheduled the day before.

What makes this tour different from others?
It uniquely combines both city sides, a Bosporus cruise, and less-visited sites like Camlica Hill and Eyup Sultan Mosque, all in one organized day.

Who is this tour best for?
Travelers interested in comprehensive sightseeing, historical sites, and scenic views, willing to spend a full day exploring, will find this tour especially rewarding.

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