Istanbul Two Continents Tour By Bus And Bosphorus Cruise

Discover Istanbul in a single day with the Istanbul Two Continents Tour by Bus and Bosphorus Cruise. Priced at $104.66, this 12-hour experience offers an immersive journey through the city’s most famous sites, from the Camlica Mosque to the Bosphorus Strait. With pickup included and a mobile ticket, it provides a convenient way to see Istanbul’s highlights, making it especially suitable for first-time visitors or those with limited time. The tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides, stunning panoramic views, and a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural stops, and a scenic boat cruise.

However, it’s worth considering that some reviews mention the timing can be tight at certain stops, and the boat cruise duration may feel long for some, at around 3 hours in total. This tour suits those who want a rundown of Istanbul’s top sights in one day, blending history, architecture, and scenery with some leisure time.

Key Points

• Full-day tour lasting approximately 12 hours with many highlights.
• Price of $104.66 per person, including most entrance fees and tickets.
• Visits to key sites like Camlica Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Pierre Loti Hill.
• Includes a Bosphorus boat cruise with free WiFi and tea/coffee onboard.
• Guided experiences with a focus on scenic views and historical landmarks.
• Group size limited to 20, ensuring personalized attention.

Starting Point and Tour Duration

This tour begins at 8:30 am, with pickup offered from most locations, making logistics straightforward. The entire experience spans roughly 12 hours, offering a full immersion into Istanbul’s sights. The tour balances bus travel, walking stops, and a boat cruise, ensuring that participants see a broad array of landmarks without feeling rushed.

Exploring Camlica Hill and Camlica Mosque

The tour kicks off at Camlica Hill, perched 288 meters above sea level. This spot provides breathtaking panoramic views of both the Bosphorus and Istanbul from the Asian side. It’s a prime location for photos and enjoying the city’s skyline.

Following this, visitors can explore the Camlica Mosque—the largest mosque in history—which opened under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Visitors are welcome to spend up to an hour admiring its architecture or praying. The mosque’s size and design make it a standout part of the tour, offering insight into modern Turkish religious architecture.

Visiting Beylerbeyi Palace on the Bosphorus

Next, the tour includes a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace, constructed between 1863 and 1865. This 19th-century palace offers views of the blue waters of the Bosphorus and has historically welcomed notable figures. It’s a highlight for those interested in Ottoman-era architecture and history.

Note: On Mondays, the palace is closed, and the tour plans to visit Camlica Tower instead. This flexibility ensures that the experience remains engaging regardless of the day.

Crossing the 15 July Martyrs Bridge

The tour features a scenic drive across the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, an impressive suspension bridge that connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Stretching 1,500 meters, this bridge offers a spectacular view of the city’s skyline and the Bosphorus.

Visiting Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Lunch Break

After crossing the bridge, the tour pauses for a two-hour stop, which includes a delicious lunch and a visit to the Eyüp Sultan Mosque. This revered mosque houses the tomb of Ebu Eyüp el Enser and serves as an important religious site.

Visitors are encouraged to take time here for prayer or reflection, making it a meaningful part of the day. The ample time allows for a relaxed experience amid the bustling city.

Pierre Loti Hill and Cable Car Ride

Next, the group heads to Pierre Loti Hill, a popular spot for scenic views and paintings. The stop lasts around 45 minutes, and visitors can enjoy stunning vistas of Istanbul.

A cable car ride descends from Pierre Loti, providing a fun and unique perspective on the city’s landscape. This stop is highly rated for its picturesque scenery and the opportunity to see Istanbul from a different angle.

Balat and Fener Districts

The tour then explores Balat and Fener, two districts known for their colorful stairs and historic charm. In 30 minutes, visitors can stroll through narrow streets, admire the vibrant facades, and soak in the district’s authentic atmosphere.

These districts offer a glimpse into Istanbul’s local life and are perfect for photo opportunities.

Bosphorus Boat Cruise

The highlight for many is the Bosphorus cruise, which follows the bus stops. Starting with an hour along the European side, and then an hour on the Asian side, the boat tour offers wonderful views of Istanbul’s waterfront landmarks.

Along the way, you can see Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and Rumeli Fortress up close. From a distance, landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden Tower, and Galata Tower are visible, adding to the scenic experience.

The boat ride lasts around 2 hours. Complimentary tea and coffee are served, and WiFi is available onboard, allowing for photos and sharing the experience instantly.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle for transport, ensuring comfort during the long day. The group’s maximum size of 20 ensures a more personalized experience, and most travelers can participate, making it accessible.

For added convenience, the tour includes all entrance fees, including palace tickets and cable car tickets. It’s recommended to book 29 days in advance due to its popularity.

What Sets This Tour Apart

The combination of bus sightseeing, historic landmarks, panoramic viewpoints, and the Bosphorus cruise makes this tour stand out. The guides are often praised for their knowledgeability, enhancing the experience with informative commentary.

The tour is well-rated, with a 4.7 out of 5 stars from 201 reviews, and a 93% recommendation rate. Reviews highlight the value for money, delicious lunch, and scenic views.

Limitations and Considerations

Some reviews mention the timing can be tight at certain stops, and the length of the boat cruise can be long for some visitors. The dual-language commentary on the bus sometimes causes difficulty hearing the guide, so it may be less ideal for those who prefer a quiet, fully guided experience.

Plus, Monday visits to Beylerbeyi Palace are not possible, so plan accordingly if that site is a priority.

Final Thoughts on the Istanbul Two Continents Tour

This tour offers a rundown of Istanbul’s most iconic sites in one day, blending historical exploration, spectacular views, and scenic cruising. It’s a solid choice for first-time visitors or those eager to see many highlights without multiple bookings.

While some may find the schedule tight at times, the quality of guides, variety of stops, and value for money make it worthwhile. Advance booking is recommended to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons.

If you want an efficient way to experience both European and Asian Istanbul and enjoy a relaxing cruise showcasing the city’s famous landmarks, this tour delivers a well-rounded day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes a lunch break during the visit to Eyüp Sultan Mosque.

How long is the Bosphorus cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, with about an hour on each side of the strait.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all fees, including palace entrance and cable car tickets, are covered.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended, especially for sightseeing and walking around districts like Balat.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those with limited mobility should consider the walking involved at stops like Pierre Loti and Balat.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Booking at least 29 days in advance is typical, but availability may vary; check promptly for last-minute spots.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 20 travelers for a more personalized experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with full refunds offered if canceled in time.

Are guides multilingual?
Yes, guides often speak English, Russian, and other languages, but note that dual-language commentary may cause some difficulty hearing.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour offers pickup, and the start time is 8:30 am; most locations are near public transportation for easy access.