Istanbul Bosphorus and Two Continents Tour

Recommended by 93% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Istanbul, Turkey

6 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Take in Istanbul’s incredible position straddling Europe and Asia on this full-day tour. Rather than concentrating purely on the city’s European side, enjoy a 2-hour cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, sailing between two continents past sights including the Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Fortress. Then, drive across the strait via the Bosphorus Bridge for a panoramic tour of the colorful Asian side. 3-course lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Full-day Bosphorus cruise and Asian-side Istanbul tour
2-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise with live onboard commentary
Admire the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahçe Palace and more from the water
Drive across the Bosphorus Bridge and discover Asian-side highlights including Beylerbeyi Palace
Take in panoramic city views from Çamlıca Hill
Seafood restaurant lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off included

What's Included

Lunch

3-course lunch
Live commentary on board
Professional guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Air-conditioned vehicle

Drinks
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

we need your istanbul hotel name to pick you up from your hotel

Operating hours
.8:30 am

Itinerary

After hotel pickup in Istanbul, travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway that separates Europe and Asia.

Here, step onto a traditional sightseeing boat, settling on the outer deck to enjoy unobstructed views as you cruise between the two continents past Istanbul’s scenic European and Asian shores.

Listen to the live onboard commentary, sail under the Bosphorus Bridge, and glide by highlights such as the Ortaköy Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Fortress, the latter built by Sultan Mehmed II in 1452.

After about two hours, disembark and enjoy a 3-course lunch at a local seafood restaurant. Then, hop into an air-conditioned minivan and enjoy the stunning views on a drive across the Bosphorus Bridge to Istanbul’s Asian side.

Admire the Ottoman-era ‘yali’ (mansions) along the waterfront, hearing how it was possible for these grand houses to be built so close to the water. Then, take in the ornate Beylerbeyi Palace, once a summer residence of Ottoman sultans, and other landmarks as you work your way to Çamlıca Hill, a highpoint commanding spectacular views over the city.

Absorb the panoramas over drinks (own expense) at the cafe, and then finish your tour with a hotel drop-off.

Dolmabahce Palace (Pass By)

Ortakoy (Pass By)

Bosphorus Bridge

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Istanbul Sightseeing Tours

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation

No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8

based on 15 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

See the Asian side of Istanbul

Sharon_K, Jun 2025

Istanbul is beautiful, our first time on the Asian side and it was amazing seeing the beautiful hills and views

Response from Host, Jun 2025

thank you to your very kind review.

A great introduction to Istanbul.

Perry_M, Aug 2024

Emre, our guide, did a great job of assessing our needs and capabilities and taking us to experience those older parts of Istanbul that were never going to see with our tour party. What a wonderful beginning to our holiday.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Dear Friends, Thanks to your kind review. Emre

The most relaxing way to learn Turkish history

Nicholas_V, May 2023

After two days of walking tours, it was nice to have a private bus (for our tour group) shuttle us around for the day. Our tour guide was fantastic and we learned a lot of Turkish history from him. He also had the perfect mix of guiding and explaining vs giving us time to ourselves to look and discuss on our own. All in all, a very nice day.