Experience Asia and Europe by land and sea on this full-day tour of Istanbul, a gem of a city waiting to be discovered. With a tailored itinerary, visit all the major sights on land in the morning, including the Bosphorus Bridge, Çamlıca Hill, Beylerbeyi Palace and Bağdat Street. Then continue touring the city on an afternoon cruise (with public boat) on the Bosphorus, the best way to explore the shores of İstanbul by the sea. Finish your day with a visit to the world famous Spice Market.
Tour Options
A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea
Itinerary
Pass by
Your morning starts with a trip toward the Bosphorus Bridge, an architectural masterpiece that connects 2 continents. Travel 197 feet (60 m) above water, cross the contemporary steel structure, and admire an expansive view of both sides of the city.
Admission not included120 min
Lying under the legs of the Bosphorus Bridge is the Beylerbeyi Palace, the elegantly-furnished 19th-century summer residence of the Ottoman sultans. From Bohemian crystal chandeliers and Hereke-type carpets to Arabic-inscribed ceilings and stately rooms, explore the Ottoman house plan, where nearly everything is symmetrical.
Admission not included30 min
Ascend to one of the highest points in Istanbul, Camlica Hill, and absorb a panorama of the city—a great photo opportunity. This idyllic spot is scattered with small cafés and tea-houses and surrounded by pine trees and well-maintained lawns, making it a favorite leisure spot for locals and tourists.
Admission not included60 min
For a sample of modern Istanbul, visit Bagdat Street. Lined with sidewalk cafés, swaying trees, and chic boutiques and shops, this is the place to be for the fashionable, local Sunday-brunch crowd.
Admission not included15 min
After the naval victory at Cyzicus, the ancient Athenian general Alcibiades possibly built a custom station for ships coming from the Black Sea on a small rock in front of Chrysopolis (today's Üsküdar). In 1110 Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus built a wooden tower protected by a stone wall. From the tower an iron chain stretched across to another tower erected on the European shore, at the quarter of Mangana in Constantinople. The islet was then connected to the Asiatic shore through a defense wall, whose underwater remains are still visible. During the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453, the tower held a Byzantine garrison commanded by the Venetian Gabriele Trevisano. Subsequently, the structure was used as a watchtower by the Ottoman Turks during the reign of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.
60 min
There are several documents suggesting that the name of the bazaar was first "New Bazaar". The and got its name "Egyptian Bazaar" (Turkish: Mısır Çarşısı) because it was built with the revenues from the Ottoman eyalet of Egypt in 1660. The word mısır has a double meaning in Turkish: "Egypt" and "maize". This is why sometimes the name is wrongly translated as "Corn Bazaar". The bazaar was (and still is) the center for spice trade in Istanbul, but in recent years shops of other types are gradually replacing the sellers of spices.
The building itself is part of the külliye (complex) of the New Mosque. The revenues obtained from the rented shops inside the bazaar building were used for the upkeeping of the mosque.
Highlights
Tour of Asian Side of Istanbul, Beylerbeyi Palace, Baghdad Street & Spice Market.
English-Speaking & Professional Tour Guide.
Admission Fees to Cruise Boat.
Transportation from/to the Meeting Point.
What's included
Included
Tour of Asian Side of Istanbul, Beylerbeyi Palace, Baghdad Street & Spice Market.
English-Speaking & Professional Tour Guide.
Admission Fees to Cruise Boat.
Transportation from/to the Meeting Point.
Not included
Food & Beverages.
Admission Fees to Museums.
Gratuities
Personal Expenses.
Traveller Ratings
4.8
17 reviews
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Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Frequently asked questions
How long does A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea take?
A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea lasts about 8 hours. The itinerary has 6 stops.
How much does A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea cost?
Prices start at $15 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meeting Point: Hereke Halı (Hereke Carpets)
Meeting Point Coordinates (Latitude & Longitude): 41.010233027453424, 28.972806646594854. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 20 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(17)
E
easyimmunehealthl
June 30, 2025
Half a day too long
Could be done in half the time easily. It's the same time you can do with the hop on hop off bus, but the stops are set in tine and way too long.
For instance , a mosque with no adornment was an hour stop. My Muslim friend washed up, prayed, we toured the mosque and the grounds, browsed the bookshop, and went to the bathroom and we still had 1/2 hour to kill.
Every stop was like that. Do the hop on hop off bus and save a half day and spend extra time where you want to, when you want to.
3
333awad
January 26, 2025
Boat ride
Super friendly helpful and welcoming staff. Ahmed super nice the soul of this excursion. Super recommended
9
958debbyh
September 29, 2022
Perfect
Cenk Akbostanci, He was the most amazing tour guide we have ever had. We have traveled all around the world and never have we had a more knowledgeable guide, but most of all kinder and caring. Cenk went out of his way to make our trip perfect. He knew everything you ever wanted to know about Turkey. Where ever we went people knew him. My husband had something that was really important to him he wanted to do and Cenk went on his own time to make it happen. There was nothing Cenk would not help you with or question you had all you had to do was text Cenk and he answered. Turkey was great but we were really blessed by having a wonderful man become family. We will always remember our trip to Istanbul. If you go ask for Cenk. Because of Cenk we will be coming back to Istanbul in the near future. Truly a wonderful experience
J
jackz815
September 26, 2022
Amazing tour of Istanbul with Cenk
After being referred from our hotel, the Four Seasons at The Bosphorous, we all met our tour guide Cenk.
He made the tour one of the best I've ever been on. He was knowledgeable, extremely polite and really catered the tour to everyone.
We saw all of the sights, ate amazing food at local restaurants and got an immersive experience of the rich history of Istanbul.
I couldn't recommend this tour and Cenk enough.
Thanks again
O
O83VXchristianeb
September 13, 2022
Best English guide in Istanbul
Reggie is the best English guide you could wish for in Istanbul. He is very knowledgeable, helpful & flexible. We spent a fascinating day with him discovering Istanbul & we loved every minute of it. We highly recommend him to future travelers. Christiane & Edmond
M
Marjorie S
August 29, 2022
Great tour guide for Istanbul
The Four Seasons Sultanahmet recommended Cent (“Jenk”) Akbostanci as our full day tour guide. He was more that just a tour guide. I can truly say we have made a life long friend. Not only was he knowledgeable about all of the sights we saw (which are too many to list) on the 7 hours we spent together, but we got a taste of the true delights of Istanbul. We felt like very special guests everywhere. We ate delicious foods at local restaurants and he brought us to the best shops for authentic souvenirs. Many memories were made and he took great photos of us throughout the day. Will recommend him to our friends and will definitely reach out to him for future visits. His tour was the highlight of our trip.
N
Neda K
August 22, 2022
Thank You Cenk!! And Travelium
We had the most exciting day in Istanbul with laughs and foods and history , we owe this all to our tour guide Cenk Akstobanci he is such an amazing man and will stay our friend forever , make sure you go see the spice bazaar and the underground city. And stay at Kempenski palace too if its in your budget
T
Texas2Cabo
August 21, 2022
Highlight of our week in Istanbul!
We absolutely loved this private day tour and would recommend it to ANYONE who wants to experience the wonders of Istanbul. Our guide Ilgin was brilliant - super friendly, extremely knowledgeable - educating us not only on Turkey’s rich history but gave us an inside view of its fascinating culture. Ilgin toured us through all the city's most famous sites: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cisterns, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, explaining everything to us in perfect English. We never felt rushed; he took time with us to sit down in a charming cafe and share some of the traditional Turkish foods. He also brought us to terrific shopping venues we would not have found on our own. Thank you again Ilgin - we wouldn't have wanted anybody else to show us around this fantastic city!
A
annj333
August 21, 2022
Istanbul Summer Tour 2922
Super engaging and informational tour guide! We visited sites completely customised to our preferences and plans, while utilising his very helpful suggestions. It was a great time and we saw and experienced so much of the beautiful Turkish cultured.
M
Marcello V
August 20, 2022
Incredible city, full of secrets, discovered thanks to an excellent guide
We spent two days with Recep, expert guide. Smart guy, very polite, super competent, excellent English spoken. Always open at our ideas
