Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side With Lunch From Istanbul

Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait is a captivating waterway that connects Europe and Asia, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich history and cultural diversity. The "Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side with Lunch" tour promises an immersive journey, showcasing the grandeur of historic mansions, fortifications, and the iconic Bosphorus Bridge. With a personalized, small-group experience and a delectable lunch, this tour provides a compelling glimpse into the enchanting allure of Istanbul’s multifaceted identity.

Key Points

Key points:

• A full-day small-group tour of Istanbul, including a Bosphorus cruise and exploration of the Asian side.
• Lunch with panoramic views from Camlica Hill and a guided visit to the Dolmabahçe Palace.
• Opportunity to cross the Bosphorus Bridge, linking Europe and Asia.
• Comprehensive experience of Istanbul’s sights and flavors, with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Flexibility in the itinerary, with an alternative visit to Galata Tower on certain days.

Tour Overview

The full-day, small-group tour of Istanbul provides visitors with a comprehensive sightseeing experience, taking them on a Bosphorus cruise and exploring the Asian side of the city.

The tour includes views of elegant mansions and fortifications along the Bosphorus Strait, as well as a crossing of the Bosphorus Bridge, which links Europe and Asia.

Lunch with panoramic views from Camlica Hill is also included, along with a guided tour of the Dolmabahçe Palace, a Neoclassical example from the Ottoman period.

The tour is led by a professional guide and includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Inclusions

This tour includes a delectable lunch with panoramic views from Camlica Hill.

It also covers local taxes, a professional guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Drinks and gratuities are included as well.

The tour provides a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to explore the Bosphorus Strait, cross the iconic Bosphorus Bridge, and visit the grand Dolmabahçe Palace, a prime example of Neoclassical Ottoman architecture.

A comprehensive tour that explores the Bosphorus Strait, crosses the iconic Bosphorus Bridge, and visits the grand Dolmabahçe Palace.

With these carefully curated inclusions, the tour offers an immersive introduction to Istanbul’s captivating sights and flavors.

Itinerary Highlights

After meeting the guide at the hotel, the tour begins with a sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, offering views of the elegant mansions and historic fortifications that line the European and Asian shores. The group then crosses the 5,500-foot Bosphorus Bridge, connecting Europe and Asia. Lunch follows at Camlica Hill, providing panoramic views. The tour culminates with a guided visit to the grand Dolmabahçe Palace, featuring 285 rooms and Neoclassical splendor from the Ottoman period. On Mondays and Thursdays, an alternative visit to the iconic Galata Tower is arranged when the palace is closed.

| Tour Highlights |

|—————–|

| Bosphorus Cruise |

| Bosphorus Bridge |

| Camlica Hill Lunch |

| Dolmabahçe Palace |

Tour Details

The tour duration encompasses 1 hour at Camlica Hill, 1.5 hours on the Bosphorus Strait, and 30 minutes at Beylerbeyi Palace.

The small-group tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible. Travelers will appreciate that the tour’s meeting point is near public transportation.

The small-group tour is stroller accessible, with a meeting point conveniently located near public transportation.

The maximum group size is 16 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

It’s important to note that Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays, in which case the tour will visit Galata Tower instead.

Pricing and Reviews

The tour is priced from $159.75 per person. Customers can benefit from free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour has received 4 reviews with an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5. Reviewers highlighted the great places visited and enjoyable lunch, but some expressed concerns about the guide’s focus and traffic issues during the tour.

Exploring the Bosphorus Strait

As the tour begins, guests embark on a captivating sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the dynamic waterway that divides the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

They marvel at the grand palaces, elegant mansions, and historic fortifications lining the shores.

The Bosphorus Bridge, spanning 5,500 feet, connects the two continents as the minibus crosses from Europe to Asia.

Guests soak in panoramic views from Camlica Hill, a scenic park overlooking the strait.

The journey showcases Istanbul’s rich heritage and the geographic uniqueness where East meets West along the famed Bosphorus.

Visiting Camlica Hill and Dolmabahçe Palace

After the captivating cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the tour continues with a relaxing lunch at Camlica Hill, offering panoramic views of the waterway and surrounding landmarks.

Perched on the Asian side, this scenic park provides a peaceful respite before the visit to Dolmabahçe Palace.

Perched on the Asian side, this scenic park offers a peaceful respite before visiting the grand Dolmabahçe Palace.

An impressive example of Neoclassical Ottoman architecture, the palace features 285 rooms and vast gardens. Guests will have the chance to explore the opulent interiors, learning about the palace’s history and role as a former residence of the Ottoman sultans.

The tour allows time to appreciate the grandeur of this iconic Istanbul landmark.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour of Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait and Asian side offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s enchanting charm. Guests can admire stunning views, savor a delightful lunch, and discover the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace, all while enjoying a personalized small-group experience. It’s an ideal way to uncover the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that make Istanbul a captivating destination.