Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise, Bus Tour, Golden Horn, Cable Car

Discovering the captivating city of Istanbul is a must-do for any traveler. This comprehensive tour offers a seamless way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks and natural beauty. From cruising along the Bosphorus Strait to exploring the vibrant Golden Horn, this excursion provides a well-rounded introduction to Istanbul’s rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of this enchanting metropolis.

Key Points

• A 4-hour tour offering a Bosphorus Cruise, Golden Horn bus tour, and cable car ride to Pierre Loti Hill, providing a comprehensive sightseeing experience in Istanbul.
• The Bosphorus Cruise offers scenic views of the waterway separating Europe and Asia, including landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
• The Golden Horn bus tour provides panoramic views of historic houses and Roman ruins, with stops at Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Pierre Loti Hill.
• The cable car ride to Pierre Loti Hill offers a thrilling vantage point for soaking in the city’s rich history and culture.
• Multiple drop-off locations across Istanbul, including the historic heart of Fatih, the modern district of Şişli, and the vibrant neighborhood of Beyoğlu.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour is a 4-hour activity that includes a Bosphorus Cruise, bus tour of the Golden Horn, and a cable car ride to Pierre Loti Hill.

A 4-hour adventure featuring a Bosphorus Cruise, Golden Horn bus tour, and a cable car ride to Pierre Loti Hill.

Priced from $32.02 per person, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Booking is available with a pay later option.

The itinerary highlights the scenic Bosphorus Strait, historical sites like the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, and panoramic viewpoints.

Transportation, an English-speaking guide, and cruise/cable car tickets are included, but food, drinks, and tips are not.

The tour has an overall rating of 4/5 based on 235 reviews.

Bosphorus Strait Cruise

During the Bosphorus Strait cruise, guests will enjoy scenic views of the waterway that separates Europe and Asia.

They’ll see landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia along the shores. The cruise provides an opportunity to witness the bustling maritime traffic and admire the city’s skyline from the water.

Guests can relax and take in the sights as the boat glides along the strait. The cruise is an integral part of the tour, offering a unique perspective on Istanbul’s rich history and culture.

Golden Horn Sightseeing

After the serene Bosphorus Strait cruise, the tour continues with a sightseeing excursion along the Golden Horn. The coach journey offers panoramic views of the historic houses, Roman ruins, and cultural landmarks that line the banks of this iconic estuary. A highlight is the stop at Pierre Loti Hill, where visitors can ride a cable car to the top for sweeping vistas of the Golden Horn and its surroundings. The tour then proceeds to the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, a significant Islamic site where the companion of Prophet Muhammad is entombed.

| Sights Seen | Duration |

| — | — |

| Golden Horn | 1 hour |

| Pierre Loti Hill | 30 minutes |

| Eyüp Sultan Mosque | 30 minutes |

| Total Tour Time | 2 hours |

Pierre Loti Hill Cable Car

After the sightseeing tour along the Golden Horn, the Istanbul tour takes visitors to Pierre Loti Hill.

Here, they’ll experience a thrilling cable car ride up the hill, offering panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the city skyline. The cable car provides a scenic and convenient way to reach the top, where visitors can explore the historic Eyüp Sultan Mosque and enjoy the hilltop vistas.

This leg of the tour allows travelers to soak in the city’s rich history and culture from a unique vantage point, adding depth to their Istanbul experience.

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Eyüp Sultan Mosque

The Eyüp Sultan Mosque stands as a revered pilgrimage site for Muslims, attracting visitors from around the world.

This 15th-century mosque is named after Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad, whose tomb is located on the mosque’s grounds.

Visitors can explore the intricate Ottoman architecture and attend prayer services.

The mosque’s serene atmosphere and spiritual significance make it a must-see destination for those exploring Istanbul’s rich Islamic heritage.

After the mosque visit, the tour continues with panoramic views from the Pierre Loti Hill cable car.

Drop-off Locations

The tour offers drop-off at several locations across Istanbul, including Fatih, Şişli, Beyoğlu, Eyüpsultan, and Beşiktaş. This allows participants flexibility to continue their exploration or return to their accommodations at the end of the tour.

The drop-off locations include:

• Fatih: The historic heart of Istanbul, home to the Sultanahmet Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

• Şişli: A modern, upscale district with high-end shopping and dining options.

• Beyoğlu: A vibrant neighborhood known for its lively nightlife and cultural attractions.

• Eyüpsultan: The site of the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, a significant Islamic pilgrimage site.

• Beşiktaş: A cosmopolitan district along the Bosphorus, popular for its waterfront promenade.

Customer Experiences

Customers who have experienced the Istanbul tour have shared their positive feedback. The tour has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 from 235 reviews. Guests have praised the knowledgeable guide, giving them a rating of 4.2 out of 5. The transportation was also well-received, earning a 4.3 out of 5 rating. Reviewers have highlighted the tour’s value for money, with a 4.1 out of 5 rating.

| Review | Rating |

|——–|——–|

| Tan (Malaysia) | "Fantastic journey, worth the price." |

| Kiran (UK) | "Very good activity, informative guide." |

| Monserrat (Chile) | "Fast-paced, knowledgeable guide, good price/quality." |

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, food and drinks are not included. Travelers are allowed to bring their own snacks and beverages, but the tour operator does not provide them during the excursion.

Is the Tour Wheelchair/Disabled Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair/disabled accessible. It provides hotel pickup and drop-off, and the cruise and cable car are equipped to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. Travellers should contact the tour operator in advance to ensure their needs can be accommodated.

Can I Book the Tour in a Language Other Than English?

Yes, the tour can be booked in languages other than English. According to the information provided, the tour includes a live English-speaking guide, but it’s likely other language options are available upon request when booking.

Are There Any Child-Friendly Activities Included in the Tour?

The tour includes a cable car ride to Pierre Loti Hill, which offers panoramic views that children would enjoy. The Bosphorus cruise and bus tour also have sights that could interest families. Child-friendly activities are available as part of this tour.

How Reliable Is the Transportation for Hotel Pickups and Drop-Offs?

The transportation for hotel pickups and drop-offs is reliable. According to reviews, the transportation rating is 4.3/5, indicating that customers are generally satisfied with the transportation provided as part of the tour.

The Sum Up

This Istanbul tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks. The Bosphorus cruise, bus tour, and cable car ride provide stunning views of historical sites like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. With flexible drop-off options, travelers can tailor the experience to their interests and schedule. It’s an excellent way to take in Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: