Istanbul: Europe & Asian Sides Full-Day Tour with Boat & Lunch

History

Istanbul, straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, has been a cultural and strategic crossroads for over 2,000 years, serving as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Sites like Beylerbeyi Palace, built in the 19th century under Sultan Abdulhamid II, reflect Ottoman opulence, while the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, tied to Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, holds deep Islamic significance from the 15th century.

Çamlıca Hill and the modern Çamlıca Mosque, opened in 2019, showcase Istanbul’s blend of natural beauty and contemporary architecture. Pierre Loti Hill, named after the French novelist, offers historical views of the Golden Horn, a key Byzantine waterway. This tour encapsulates Istanbul’s rich, multi-layered heritage.

Highlights

• Enjoy panoramic views from Çamlıca Hill and a visit to Turkey’s largest mosque.
• Explore the 19th-century Beylerbeyi Palace with its crystal chandeliers and carpets.
• Visit the sacred Eyüp Sultan Mosque, linked to a companion of Prophet Muhammad.
• Take a cable car (or car) to Pierre Loti Hill for stunning Golden Horn views.
• Cruise the Bosphorus for 2 hours, admiring Istanbul’s iconic architecture at sunset.

Full Description

Embark on a 12-hour guided tour exploring both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, starting with a convenient hotel pickup from central areas. Begin at Çamlıca Hill on the Asian side, where you’ll capture breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul’s skyline, perfect for photos. Next, visit the Çamlıca Mosque, Turkey’s largest, opened in 2019, and learn about its architectural significance and construction under President Erdoğan.

Continue to Beylerbeyi Palace (closed Mondays, replaced by Çamlıca Tower or Miniaturk Museum), a 19th-century Ottoman summer residence adorned with stunning chandeliers and carpets. Cross to the European side to explore the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, a sacred site housing the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of Prophet Muhammad.

Ascend Pierre Loti Hill via cable car (or car if unavailable) for panoramic views of the Golden Horn and a visit to the iconic Pierre Loti Cafe. Conclude with a 2-hour Bosphorus boat cruise, marveling at Istanbul’s historic architecture and sunset views. Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch during the tour, before being dropped off at your hotel.

Why Choose This Experience?

This full-day tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Istanbul’s diverse European and Asian sides, blending cultural landmarks, modern marvels, and a scenic Bosphorus cruise. With a multilingual guide, included lunch, and seamless logistics, it’s a comprehensive way to experience the city’s heritage and beauty.

Ideal for first-time visitors, history enthusiasts, and those seeking unique perspectives, the tour covers off-the-beaten-path sites like Çamlıca Hill alongside iconic mosques and palaces. The sunset cruise and flexible itinerary make it a memorable and value-packed adventure.

What’s Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (from central Istanbul areas)
• Professional guide (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic)
• Traditional Turkish lunch
• 2-hour Bosphorus boat tour
• Entry to Çamlıca Mosque
• Entry to Çamlıca Hill
• Entry to Beylerbeyi Palace (or Çamlıca Tower/Miniaturk on Mondays)
• Entry to Eyüp Sultan Mosque
• Pierre Loti Hill visit (cable car or car transfer)

Itinerary

• Hotel Pickup: Morning transfer from central Istanbul hotels.
• Çamlıca Hill: Panoramic views and photo stop (45 minutes).
• Çamlıca Mosque: Guided visit to Turkey’s largest mosque (45 minutes).
• Beylerbeyi Palace: Tour the Ottoman summer palace (1 hour, replaced on Mondays).
• Eyüp Sultan Mosque: Visit the sacred mosque and shrine (45 minutes).
• Pierre Loti Hill: Cable car (or car) ascent and cafe visit with Golden Horn views (1 hour).
• Bosphorus Cruise: 2-hour boat tour with sunset views.
• Lunch: Traditional Turkish meal during the tour.
• Hotel Drop-off: Return to your accommodation.

Pricing

From $116 per person

Meeting Point

Pickup is available from hotels in central Istanbul. Wait at the designated pickup area or hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time. Confirm exact pickup details with the operator when booking.

How to Get There

• Arrange hotel pickup from central Istanbul areas (e.g., Sultanahmet, Taksim).
• Be ready at your hotel’s lobby or external pickup point 10 minutes early.
• Use the T1 tram to reach central areas like Eminönü or Sultanahmet if joining from elsewhere.
• Contact the operator via WhatsApp for precise pickup details or assistance.
• Verify the pickup location on Google Maps to avoid confusion.

Good to Know

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes for walking at sites like Çamlıca Hill and Eyüp.
• Camera for capturing Bosphorus views and historic landmarks.
• Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen for outdoor stops.
• Modest clothing for mosque visits (headscarves for women, long pants/skirts).

Know Before You Go

• Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays; Çamlıca Tower or Miniaturk Museum is visited instead.
• If the cable car at Pierre Loti Hill is out of service, a car transfer is provided.
• The tour involves moderate walking; suitable for most fitness levels.
• Dress respectfully for mosque visits (cover shoulders and knees).
• The tour operates rain or shine; bring appropriate clothing for weather conditions.

Reviews

• We had an amazing experience from start to finish! The staff were incredibly kind and punctual, the food was absolutely delicious, and we visited beautiful spots with breathtaking views. Highly recommend!
• This was the best tour I’ve been on lately. Worth every penny. Our guide was a very nice and funny guy, ensuring the tour went smoothly. The Bosphorus cruise at sunset was a highlight!
• If you want to see different places in Istanbul beyond typical tourist spots, join this tour. Visiting both the Asian and European sides, including Çamlıca Hill and Eyüp, was really worth it. The lunch and boat tour were fantastic!