Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side With Lunch From Istanbul

Enjoy the captivating charm of Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait and the Asian side of the city with this comprehensive full-day excursion. Set out on a scenic 1.5-hour cruise, marveling at the iconic landmarks that line the waterways, then savor a delightful lunch with stunning views at Camlica Hill. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture and relaxation, providing travelers with an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s rich heritage. With hotel pickup and a knowledgeable guide, you’ll discover the city’s hidden gems and uncover the secrets that make this destination truly remarkable. Prepare to be enchanted as you…

Key Points

• This full-day tour in Istanbul includes a Bosphorus cruise, a visit to Camlica Hill, and a lunch with a Bosphorus view.
• The tour accommodates up to 16 travelers and is priced at $155.39 per person, including hotel pickup/drop-off, local taxes, and a professional guide.
• Highlights of the tour include exploring the Beylerbeyi Palace, the Golden Horn, and the Ortaköy neighborhood, with flexibility for alternative visits to Galata Tower.
• Travelers have reported an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5, with positive feedback on the locations and lunch, but some criticism regarding the guide’s focus.
• The tour is stroller-accessible, with a flexible cancellation policy, and transportation is accessible via public transportation.

Tour Overview

The Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side Tour is a full-day excursion offered by Turista Travel Agency in Istanbul, Turkey.

The tour lasts the entire day and accommodates up to 16 travelers. Priced from $155.39 per person, the tour includes a Bosphorus Strait cruise, a visit to Camlica Hill, and lunch with a Bosphorus view.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, local taxes, and a professional guide are also provided. Travelers can expect to see the European and Asian shorelines, historic palaces, and the Bosphorus Bridge.

The tour is stroller-accessible, though not wheelchair-friendly. Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours in advance at no cost.

Inclusions

The Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side Tour includes several key features to enhance the overall experience.

The tour package includes a delectable lunch with a picturesque Bosphorus view, ensuring travelers savor the flavors of the region while admiring the stunning scenery.

Plus, the tour covers local taxes, a professional guide to provide historical context and insights, and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off services.

Travelers can also enjoy complimentary drinks and gratuities, making the experience hassle-free and allowing them to fully enjoy the sights and sounds of Istanbul’s vibrant culture.

• Lunch with Bosphorus view
• Local taxes
• Professional guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary Highlights

Travelers embark on the Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side Tour by first meeting their guide at the hotel.

They’ll then board a vessel and cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, admiring the European and Asian shorelines, palaces, villas, and historic landmarks.

After crossing the iconic Bosphorus Bridge, the tour visits Camlica Hill, offering panoramic views and lunch with a Bosphorus vista.

Next, they’ll explore the charming Ortaköy neighborhood and the grand Dolmabahçe Palace, home to 285 rooms.

On Mondays and Thursdays, when the palace is closed, the tour visits the Galata Tower instead.

This diverse itinerary showcases Istanbul’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes.

Tour Stops

The Bosphorus Strait takes center stage for 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing travelers to admire the stunning European and Asian shorelines, opulent palaces, charming villas, and historic landmarks.

The tour then ascends to Camlica Hill for 1 hour, where participants can enjoy panoramic views and a delightful lunch.

Next, the group explores the Beylerbeyi Palace for 30 minutes, taking in its architectural grandeur.

The final stop is the Golden Horn for 30 minutes, though admission isn’t included.

• The Bosphorus Bridge is passed by, but not explored in-depth.
• Security measures may impact the tour’s logistics during local events.
• Flexibility is key, as the Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.
• Proper planning ensures a smooth and memorable experience.

Traveler Feedback

According to the available reviews, the Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side Tour has received a respectable overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews. Positive comments highlight the tour’s enjoyable locations and the delightful lunch along the Bosphorus. However, some travelers felt the guide focused too much on property values rather than providing historical context. Plus, logistical issues were reported due to security measures during a local event. The tour seems to offer a solid Bosphorus and Asian side experience, though some areas for improvement have been noted.

Positive	Neutral	Negative
Enjoyable locations	Respectable overall rating	Guide’s focus on property values
Delightful lunch	–	Logistical issues due to local event
–	–	–

Pricing and Policies

The tour’s pricing starts at $155.39 per person, with the Turista Travel Agency offering a full-day experience covering the Bosphorus Strait and the Asian side of Istanbul.

The tour includes a Bosphorus cruise, lunch with a Bosphorus view, a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and local taxes. Drinks and gratuities are also covered.

The agency has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Key considerations for travelers include:

• Maximum group size of 16 for a more personalized experience
• Accessibility for strollers but not wheelchairs
• Proximity to public transportation

Accessibility and Transportation

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed.

The Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side tour takes place in areas near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. Participants will be picked up from their hotels and dropped off at the end of the day.

During the tour, they’ll cross the Bosphorus Bridge, which stretches over 5,500 feet (1,704 meters).

While the Dolmabahçe Palace is included in the itinerary, it’s closed on Mondays and Thursdays, and visitors will instead explore the Galata Tower on those days.

Additional Details

Confirmation of booking is received upon purchase, ensuring travelers have all necessary details prior to the excursion.

This full-day tour explores the highlights of Istanbul’s Asian side, including a scenic Bosphorus cruise, panoramic viewpoints, and a delightful lunch.

Some key details to note:

• This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller friendly.
• The tour’s meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation options.
• Most travelers can participate, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
• Guests should be aware that the Dolmabahçe Palace may be closed on certain days, with the Galata Tower visited instead.

The Sum Up

This captivating Bosphorus cruise and Asian side tour from Istanbul offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and picturesque landscapes. With a scenic cruise, delightful lunch, and knowledgeable guide, travelers can enjoy Istanbul’s rich heritage and culture, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a well-rounded and relaxing sightseeing experience.