Istanbul Small Group Tour: Bosphorus Cruise, Spice Bazaar & Palaces

Summary

Discover Istanbul’s Highlights by Land and Water

You’ll wander through Istanbul’s lively Spice Bazaar, cruise along the Bosphorus between two continents, enjoy lunch atop Camlica Hill with city views, and explore an Ottoman palace—all with an expert local guide making sure you don’t miss those small but memorable moments.

What’s the experience like?

Right after breakfast, we met our guide in the hotel lobby—he greeted us with a big smile and a few words about the day ahead. Our first stop was the Spice Bazaar. Even before stepping inside, you could catch a whiff of cinnamon and dried mint drifting out onto the street. Inside, it was a maze of stalls—pyramids of saffron, jars of honeycomb, and vendors calling out their deals in Turkish. I picked up some candied ginger from a woman who insisted I try a sample first. She said mornings are best for fresh produce here, and she wasn’t wrong—the figs were perfect.

We continued to Rumeli Fortress. The stone walls towered above us; our guide explained how Sultan Mehmet II built it in just four months back in 1452. Standing there, you can almost hear the seagulls echoing off the old battlements. Then came something I’d always wanted to do: crossing continents by car over the Bosphorus Bridge. It’s quick—just a couple minutes—but looking out at both Europe and Asia from your window feels surreal.

The Bosphorus cruise was next. We boarded near Eminönü; the water was calm that day, just a bit of breeze off the strait. As we drifted past wooden Ottoman mansions and fishing boats bobbing near Ortaköy Mosque, our guide pointed out little details—like how locals use tiny ferries to cross for work every morning. After about an hour and a half on the water, we drove up to Camlica Hill for lunch. The view is wide open—you see all of Istanbul laid out below you—and there’s this faint smell of pine from the gardens around the café. Lunch was simple but filling; I went for grilled chicken with rice while others tried local köfte.

Our last stop was Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side—a summer home for Ottoman sultans. The original furniture is still there; velvet chairs, crystal chandeliers, even old clocks that don’t quite keep time anymore. The gardens outside are quiet except for birds hopping between rose bushes. By late afternoon we were back at our hotel—tired but honestly glad we’d seen so much in just one day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Istanbul Highlights and Bosphorus Cruise

• Visit Spice Bazaar
• Visit Rumeli Fortress
• Drive on Bosphorus Bridge
• Cruise on Bosphorus Strait
• Lunch at Camlica Hill
• Visit Beylerbeyi Palace

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Families are welcome—infants can ride in strollers or prams during most stops.

Will we have free time to shop at the Spice Bazaar?

You’ll have some time to browse and buy spices or snacks before moving on to the next site.

Is lunch included? What kind of food is served?

Lunch is included at Camlica Hill café; typical options are grilled meats or vegetarian plates (infant meals not included).

How long does the Bosphorus cruise last?

The cruise lasts about 1.5 hours along key sights between Europe and Asia.

Are entrance fees covered?

Yes—all entrance fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

What’s included

Your tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off (or port), all entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide throughout the day, lunch at Camlica Hill (drinks extra), plus local taxes. Just bring comfy shoes—and maybe save room in your bag for some spices!