Istanbul: Two Continents Tour by Bus & Bosphorus Cruise

Summary

Crossing Istanbul’s bridges, mosques, palaces and the Bosphorus

You’ll cross Istanbul’s two continents by bus and boat, seeing Camlica Mosque’s vast domes, sipping tea during a Bosphorus cruise at sunset, riding a cable car down from Pierre Loti Hill, and sharing laughs with your local guide along the way. Expect panoramic views, quiet moments in historic mosques, and flavors you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

So we almost missed the bus because I got distracted by a street cat outside the hotel — classic me. Our guide, Cem, just grinned and waved us over like he’d seen it all before. First stop was Camlica Hill on the Asian side. The air up there had that sharp morning chill, but you could smell simit carts somewhere below. Standing at 288 meters with the city spread out in layers of haze and minarets… I don’t know, it made Istanbul feel endless. Cem pointed out neighborhoods with stories for each one; he joked about traffic being the city’s “fifth element.”

The Camlica Mosque is massive — honestly I felt tiny under those domes. There was this faint scent of rose water inside (maybe from someone’s prayer beads?), and sunlight spilled through stained glass in these weird patterns on the carpet. We wandered quietly for a while, then headed to Beylerbeyi Palace. The marble steps were cold even through my shoes. I tried to picture sultans here but mostly noticed how everyone kept whispering — even Cem dropped his voice.

Crossing the Bosphorus Bridge felt surreal — you’re literally between continents for a minute or two. Lunch after that was simple but good (I still think about that lentil soup), and then Eyüp Sultan Mosque. People were lighting candles or just sitting in silence; it felt respectful to slow down too. At Pierre Loti Hill we took the cable car down — not as scary as I thought — and watched old men play backgammon under chestnut trees while seagulls screamed overhead.

The Bosphorus cruise at sunset is where it all kind of blurred together: palaces sliding past on both sides, tea glasses clinking on deck, wind tangling my hair so bad I gave up fixing it. Cem pointed out Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower from afar — they looked almost painted in that light. By the time we got back to our hotel I realized my feet hurt but my head was full of new places and little moments you can’t really plan for, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Istanbul full-day tour and cruise

• Visit Camlica Mosque
• Stop at Camlica Hill viewpoint
• Explore Beylerbeyi Palace
• Cross 15 July Martyrs Bridge
• Lunch break
• Visit Eyüp Mosque
• Explore Pierre Loti Hill
• Take cable car down Pierre Loti Hill
• Board boat for Bosphorus cruise
• Cruise along European side of Bosphorus
• Cruise along Asian side of Bosphorus
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Istanbul Two Continents Tour last?

The tour is a full-day experience with an evening Bosphorus cruise included.

Is lunch included in this Istanbul day trip?

Yes, a quality Turkish lunch with a soft drink is included during the tour.

What are some main stops on this tour?

Main stops include Camlica Hill, Camlica Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Pierre Loti Hill (with cable car), and a Bosphorus cruise.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your day trip from central hotels.

Are entrance fees covered?

All entrance fees and taxes are included in the price of the tour.

Is there a guide during the tour?

A local guide leads the group throughout the day trip across Istanbul.

What’s special about crossing the Bosphorus Bridge?

You’ll travel between Europe and Asia via the 15 July Martyrs Bridge during your tour.

Can I use public transportation to join this tour?

Public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees for every stop including Beylerbeyi Palace and Camlica Mosque, an hour-long Turkish lunch with a soft drink, tickets for the Pierre Loti cable car ride down to Golden Horn waterside cafes, free WiFi plus complimentary tea or Nescafe on board during your two-hour Bosphorus cruise before returning safely to your hotel in Istanbul.