Istanbul Historical Tour with Bosphorus Cruise
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Hagia Sophia's grandeur
- Wander through Topkapi Palace
- Marvel at the Blue Mosque's architecture
- Cruise the Bosphorus at sunset
- Enjoy panoramic city views
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Istanbul's historic sites
- Bosphorus sunset cruise
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Meals and beverages
Meeting point
Start Location
Binbirdirek, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Atmeydanı Caddesi, Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language for a full experience.
- Confirm your hotel pickup details upon booking to ensure timely departure.
- Be prepared for a full day of activities; consider your energy levels before booking.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the day's excursions.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and historic sites.
- Carry a light jacket or sweater for the evening cruise, as temperatures can drop.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, we visit Dolmabahce Palace on Tuesdays.
- The old city, Sultanahmet is closed for car traffic, travelers visit the sights by walking. There is quite a lot of walkings, so please wear comfortable shoes and get ready for a long walking day right before a very enjoyable luxury yacht cruise.
- The sunset cruise ends at 21.00 from 01st May to end of July.
- The tour guide will contact you one day before to coordinate the hotels pick services (if your hotel is in the city center) or the meeting point.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and it may be replaced with Spice Bazaar or Arasta Bazaar
- Ladies are recommended to bring scarfs to use while visiting the Blue Mosque
- Museum tickets are not included, the tour guide can provide fast-track musem entry tickets on the tour.
Traveler reviews
A busy but very fulfilling day to explore Istanbul.
An amazing day. Murat our guide was so knowledgeable and flexible including extra things as the grand bazaar was closed on a Sunday. We had plenty of time to see everything. There is a fair amount of walking but with lots of stops along the way this was fine. The extras not included amounted to another 160 euros per couple so factor this in. All the locations were worth the cost and the visit. The lunch on a rooftop terrace was stunning as was the sunset cruise- a perfect way to end a busy day. All guides were helpful and respectful. I would highly recommend this tour.
Not worth it. Book Nehed (guide) separately if you can and let her show you the key sites and tell the history.
Our guide Nehed for the day was amazing! Sadly she was really the only good part. Lovely, informative and helpful woman. A disappointment for us was that the bazaar was closed (not notified of that) and the lunch served me with something I was allergic to (despite our guide sending things back several times and explaining carefully my allergy). So we ended up having to cut the day short just after lunch because I became very sick. The cruise that evening was fine but the guide must have said “and the other side is Asia” at least a dozen or more times (it became a joke with my group and the others in our area) and it was just ‘lacking.’ Snacks were provided per booking group and not per person - annoying if everyone likes the same things. Just overall meh.
Best Day with Nehed!
My friend and I had the most wonderful day within Nehed! Thank you so much to our brilliant guide who expertly guided us through all of the beautiful and important landmarks of Istanbul. She took the time to tell us all of the history in great detail and made us feel very welcome in this beautiful city. She took us to a beautiful place for lunch where we had fabulous food, an amazing view fed the seagulls and even saw dolphins and other marine life. It was very sad to part with her as we felt like she became our new friend during the day. If you have limited time in Istanbul, this tour with the lovely Nehed is an absolute must as you get to see everything the city has to offer and more!
Take this tour, it is well worth the time and money!
I think this tour is a must to see so much of the beauty of Istanbul and learn the significance of what you are seeing. The tour was well organized and a great way to get around in a time efficient manner. The cruise was awesome and an opportunity for great pictures.
Fantastic day, such good value and so professional
Fantastic day - everything was handled so professionally from booking, pick up at our hotel, connecting with our guide (who was so good and a real jem), all the great sights, lunch, connecting back to the boat (which was very good) and transfer back to the hotel. We didn't have to wait at all and had a great time - Highly recommended and well worth the money!!