Istanbul Highlights Bosphorus Stops 1 +2 (Europe + Asia)
We strongly advise you our Whirling Dervish Ceremony: Go on a Spiritual Journey Half Day Tour in order to enrich your Istanbul holiday! - Start the day with Spice Bazaar, listen to the miracle of the herbs and taste delicious Turkish delights here. - Crossing from Besiktas to Uskudar by boat and have lunch here in a local restaurant. - In the afternoon, visit the famous mosques of Uskudar district. Start with Semsi Pasha Mosque from 16th century, designed by Ottoman imperial architect Mimar Sinan. - Continue with Yeni Valide Mosque from 18th century. - The last mosque we see here is another masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque. - Before crossing back to European side by boat, we visit local Fish Market. - And finally, last stop of the day is Dolmabahce Palace. We will also visit Harem of Dolmabahce Palace.
This tour offers a completely unique way to explore Istanbul. You will visit both one of the most popular and crowded areas on the Asian side, as well as a hidden, yet captivating gem—Kuzguncuk. Üsküdar, known as the "City of the Queens," still lives up to its historic charm. Experience the hustle and bustle of its fish market and sample some local food. Get a close-up view of the iconic Maiden's Tower, then take a bus ride with a local guide to the charming neighborhood of Kuzguncuk. Kuzguncuk is a cultural treasure, full of sights and incredible food! You will explore the area with guides who were born and raised there. Enjoy one of the best-rated ice creams in Turkey and indulge in street foods that are beloved by locals. Discover the breathtaking views and delicious food waiting for you on the Asian side.
Discover a less-visited side of Istanbul on the Golden Horn, where the layers of coexisting cultures are still visible. This private 8-hour tour takes you on an alternative route through old Istanbul, where Muslim Turks, Greek and Armenian Christians, and Jews used to live together. Visit Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and the stunning Chora Church, among many other notable sites dotting the Fener and Balat neighborhoods. Wander past typical old Istanbul houses and streets that preserve the feeling of the old city and travel comfortably by climate-controlled minivan.
Go beyond the tourist trail and discover the side of Istanbul that most travelers never see. Explore historic mosques, vibrant local bazaars, Bosphorus waterfront views, the iconic Maiden’s Tower, and the colorful streets of Kuzguncuk with a local guide. Start with a beautiful ferry ride while you see the views of both continents. Unlike traditional city tours focused on major attractions, this experience offers an authentic look at daily life on Istanbul’s Asian side. You’ll walk through local neighborhoods, hear fascinating stories, and uncover hidden cultural gems while experiencing the city like a local.
Step into the soul of Istanbul with a journey through Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk—two of the city’s most charming, culturally rich, and timeless neighborhoods. This immersive walking tour blends history, local life, and hidden gems, offering travelers an unforgettable experience on the Asian side. We begin in Üsküdar, one of Istanbul’s oldest districts, where Ottoman architecture, serene seaside views, and centuries-old mosques paint a breathtaking picture of the city’s past. Wander along the waterfront, enjoy the breeze of the Bosphorus, and capture stunning views of Maiden’s Tower—an icon of Istanbul. From there, we make our way to Kuzguncuk, a colorful village-like neighborhood that feels worlds away from the city’s busy streets. Walk through its vibrant streets lined with wooden houses, art studios, historic synagogues and churches that stand side by side—proof of Istanbul’s beautifully layered cultural harmony. Join us and experience Istanbul not as a tourist but as a welcomed guest.