Istanbul Off the Beaten Path Private Minivan and Bosphorus Cruise
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 6 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
We begin the day with a private vehicle, enjoying spectacular morning views of the Bosphorus as we cross to the Asian side of Istanbul. We visit Beylerbeyi Palace and Çamlıca Mosque, followed by Kuzguncuk, one of the Asian side’s most charming neighborhoods, known for its colorful historic houses and multicultural character. We then enjoy a delicious local lunch at a traditional restaurant, tasting authentic Turkish flavors away from the typical tourist spots. After lunch, we cross the 15 July Martyrs Bridge back to Europe and continue to Istiklal Street, experiencing the lively atmosphere of Beyoğlu. We then visit the Spice Market, where your guide introduces you to local spices, Turkish delight, and traditional products. We finish with a Bosphorus cruise. Depending on your schedule, we can replace it with a shorter 20-minute public ferry ride. If you’re looking for a truly local experience, this tour is just for you!
Inclusions
What's included
- Admission fee
- Museum Tickets
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Boshphorus Cruise Tickets
- Parking Fees
- İstanbul Boshphorus Bridge Fee
- Professional Tour Guide
What's not
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
Itinerary
The 15 July Martyrs Bridge is one of Istanbul’s three major bridges connecting the European and Asian sides of the city. Originally opened in 1973 as the Bosphorus Bridge, it offers beautiful views of the Bosphorus and the historic city.
Beylerbeyi Palace is a beautiful 19th-century Ottoman palace located on the Asian side of Istanbul, right on the Bosphorus. It was used as a summer residence by Ottoman sultans and later hosted important foreign guests.
Çamlıca Mosque is one of Istanbul’s largest and most impressive mosques, located on Çamlıca Hill on the Asian side of the city. It combines traditional Ottoman architectural elements with a modern design and offers spectacular views over Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
Kuzguncuk is a charming historic neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul, known for its colorful wooden houses, quiet streets, and multicultural heritage. It is a great place to experience local life away from the busy tourist areas, with cozy cafés, small shops, and beautiful Bosphorus views.
Istiklal Street is Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian avenue, stretching through the lively heart of Beyoğlu. Lined with historic buildings, shops, cafés, restaurants, and the iconic red tram, it is one of the best places to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
A Bosphorus Cruise offers a unique way to experience Istanbul from the water, with spectacular views of historic palaces, mosques, waterfront mansions, and modern neighborhoods. Depending on your schedule, we can also make this a shorter 25-minute ferry ride instead. The choice is yours, and we can adjust the experience according to your preferences and available time.
The Spice Market is one of Istanbul’s most colorful and atmospheric historic markets, famous for its spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits, nuts, and traditional products. It is a wonderful place to explore local flavors, discover Turkish specialties, and experience the lively atmosphere of the Old City.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is included for everyone.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- İstanbul By Locals
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Istanbul
- Its from-price is 27% above the median of the 3649 experiences we list in Istanbul.
- It is longer than most of them.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Istanbul
Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus, with Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, busy bazaars and ferries crossing between continents.
The historic peninsula holds the greatest landmarks. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome face each other in Sultanahmet, the Basilica Cistern lies beneath the streets, and Topkapı Palace spreads across the hill above the Golden Horn. A short walk away, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar have traded for centuries, and Süleymaniye Mosque, built by the great Ottoman architect Sinan, crowns one of the city's seven hills.
Top-ranked sights in Istanbul: Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), Bosphorus, Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu).
Special offers in Istanbul
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
