3h30

Morning

Instant confirmation

About this activity

Start your experience in the morning with a pickup from your centrally located Istanbul hotel. Settle into your comfortable minibus and hear fascinating facts from your guide about this vibrant city as you head for Sultanahmet, the Old City, and the Spice Bazaar.

Built in the 17th century, this atmospheric market is a feast for the senses. Wander around the stalls of colorful spices, nuts and fruits and enjoy the the exotic aromas as your guide explains the goods sold here.

Next, head for one of Istanbul’s best-kept secrets, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque. This small building is laden with blue tiles and an enchanting example of Ottoman architecture.

Continue to nearby Eminonu Pier for your sightseeing cruise. Board your boat and sail along the Golden Horn, the inlet dividing European Istanbul in two. Most Istanbul cruises focus on the Bosphorus Straits, so cruising the Golden Horn is something special.

Drink in the sights, including the elegant Aynalıkavak Palace, Eyup Sultan Mosque and Galata Tower. Then, after roughly 45 minutes, enjoy stunning views of the Old City as you leave the Horn and enter the Bosphorus. Drift along the straits for around 90 minutes, past landmarks such as the two Bosphorus bridges, the Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Fortress. Along the way, get an insight into lesser-known Istanbul as you pass wooden Ottoman houses, mosques and mansions.

After your boat docks back at Eminonu, your tour ends when you say goodbye to your guide at the Spice Bazaar.

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Included

Hotel pickup
Local guide
1.5-hour cruise

Not included

Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel drop-off

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Infant seats available
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate

Features

Tourism

90%

Cultural

50%

Original

25%

Aquatic

25%

Reviews

3.7

13

P

Panagiotis A

5 | 2019-07-03

The tour was very well organized in two parts: one part was a panoramic bus ride along the western coast of the Golden Horn, the second part was the boat trip along the Bosphorus. Besides it being a beautiful day, our guide Diana was intelligent, very well informed and flexible in offering various suggestions to look at sites which were not on the program. We (a family of three) thoroughly enjoyed it.

F

Frances B

5 | 2019-05-13

Our guide was charming and very well informed - nothing was too much trouble and we had an excellent introductory drive followed by a detailed cruise by water

M

Marisa M A

3 | 2015-12-29

It is quite a complete tour, with overviews of the main spots in the city, along with lots of information both historical and current. The cruise trip is beautiful, I recommend it. However, I do not recommend making any purchases on the quick visit to the Spice Bazaar Egyptian Bazaar since you can find much better prices outside. This tour is mostly useful for a first view of the city, early in your trip.

F

Franklin-5

2 | 2015-11-30

The van tour of the Golden Horn was a tour of the congested highways of Istanbul. We didnt leave the car once. It would of been good if we had planned photo opportunities. This tour also ran an hour late which i was only informed by our guide once we were on the boat on the Bosphoros. I had my flight home booked in the afternoon. Since it ran overtime, it caused me a lot of stress to get to the airport on time.

R

Raphael B

3 | 2015-09-13

Was ok

j

john paul a

4 | 2014-06-09

Had an amazing time. Our guide knew his craft well.

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