Bosphorus & Two Continents: Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Cruise & Çamlıca Hill (Private Tour)

Time: 08:00 – 09:00
Location: Your hotel lobby (central European Side)

Your private guide and driver meet you at your hotel and you set off along the Bosphorus coastline toward Eminönü. As you drive, your guide gives a quick orientation of the city – where the Old City, Galata, Bosphorus and Asian side sit in relation to each other – so when you’re later on the boat, everything feels familiar.

Time: 09:00 – 10:00
Location: Spice Bazaar, Eminönü

Start the day with a hit of colour and aroma in the Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric covered markets. Browse stalls selling saffron, sumac, dried apricots, nuts, cheeses and coffee. Your guide helps you avoid common tourist traps, explains how locals shop here, and shows you how to tell good quality spices from the rest.

• Note: The Spice Bazaar is generally open every day from around 09:00 to 19:00, but may close on the first days of major religious holidays.

Time: 10:15 – 12:00
Location: Bosphorus cruise pier (Eminönü or Kabataş – depending on departure)

You board a shared Bosphorus cruise boat for a scenic ride between Europe and Asia. From the open deck you’ll pass Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Ottoman yali mansions and medieval Rumeli Fortress. Your guide points out landmarks and stories, but also gives you time simply to enjoy the view and take photos. Tea and simple snacks are usually available for purchase on board.

Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Location: Local restaurant by the Bosphorus or in Beşiktaş/Kabataş area

After the cruise, you have a flexible lunch break. Your guide suggests a few local places – perhaps a fish restaurant by the water, a lokanta serving home-style dishes, or a simple döner place if you prefer something quick. Because lunch is not included, you’re free to choose what and where you eat according to your taste and budget.

Time: 13:30 – 15:00
Location: Dolmabahçe Palace

Next, you walk or drive the short distance to Dolmabahçe Palace, the 19th-century waterfront residence that replaced Topkapi as the main royal palace. Inside you’ll see glittering chandeliers, grand staircases and richly decorated reception halls overlooking the Bosphorus. Your guide will help with buying entrance tickets on-site and lead you through the key sections so you make the most of your visit without rushing.

• Note: Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Mondays and on certain public holidays. On those days we replace this visit with alternative sights along the Bosphorus or extended time on the cruise and Asian side.

Time: 15:00 – 15:30
Location: Bosphorus Bridge

You then drive across the Bosphorus Bridge, officially leaving Europe and entering Asia. As the car climbs, you get great views of the strait, the city’s skyline and the ships moving below. Your guide will point out some of the neighborhoods you can see on both sides and share how daily life differs between continents.

Time: 15:30 – 16:30
Location: Çamlıca Hill, Asian Side

At the top of Çamlıca Hill, one of Istanbul’s highest natural viewpoints, you step out into a large park filled with pine trees, flowerbeds and tea gardens. From here you look down over the southern Bosphorus, the mouth of the Golden Horn and a skyline filled with domes, towers and bridges. This is a favourite spot for locals to drink tea, take photos and enjoy the breeze. If you like, you can also see the exterior of the impressive new Çamlıca Mosque.

Time: 16:30 – 17:30
Location: Your hotel / agreed central drop-off point

After your time on Çamlıca Hill, you drive back across the bridge and return to your hotel or a central drop-off point such as Taksim. Your guide can suggest evening plans – maybe a rooftop restaurant, a night-time Bosphorus dinner cruise, or a simple walk along the Galata Bridge to watch the city lights.