Referred to as the “City on Seven Hills”, Istanbul is divided into Europe and Asia by the Bosphorus Strait and sprawls along the Golden Horn estuary. Experience its beauty and rich history on this fascinating Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Seven Hills Tour. Begin with a wander along the streets of the old Jewish Quarter, Balat, then travel along the Golden Horn and the iconic Bosphorus Bridge. Take in the magnificent views from Çamlıca Hill and Pierre Loti Hill, then get a different perspective on some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks during a Bosphorus Cruise. Finish the day with some shopping in the famous Spice Bazaar, before being returned to your hotel of choice.
JEWISH QUARTER
Located on the western bank of the Golden Horn on Istanbul’s European side, Balat once served as a traditional Jewish Quarter within the city. Wander along its historic streets and learn about the rich Jewish heritage of its buildings and community.
GOLDEN HORN
Known in Turkish as Haliç, or “estuary”, the Golden Horn is an almost 8km long waterway and the main inlet for Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait. It forms a sheltered harbour that was used for Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman maritime purposes, with the capacity to produces 300 boats at any one time.
BOSPHORUS BRIDGE
One of two bridges which span the Bosphorus Strait, connecting European Istanbul with Asian Istanbul, the Bosphorus Bridge stretches more than 1500 metres. It was built in 1973 and at the time of its construction was longest suspension bridge in both Europe and Asia.
ÇAMLICA HILL
Take in the views across the magnificent Bosphorus Strait and mouth of the Golden Horn from the elevated vantage point of Çamlıca Hill. Situated on the Asian side of the city, Çamlıca Hill is home to a beautifully landscaped park and historic teahouses where you can grab a Turkish coffee.
BOSPHORUS BOAT CRUISE
Travel between Europe and Asia on a Bosphorus Strait boat cruise, taking in the sights on both sides of the waterway. Cruise past the Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi Palaces, get an up-close view of the Maiden’s Tower, and be awed by the sprawling Rumeli Fortress.
CABLE CAR & PIERRE LOTI HILL
Named after the famous French author, Pierre Loti, this hill offers breathtaking views across the Golden Horn and the city of Istanbul. You can ride the cable car up to the top of Pierre Loti Hill and visit the coffee shop which the author frequented in the late 19th century. His collection of journal entries about his experiences in Istanbul were anonymously published as Aziyadé in 1879.
SPICE BAZAAR
Serving as the centre of Istanbul’s spice trade since it was established in 1660, the Spice Bazaar is an intoxicating mix of spices, nuts, dried fruits, Turkish sweets and locally made cheeses. Wander through its collection of 85 different stalls, and pick up some unique souvenirs to take back home.
DETAILS
Available Days: Everyday
Available From: Old City | Taksim Area.
Price Includes: Transport | Insurance | Guided Service | Entry Fees | Lunch | Ferry Ticket
Duration: Full Day 8 Hours
Pick up time: Old City 09:00 | Taksim Area 08:30
Drop off time: Approximately 17:00