
A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea worth booking?
A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea is a 8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €60 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (17)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- €60 per person
Experience Asia and Europe by land and sea on this full-day tour of Istanbul, a gem of a city waiting to be discovered. With a tailored itinerary, visit all the major sights on land in the morning, including the Bosphorus Bridge, Çamlıca Hill, Beylerbeyi Palace and Bağdat Street. Then continue touring the city on an afternoon cruise (with public boat) on the Bosphorus, the best way to explore the shores of İstanbul by the sea. Finish your day with a visit to the world famous Spice Market.
What you get
About this experience
Experience Asia and Europe by land and sea on this full-day tour of Istanbul, a gem of a city waiting to be discovered. With a tailored itinerary, visit all the major sights on land in the morning, including the Bosphorus Bridge, Çamlıca Hill, Beylerbeyi Palace and Bağdat Street. Then continue touring the city on an afternoon cruise (with public boat) on the Bosphorus, the best way to explore the shores of İstanbul by the sea. Finish your day with a visit to the world famous Spice Market.
What's included
Included
- Tour of Asian Side of Istanbul, Beylerbeyi Palace, Baghdad Street & Spice Market.
- English-Speaking & Professional Tour Guide.
- Admission Fees to Cruise Boat.
- Transportation from/to the Meeting Point.
Not included
- Food & Beverages.
- Admission Fees to Museums.
- Gratuities
- Personal Expenses.
What you'll see and do
Bosphorus Bridge
Your morning starts with a trip toward the Bosphorus Bridge, an architectural masterpiece that connects 2 continents. Travel 197 feet (60 m) above water, cross the contemporary steel structure, and admire an expansive view of both sides of the city.
Pass by without stopping
Beylerbeyi Palace
Lying under the legs of the Bosphorus Bridge is the Beylerbeyi Palace, the elegantly-furnished 19th-century summer residence of the Ottoman sultans. From Bohemian crystal chandeliers and Hereke-type carpets to Arabic-inscribed ceilings and stately rooms, explore the Ottoman house plan, where nearly everything is symmetrical.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Camlica Hill
Ascend to one of the highest points in Istanbul, Camlica Hill, and absorb a panorama of the city—a great photo opportunity. This idyllic spot is scattered with small cafés and tea-houses and surrounded by pine trees and well-maintained lawns, making it a favorite leisure spot for locals and tourists.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Bagdat Street
For a sample of modern Istanbul, visit Bagdat Street. Lined with sidewalk cafés, swaying trees, and chic boutiques and shops, this is the place to be for the fashionable, local Sunday-brunch crowd.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
KIz Kulesi
After the naval victory at Cyzicus, the ancient Athenian general Alcibiades possibly built a custom station for ships coming from the Black Sea on a small rock in front of Chrysopolis (today's Üsküdar). In 1110 Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus built a wooden tower protected by a stone wall. From the tower an iron chain stretched across to another tower erected on the European shore, at the quarter of Mangana in Constantinople. The islet was then connected to the Asiatic shore through a defense wall, whose underwater remains are still visible. During the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453, the tower held a Byzantine garrison commanded by the Venetian Gabriele Trevisano. Subsequently, the structure was used as a watchtower by the Ottoman Turks during the reign of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Misir Carsisi
There are several documents suggesting that the name of the bazaar was first "New Bazaar". The and got its name "Egyptian Bazaar" (Turkish: Mısır Çarşısı) because it was built with the revenues from the Ottoman eyalet of Egypt in 1660. The word mısır has a double meaning in Turkish: "Egypt" and "maize". This is why sometimes the name is wrongly translated as "Corn Bazaar". The bazaar was (and still is) the center for spice trade in Istanbul, but in recent years shops of other types are gradually replacing the sellers of spices. The building itself is part of the külliye (complex) of the New Mosque. The revenues obtained from the rented shops inside the bazaar building were used for the upkeeping of the mosque.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Meeting Point: Hereke Halı (Hereke Carpets) Meeting Point Coordinates (Latitude & Longitude): 41.010233027453424, 28.972806646594854
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meeting Point: Hereke Halı (Hereke Carpets) Meeting Point Coordinates (Latitude & Longitude): 41.010233027453424, 28.972806646594854
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TRAVELIUM
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
17 verified traveler reviews for A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Half a day too long
Could be done in half the time easily. It's the same time you can do with the hop on hop off bus, but the stops are set in tine and way too long. For instance , a mosque with no adornment was an hour stop. My Muslim friend washed up, prayed, we toured the mosque and the grounds, browsed the bookshop, and went to the bathroom and we still had 1/2 hour to kill. Every stop was like that. Do the hop on hop off bus and save a half day and spend extra time where you want to, when you want to.
via Tripadvisor
Perfect
Cenk Akbostanci, He was the most amazing tour guide we have ever had. We have traveled all around the world and never have we had a more knowledgeable guide, but most of all kinder and caring. Cenk went out of his way to make our trip perfect. He knew everything you ever wanted to know about Turkey. Where ever we went people knew him. My husband had something that was really important to him he wanted to do and Cenk went on his own time to make it happen. There was nothing Cenk would not help you with or question you had all you had to do was text Cenk and he answered. Turkey was great but we were really blessed by having a wonderful man become family. We will always remember our trip to Istanbul. If you go ask for Cenk. Because of Cenk we will be coming back to Istanbul in the near future. Truly a wonderful experience
via Tripadvisor
Amazing tour of Istanbul with Cenk
After being referred from our hotel, the Four Seasons at The Bosphorous, we all met our tour guide Cenk. He made the tour one of the best I've ever been on. He was knowledgeable, extremely polite and really catered the tour to everyone. We saw all of the sights, ate amazing food at local restaurants and got an immersive experience of the rich history of Istanbul. I couldn't recommend this tour and Cenk enough. Thanks again
via Tripadvisor
Best English guide in Istanbul
Reggie is the best English guide you could wish for in Istanbul. He is very knowledgeable, helpful & flexible. We spent a fascinating day with him discovering Istanbul & we loved every minute of it. We highly recommend him to future travelers. Christiane & Edmond
via Tripadvisor
Great tour guide for Istanbul
The Four Seasons Sultanahmet recommended Cent (“Jenk”) Akbostanci as our full day tour guide. He was more that just a tour guide. I can truly say we have made a life long friend. Not only was he knowledgeable about all of the sights we saw (which are too many to list) on the 7 hours we spent together, but we got a taste of the true delights of Istanbul. We felt like very special guests everywhere. We ate delicious foods at local restaurants and he brought us to the best shops for authentic souvenirs. Many memories were made and he took great photos of us throughout the day. Will recommend him to our friends and will definitely reach out to him for future visits. His tour was the highlight of our trip.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- €60 to €120
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by TRAVELIUM, who run 20 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.0.
See everything TRAVELIUM runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea cost?
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Prices start at €60 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 17 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
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On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea?
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Included: Tour of Asian Side of Istanbul, Beylerbeyi Palace, Baghdad Street & Spice Market; English-Speaking & Professional Tour Guide; Admission Fees to Cruise Boat; and Transportation from/to the Meeting Point. Not included: Food & Beverages; Admission Fees to Museums; Gratuities; and Personal Expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea?
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Meeting Point: Hereke Halı (Hereke Carpets) Meeting Point Coordinates (Latitude & Longitude): 41.010233027453424, 28.972806646594854 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about A-Day-Tour of Istanbul, by Land and Sea?
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Across 17 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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