Two Shores, One Soul: Istanbul
Discover both sides of Istanbul on a 1-hour-45-minute Bosphorus cruise. Get off in Üsküdar, walk along the waterfront to Kuzguncuk, and explore its charming historic houses and nostalgic streets. Return by boat to Karaköy, discover the Galata Tower area, and finish your tour on the iconic Istiklal Street.
Experience two continents, two different atmospheres, countless flavors, and one unforgettable Istanbul!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel in Istanbul
- The meeting point can be wherever you are staying, such as your hotel, Airbnb apartment, or Galataport Cruise Terminal.
Eminönü – Bosphorus Cruise | 10:00–11:30
We will board the boat at Eminönü Pier for a 1.5-hour Bosphorus cruise. The ticket price is 300 TL per person, and payment is accepted in cash only.
Üsküdar – Kuzguncuk | 11:30–12:00 (Asian Side)
From here, we will enjoy a 20–25-minute waterfront walk towards Kuzguncuk, taking in beautiful Bosphorus views and charming traditional houses along Istanbul’s Asian shore.
Discover Kuzguncuk & Free Time | 12:00–13:10
Explore Kuzguncuk’s colorful historic wooden houses and charming neighborhood streets. Learn about its multicultural history and heritage, including its synagogues, churches, and mosques, which we will admire from the outside. Discover Kuzguncuk Community Garden and the beautiful waterfront. Enjoy free time for a traditional Turkish coffee, photography, and exploring the neighborhood at your own pace.
Kuzguncuk – Üsküdar – Karaköy | 13.10–14.00
We will return to Üsküdar Pier by bus and take a Şehir Hatları public ferry to Karaköy. During the ferry ride, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Maiden’s Tower and Istanbul’s historic peninsula.
Karaköy – Galata Tower | 14:00–15:00
We will walk from Karaköy towards Galata, exploring the historic neighborhood around Galata Tower. Along the way, you will learn about the Genoese, Galata’s rich trading history, and the historical development of the area through a panoramic introduction. We will also have time to take photos around the iconic tower.
End of the Tour
Our tour will end at the starting point of the historic Tünel tram line on Istiklal Street.
Ending Point
15:15 – Tour Ends at Tünel Tram Station, Istiklal Street
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/118955/fa8af5e8-e1f0-4785-8131-9f527cb94549.png)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Only the tour guide fee is included in the tour price.
Bosphorus Cruise: Not included in the tour price. The ticket costs 300 TL per person and can only be paid in cash.
Public Transportation: Several public transportation services will be used during the tour. Transportation fares are not included. I will assist guests with purchasing an Istanbulkart.
Food & Drinks: All food, beverages, and personal expenses are the responsibility of the guests and are not included in the tour price.
Tour Important Information
During this tour, we will explore both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Public transportation will be used throughout the program. I will assist guests with purchasing an Istanbulkart (public transportation card).
In case of unfavorable weather conditions that prevent the Bosphorus cruise from operating, the itinerary may be adjusted. We will then take the Marmaray rail system beneath the Bosphorus to Üsküdar and reschedule the Bosphorus cruise for the afternoon. This alternative arrangement will only be applied when weather conditions require it.
Please note that this tour involves a considerable amount of walking. Comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the season and weather conditions are strongly recommended.
Important message from the supplier
I am available to work every day of the week, depending on guests’ requests and availability.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Latife K.
I graduated from Ankara University’s Tourist Guiding Department in 2001 and have been working as a licensed professional tour guide since 2003.
Throughout my career, I have guided large groups on tours throughout Anatolia. For the past 12 years, I have specialized exclusively in private tours in Istanbul, offering personalized experiences tailored to my guests’ interests and preferences.
I am a registered member of the Istanbul Chamber of Tourist Guides and take pride in sharing Istanbul’s rich history, culture, and hidden gems with visitors from around the world.
$340/ per group
Other Popular Unique Experience Tours in Istanbul
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22473/bdbcea2c-291e-4168-a99f-9362d348bffb.jpeg)
Hidden Istanbul & Grand Bazaar Rooftop Tour
Explore the "Hidden Istanbul" on a 5-hour journey through the city’s secret layers. Start in a serene Mimar Sinan mosque, then descend into ancient Byzantine cisterns. The highlight is exclusive rooftop access at the Grand Bazaar—walk the "sea of domes" where James Bond once raced. End at the majestic Süleymaniye with a local expert. This premium experience offers a rare, dramatic narrative for those seeking the extraordinary beyond the tourist crowds.
Hidden Istanbul & Grand Bazaar Rooftop Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/32472/103280.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/25675/0ad07dbe-802e-4444-b791-98f719692894.jpg)
CATstanbul: Meet Istanbul's Famous Cats
Welcome to CATstanbul! Before we meet Istanbul's feline celebrities, we'll stop at a local pet shop to pick up some treats for our four-legged friends. Then we'll set off to discover the cats who have made Istanbul their home, from palace residents and Hagia Sophia celebrities to neighborhood legends and internet-famous cats.
CATstanbul: Meet Istanbul's Famous Cats
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78328/7c8c1b0b-39d4-4757-8e61-97815df2a6e0.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23272/778465bd-4f3e-45e2-a087-87651cfb504e.jpeg)
THE SULTAN’S PALATE: A Culinary & Cultural Journey through Old Istanbul
Discover Istanbul’s tastes and treasures without the steep hills. This premium, flat-route tour takes you from the Hippodrome to the legendary Royal Kitchens of Topkapi Palace. Enjoy upscale boutique shopping at Arasta Bazaar, followed by an exclusive cooking masterclass at Deraliye Restaurant. Prepare iconic 16th-century sultan’s dishes alongside an expert chef and celebrate with a spectacular Ottoman feast. History, shopping, and comfort combined.
THE SULTAN’S PALATE: A Culinary & Cultural Journey through Old Istanbul
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78328/7c8c1b0b-39d4-4757-8e61-97815df2a6e0.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26495/15a21aa9-a545-4ff8-96da-3d4dcc204a1b.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26495/e4cf3579-d8fd-4d29-b50b-bb26a3a61fdc.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26495/1040c12c-850a-4233-8ea8-5785f69ac53c.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26495/eae72bb4-d123-48cf-b3e6-c54a256be64b.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26495/13e9b0b2-7c94-4384-abf4-eb039f70787d.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26495/59446250-ec90-4caf-a744-4ccd2b3e49b5.jpeg)