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Camlica Hill

Camlica Hill: Our most recommended tours and activities

Istanbul Highlights: Two Continents Half-Day Tour

1. Istanbul Highlights: Two Continents Half-Day Tour

Tell your friends you’ve been to Asia and Europe in one day by joining us on a guided tour of Istanbul’s most historic sites. Led by an expert guide, you’ll visit the impressive Dolmabahçe Palace, the official home of Ottoman Sultans. Built by two famous Ottoman architects, the palace houses a museum-worthy collection of European furniture, art and antiquities. Then it’s off to the Bosphorus Bridge, which straddles the narrow waterway that separates Europe and Asia. Once you’ve crossed the bridge it’s time to head to Camlica HIll, which offers dramatic, panoramic views of the city from almost 300 meters above sea level. Please note, on Mondays and Thursdays the palace is closed, so the tour will make three different stops: Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Tomb, Pierre Loti Coffee House and Miniatürk park.

Istanbul: 3-Night/4-Day City Tour with Airport Transfers

2. Istanbul: 3-Night/4-Day City Tour with Airport Transfers

Day 1: Get picked up from the airport and transfer to your hotel in Istanbul. Check-in and stay overnight here. Day 2: Begin your full-day of sightseeing at 9 AM when you will meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel. Spend the day exploring all of Istanbul's top attractions and sights including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar). After the tour, transfer back to your hotel at around 6 PM ready for your second overnight stay.  Day 3:  Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel at 8:15 AM and enjoy another full day of sightseeing. Visit the Spice Market then take a boat cruise along the Bosphorus River. Explore Beylerbeyi or Dolmabahce Palace, and Camlica Hill. After the tour, transfer back to your hotel at around 6 PM ready for your third and final overnight stay.  Day 4:  After being picked up from your hotel, transfer to the airport ready and in time for your onward departure.

Istanbul: Full-Day Tour with Dolmabahce & Bosphorus Cruise

3. Istanbul: Full-Day Tour with Dolmabahce & Bosphorus Cruise

Get a comprehensive overview of Istanbul on this full-day tour of the city by coach, boat, and cable car. Perfect for those who aim to get a sense of what makes Istanbul unique, this full-day exploration gives a varied tour of the city. It will reveal a mixture of Eastern and European influences that makes the city so unique. First, get picked up from your hotel by bus and driven along the length of the Golden Horn, the historic water that divides Istanbul. Take in the sites of the historic city center and the main port, dating back to the Ottoman and Byzantine empires. Then, travel to the top of Pierre Loti Hill by cable car, and admire panoramic views of the city as you drink coffee at the famous Pierre Loti Café, named after the French novelist who spent much of his time there.  Next, experience the splendor of Istanbul from the water. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus and take in the grand spectacle of the city’s houses and palaces from the river. Finally, enjoy a tour of Dolmabahce Palace, home to the last of the Ottoman Sultans. Admire one of the most glamorous palaces in the world, once the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire.

Istanbul: Dolmabahçe Palace and Uskudar Guided Tour

4. Istanbul: Dolmabahçe Palace and Uskudar Guided Tour

Set off in your vehicle right from your hotel and drive over the first intercontinental bridge connecting Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus Bridge was built in 1973 and the length between its two legs is 1074 meters. At the time of its construction, it was the fourth-longest suspension bridge of the world. Explore the Ottoman mosques of Uskudar neighbourhood. After a photo stop, you will cruise along the suspension bridge before arriving at Dolmabahçe Palace. Explore the Dolmabahçe Palace, an architectural jewel in the heart of Istanbul. On Mondays, the palace is closed and will be replaced by Chora Museum. Led by a guide with specialist knowledge of the 19th Century Ottoman period, listen to the stories behind this luxurious building. Built by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid between 1843 and 1856, the Palace is a mixture of Turkish and French influences. The exquisite and luxurious tastes of the era are evident everywhere you look. This palace boasts 285 rooms, 6 baths, 68 toilets and a ceiling made from 14 tons of gold. Splendid bohemian chandeliers adorn nearly every room and the famous crystal staircase is another example of the era’s decadence.

Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents Tour with Local Guide

5. Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents Tour with Local Guide

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) was built between 1597 and 1664, also it is the second oldest covered bazaar in the city. You can find exotic aromas and various spices. It contains fruit vegetable, flower and fish shops inside. Rustem Pasha Mosque, for a tour. It was built by a famous Bosnian, Rüstem Pasha and designed by -one the most famous architect in history- Mimar Sinan. One of the most famous mosque in Istanbul for her interior design. Dolmabahce Palace, was the first European style palace. It was built by Ottoman Sultans between 1843 and 1846.This is the last residence for Ottoman Sultans with 365 rooms and 22 saloons. Also famous with the great collection of European antiquity. Ataturk lived the final part of his life in the palace and died there. Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and splits the European and Asian sides of Turkey. Bosphorus Bridge, pass through the bridge and watch the beautiful view. It is 1704m long and was the 4th longest bridge around the world. Don’t miss this unique chance to pass from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in 2 minutes. Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul, exposing a panoramic view of Istanbul city and Bosphorus. Take a little break for lunch here and enjoy the view while you are eating your tasty meal. Ortakoy, is a cosmopolitan area, bordering waters of the Bosphorus. Turks, Greeks, Armenians and Jews are leaving here. The neighbourhood hosts many different religious. It is also a popular spot for locals with art galleries, night clubs, and restaurants.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Boat Tour and Two Continents with Lunch

6. Istanbul: Bosphorus Boat Tour and Two Continents with Lunch

After departing your hotel at 10:00 AM, head to the Rustem Pasha Mosque. Mimar Sinan built this mosque in 1560 for Rüstem Pasha, the son-in-law and the grand vizier of Suleyman the Magnificent. Its particular beauty lies in the Iznik tiles covering it, both inside and outside. After the mosque, take a 1.5 hour cruise on the Bosphorus. This natural strait connects the sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and separates Europe and Asia, making Istanbul one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the only one built astride two continents. This romantic cruise will allow you to admire the Dolmabahce Plalace, the Beylerbeyi Palace, the Ciragan Palace and the Rumeli Fortress, ancient wooden villas and bridges and all the wonderful and unique maritime landscapes. Take a drive on the Bosphorus Bridge and enjoy the beautiful view when crossing from Europe to Asia. At 1704 meters (approximately 1-mile) long and was the 4th longest in the world when completed. This is a unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in 2-minutes. Afterwards, have lunch at the top of Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul and enjoy a beautiful view over the city. Arrive at Great Dolmabahce Palace, the first European style palace built by Ottoman Sultans between 1843 and 1846. This is the last residence of the Ottoman Sultans, featuring 365 rooms and 22 saloons. Famous with the great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier. Atatürk lived the final part of his life in the residential part of the palace where he also died. Afterwards enjoy a transfer back to your hotel. Please note, that Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays and it is replaced with a visit to Galata Tower.

Istanbul: Full-Day Imperial & Asia Small Group Tour

7. Istanbul: Full-Day Imperial & Asia Small Group Tour

Begin your tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Hagia Sophia. Built by the Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century A.D. and designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodore of Miletus, the church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Converted into a mosque in 1453, it is now a museum. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is also famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses and a poignant Virgin and Child. Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque which takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Built by Sultan Ahmet I in the early 17th century and designed by a pupil of Sinan, the greatest of Ottoman architects, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Its courtyard is especially grand. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive. Brief Handicrafts Presentation & Lecture (Optional Attendance) next to the Grand Bazaar. Free time to explore Grand Bazaar on your own. 1 hour visit, Meeting back and drive to Lunch. Visit the Grand Bazaar to see carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style. Note: Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. On Sundays we visit Nuruosmaniye Street around Grand Bazaar since Grand Bazaar is closed. Enjoy your lunch. We begin by driving across the Bosphorus Bridge, for a time the world’s longest suspension bridge, and head for the summit of Çamlıca Hill and its panoramic views of Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes’ Islands. Our next stop is the Grand Çamlıca Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkey, opened in 2019 and was designed by two female architects, Bahar Mızrak and Hayriye Gül Totu. A short drive brings us to the Palace of Beylerbeyi on the shore of the Bosphorus. Perhaps the most elegant late Ottoman palace, Beylerbeyi boasts six sumptuously furnished reception halls with Bohemian crystal chandeliers and Sèvres and Chinese vases, including a main salon with an indoor fountain. The sultans’ guests at the palace included Empress Eugénie of France, Shah Nasruddin of Persia and Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia. (Every day except Mondays.)

Istanbul: Full-Day Tour of 2 Continents and Bosphorus Cruise

8. Istanbul: Full-Day Tour of 2 Continents and Bosphorus Cruise

Experience the best of Istanbul's architecture, culture, and food on this full-day tour. After getting picked up from your hotel in the city center, meet your guide and the rest of your group and make your way to the first stop of the day, the Old City Walls. Here, admire the remains of the defensive walls that protected the former city of Constantinople. Next, head to the Golden Horn, where you can admire panoramic views of the city and pick up a bite to eat for lunch. After a visit to the Spice Bazaar, where you can pick up some Turkish delights and spices to bring home to your friends, head to the pier where you will embark on a cruise around the Bosphorus. Take in unique views of sights such as the Bosphorus Bridge, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Camlica Hill. After your cruise, get dropped off back at your hotel.

Bosphorus Cruise and Istanbul's Asia: Full-Day Tour

9. Bosphorus Cruise and Istanbul's Asia: Full-Day Tour

Begin the tour with a stroll around the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and take in the magical scents of spices, fruits, and flowers. Continue with the Bosphorus Cruise and pass through the waterway separating the European and Asian continents. Marvel at the marble palaces and the ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture alongside modern luxury apartments and houses. Visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, the last residency of the great Ottoman sultans. Peek into some of its 365 rooms and 22 saloons, famous for its great collection of European antiquities, furniture, and the 4.5 ton chandelier. Step from one continent into another within 2 minutes as you pass along the Bosphorus Bridge connecting Europe and Asia. Then head up onto the Camlica Hill and take in the panoramic view over Istanbul and Bosphorus, before returning to your Cruise Ship.

Bosphorus Boat Cruise & Two Continents Tour with Lunch

10. Bosphorus Boat Cruise & Two Continents Tour with Lunch

From the Golden Horn to the arm of the Boshorous you will experience the beautiful sights of the historical peninsula which separates the old and new parts of Istanbul. You will be a part of history as you take an in-depth look at the residential areas for Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-Muslim minorities. Get a true sense of the history behind the Balat and the Metal Church. Stop at the sights of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, and get a glimpse of what life was really like at the Jewish Hospital. You can take a break from the historic sights by taking a stroll along the Byzantine City Walls. Another charming feature of the tour is the array of colorful shops that you will see at the Spice Bazaar. We'll make a stop at the stalls selling fruits, vegetables and flowers. After enjoying the variety of shops, the tour takes you to the Bosphorus Cruise and through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia. Marble palaces, ancient wooden villas and the sights of the luxurious residential apartments provide the perfect photo opportunity. From here it is on to Rumell Fortress by boat, where the historical armament can be viewed clearly from the boat. The armament is a unique example of military architecture, and was built by the conqueror to control and protect the Bosphorus. If time permits, the tour will also take you on to visit a leather showroom. Lunch. Tell your friends you’ve been to Asia and Europe in one day by joining us on a guided tour of Istanbul’s most historic sites. Led by an expert guide, you’ll visit the impressive Dolmabahçe Palace, the official home of Ottoman Sultans. Built by two famous Ottoman architects, the palace houses a museum-worthy collection of European furniture, art and antiquities. Then it’s off to the Bosphorus Bridge, which straddles the narrow waterway that separates Europe and Asia. Once you’ve crossed the bridge it’s time to head to Camlica HIll, which offers dramatic, panoramic views of the city from almost 300 meters above sea level. Please note, on Mondays and Thursdays the palace is closed, so the tour will make three different stops: Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Tomb, Pierre Loti Coffee House and Miniatürk park.

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What people are saying about Camlica Hill

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 309 reviews

A lovely day tour that included a ride on the bridge that connects 2 continents (how cool!) in Istanbul, a boat ride on the Bosphorus, a visit to the Palace, and a delicious lunch. Special shout-out to our tour guide Tulay who make an extra diligent effort to connect with us at pickup even though our Airbnb was hard to reach. (If not for her, we would have missed the tour altogether.) I would personally recommend this tour.

Hotel pick up, cruise and museum was very nice and on time. Food at the restaurant in the asian side was delicious (soup, salad main course, desert and soft drik). The view from the hill was mesmerizing. Tulay was a lovely and very committed guide for the whole tour. Recommended 100%. Thanks!

This is an amazing day tour. Nice to visit a historical place. Tour guide was friendly and well explained about the history of this place. Full tour was excellent. Pick up and dropping off to the hotel it was well organised. Worth of money!

The palace was fantastic. Our guide was able to get us in ahead of the crowds and was very helpful and knowledgeable.

A very pleasant visit to the palace, which is beautiful, and then a cafe on the Asian side with good views.