FULL ITINERARY
Ship Arrival & Spice Market
Begin your day with one of our Istanbul Shore Excursions by Shore Excursions Asia, offering the perfect combination of land and sea exploration. Meet your local guide at Galataport Istanbul and start your adventure with a short drive to the Spice Market, one of the city’s most colorful and aromatic bazaars. Immerse yourself in the scents of saffron, cinnamon, and Turkish delights while browsing stalls filled with exotic spices and sweets.
Local Crafts & Leather Workshop
Continue to a traditional leather workshop, where skilled artisans demonstrate the meticulous process of crafting fine Turkish leather goods. Learn about Istanbul’s long-standing craftsmanship and, if you wish, purchase a special handmade item as a keepsake of your visit.
Bosphorus Cruise
Embark on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway dividing Europe and Asia. From the comfort of your boat, enjoy sweeping views of Istanbul’s skyline, the domes and minarets of grand mosques, the medieval Rumeli Fortress, and elegant Ottoman mansions that line the shores. This serene voyage offers one of the most memorable perspectives of the city known as the “Queen of Two Continents.”
Balat & Bulgarian St. Stephen Church
Back on land, visit Balat, one of Istanbul’s most colorful neighborhoods. Stroll its narrow streets lined with brightly painted houses, antique shops, and cozy cafés. Stop by the striking Iron Church of St. Stephen, a 19th-century Bulgarian Orthodox landmark made entirely of cast iron - a rare architectural gem that reflects Istanbul’s multicultural history.
Return to Port
Conclude your tour with a relaxing drive back to Galataport, filled with lasting impressions of Istanbul’s beauty from both land and sea.
Notes:
- This tour includes about 1.5 miles of walking over uneven surfaces and cobblestones.
- Comfortable shoes, hat, and sunglasses are recommended.
- In case of weather restrictions, the Bosphorus cruise may be replaced with a tasting or sightseeing experience of equal value.
- Modest clothing is required when visiting religious sites.
