Explore the European and Asian sides of Istanbul on this immersive culinary and historical tour.

Start with a tram ride to the historic Spice Market, where you'll browse the local goods, before heading to the Marmaray underground train to Üsküdar. Take a break at a charming local cafe, then set sail on a Bosphorus cruise to Kabataş, famous for its stunning skyline. End the day with a culinary adventure along Istiklal Street, where you'll taste 12 different traditional Turkish foods.

Energy Level

Duration

7.25 Hours

Type

CULTURED

Accessible

Sustainable Tours

This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.

Shore Thing Highlights

Culinary tour of local Turkish cuisine
Take a Bosphorus cruise to Kabataş, along the strait dividing Europe and Asia
Enjoy Turkish coffee at a local cafe
Visit the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Üsküdar Market, and Mimar Sinan Çarşısı in Üsküdar
Tram ride to historic Spice Market

Need to know

Daytime temperatures can be very hot and humid — please prepare accordingly
Sailors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility should not select this Shore Thing
Sailors should wear comfortable clothing; shoulders and knees should be covered to enter religious sites
Please be aware that air conditioning may not be up to Sailors standards
Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
Sailors should be aware and wear appropriate footwear with non-slip soles
Any dietary restrictions should be provided to the ship on the day of embarkation
Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
This Shore Thing involves long periods walking and standing on cobblestones, uneven terrain and steps; comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Female sailors should bring a scarf to cover their head
Shoes must be removed to enter the mosque
This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria

Experience shores the Virgin way

Local & Immersive Tours
Authentic experiences curated with local operators
A Sustainable Cause
Select tour bookings to help social charities
Peace of Mind
Modify/cancel up to 48hrs before where applicable
Priority Debark in Port
Be first ashore in all our ports of call
Safe and Insured
Our partners are licensed and insured
Transparent Pricing
No hidden costs, all-inclusive Shore Thing prices
Expert Travel Support
Pre-voyage to onboard assistance, always there
Stress-Free Returns
Ship will wait for you in the event of a delay
Convenient Collection
Convenience of one location to shop for your calls

Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled within 48 hours prior to the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel within 48 hours of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.

If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and within 48 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.

If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.

If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.

Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.

A Tour of Two Continents and Tasting Experience

Explore the European and Asian sides of Istanbul on this immersive culinary and historical tour.

Shore Thing Highlights

Need to know

Experience shores the Virgin way

Our Shore Things Policies