Istanbul Wonders with Şile & Ağva Retreat

Arrive at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight stay at a 4-star hotel in Istanbul.

Discover the beauty of Istanbul across two continents in this full-day guided tour combining city highlights with a relaxing Bosphorus cruise. The day begins with a hotel pickup around 08:20 AM and takes you to some of the most iconic sights of Istanbul, blending history, culture, and scenic views.
Your journey starts at Çamlıca Hill, the highest point on the Asian side, where you can take in sweeping views of the Bosphorus and both continents. From here, you will continue to the Çamlıca Mosque, Turkey’s largest mosque and a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture.
Next, visit the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace, the 19th-century summer residence of Ottoman sultans. If the palace is closed on Mondays, the visit will be replaced with Çamlıca Tower, a modern landmark with panoramic views. Afterward, drive across the impressive Bosphorus Bridge, which connects Europe and Asia.
A break for a traditional Turkish lunch awaits in the historic Eyüp district, where you will taste authentic cuisine with dessert and a soft drink included. After lunch, explore the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of the most important religious sites in Istanbul, before heading up to the famous Pierre Loti Café. From here, enjoy spectacular views of the Golden Horn, followed by a scenic descent on the Eyüp Cable Car.
In the afternoon, stroll through the colorful neighborhoods of Balat and Fener, known for their vibrant streets, historic churches, synagogues, and traditional houses.
Finally, your day concludes with a 2-hour Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia. Relax on board with complimentary Turkish tea or coffee, free Wi-Fi, and commentary available in multiple languages as you pass landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower.
At the end of the cruise, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 9:00 PM.

Tour Highlights
Panoramic views from Çamlıca Hill
Visit to the magnificent Çamlıca Mosque
Explore Beylerbeyi Palace (or Çamlıca Tower on Mondays)
Cross the Bosphorus Bridge between two continents
Traditional Turkish lunch in Eyüp
Visit to the sacred Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Coffee break at Pierre Loti Café with Golden Horn views
Scenic Eyüp Cable Car ride
Walking through the colorful Balat & Fener neighborhoods
2-hour Bosphorus Cruise with commentary and refreshments

What’s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional English-speaking guide (Spanish-Russian-Arabic-French Assistance)
Entrance ticket to Beylerbeyi Palace (or Çamlıca Tower if closed)
Traditional Turkish lunch with dessert and soft drink
10-hour guided city tour by bus
2-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise
Complimentary Turkish tea, Nescafé, and Wi-Fi on the boat

What’s Not Included
Tips and personal expenses
Optional Ottoman costume photography

Leave the busy streets of Istanbul behind and discover the peaceful beauty of the Black Sea coast with a full-day excursion to Şile and Ağva. The journey begins with hotel pickup around 08:00 AM, followed by a drive across the Bosphorus Bridge, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul before heading into the tranquil countryside.
Your first stop is the charming seaside town of Şile, famous for its sandy beaches and unique history. Here, you will visit the Şile Castle, standing proudly along the coast, and the Şile Lighthouse, one of the most important historic lighthouses in Turkey.
From Şile, the tour continues to Ağva, a picturesque town nestled between two rivers. Relax with a scenic boat ride along the Göksu River, surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air. During the summer season, there’s also the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim on one of the Black Sea beaches.
A traditional riverside lunch with a soft drink is included, offering a chance to taste local flavors in a serene setting. In the afternoon, take a peaceful forest walk, where you can pause at a cozy café to enjoy Turkish tea while soaking up the natural surroundings.
By evening, your adventure comes to an end as you return to Istanbul, arriving back at your hotel around 8:00 PM, with cherished memories of the Black Sea’s natural beauty.

Tour Highlights
Cross the Bosphorus Bridge with stunning city views
Explore the seaside charm of Şile
Visit the historic Şile Castle and Şile Lighthouse
Enjoy a boat ride on the Göksu River
Traditional lunch by the riverside
Seasonal swimming opportunity on the Black Sea beaches
Scenic forest walk with a stop at a local café

What’s Included
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
Professional English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Lunch with one soft drink
Boat ride on the Göksu River

What’s Not Included
Personal expenses
Beverages not specified
Tips for guide and driver (optional)

Have breakfast at the hotel, after which you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.