Two Continents Food Tour from Istanbul – Bosphorus Ferry & Kadikoy Market (Shared)

Istanbul Food Day Tour Across Europe and Asia

The Istanbul two continents food tour is a progressive dinner that crosses the Bosphorus from Europe to Asia and back again, tasting the city one stop at a time. This guided daily excursion begins in Sultanahmet and ends in Eminonu, and every dish and drink along the planned route is already included.

Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers in Istanbul

This Two Continents Food Tour also works as a shore excursion from the Istanbul cruise port — a popular choice for passengers who have one day ashore. Shared departures follow a fixed timetable, so please send us your ship’s arrival and departure times when booking — we confirm pier pickup or suggest the private option for tight port calls. Tell us how many hours your ship stays in port and we will confirm that the full programme fits comfortably. Simply share your cruise itinerary and the date you are in Istanbul, and we will reserve your places.

• Meeting point at Sultanahmet Square in the old city
• Public ferry across the Bosphorus with views of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace
• Kadikoy fresh food market on the Asian side with Aegean flavours
• Main course of south-eastern Turkish kebabs and meze
• Classic desserts such as baklava and kunefe back in Europe
• Istanbul fish market and Turkish tea in a local cafe

Few cities let you have your starter on one continent and your dessert on another. The ferry ride is short but spectacular: the domes and minarets of the historic peninsula rise behind you, and the Maiden's Tower, sitting on its tiny islet, appears as the boat nears the Asian shore. Kadikoy, built on the site of ancient Chalcedon, is famous for its market streets full of fish, olives, cheeses and spices, where you sample the lighter, olive-oil-based cooking of the Aegean coast. The main course turns to the bold, spicy tradition of south-eastern Turkey, before dessert brings you back to the European side for syrup-soaked pastries.

This Istanbul day trip for food lovers is an evening walk that departs from Istanbul's Sultanahmet district that lasts about four hours, using the ferry and public trams with your English-speaking guide. Vegetarian, halal and meat options can be arranged; please share any dietary needs in advance. Hotel pick-up is not part of the tour. At the end you may try a fruit-flavoured nargile (waterpipe) at your own expense. As a daily tour of Istanbul it is relaxed, social and ideal on your first or last night in the city.