• Bosphorus Strait - The Bosphorus, historically known as the Bosporus, is a strait and international waterway that separates Asia and Europe, linking the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea. It runs in a northeast-southwest direction and splits Istanbul into the European and Anatolian sides.

The Bosphorus spans 30 kilometers, connecting Asia and Europe, and links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It has an average depth of 60 meters, with the deepest point reaching 120 meters. The width varies, with the widest point being 3500 meters.

Surface currents flow from the Black Sea to the Marmara, while underwater currents move from the Marmara to the Black Sea. Occasionally, there are counter currents on the surface.

• Dolmabahce Palace - Dolmabahçe Palace, an Ottoman palace, is situated on a 250,000 m² area in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, between Dolmabahçe Street and the Bosphorus. It lies on the left bank at the Bosphorus entrance from the Sea of Marmara, opposite Uskudar and Kuzguncuk.

Once a cove where ships anchored, Dolmabahçe became a favored residence of the sultanate, embodying centuries of history and the clear splendor of the Bosphorus waters.

• Ortakoy - Ortakoy is a neighborhood in Beşiktaş, on the European side of the Bosphorus. The Ortakoy district, comprising Ortakoy and Mecidiye neighborhoods, is set on slopes leading to the coast. It is bordered by Kurucesme, Ulus, Levazım, Balmumcu, and Yildiz, with Defterdarburnu marking its northern edge.

Ortakoy Bazaar is bustling with its “intellectual market,” souvenir shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. However, it is quieter in the early morning, with activity picking up after 10:00 am.

• Bosphorus Bridge - The Bosphorus Bridge, one of two suspension bridges over the Bosphorus, connects Ortaköy on the European side with Beylerbeyi on the Anatolian side. It was the first bridge built over the Bosphorus, followed by the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the ferries that also connect the two sides.

The idea of a bridge over the Bosphorus dates back many years. Construction of the Bosphorus Bridge began in 1970 and it was inaugurated on October 29, 1973, marking the 50th anniversary of the Republic. This suspension bridge is a crucial part of Turkey’s transportation network and is busy around the clock. It is also a key point in the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon. Besides its transportation role, the bridge is a significant symbol of Istanbul with its unique Bosphorus view.

• Ciragan Palace Kempinski - Commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz and designed by architect Sarkis Balyan, the Cıragan Palace stands where a wooden summer palace built by Selim III in 1800 once stood. During its construction, the wooden structure and the nearby Besiktas Mevlevihane were demolished. Completed in 1871, the marble palace covers 80,000 square meters. After Abdulaziz was deposed, he and his family were imprisoned here. Similarly, Murat V was held here for 29 years after his deposition. Following the Second Constitutional Monarchy declaration in 1908, the palace served as the House of Parliament but was damaged by fire in 1910. The grounds were later transferred to the Besiktas Sports Club and used as the Seref Stadium. In the early 1990s, the palace was restored and reopened as a luxury hotel.
• Rumeli Fortress - Situated in Sariyer, Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari) was built directly across from Anadolu Hisari (the Anatolian Fortress). Construction began in 1453 under Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus and was completed in just three months. Before Istanbul’s conquest, it protected against naval attacks. After the conquest, it served as a checkpoint for maritime traffic on the Bosphorus.

Over the centuries, small wooden houses filled the fortress’s interior, but these were removed during restoration in 1953. The fortress is now known for summer concerts and functions as an open-air theater and museum.

• Bebek Sahili - Bebek is a historic neighborhood on the European shores of the Bosphorus, surrounded by Arnavutkoy, Etiler, and Rumeli Hisari. The name Bebek, meaning “baby,” refers to its attractive location. A popular residential area since Ottoman times, Bebek’s population reflects the era’s diverse society. Today, it features historical buildings like Bogazici University, waterside mansions, stunning Bosphorus views, and upscale restaurants.
• Anadolu Hisari Fort - The Anatolian Fortress (Anadolu Hisari) is located in Beykoz on the Asian side, at the Bosphorus’s narrowest point. Built in 1395 by Beyazit I, it consists of a citadel and outer castle walls. After Istanbul’s conquest, it lost strategic importance and became a military hospital. The surrounding area eventually became settled, with waterfront houses and old mansions among the ruins. Restored between 1991-1993, it is now an open-air museum, though only the outer walls are accessible, with a road passing through it.
• Kucuksu Pavilion - The Kucuksu Pavilion, located in Beykoz on the Asian side, was built in 1857 by Sultan Abdulmecid. This small, ornate palace served as a hunting lodge and summer retreat. It features a blend of European and Ottoman architectural styles and is surrounded by a picturesque garden. The pavilion is now a museum open to the public.
• Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge - The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Istanbul’s second bridge over the Bosphorus, connects Kavacik and Hisarustu. Construction began in 1986, and the bridge opened on July 3, 1988. It is the 14th largest steel suspension bridge globally.

Along with the Bosphorus Bridge and city ferries, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge handles a significant portion of Istanbul’s trans-Bosphorus traffic and is a notable part of the city’s skyline.

• Beylerbeyi Palace - Beylerbeyi Palace, meaning “Lord of Lords,” is an Ottoman summer palace complex built in the 1860s on the Bosphorus shores. Located beneath the Bosphorus Bridge, it was designed by architect Sarkis Balyan, combining Renaissance, Baroque, and other styles from East and West. The main building is a two-story stone structure on a high basement, covering about 2,500 square meters. The South side was the Imperial Mabeyn, and the North side was the Valide Sultan’s Apartment. The palace has six halls, 24 rooms, one hamam, and one bathroom over two floors.

In addition to its stunning Bosphorus views and historical architecture, visitors should explore its lily pond and large garden.

• KIz Kulesi - The Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) is a distinctive feature of the Bosphorus skyline. Built on a tiny island about 200 meters from Uskudar’s shore, the tower is the subject of many legends.

The most famous legend involves a sultan and his daughter. An oracle predicted the sultan’s daughter would die from a snake bite on her 18th birthday. To protect her, the sultan built the tower in the Bosphorus, where she lived in secrecy. On her 18th birthday, the sultan brought her a basket of fruit, unaware of a hidden snake. The princess was bitten and died in her father’s arms, fulfilling the prophecy. This legend gave the tower its name: Maiden’s Tower.

• Galataport Istanbul - Galataport is a modern port and social hub in Istanbul’s Karaköy district, blending historical charm with contemporary architecture. It features restaurants, cafes, shops, and cultural venues, making it a vibrant spot for locals and tourists. The innovative underground terminal efficiently manages cruise ship traffic, enhancing its appeal. Galataport exemplifies Istanbul’s fusion of culture and modernity.
• Galata Koprusu - The history of the Galata Bridge (Galata Koprusu), one of Istanbul’s most iconic spots, dates back to 1845. Spanning the Golden Horn, the bridge has undergone many changes. After a fire in 1992, a new bridge was built, and the old one was moved to Halic. The Galata Bridge is a significant symbol of Istanbul, playing a vital role in the city’s daily life, literature, and popular culture. With restaurants, cafes, and hookah lounges below, and tramway and pedestrian traffic above, it offers splendid city views, especially in the evening.

The bridge, with its street vendors, fishermen, and nearby ferries, provides a vivid snapshot of daily life in Istanbul.

• Galata Tower - Built by the Genoese in 1348, the nine-story Galata Tower stands 66.90 meters tall and was the city’s tallest building when constructed.

During the Ottoman era, the tower served various purposes, including as a fire observatory and jail. One notable event occurred in 1632 when Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi glided from the tower across the Bosphorus to Uskudar using self-made wings. In 1875, a storm destroyed the tower’s conical roof, which was not restored until the 1960s when the wooden interior was replaced with concrete. The tower is now open to the public, featuring a restaurant and cafe on the upper floor. As a key part of Istanbul’s skyline, Galata Tower offers panoramic city views.

• Complimentary soft drinks, nuts, baklava, homemade lemonade with fresh mint, tea, coffee, and water
• Daily prepared fresh seasonal fruit plate
• Snacks available
• Tour with an experienced guide

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Tips and gratuities