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Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul: A 2-Hour Journey of Sightseeing and History

4.8

188 Ratings

Fatih

Experience a 2-hour Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul, where you'll embark on a journey of sightseeing and history. Enjoy breathtaking views as you sail between Asia and Europe.

Duration: 2 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Galata Tower - Constructed in 1335 during the Byzantine Period, it stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Dolmabahce Palace - The second residence of the Ottoman Royal Family for 400 years, it is a replica of the Versailles Palace in Paris. The palace is opulent and extravagant, showcasing the luxury of the Ottoman Empire. Chandeliers are from France, crystals from England, priceless carpets from Turkey and Iran, curtains made of pure Turkish silk, and porcelains from China and Japan.
Vodafone Arena - A soccer stadium with a capacity of 42,000, home to the Beşiktaş Soccer Club.
Çırağan Caddesi - A stunning piece of Ottoman architecture built in 1863, now operating as a hotel managed by Kempinski since 1992.
Ortakoy - One of Istanbul’s most beautiful mosques, also built during the Ottoman Era. It is elegant and luxurious.
Bebek Park - The most expensive and upscale area of Istanbul, frequented by celebrities. Known for its luxurious hotels, pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs, you can often see Ferraris, Maseratis, and Bugattis in the area.
Rumeli Fortress - A magnificent fortress built in 1453 to defend against Russian attacks from the Black Sea. It now operates as a museum.
Kucuksu Pavilion - A summer cottage built for the Royal Family to stay in after hunting trips. The Royal Family used to spend days or weeks in this beautiful palace, which now operates as a museum.
Kuleli Sahil - The Kuleli area is another beautiful spot located by the Bosphorus, famous for its multi-million dollar Ottoman mansions. These houses are among the most expensive in the world and are protected as heritage sites by the government.
Çengelköy - The Çengelköy District.
Kuzguncuk Sahili - A Jewish district in Istanbul known for its charming boutique coffee shops and narrow streets. It is a hipster/hippie area, especially famous for its beautiful Greek-style houses.
Uskudar - Üsküdar is one of the busiest and most central downtown areas of Istanbul.
KIz Kulesi - The Maiden Tower, another famous city symbol, was originally built as a lighthouse and now operates as a restaurant.
Topkapi Palace - The residence of the Ottoman Royal Family for 400 years, now functioning as a museum.
Hagia Sophia Mosque - A 1500-year-old structure originally built as a church, later converted into a mosque, and now operating as a museum. It is the most famous symbol of Istanbul.
Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - The Spice Bazaar and Eminonu Area.
Galata Koprusu - The Galata Bridge.
Suleymaniye Mosque - Built in 1550 by the renowned architect Sinan, it is one of Istanbul’s most beautiful mosques, dedicated to the famous Ottoman Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent.

What's Included

Professional guiding from a licensed guide
Bosphorus Cruise Ticket

What's Not Included

Gratitude for tour guide

Additional Information

Cruising on the Bosphorus is one of the top attractions in Istanbul. Having an educated and experienced tour guide will greatly enhance the experience.

This two hour cruise between two continents, Asia and Europe, giving visitors an unique vantage point of Istanbul with 20 million population.

Bosphorus is one of the most expensive real estate in the world. Especially old Ottoman Mansions are considered as one of the most expensive houses.

It is not a private tour so we cruise with tour boat which is open for public.

Location

Shozy Spice Bazaar

Meeting point is main gate of SPICE BAZAAR. Please make sure you come to the main gate (The gate which faces the sea) There is a shop at the main gate call "SHOZY SPICE BAZAAR" Tour Guide will hold sign says "I ❤️ ISTANBUL"

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.8

(188 Ratings)

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Carol

May 18, 2024

Great tour with Metin - Metin was a great guide. He was very knowledgeable about the history of the residences and cultural sites we saw from the boat. Very enthusiastic and entertaining. The boat trip would not have been as interesting without him.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Msestellej_r

Apr 27, 2024

Professional guide - Great tour guide with excellent knowledge of Turkiye easy meeting place a great experience The Bosphorus has some great historical buildings along waterfront

Review provided by Viator

Chloeo794

Apr 22, 2024

Great trip - After a bit of confusion at the start and not being able to find our guide (through no fault of his). We met Kerem who took us to the boat for our tour. He was very friendly and informative and his knowledge of Istanbuls history was great and really interesting.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Judi_p

Apr 3, 2024

Must do cruise when in Istanbul - Our guide gave us a comprehensive and very interesting insight into the history and sights on the Bosphorus. He was knowledgeable, charming and it tour was a highlight of our visit to Istanbul. Highly recommend.

Review provided by Viator

Robertojr_o

Mar 28, 2024

We’ve had a personalised... - We’ve had a personalised tour with Kareem during our trip. He’s knowlegeable with the sights and gave bitesize history of the famous landmarks along the Bosphorous straight making the price worth it. Definitely recommended!

Review provided by Viator

Oliviapp2051xr

Mar 22, 2024

The best Bosphorus boat cruise! - This was a fantastic boat trip with an excellent guide who was prompt in meeting us and gave an insightful, detailed history to Istanbul and the sights along the Bosphorus. Highly recommended!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

James_w

Mar 16, 2024

Great value, really informative boat tour! - Great way to see a decent chunk of this ENORMOUS city! Our guide Kerem was excellent throughout; very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. The two hours flew by in no time at all!

Review provided by Viator

Matobeno

Mar 10, 2024

Great experience! - Great experience of exploring Bosphorus with our Guide who knows a lot about history, architecture, urbanism or any other topic related to Istanbul or Turkiye.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Frank_x

Feb 14, 2024

A wonderful tour exploring more of Istanbul - We had a wonderful time seeing the beautiful bosphorus strait from the ship. Our guide Kerem is the best!

Review provided by Viator

Stefano_d