Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise

Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise takes 2.5 hours from your life, but believe us, it is well worth it! The start point of the Bosphorus Boat Tour is the European side of Istanbul. After that, Bosphorus Cruise sails through the cool water of Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul.

During these 2.5 hours, it is possible to see worldwide popular structures of Istanbul such as Maiden Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumelia Fortress, Bosphorus Bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Ortakoy Mosque, etc. Before turning back to the start point, there is one stopover at Bosphorus Tour: Küçüksu Palace which waits for you in Istanbul with its incredible beauty!

Departure

Hotel Pick-Up / No drop-off

Departure Time

11:30 to 14:00

Duration

2.5 Hours

Price Includes

Hotel Pick-Up / Eminonu Pier
Entrance fee (Garden Ticket Kucuksu Palace)
Luxury Custom Boat

Price Excludes

Personal expenses
Tips
Food and beverages on the boat
Hotel drop-off

What to Expect

After getting on the Bosphorus Cruise, you will start to discover the wonderful visual feast which includes Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Rumelia Fortress, and so on. of Istanbul during 1 hour. These historical places have a great story behind them, for example, the Rumelia Fortress is constructed in the 15th century by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II in order to prevent possible attacks from the northern part of the Bosphorus. Even, there is an Anatolian Fortress right across the Rumelia Fortress which is built for the same purpose, before the Rumelia Fortress.

After 1 hour of a visual feast, the Bosphorus Boat Tour continues to the Asian side of Istanbul by passing under the second bridge: Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. On the Asian side, we will visit the Küçüksu Palace which has fascinating architecture from both inside and outside of it. The Küçüksu Palace is used as a rest area by Ottoman Sultans.

After our impressive stopover at Küçüksu Palace, we will return to the city center by following the Asian coast of Istanbul. During the route back to the center of Istanbul, it is possible to see the Anatolian Fortress that we mentioned above and Kuleli Military High School which is the oldest military school in Turkey.

When we will be near the end, it is possible to witness the magnificent Beylerbeyi Palace which is used as a summer house by Ottoman Emperors. Also, just before the disembark, we will see the Maiden's Tower which is one of the most popular structures of Istanbul all over the world.

Cruise Highlights

Feel the real admiration to charms from both Asian and European sides of Istanbul
Cruising among historical places of Istanbul such as Galata Tower and Dolmabahçe Palace will make feel you like in open air museum
You can sense the history with intense emotions
You can visit Küçüksu Palace which was built on 19th century in order to be hunting lodge of the Ottoman Empires

Sightseeing Places & Activities

Pass By

Bosphorus Strait: Bosphorus is the region where many historical buildings from the Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman empires have been a center of attraction throughout history. It is the only natural waterway in the world that separates two continents (Europe and Asia) from each other.

Pass By

Dolmabahce Palace: Dolmabahçe, the elegant palace of the Bosphorus, is the most magnificent of the symbolic structures of the Ottoman Empire's transformed identity in the 19th century and the palace where Atatürk spent his last years before his death.

Pass By

Ortakoy the magnificent Ortaköy and Ortaköy Mosque, which is located under the European foot of the Bosphorus Bridge and the symbol of the district, is one of the favorite districts of Istanbul with its beautiful and colorful bazaar and lively atmosphere in the triangle of mosques, churches, and synagogues.

Pass By

Ciragan Palace: The historical significance of the Çırağan Palace has been home to many sultans over the centuries, as well as its unique architecture. Today it serves as a hotel.

Pass By

Rumeli Fortress: Rumeli Fortress Museum, one of the symbols of the conquest of Istanbul. It is one of the most beautiful locations where you can watch, and shoot a picture of the Bosphorus panoramically.

Pass By

Anadolu Hisari Fort: Anadolu Hisarı, which has an important place throughout history, hosts thousands of local and foreign tourists as a historical visit point.

stop over

Kucuksu Palace: Kucuksu Pavilion, one of the most spectacular pavilions of Istanbul, is one of the indispensable tourist attractions of the Anatolian Side. In addition to its magnificent architectural structure, it offers an art and history feast with its interior decorations, decoration, and furniture.
Visit the Küçüksu Pavilion and learn about its history. Only Kucuksu Palace Garden Ticket is included.

Pass By

Beylerbeyi Palace: A palace overlooking the deep blue of the Bosphorus. Beylerbeyi Palace and its buildings, a 19th-century work that impresses with its gardens and fascinates with its mansions, is a unique place where history and historical characters are guests.

Pass By

Galata Tower: Galata Tower is one of the oldest towers in the world and was built by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius in 528 as a Lighthouse Tower. Watch the panoramic 360 degrees view of Istanbul from above.

Pass By

Maiden's Tower: One of the indispensable places of the Bosphorus view is the Maiden's Tower. The Maiden's Tower, which has an important place among the legends of Istanbul and has become the symbol of the Bosphorus, is a favorite of both Istanbulites and tourists.

Important Info

Please note that pickup and drop-off is only available for hotels on the European side of the city center (Sultanahmet, Kabatas, Taksim, Şişhane, Karaköy, Sirkeci, Yenikapı, Laleli, Pera, Şişli, Nişantaşı, Aksaray, Eninönü, Cemberlitaş, Beyazıt, Harbiye, Beyoğlu)
Please note that pickup time is approximate and depends on your hotel's location. It may be half an hour later than the stated starting time
Kucuksu Palace is closed on Monday and Thursday. Rumeli Hisari Fortress is closed on Wednesday replaced with Maiden's Tower
Dress Code: Comfortable athletic clothing.
When you book the one of Istanbul Daily Tours the confirmation will be received at time of booking.
During the lunch,drink are not included.
5-8 yrs %30 discount/0-4 yrs Free

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Learn more about cancellations.

FAQ

Q: What are the top Tourist Activities in Istanbul?

A: The most popular activity for tourists in Istanbul is the Bosphorus Boat Tours. Another popular activity is the Istanbul historical tour with the Local Guides.