A short, narrated loop of the Bosphorus for travellers who want the landmarks without a half-day at sea. You board at Karaköy and are back within a couple of hours, having run the length of the palaces and fortresses in between.
The sightseeing cruise takes in the sights that line both banks: Dolmabahçe Palace and its clock tower, the Ortaköy mosque under the first bridge, the medieval Rumeli fortress that once choked the strait, and the wooden yalı mansions built for old Istanbul families. A commentary points out what you are passing on the European and Asian shores, so you leave knowing the city and not just its photographs.
At 90 minutes to two hours this is the quickest way onto the water, and the cheapest — a single seat costs less than lunch on shore. It pairs well with a morning in the old city or a guided tour, and if you would rather have the deck to yourselves, the same route runs as a private charter.
First-time visitors and anyone short on time who still wants to get out on the Bosphorus.
Ninety minutes to two hours, depending on the boat and the traffic on the water. It is the shortest cruise we run.
Yes — the main landmarks on both shores are pointed out as you pass, in English alongside other languages depending on the sailing.
Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ortaköy mosque, the Rumeli fortress, the first Bosphorus bridge and the yalı mansions of the lower strait, among others.
Yes — many guests pair it with a guided Istanbul tour or a sunset cruise later the same day. Ask us and we will line up the timing.
The Bosphorus in full daylight, with lunch served as you sail. A relaxed midday cruise past …
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A licensed private guide for the old city — the monuments of Sultanahmet at a pace set by yo…
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Dinner arrives as the sun drops behind the old city, and a live band plays while Istanbul li…
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Sunset Bosphorus Cruise