Bosphorus Cruise and Old City
15€
Cruise along the Bosphorus and enjoy the stunning landscape of Istanbul with an English-speaking guide. First, you will visit Little St. Sophia and then take the cruise to marvel at the historical buildings and many popular sites from the water.
Is it necessary to book the Bosphorus cruise in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to book the Bosphorus cruise in advance, especially during the high season, to secure your spot and choose the best option.
What can you see during the Bosphorus cruise?
During the Bosphorus cruise, travelers can enjoy spectacular views of palaces, fortresses, and the beautiful European and Asian coastline of Istanbul.
How long does the Bosphorus cruise last?
The Bosphorus cruise usually lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route and operator.
What are the schedules for ferries crossing the Bosphorus?
Ferries crossing the Bosphorus typically operate from early morning until midnight, with more frequent trips during the day. It is recommended to check specific schedules on the ferry company’s website.
Is it safe to cross the Bosphorus in Istanbul?
Yes, crossing the Bosphorus in Istanbul is safe, whether by ferry or public transport. However, it is advisable to keep an eye on your belongings and follow safety guidelines.
What are the best ways to cross the Bosphorus in Istanbul?
The best ways to cross the Bosphorus are by ferry, offering spectacular views, or using Istanbul’s Metro, which connects the European and Asian sides of the city.
Discover Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise and Old City Tour
Experience Istanbul’s magic with a Bosphorus Cruise and Old City tour! Dive into history, stunning views, and culture. Book now for an unforgettable journey
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Date/HourEvery day at 15:00am
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LanguageEnglish
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Duration2.5 Hours
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Precio15€
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Meeting pointPASION TURCA
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ItineraryBosphorus Cruise
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End pointUskudar or Ahir Kapi
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Wheelchair friendly tour
Enjoying Istanbul Best Bosphorus Cruise and Old City
Our tour starts in front of Pasion Turca at 15:00 pm.
The minute you embark on our comfortable cruise boat, you will start enjoying the breathtaking views of Bosphorus. The palaces, wooden houses, enormous bridges and the beautiful neighborhoods will be passing one after the other as you admire and photograph them.
While sailing along the Bosphorus, you will be seeing the most important landmarks of Istanbul, including The Golden Horn, The Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, Topkapi Palace, Cıragan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Anatolian Fortress, Ortakoy Mosque, The Galata Tower, Ortakoy neighborhood, Ortakoy Mosque, Uskudar and Maiden Tower. All these iconic places will be seen from the water during the Bosphorus tour.
During your boat tour, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking tour guide from whom you will learn a lot about the historical buildings as well as the everyday life around Istanbul’s popular neighborhoods.
After enjoying a 1.5-hour Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul, you will disembark either at Uskudar in the Asian side or at Ahir Kapi in the European side where our boat tour had started.
Tour Highlights
- A professional guide fluent in English
- Travel by a cruise boat and see many popular sites from the water
- Step back in time and enjoy the most beautiful historical buildings
- Marvel at the iconic filming locations of popular Turkish TV series
- A possibility to finish your tour in the Asian side of Istanbul
Attention: Pre-booking is not required.
What is included
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Service charges & local taxes
What is not included
- Meals and beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
Discover the Magic of the Bosphorus: A Guide to the Ultimate Istanbul Experience
The Bosphorus Strait is not just a body of water; it’s a journey through centuries of history, culture, and natural beauty. Dividing Europe and Asia, this iconic waterway is one of Istanbul’s most mesmerizing attractions. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply a traveler looking for a unique experience, a Bosphorus tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Istanbul’s magic.
Imagine cruising between two continents while marveling at a skyline filled with palaces, mosques, fortresses, and vibrant neighborhoods. The Bosphorus connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, making it a vital passage in history, commerce, and culture. Today, it remains one of the world’s most picturesque waterways, offering unforgettable views and experiences for visitors from around the globe.
What to Expect on a Bosphorus Tour
A Bosphorus tour is more than just a boat ride—it’s an adventure. Tours typically range from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the route and type of cruise you choose. Some tours are luxurious affairs with private yachts, while others are more budget-friendly group excursions. Whichever you choose, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas, fascinating landmarks, and a glimpse into Istanbul’s soul.
Here’s what you’ll experience during a typical Bosphorus tour:
- Historic Palaces: Glide past opulent palaces like Dolmabahçe Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace, remnants of the Ottoman Empire’s grandeur.
- Iconic Mosques: Admire the beauty of Istanbul’s waterfront mosques, such as the Ortaköy Mosque, with its stunning Baroque architecture.
- Ancient Fortresses: See the mighty Rumeli Fortress and Anadolu Fortress, guardians of the Bosphorus for centuries.
- Bridges Connecting Two Worlds: Pass beneath the Bosphorus Bridge and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, marveling at the engineering feats that unite two continents.
- Seaside Villages: Spot charming neighborhoods like Bebek, Arnavutköy, and Üsküdar, each brimming with character and history.
- Breathtaking Natural Scenery: Enjoy the blue waters of the Bosphorus framed by lush green hills and colorful Ottoman-era mansions (yalis).
Types of Bosphorus Tours
Whether you’re looking for luxury or adventure, there’s a Bosphorus tour for everyone. Here are some of the most popular types of tours:
1. Sightseeing Cruises
Perfect for first-time visitors, sightseeing cruises are a convenient way to take in the Bosphorus’ highlights. These tours often include an audio guide or live commentary that explains the history and significance of the landmarks you pass. You can choose a daytime cruise for clear views or a sunset cruise for a magical experience.
2. Dinner Cruises
For a more romantic or festive atmosphere, consider a dinner cruise. These typically include a multi-course Turkish meal, live music, and traditional dance performances, such as a mesmerizing whirling dervish show. Imagine enjoying a delicious meal while the illuminated Bosphorus bridges light up the night sky.
3. Private Yacht Tours
If you’re seeking an exclusive experience, renting a private yacht is the ultimate way to explore the Bosphorus. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups, a private yacht allows you to customize your itinerary and enjoy personalized service.
4. Hop-On, Hop-Off Ferries
For independent travelers, hop-on, hop-off ferries are a flexible option. These ferries stop at various piers along the Bosphorus, allowing you to explore charming neighborhoods, visit museums, and grab a bite at waterfront cafes.
Tips for an Unforgettable Bosphorus Tour
To make the most of your Bosphorus adventure, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Season: Spring and autumn are ideal for a Bosphorus tour, offering pleasant weather and clear views. Summer can be busy, while winter tours provide a unique, serene atmosphere.
- Book in Advance: Popular tours, especially dinner cruises, tend to sell out quickly. Book your tickets online to secure your spot.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear layers to stay comfortable, especially during evening cruises when temperatures can drop.
- Bring a Camera: The Bosphorus is incredibly photogenic. Make sure to capture the views of iconic landmarks and the stunning cityscape.
- Learn the History: Take some time to read about the Bosphorus and its landmarks beforehand, or opt for a guided tour to gain deeper insights.
Beyond the Tour: Things to Do Around the Bosphorus
The Bosphorus isn’t just about the water; its shores are lined with attractions and experiences waiting to be discovered. Here are some recommendations for exploring the Bosphorus area:
1. Stroll Through Ortaköy
This lively neighborhood is famous for its charming cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and vibrant art scene. Don’t forget to try a kumpir (stuffed baked potato) while enjoying views of the Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge.
2. Visit the Dolmabahçe Palace
Located on the European shore, this stunning Ottoman palace showcases lavish interiors, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking waterfront views. It’s a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.
3. Explore the Asian Side
Cross to the Asian side of Istanbul to visit neighborhoods like Üsküdar and Kadıköy. These areas offer a more local experience with bustling markets, tranquil parks, and cozy cafes.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss a Bosphorus Tour
A Bosphorus tour is more than just a tourist activity—it’s a chance to connect with Istanbul’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. As you glide between continents, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the city’s unique position at the crossroads of the world.
So, whether you’re visiting Istanbul for a weekend or an extended stay, make sure to include a Bosphorus tour in your itinerary. It’s an experience you’ll treasure forever.
Which Bosphorus Tour to Take in Istanbul?
Taking a Bosphorus Tour is one of the best activities you can do while visiting Istanbul as it gives you the chance of seeing almost all historical sightseeing spots from the water on a half-day boat tour. Besides, no trip to Istanbul will be complete without a Bosphorus tour. To cruise along the Bosphorus, you need to choose what type of a boat tour you would like to have. Make sure you take the right cruise that suits your needs, expectations, budget and time constraints.
The first option is to enjoy the spectacular views of Bosphorus on a private yacht. Such tours are only for you and your friends or family as they take place on a private luxury yacht. This is the most luxurious way of exploring the two sides of the city; European and Asian. These boat tours are also very popular among locals because pre or post-wedding celebrations, parties and engagement ceremonies can be organized on a private yacht tour. If you want to enjoy Bosphorus on a luxury yacht, you can book a private Bosphorus tour on a luxurious private yacht by signing up here.
The second option is taking a tour that combines a boat tour and a guided sightseeing tour such as cheap Bosphorus Cruise and Old City. First, you visit a historical landmark, Little St. Sophia, accompanied by a guide and later you cruise along Bosphorus with the same guide. After enjoying the breathtaking views of two continents, you might have a once-in-a-life-time experience if you prefer to disembark on Uskudar and watch the sunset there. This tour has another bonus, too. You can take Bosphorus boat tour after you have Free Tour Istanbul in the morning.
If you are looking for a more romantic activity, taking a Bosphorus dinner cruise and Turkish night show is a great idea. On a Bosphorus dinner cruise, you can discover the beauty and glory of Bosphorus at night and enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner and dance show on the boat. The typical Bosphorus dinner cruise lasts not less than 3.5 hours. On the dinner cruise you will have an amazing romantic night out in the city. Night cruise is among the top tours in Istanbul.
The the last option is taking the traditional public ferry service known as sehir hatlari. This is the shortest and least expensive option. Though the sightseeing spots will be more or less the same, the experience you get will not be the same because on these intercontinental ferryboats you will not be accompanied by a professional guide who is ready to provide information about the historical buildings and Istanbul’s popular neighborhoods as well as answer your questions.
Why is it called Bosphorus?
Since antiquity travellers have praised the natural beauties of the Bosphorus, for this historic strait is one of the loveliest and most dramatic sights in the world. New parks and promenades, particularly on the European side, have opened up the shores of the Bosphorus to strollers, so that it is now possible to walk for miles without interruption.
The Bosphorus derives its name from the myth of Io, a priestess of Hera who was seduced by Zeus. Zeus transformed Io into a heifer to conceal her from his jealous wife, but Hera was not deceived and sent to torment Io. Pursued by the gadfly, Io plunged into the strait that separates Europe from Asia, and thenceforth it was known as the Bosphorus, or the Ford of the Cow.
The Bosphorus also appears in Greek mythology in the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, who travelled up the strait to the Black Sea, the ancient Euxine, in their quest for the Golden Fleece. Many places on the Bosphorus are associated with the adventures of the Argonauts on their way up tie strait, a heroic voyage which represents the expansion of the lonia Greeks along the shores of the Euxine at the beginning of the first milleur nium BC.
The Bosphorus first appears in Greek literature in the Histories of Herodotus, where he describes the bridge of boats Darius constructed in 512 BC to transport his army across the strait in his campaign against the Scythians. From that time onward it played an important and even decisive role in the history of the city founded at its southern extremity in 667 BC , as Gyllius eloquently points out, the Bosphorus is ‘the first creator of Byzantium, greater and more important than Byzas, founder of the City’. And he later sums up the predominant importance of this Strait that surpasses all straits’, by the epigram: “The Bosphorus with one key opens and closes two worlds, two seas’.
Topography and Oceanography of the Bosphorus
Bosphorus is a strait some 30km long, running in the general direction north-northeast to south-southeast, and varying greatly in width from about 700m at its narrowest to over 3.5km at its widest. Its average depth at the center of the channel is between 50m and 75m, but at one point it reaches a depth of over 100Om.
The predominant surface current flows at a rate of 3-5km per hour from the Black Sea to the Marmara, but, because of the sinuosity of the channel, eddies producing strong reverse currents flow along most of the indentations of the shore. A very strong wind may reverse the main surface current and make it flow toward the Black Sea, in which case the counter-eddies also change their direction.
At a depth of about 40m there is a sub-surface current, called canal in Turkish, whích flows from the Marmara to the Black Sea. Its waters, however, are for the most part prevented from entering the Black Sea by a threshold just beyond the mouth of the Bosphorus; these lower waters, denser and more saline than the fluid above them, are turned back by the threshold, mingle with the upper waters, and are driven back toward the Marmara with the surface current. The lower current is so strong, under certain conditions, that if fishing nets are lowered into it, it may pull the boats toward the Black Sea against the surface current.
Both shores of the Bosphorus are indented with frequent bays and harbors, and in general it will be found that an indentation on one shore corresponds to a cape or promontory on the other. Most of the bays are at the mouths of valleys reaching back into the hills on either side, and a great many of these have streams that flow into the Bosphorus. Both shores are lined with hills, none of them very high. Buyuk Camlica and Yusa Tepesi are both on the Asian side.
In spite of the frequent forest fires, both sides of the Bosphorus are wooded, especially with cypresses, umbrella-pines, plane trees, horse chest nuts, terebinths, and judas trees. The pink blossoms of the judas trees in spring, mingled with the mauve flowers of the wisteria and the red and white candles of the chestnuts, make the Bosphorus during that season even more spectacularly beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bosphorus Cruises
How long is the Bosphorus cruise tour?
Bosphorus Cruise and Old City Tour includes 1.5-hour boat tour.
How much does Bosphorus Tour cost?
The cruise cost depends on the duration of the tour, the activities that are included and the quality of the service you get. Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise and Old City tour costs 15 Euros per person.
What is Bosphorus tour in Istanbul?
Bosphorus night cruise with dinner and Bosphorus sunset cruise on luxury yacht tours are popular cruise tours that you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Istanbul including palaces, mansions, fortresses and Istanbul’s neighborhoods. Boat tours are great for discovering both European and Asian parts of the city.
How far is Bosphorus from Istanbul’s old city?
The Bosphorus is close to Istanbul’s old city center namely the Sultanahmet district. The distance between them is 7 kilometers.
How much does a Bosphorus boat tour cost?
The cost of a Bosphorus boat tour is 15 euros per person. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best prices and schedules.
What are the best ways to cross the Bosphorus in Istanbul?
The best ways to cross the Bosphorus are by ferry, offering spectacular views, or using Istanbul’s Metro, which connects the European and Asian sides of the city.
Is it safe to cross the Bosphorus in Istanbul?
Yes, crossing the Bosphorus in Istanbul is safe, whether by ferry or public transport. However, it is advisable to keep an eye on your belongings and follow safety guidelines.
What are the schedules for ferries crossing the Bosphorus?
Ferries crossing the Bosphorus typically operate from early morning until midnight, with more frequent trips during the day. It is recommended to check specific schedules on the ferry company’s website.
How much does a Bosphorus boat tour cost?
The cost of a Bosphorus boat tour is 15 euros per person. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best prices and schedules.
Diana Duffy (verified owner) –
★★★★★
We had a relaxing time on the Bosphorus tours. Perfect for couples!
Teresa Willis (verified owner) –
★★★★★
The tranquil Istanbul sightseeing was the highlight of our trip.
Betty Zimmerman (verified owner) –
★★★★★
We’ll never forget the beautiful sunset on the Bosphorus boat cruise.
John Thomas (verified owner) –
★★★★★
The Istanbul boat trip was luxurious, peaceful, and incredibly scenic.
Zachary Baker (verified owner) –
★★★★★
The crew on our Bosphorus tours was friendly and professional.