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Istanbul Clues

Istanbul Tour Guide

Bosphorus Cruise Price, Schedule, Map (Updated 2024)

20 November 2023 by Serhat Engül

Bosphorus cruise is one of the most entertaining activities to do in Istanbul. While touring the Bosphorus, you can realize how Istanbul acts as a bridge between Asia and Europe. Because this hybrid culture was embodied in the structures on the Bosphorus coast.

During the Bosphorus cruise, you will see the historical palaces and mosques of Istanbul as well as the most expensive mansions. Reflecting both the historical and modern face of the city, the shores of the Bosphorus promise a lot for those who love to take pictures.

Many tourists visiting Istanbul stay only in the triangle of Blue Mosque , Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar . However, in order to get to know the city better, it is necessary to visit Taksim, go to the Asian side (especially Kadikoy ) and join the Bosphorus tour.

In this article, you can find information about the prices and timetables of the most popular Bosphorus tours through maps and images. You can examine the first three options to join the classic Bosphorus cruise. The last two options include sunset and dinner cruise options.

Table of Contents

Best Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul

Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Tours

In order to find the best Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul , you need to review the Bosphorus tours organized by Sehir Hatlari, Turyol and Dentur companies. The prices of these Bosphorus cruises are almost the same as each other. However, since each of them has different routes and times, you need to find the one that suits you best.

For example, the Sehir Hatlari ferries have a large deck, wide seats and a cafe inside. However, they only operate once or twice a day. For this reason, if you are going to combine your Bosphorus cruise with another activity, it may not be the appropriate option for you.

On the other hand, Turyol Bosphorus cruise boats are very compatible with flexible travel plans as they make tours every hour from 10:00 in the morning. Although these boats are smaller than the previous option, they still have a cafe inside.

The last option, the Dentur Bosphorus cruise , is a great option for those staying close to Taksim Square. Because Dentur’s boats depart from Kabatas. Kabatas is the last stop of Tram T1 arriving here from Istanbul Old City. The station is located right next to the Dolmabahce Palace .

Now, let’s examine each Bosphorus cruise under its own heading in the rest of the article. Thus, you can see the pros and cons of each and decide on the most suitable Bosphorus tour for you.

1. Sehir Hatlari Ferries

Sehir Hatlari Ferry

Sehir Hatlari ferries depart from Eminonu, the transportation hub of Istanbul Old City. Sehir Hatlari has 6-hour long and 2-hour short Bosphorus cruise options. While the 6-hour classic tour continues throughout the year, the 2-hour tour is organized only in summer.

Sehir Hatlari Long Bosphorus Cruise

Sehir Hatlari long Bosphorus cruise starts at 10:30, regardless of summer or winter, and lasts for 6 hours. The route of Sehir Hatlari ferries is longer than other Bosphorus tours. The tour starts from Historical Peninsula and continues until Anadolu Kavagi , which is the closest point on the Asian side to the Black Sea.

After leaving Eminonu, the ferry takes a 1.5-hour cruise on the Bosphorus and takes a 3-hour break after arriving at Anadolu Kavagi. (Between 12:00 and 15:00) This is a cozy town away from the crowds of Istanbul.

You can climb the Yoros Castle built by the Genoese and take beautiful pictures of the Bosphorus. The northern part of the Bosphorus is the only passage connecting the Black Sea to the open seas.

After visiting the castle, you can take a walk on the beach and enjoy the local architecture. It is also possible to have a nice lunch break at the fish restaurants by the sea.

The Sehir Hatlari ferry starts its return journey at 15:00 pm in the afternoon. The ferry follows the same route and returns to its starting point, the Old City, within 1.5 hours.

Sehir Hatlari Short Bosphorus Cruise

Sehir Hatlari has an alternative Bosphorus tour that is only held during the summer months. Sehir Hatlari short Bosphorus cruise is an activity that takes 2 hours. This excursion starts around 14:40 and returns after a 2-hour nonstop tour.

As an Istanbulite, I like the 2-hour tour of Sehir Hatlari the most. Because it covers more places compared to the 1.5 hour tours of Turyol and Dentur. Although this may seem insignificant at first glance, it allows you to see the northern shores of the Bosphorus.

I like to travel on Sehir Hatlari’s wide-deck and comfortable ferries with a decent cafe service. Also, since many Bosphorus cruises do not include the mansions in Yenikoy , the most beautiful houses on the Bosphorus cannot be seen.

The short 2-hour Bosphorus cruise can be a little difficult to fit into your travel plans, as it only takes place during the summer months and starts in the late afternoon. But if you have the time, I think this is the best.

Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus Cruise Prices 2024

Sehir Hatlari long Bosphorus Cruise price is 120 Turkish Lira. On the other hand, the ticket price of the short Bosphorus tour is 65 TL. This post was last updated on November 20, 2023. I suggest you to check the prices once again on the official website of the company .

2. Turyol Bosphorus Cruise Boats

Turyol Bosphorus Cruise Boat

Turyol Bosphorus cruise boats organize tours every hour starting from 10:00 in the morning. In this sense, the most practical trips are made by Turyol, located in Eminonu.

Turyol pier is located only a five-minute walk from the Spice Bazaar , the symbol of Eminonu. Turyol ticket office is right next to the Galata Bridge , adjacent to nostalgic boats selling fish sandwiches.

Turyol boats set off from Eminonu and make a 1.5-hour trip. Leaving the Old City, the ship first crosses to the Asian Side and picks up passengers from Uskudar, and then returns to the European Side and starts the cruise.

The boat sails north along the European shores of the Bosphorus and turns from the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge in the middle of the Bosphorus. Following the Asian shores on the way back, the boat gives you the chance to see the sea shores of both sides.

The best thing about Turyol tour is that it is organized every hour and makes it easy to make itinerary. Even if you’re late due to a queue at a museum, crowds at a market, or traffic, you’ll catch the next boat.

Turyol Bosphorus Cruise Price 2024

Turyol Bosphorus Cruise price is 150 Turkish Lira. This article was updated on November 20, 2023. Before joining the tour, I recommend that you check the ticket price a second time on the official website of the Turyol . When you open the page, you will be asked to choose a destination, if you choose Eminonu Port, it will be the original trip starting from the Old City.

3. Dentur Bosphorus Cruise Boats

Dentur Bosphorus Cruise is the third option. The most beautiful part of Dentur is that it is very close to Kabatas. For visitors staying in Taksim Square, transportation is very easy. From Taksim Square you can come to Kabatas via Funicular F1 line and easily reach Dentur boats.

Dentur pier is very close to Dolmabahce Palace, so you can visit the palace first. Dentur’s biggest difference from Turyol is that it departs a little further. Since the tour starts from Kabatas and not from Eminonu, it goes further than Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and returns from Emirgan (beautiful neighborhood up the Bosphorus nearby Sabanci Museum )  The journey time is almost the same with Turyol.

Another feature of Dentur boats is that it stops in the Ottoman palaces on the shores of the Bosphorus. The boat stops at Emirgan on the European side and Kucuksu Pavillion (hunting palace of the Sultans) and Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side. If you want to visit these places, you can get off the boat and catch the next boat and return to the starting point of Kabatas.

Dentur Bosphorus Cruise Price 2024

Dentur Bosphorus Cruise price is 150 Turkish Lira for a 1 hour and 15 minute tour. These prices were last updated on November 20, 2023. You can check it once again at the official address of the company .

Dentur is the best Bosphorus tour in Istanbul for those who want to visit the palaces on the Asian side of Istanbul. Visits to Kucuksu Pavillion and Beylerbeyi Palace are both a cultural experience and the opportunity to eat and drink by the Bosphorus. The cafes of both museums have Bosphorus views and the food prices are reasonable.

4. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise allows you to take magnificent photos in Istanbul. You can enjoy the most romantic moments of the Bosphorus on the tour that starts when the sun sets.

If you want to join a sunset cruise tour on the Bosphorus with a luxury yacht, you can make a reservation from this link . This journey might be convenient for a small family or a couple.

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Price 2024

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise price is around 65 USD per person as of 2024. Sunset tours are relatively expensive as they are limited to a small number of people and are made with private yachts. You can check the prices and make a reservation from the link above.

5. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Bosphorus dinner cruise in Istanbul is a really fun activity. During this tour you can watch local dances and belly dancers. The best part of the Bosphorus dinner cruise is that you can see the palaces and other beautiful buildings on the Bosphorus with their colorful lights.

You can spend an unforgettable evening with beautiful music on the boat, local dances to entertain you and romantic scenery. If you want to join the recommended Bosphorus dinner cruise tour, you can make a reservation from this link . The tour is organized under the guarantee of GetYourGuide, an international company.

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Price 2024

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise price is around 35 USD per person as of 2024. You can book an evening tour with dinner on the Bosphorus from the link I shared above and check the latest price. The tour I recommend is the most popular Bosphorus evening cruise in Istanbul.

Bosphorus Cruise Map for 2024

Bosphorus Cruise Map shows us the locations of Istanbul’s nostalgic ferries and tour boats. These sea transport vehicles allow us to travel between the European and Asian sides as well as take a Bosphorus cruise.

For example, piers 1, 2 and 5 on the map show tour boats making a Bosphorus cruise. Pier 1 belongs to the Turyol Boats . Pier number 2 belongs to Sehir Hatlari Ferries . Pier 5 belongs to Dentur Boats departing from Kabatas.

Pier 3 symbolizes the ferries departing from Eminonu (Old City) to Uskudar and Kadikoy on the Asian side. There are actually two separate piers here, but I thought a single figure would be enough for both.

Pier 6 symbolizes the ferries departing from Besiktas to Kadikoy and Uskudar. Piers 7 and 8 are located in Uskudar and Kadikoy, two touristic districts of the Asian Side. Ferries depart from both to Besiktas and Eminonu.

In summary, a Bosphorus cruise is among the best things to do in Istanbul . You can have this wonderful experience by choosing one of Sehir Hatlari, Turyol or Dentur companies.

You can also join special organizations such as a sunset cruise or an evening cruise with dinner. The photos you take during any activity on the Bosphorus will probably be among your best memories in Istanbul.

I would also recommend the article named Istanbul tourist map to get to know the touristic places of Istanbul. Or you can also review the Istanbul metro map article for public transportation in Istanbul.

About Serhat Engül

Hello explorer of Istanbul! This is Serhat Engul. I am a licensed TOUR GUIDE IN ISTANBUL. I offer PRIVATE HALF DAY TOUR which includes a visit to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern and the Spice Bazaar. This is a fantastic option to see some of the ICONIC LANDMARKS in the whole of Istanbul and you’ll receive plenty of background information on each location to enlighten you. You may see the details of this tour on the HOMEPAGE of the blog. I wish you a wonderful trip!

Reader Interactions

31 August 2018 at 19:24

Thanks for all your posts! They have been very useful in planning my trip. Very big help in deciding a lot of things. Complemented very well my Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet research.

31 August 2018 at 19:44

Hello Ryan, thank you very much for your kind words. This is a good motivation for us. I Hope you will have great time in Istanbul.

13 May 2021 at 09:40

We are expected to arrive in Istanbul on 27th May and stay for 8 days. I’m glad to have gone through your blogs which will help me in making our trip enjoyable. Thanks for these very informative blogs. Ciao

13 May 2021 at 12:17

Hi Salahuddin, thank you for the feedback. It makes me very happy to see that these blogs really work for people. I wish you a good holiday in Istanbul.

27 September 2021 at 19:07

I am so glad to find your blog site with so many useful information for my trip next month. A quick question – are the ferries in normal operation now (any impacts from the Covid situation)?

27 September 2021 at 19:52

Hello, thank you for the feedback about the blog. Frankly, I haven’t participated in Bosphorus tours for a long time. However, when I review Turyol’s Bosphorus tour schedules, I see that the operations continue in the same way. The website of the state-run Sehir Hatlari is currently unavailable. But as far as I know it works too.

16 October 2021 at 05:29

Hello Serhat. I am planning to visit Istanbul with my family by end of November. How can we contact you to arrange some tours. Thank you

16 October 2021 at 22:08

Hello Said. You can send me an email from the contact page . It would also be helpful if you noted the exact days of the tours. Best regards, Serhat.

15 February 2022 at 15:39

I must say you have made planning around Turkey way easier. Wonderful description.

Thanks Sofia

15 February 2022 at 21:54

Hi Sofia, thank you. It makes me happy to see such reviews. It’s good to see that the time I spend on blogs is not in vain.

14 May 2022 at 10:54

Hello, this is a very informative website. Thank you for the in depth and extremely useful information. It has really helped me plan my trip.

14 May 2022 at 11:20

Hi Zehan, thank you very much for the feedback. Have a nice trip!

23 June 2022 at 13:27

Hi, hope you are well. Please let me know if there are any sunset cruises on Sehir Hatlari or Dentur.

23 June 2022 at 16:39

Hi Zehan, no, these companies do not organize sunset cruises on the Bosphorus.

20 November 2022 at 18:29

Hi, I wanted to know if any of these three companies have thier own dinner cruise. Or is it just offered by Get Your Guide?

21 November 2022 at 19:08

Hi Shyam, as dinner cruise is a special organization, it is held on ships designed for it. For this reason, the three companies in the top titles do not have dinner tours.

There are many companies in Istanbul that offer Bosphorus cruises with dinner. The most popular among them is the company I recommend.

They offer their services through GetYourGuide. If you want, you can make a reservation via the link I have provided.

19 January 2023 at 01:31

Thank you very much for your detailed explanation of Bosphorus cruises types, I found it very useful for planning my trip.

19 January 2023 at 13:05

Dear Liubov, thank you for your feedback on my article about Bosphorus tours. I am happy to see that the article is useful for those who will visit Istanbul.

5 February 2023 at 22:19

Big Thanks for writing this great guide..

7 February 2023 at 00:11

Dear Ali, thank you for the feedback on the post. I hope you will have a nice trip in Istanbul.

23 August 2023 at 20:02

Hello Serhat, I looked at the website of Sehir Hatlari ferries but I wasn’t able to see the possibility of buying tickets in advance online. Do you know if you can make a reservation for a cruise on a particular day online? Or do you just have to go to the ticket office in person in Istanbul? Many thanks!

25 August 2023 at 21:19

Dear Gary, Sehir Hatlari is a ferry company operating within Istanbul. I am not surprised that their online service is not working because Istanbulites do not reserve tickets for these ferries in advance.

Istanbulkart or one-time tickets are valid for all ferries of Sehir Hatlari that operate on both sides of the Bosphorus. On the other hand, online tickets must be purchased for IDO ferries going from Istanbul to other cities (for example, from Istanbul to Bursa).

My advice to you would be to buy your ticket for the Bosphorus cruise of Sehir Hatlari 30 minutes before the ferry departure from the box office. There is no such thing as running out of tickets for daily Bosphorus tours.

27 February 2024 at 19:30

Hello Serhat: Excellent guide. Re Turyol Ferries Bosphorus tour: Found it difficult to confirm on their website the following : *Hourly schedule in March ? *Just turn up @ the terminal purchase tickets ? *No online purchase facility ?

Regards Mitchell Reid

29 February 2024 at 23:43

Dear Mitchell, yes Turyol’s website is a bit outdated. Since the company’s working principles are very simple, you do not need to check the hours in advance or buy tickets online.

Turyol starts its Bosphorus cruises at 10:00 in the morning and there are boats every hour from then until the evening. I don’t think there will be a problem finding a seat. Tickets can be easily purchased from the box office before each trip.

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Istanbul Clues travel guide is designed to introduce you to the history, museums, restaurants and culture of istanbul.

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Author of this blog, Serhat Engul, is a licensed tour guide based in Istanbul.

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Istanbul’s public ferries (inner city lines) are in high use with the locals. And we don’t recommend you take them for a Bosphorus sightseeing tour. You’ll face a huge crowd of locals at the piers , especially at the rush hours.

We recommend you take the Bosphorus tours lines of the Public ferries (see below) for sightseeing.

Note: If you want a touristic Bosphorus cruise, than we recommend you to take the boats which will be less crowded and very popular with the tourists. You can check them on our Bosphorus cruise ideas page.

If you’re taking a ferry trip and need a place to store your luggage while you’re out exploring, Bounce, the luggage storage network, offers convenient storage locations near the major ferry ports. With Bounce , you can securely store your bags and enjoy your time exploring without the burden of carrying your luggage.

What to Expect?

A big part of Istanbul’s beauty is its ferries that cross the Bosphorus. They also make going from East to West fun. You should never just want to get from one place to another on the Bosphorus, though.

Some of the most beautiful things to do are to feed seagulls simit, drink tea and look out at the strait, and daydream while seeing the silhouette of the Historic Peninsula and the Bosphorus’s beautiful sites.

We Highly Recommend These Fantastic Night-time Activities

The Bosphorus is a sign of movement, fun, history, tradition, and rebirth. It is a peaceful spot in the middle of Istanbul’s busy life.

Bosphorus Rides by Public Ferries

Domestic trips.

* This is not a proper Boshorus Cruise, it is the common sea transportation in between the districts of Istanbul and used with the locals.

* This can be an option for a quick cruise in the Bosphorus.

* Price vary from one way 7,67 TL to 12 TL according to the distance travelled.

* You’ll need IstanbulKart to pay.

Inner Istanbul Ferry Lines: Kadikoy – Eminonu ; Karakoy – Kadikoy ; Uskudar – Eminonu; Kadikoy – Besiktas ; Golden Horn Line ; Bostanci – Karakoy – Kabatas

Bosphorus Ferry Lines: Sariyer – Anadolu Kavagi – Rumeli Kavagi ; Kucuksu – Besıktas – Kabatas ; Cengelkoy – Istınye ; Kadikoy – Sariyer ; Anadolu Kavağı – Uskudar ; Uskudar – Ortakoy ; Rumeli Kavagi – Eminonu ; Istinye – Cubuklu ; Kucuksu – Istinye

Princes’ Islands Ferry Lines: Kabatas – Eminonu – Kadikoy – Adalar ; Bostanci – Adalar (Princes’ Islands) ; Besiktas – Kınalıada – Burgazada ; Besiktas – Heybeliada – Büyükada ; Bostanci – Adalar (Princes’ Islands) ; Eminonu – Kadikoy – Adalar (Princes’ Islands)

Check sehirhatlari.istanbul  for all above routes, timetables and prices.

Bosphorus Tours

Bosphorus Tours by Public Ferries are divided into two lines that include; Short Circle Bosphorus Tour and Long Circle Bosphorus Tour .

Notice: Due to pandemic, Bosphorus tours by public ferries are temporarily cancelled.

bosphorus cruise public

Short Circle Bosphorus Tour (2 hours)

* This is a round-trip that operates every day from the Eminonu Pier at 14.35 pm. and goes for Uskudar and Ortakoy Piers in order.

* And comes back from Ortakoy and Uskudar Piers to Eminonu Pier at 16.35.

Duration:  2 hours

Ticket Price: round-trip 32 TL (adults), 16 TL (children under 12).

Long Circle Bosphorus Tour (6 hours)

* This a round-trip that operates every day from the Eminonu Pier at 10.35 am. and goes for Besiktas, Uskudar, Kanlica, Sariyer, Rumelikavagi and Anadolu Kavagi Piers in order.

* Ferry arrives to Anadolu Kavagi Pier about 12.25 pm. and gives a break here until 15.00 pm. You’ll have free time for strolling around the neighborhood, and have a lunch.

* Ferry leaves the Anadolu Kavagi Pier following at 15:00 pm. and following the Rumelikavagi, Sariyer, Kanlica, Uskudar and Besiktas Piers in order, finally ends the tour at Eminonu Pier at 16:40 pm.

Duration: 6  hours

Ticket Price: round-trip 65 TL – one way 39 TL (adults), round-trip 32,50 TL – one way 16 TL (children under 12)

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Ultimate Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Map and Guide

Why take a bosphorus cruise.

The Bosphorus cruise map takes you down the Bosphorus strait that bisects Turkey creating an Asian side and a European side. As you travel down the Bosphorus, you will see the magnificent bridges that connect the two continents across the Bosphorus. A vast number of commercial ships as well as the passenger and tourist boats and ferries all navigating the straight and staying within their respective lanes.

As you use the map to cruise along the Bosphorus, you will be rewarded with a view of stunning palaces, magnificent forts, fabulous mosques, small fishing villages. This scenic Bosphorus cruise map and route along the Bosphorus Sea can be explored in a number of ways as listed below. Attractions along the way and additional information at the different stops along the Bosphorus Cruise are in the map and guide below.

Video Bosphorus Cruise

This post contains affiliate links. That means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase though one of these links.

General facts to keep in mind during your cruise of the Bosphorus Strait

The 31 km Bosphorus strait connects the European and Asian side of Turkey. It is a natural strait that links the Sea of Marmara in Turkey to the Black Sea. It then connects to the world’s ocean making this an important and very busy shipping route. The Bosphorus Sea is narrow width in some areas makes it one of the most difficult waterways to navigate. It can vary 730-3300 meters wide and has a maximum depth of 110 meters. Approximately 48,000 ships pass annually through here. This is 3 to 4 times the traffic of the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal.

In addition, there are three bridges over the Bosphorus strait that connect the European side with the Asian side. The Bosphorus Bridge is 1,074 meters long and opened in 1973. The Faith Sultan Mehmet Suspension Bridge is 1,090m long and opened in 1988. The third bridge is the Yavuz Selim Bridge that opened in 2016 and is 1,408m long.

You will also find two tunnels under the Bosphorus strait. The underground Marmaray that runs between the neighborhoods of Yenikapi and Uskudar. Cars and vehicles travel under the Bosphorus Strait using the 76km Euroasia tunnel. This links the communities of Kazlicesme Asia community with the Goztepe Europe community.

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Ways to visit the sites along the Bosphorus Strait

  • Take the local public (Şehir Hatlari) ferry down the Bosphorus Sea / Strait and use this map and guide to visit the sites .
  • There are many “representatives” who are walking around the major sites selling Bosphorus cruises. Some are scams in that the price is much higher and duration shorter than comparables. To avoid these, Book one of the popular cruises from a reputable company. There are a number of Bosphorus cruises available, ranging from 1 hour to full day, private yachts to group tours including sunset and dinner cruises.

Bosphorus Cruise Map and Attractions

Download the bosphorus cruise pdf map below, images of attractions on the bosphorus cruise map.

  • Click on the Bosphorus Cruise Map pins for images and additional information for the various attractions and ferry pier information. To decrease load time for the article, images related to the attractions are attached to Bosphorus Cruise map pins.

17 Top Attractions on the Bosphorus Cruise Map:

You can also book your own small group, private or luxury Bosphorus cruise with a local guide.

1 . Galata Bridge ( Galata Koprusu ):

Galata Bridge is one of Istanbul’s most famous bridge, and it spans the Golden Horn. It is the first stop using the Bosphorus Cruise map. The bridge was originally made of wood and was built during the reign of Sultan Abdulmejid II around 1845. Over the years it has had a number or repairs and reconstruction. Today the bridge is a two-level concrete bridge connecting Eminönü in the Fatih district and Karaköy and the Beyoğlu district.

The top level is very popular with local fisherman and you will find them fishing off the bridge. On the lower level there are many seafood restaurants frequented by tourists. As you cross the bridge you will see Europe towards the west. Towards the east and across the Bosphorus Sea, you will see the Asian side ( Üsküdar ).

Click on the Bosphorus Cruise map pin for additional information and images of Galata Bridge.

Attractions sites often have long lineup, I suggest you avoid spending your vacation time waiting in long lines. Visit the Galata Tower, by booking a fast entry ticket (Skip the lines) in advance, it includes an audio guide.

2. Maiden’s Tower ( Kiz Kulesi ):

A popular landmark in Istanbul, you can visit by taking the ferry from Üsküdar Salacak Pier or from Kabataş Pier. You will find a museum, a café, a dining room for special events, a gift shop and a terrace with fantastic views.

The Tower can easily be seen on the Bosphorus Cruise, the map provides its exact location.

Maidens Tower is also known as Leander’s Tower. It is built on a rock that broke off from the Asian mainland at the start of the Bosphorus Sea. The first tower was built in 341 BC to control ship traffic, collect taxes. It was eventually used to protect Istanbul from enemy ships. At one point in its history, the tower was used as a quarantine hospital for cholera or the plague.

There are three legends related to the tower:

  • According to Roman Poet Ovid, Leandros fell in love with the priestess, Hero, who was devoted to Aphrodite. Hero lived at the tower and Leandros swam to the Island every night to be with her. She, in turn would light a fire, so he could find his way to her. On one occasion the fire was blown out by a storm and Leandros, unable to find his way to the tower, drowned. Hero found his body the next day and her sorrow led her to commit suicide.
  • It is said that the daughter of the Christian ruler fell in love with a man named Battalgazi. The father disapproved and locked his daughter in the tower. Battalgazi rescued his beloved and rode away.
  • This legend is similar to many who have heard of sleeping beauty. The King was informed by an oracle that his daughter will die from a snake bite. To prevent this, he sends her to the tower where she spent her childhood. A fruit basket was delivered to the princess and a snake emerged from it and bit her, ending her life.

Getting to Maidens Tower

The Maiden’s Tower Boat Service is available from both the Kabataş Pier  and  Üsküdar Salacak Pier . Check the times available as some only run on the weekend.

  • from Beşiktaş , take the public ferries or boats to Uskudar
  • from Üsküdar, you can catch a public bus (5 min ride), a taxi, or walk to the pier. It is a 1.8km walk along the shoreline to Salacak pier.
  • from Sultanahmet, take the tram to Kabataş.
  • from Taksim Square, take the funicular to Kabataş.

3. Dolmabahçe Palace:

The fabulously ornate official residence of Sultan Abdülmecit I was built in1844. The construction pretty much drained the national treasury forcing the empire to take a foreign loan to complete. The total building cost was 1.5 billion in todays costs. The 285 rooms, 46 halls, 68 toilets, and 6 hammams palace was home to six sultans between 1856-1922. The palace largely stood empty when the Royal family was exiled in 1922. Today, it is occasionally used by the Turkish Parliament for important events. There are two sections open to the public; the administrative wing (selamlık) and the residential wing (harem).

The popular attractions in Istanbul, such as the Dolmabahçe Palace have long lines. I recommend that you book your tickets in advance and bypass the long lineups, especially in the heat. The best way is to purchase the “skip the lines” tickets online, There are a variety of options available. Book your Dolmabahçe Palace skip the lines 1 HOUR guided tour or Book your Dolmabahçe Palace skip the lines 1 DAY audio tour. The guides onsite are not always “official” guides, despite their official looking badges. We were caught up in one of these scams and the “tour” was distinctly underwhelming.

The administrative wing (selamlık)

Here you will find Bohemian Crystal, a crystal staircase, the imperial Hall for 2,500 guests, Egyptian alabaster bathrooms, hand-woven Turkish carpets and the ornate throne room. It’s a feast of magnificence and splendors.

You can click on the Bosphorus Cruise map pin for additional information and images of Dolmabahçe Palace.

The residential wing (harem)

The residential wing consists of eight interconnecting apartments, separated by a 2,000m hallway and a main entrance called a Medhal at its southern end. 

4. Çırağan Palace Kempinski:

The palace is the fourth attraction on the Bosphorus Cruise map. Today, this Ottoman era palace is a five-star hotel that is part of the Kempinski hotels. The palace was built between 1863-1867 and served as a residence for several Sultans, eventually being used as the Turkish Parliament in 1909. Unfortunately, the 1910 fire severely damaged the interior and many priceless books and works of art were lost, leaving the outer shell. The building was purchased by a hotel chain in 1987 and the palace was restored and opened in 1992 as a hotel.

5. Ortaköy Mosque:

This Instagram worthy picturesque Mosque sits on a pier at the edge of the Bosphorus Sea. It can be seen from the Bosphorus cruise and map. Originally it was the site of a small mosque built in 1720 and destroyed in 1731. It was rebuilt and damaged again, this time by the 1894 earthquake. The current baroque style mosque was designed by the same architects who designed the Dolmabahçe Place, which easily explains its splendor.

The mosque also known as the Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque is located in Ortaköy. Ortaköy was known as “the village in the middle” (orta) because it is in the middle of the Bosphorus strait. It was a small fishing village that has transformed into a modern, chic, and artistic neighborhood with waterfront cafes, bistros, tea houses, trendy boutiques.

The area attracts young crowds, both residents and tourists. The center of the neighborhood is within a triangle between a church, a mosque and a synagogue giving a cosmopolitan diverse flavor. If you are visiting on a weekend, you will find a street market in the main square and surrounding areas.

If you are in Ortaköy, take a scenic walk along the coast between Ortaköy and Bebek. Along the way you will pass Arnavutkoy, which is famous for its fish restaurants.

6. Bosphorus Suspension Bridge:

This 1.5km bridge connects the European Ortaköy neighbourhood and Beylerbeyi (in Üsküdar) on the Asian side. About 200,000 vehicles crossing the bridge daily. The first attempt at a bridge between the two continents was in 511BC.

Today the bridge is a spectacular sight with LED lights that light up the bridge at night. The bridge is closed to pedestrians due to the high number of suicides which is ironic as it was originally designed as a pedestrian bridge. The Bosphorus bridge was renamed the “15 July Martyrs Bridge” after the attempted coup in July 2016. However the locals refer to it as Boğaz Köprüsü , the Bosphorus Bridge.

7. Beylerbeyi Palace in Üsküdar:

The lavish 24 room, 6 hall palace complete with a Turkish bath was the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans. It is located in the Beylerbeyi neighborhood of Üsküdar. Locals like to come to the palace for the popular Beylerbeyi traditional Turkish breakfast (kahvalti) in the gardens of the palace overlooking the Bosphorus Sea.

It gets very busy on weekends and difficult to get a table. It is a smaller version of the Dolmabahçe palace but without the crowds. A tour of the palace includes gold embroidery, wooden carvings and unique workmanship.

Click on the Bosphorus cruise map pin to see its location as you cruise the sea.

8. Çengelköy

A small fishing village in the Üsküdar district between Beylerbeyi and Kuleli. Famous for its cucumbers (gherkins) it also boasted a large number of historical seaside mansions. Strolling the main street is a walk into Turkey’s past with wooden houses, historical bakeries, kiosks/carts of fresh fish and countless seaside mansions.

A visit is not complete without a stop in one of the pastry shops. It is one of the most charming friendly villages along the Bosphorus Sea were everyone knows their neighbours. On the weekends, the population double or triples. You will find many people in the Tea Garden where one particular tree is about 500 years old, 15m tall and 6.6m in diameter.

9. Kuleli Naval Academy, Kuleli Askeri Lisesi

The Academy, located in Çengelköy, was founded in 1845 and it is one of the oldest Naval Academy in Turkey. The building was transformed into a military hospital during the Crimean War and supervised by Florence Nightingale. Once again it was converted into a hospital the First Balkan War in 1912. In the 1920’s it was converted into an orphanage. Eventually it became and military education institute after some major renovations. Along with other military schools, the Military High School closed in 2016.

10. Küçüksu Pavilion:

An elaborate hunting lodge built for Sultan Abdülmecid I on the Asian side near the Anatolian Fortress. This summer retreat has been meticulously restored and opened to the public in 1983. Today it functions as a museum with a small café. Here you can sit and enjoy a Turkish coffee or tea and watch the ships sail past.

The film enthusiasts may recognize the pavilion as the mansion of oil heiress Elektra King in Baku in the James Bond film “The World Is Not Enough”. The pavilion was also featured in the popular Bollywood film “Ek Tha Tiger”.

11. Rumeli Fortress ( Rumelihisarı ):

Rumelihisari meaning ‘Fortress on the Land of the Romans’ was built atop an old Roman . The view of the fortress from the air is in the shape of Muhammad’s name in Arabic. The ottoman Rumeli fortress in the Sarıyer district on the European side dates back to 1452. It took 3,000 people and 4 months to build and has been standing strong for 5 centuries. Originally built to protect Istanbul.

After the fall of the ottoman Empire in 1453, Rumeli Castle functioned as a customs house, then as a prison and in the 19 th century it was a living castle with houses, mosques and shops. The neighborhood was destroyed in 1950. The fortress was eventually opened as an event venue including concerts/theater and today it is an open-air museum .

The Rumeli fortress was constructed by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II on the narrowest part of the Bosphorus Strait. It is directly across from the Anatolian Anadolu Fortress built by Mehmet’s great grandfather.

The restaurants and cafes in the area are famous for their breakfast service. A great weekend activity is to have a Turkish breakfast in Rumeli Hisari neighborhood, visit the museum or attend one of the may concerts or events at the fortress. Public buses 22, 22RE, 25E, 29D, 40T and 42T all stop at the fortress. Additionally you can also take the ferry from Eminönü Pier across to Emirgan Pier and walk along the river to the fortress.

12. Anatolian Fortress ( Anadoluhisarı ):

The fortress was built in 1393-1394 to allow the Ottoman army to cross from the Asian (Anatolian) side to the European side. Just south of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the second bridge spanning Bosporus, which goes just to the fortress north. Originally built on the site of the old temple dedicated to Zeus, it has been damaged by earthquakes, invasions, weather and was restored in 1993.

The fortress consists of three towers, inner and outer fortress walls and an inner rectangular tower that is 4 stories high. Over the year, its functions changed from a military fortress protecting Istanbul, a watch tower, a military prison and today it is an open-air museum however you cannot climb the fortress, just walk around its outer walls. Around the fortified walls, you will find summer homes of prominent statesman and military officials. The area is a residential neighborhood with a road that passes through the middle of the fortress whereas Rumeli Fortress has maintained its fortress characteristics.

13. Erbilgin Mansion:

The home is said to be one of the most expensive palaces in Turkey. At 5,800 sq.mtr and with 64 rooms, it was the home of the son of Sultan Abdul Hamid II “Shahzadeh Burhanuddin Effendi Yalisi”. It has exchanged hands many times including in  2015, when it was purchased by a Qatari businessman “Mane Abdul-Adi” for 100 million euros as a gift for his wife.

14. Sait Halim Pasha Mansion:

This was one of the colorful homes in Bosphorus Village. These were summer mansions of Istanbul wealthy families in the 1700 & 1800’s. These wooden mansions are called Yali and there are about 680 of them in the village.

The Bosphorus cruise map pins show the exact location of these mansions and you may be able to see them as you cruise down the Sea.

15. Tarabya (Restaurant village):

A small village on the European side in the district of Sariyer. The area was settled in the 12 th century and Tarabya comes from the Greek work Therapeia (therapy). The forests and greenery were seen as a relaxing getaway and the sultans travelled to Tarabya for hunting and fishing. The wealthy and nobility built summer houses to escape the city and the plague. Today you will find great restaurants that still draws people from the city.

Attractions in Tarabya include the Church of Aya Paraskevi, Fountains of Sultan Mahmud II and of Bezim-i-Salem Valide Sultan, the Huber Mansion (current Presidential residence) and the Grand Tarabya Hotel.

16. Sadberk Hanım Museum (in Büyükdere):

The private museum run by the Koc family is in the Büyükdere neighbourhood of Sarıyer district. It house collections from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman era. The museum used to be the summer residence of the Koc family. It is a museum worth visiting and gives you a glimpse of the past. Onsite you will find a beautiful garden, a café and a gift shop.  If you want to travel by bus, take the tram to Kabataş . From Kabataş take bus 25E to Sariyer and get off at stop named Büyükdere Mah.

17. Anadolu Kavağı Village & Yoros Fortress:

A charming village near the entrance of the Black Sea, just prior to the third Bosphorus Bridge Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge. The new bridge can be seen from the ruins of the Yoros fortress.

When you arrive, you will disembark near the square of this small village with a population of about 2,000 residents. It is well known for its fresh seafood including mussels and you will see a great many fish restaurants and locals enticing you to eat at one of their restaurants. Tourism and the restaurants associated with tourism has become important to the economic viability of the village.

The most prominent attractions are the Yoros Castle on the hills above the village, Cevriye Hatun Fountain from 1785 in the Anadolu Kavağı Square, Marko Pasha Mansion and the Ali Reis Mosque. Hacı Ali Reis, who had it built, lies in his tomb next to the mosque.

Yoros Fortress (Castle):

The castle dates back to the Byzantine era and was built in 1838 on the sire of the former temple in honour of Zeus. The castle was controlled by the Ottomans, then the Genoese, who renamed it Genoese Castle and then it went back under the control of the Ottoman Empire. At that time the castle changed functions into a customs office, a checkpoint for ships travelling to and from the Black Sea as well a quarantine building.

The hike to the castle is about 20-25 minutes, you will need comfortable shoes and the views are breathtaking. While the castle is in ruins, you will find the Yoros Kale Café and Restaurant near the castle that serves breakfast, daily fresh fish and other items.

Different types of Bosphorus Cruise :

Taking a cruise down the Bosphorus is the best way to experience the straight. There are three different options; the public ferry Şehir Hatlari, Private yacht and boat Cruises and Hop-on-hop-off cruise . In this article we will concentrate on the Şehir Hatlari cruise down the Bosphorus Sea

Option 1: Public Ferry Şehir Hatlari

1a.şehir hatlari bosphorus cruise.

The public ferry (Şehir Hatlari) has two main lines: the Bosphorus Cruise line and Domestic Trips. the Bosphorus Cruise line is designated as Boğaz , meaning Bosphorus and have their own embarkation port that is different from the domestic/traditional Şehir Hatlari pier used by locals and is described in option 1b. below. The Şehir Hatlari Boğaz ferry provides a specific Bosphorus cruise line with three specific options:

  • a long Bosphorus cruise (takes you down to Anadolu Kavağı port) and is an all-day cruise.
  • a shorter 2-hour version called a short Bosphorus cruise.
  • a sunset/night/moonlight cruise along the Bosphorus.

All three in option 1a. are described in detail further down the article.

1b.Şehir Hatlari Regular Ferry down the Bosphorus (self guided Bosphorus Cruise)

Şehir Hatlari regular ferries (Domestic Trips) also travel down the Bosphorus, and you can simply travel from port to port purchasing a ticket to various ports creating your own hop-on-hop-off self guided cruise of the Bosphorus. Just buy a ticket to the stop you want to get off at, explore the area, then when you are ready to leave, buy another ticket for the next stop you want to get off at.

This would mean you would be riding on the regular ferry with the locals. The details regarding the domestic trip (self guided cruise) down the Bosphorus is provided below. This allows you to truly explore Istanbul at your own pace using the public traditional ferry as your main mode of transportation.

Option 2: Private Yachts and Boats with a local guide

However, there are some disreputable companies that are targeting unsuspecting tourists in search of a Bosphorus cruise. Many of these “scammer” are offering a cruise /tour that are costly (rates can be double or more of standard Bosphorus cruise). You will find many vendors and their representatives selling a private Bosphorus Cruise piers at Eminönü, Kabataş and Beşiktaş. Some are good value for money and others are scams and use questionable boats that may not be seaworthy. There are many options including dinner and sunset cruise down the Bosphorus.

You can personally book a private yacht by yourself from the Kabataş, Beşiktaş and Eminönü piers, or by booking online .

Option 3: Hop-On-Hop-Off Bosphorus boat / cruise Tour

Hop-on-Hop -off by the ferry company Dentur Avrasya operates a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bosphorus cruise starting at the Kabataş pier (near Dolmabahçe Palace). The cruise lasts about 2 hours to a full day depending on your stops. At each stop you can hop-on-hop-off at any off these ports Beşiktaş, Emirgan, Küçüksu, and Beylerbeyi. Keep in mind that anything offered in the way of drinks or snacks is NOT included in the price, so do not be caught off guard and have cash ready.

To save time, book your Hop-On-Hop-Off option in advance. Both Cruise and Bus options are available and include guides.

  • Beşiktaş – Here you will find the Turkish Naval Museum Deniz Müzesi, interesting markets, walk to the Dolmabahçe Palace (Google map directions to Dolmabahçe Palace ) as well as a visit to the UNESCO Yildizi Palace and Park (Google map directions to Yildizi Park )
  • Emirgan – is known for the Emirgan Korusu park, picnic areas and the tulip festival in April. Within the park are cafes and the Prince Mehmed Ali Hasan white villa overlooking the Bosphorus, called the Sakıp Sabancı Museum .
  • Küçüksu – At this stop, you will find the neo-baroque 19 th century royal hunting lodge complete with silk rugs, Italian marble fireplaces, bohemian crystal chandeliers within an elaborately decorated setting.
  • Beylerbeyi – At Beylerbeyi, you will find a lively seaside community, the royal summer palace Beylerbeyi Sariyer Harem Köşkü (Google  map directions to the Beylerbeyi Palace ), the Hamid-i Evvel Camii /mosque (Google  map directions to the Hamid-i-Evvel Mosque ) and a number of waterfront restaurants and cafes

To get to Kabataş Pier: take and the funicular from Taksim Square or the tram to the old city of Sultanahmet.

Details for the Option 1a. for a Bosphorus Cruise on the Ferry Sehir Hatlari are listed above:

Public ferry şehir hatlari short bosphorus cruise (kisa boğaz turu).

The short Bosphorus cruise is 2 hours long and departs from Eminönü Pier and stops at Üsküdar Pier and Ortaköy Pier. It does not make any stops along the way or at the end, so there is no opportunity for onshore exploration. At Ortaköy Pier, the ferry turns around and returns to the starting embarkation pier so you will not be able to get off at Ortaköy Pier. Always arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure to get onboard as ferries get full during the busy season. Purchase ticket for the Şehir Hatlari short Bosphorus cruise from the Şehir Hatlari sales office is located on the left docks of Eminönü when coming off Galatea bridge.

Public Ferry Şehir Hatlari Long Bosphorus Cruise (Uzun Boğaz Turu)

Take the public ferry Şehir Hatları Bosphorus cruise Eminönü (called Hazerfen Ahmet Çelebi İskelesi) to Anadolu Kavağı. Theis a dedicated ferry for the long Bosphorus cruise and departs once at day from Eminönü in the morning. It stops along the way to pick up passengers at Beşiktaş , Üsküdar, Kanlica , Sariyer, Rumeli Kavağı and the last stop is Anadolu Kavağı Pier, just before the Black Sea. The ferry arrives at around lunchtime to Anadolu Kavağı, where passengers disembark and spend 3 hours in the area. This includes climbing the ruined fortress of seven towers on Yuşa Tepesi (Joshua’s Hill/ Yoros Castle ). It is a 20 min climb with spectacular views and there are cafés along the way and at the clifftop. Passengers then reboard the ferry to return, thus making it a long cruise.

  • Anadolu Kavağı – A sleepy fishing village on the Asian side where you can get some lunch and walk to the Yoros Castle (Google map directions to Yoros Castle ). It is a steep climb of about 25 minutes with breathtaking views from the top.
  • Tickets for the Şehir Hatlari long Bosphorus cruise can be obtained from the Şehir Hatlari sales office that is located on the left docks of Eminönü as you come off the Galatea bridge.

Public Ferry Şehir Hatlari Sunset / Moonlight Bosphorus Cruise ( MehtapGezisi )

The Bosphorus Cruise at dusk (departs late afternoon/early evening and follows the same route as the daytime long Bosphorus Cruise. It stops in Anadolu Kavağı for two hours for passengers to disembark, enjoy an evening meal on the waterfront and head back to Eminönü at about 10.30pm. Check the season and times as it is not always available. Sunset cruises with a local guide can also be booked online .

  • Tickets for the Şehir Hatlari Moonlight Bosphorus cruise can be obtained from the Şehir Hatlari sales office which is near the Eminönü docks, close to the Galata Bridge.

Details for the Option 1b. for a Bosphorus Cruise on the public Ferry Şehir Hatlari (Domestic Trip / Traditional Ferry) from Eminönü to Sariyer (Self guided Bosphorus Cruise):

Istanbul’s public ferry Şehir Hatlari serves 48 piers using 34 passenger ferry boats via several routes including the Bosphorus sea route (not the ferry designated Bosphorus Cruise). You can catch this ferry at Eminönü Pier. Many people cruise the Bosphorus strait on the traditional ferry for 1.5 hours, get off at Sarıyer (23 km/14 miles north of Istanbul by road).

  • One of these routes is from Eminönü to Sarıyer – Rumeli Kavağı . The idea is to take the traditional Şehir Hatlari ferry from Eminönü , to Sariyer or Rumeli Kavağı, then disembark, explore and return either from Sariyer or Rumeli Kavağı. The return trip can be by the same public Şehir Hatlari ferry or returm along the coastline on a public bus (25E).
  • Another route is also from is from Eminönü to Sarıyer – Rumeli Kavağı but to disembark at Sariyer, explore the area and then to continue onto Anadolu Kavağı on the   Anadolu Kavaği – Rumeli Kavağı- Sariyer Şehir Hatlari ferry. At Anadolu Kavağı, disembark at Anadolu Kavağı, explore the area and return back on the traditional Şehir Hatlari ferry to either Sariyer or Rumeli Kavağı.
  • For either of the two routes above, along the Eminönü to Sarıyer – Rumeli Kavağı route, you can get off at any of the stops on the Bosphorus. You need to buy a ticket for each stop you want to get off (your destination stop), explore the area then buy another ticket for the next stop you want to get off at.
  • The Bosphorus Cruise map pins provides details of the different piers as well as images.
  • The Istanbulkart can be used to purchase tickets on the traditional public ferry (not dedicated to Bosphorus cruise). In this way you would be creating your own self guided tour version of a Bosphorus cruise.
  • All you would be missing is the audio guide that is on the designated Bosphorus tour (Bosphorus=Boğaz), which is glitchy at best. In other words you would be traveling from Eminönü to Sarıyer – Rumelikavağı (click on Eminönü departure tab) and then back using the route Sarıyer -Rumelikavağı to Eminönü (click on the Rumelikavağı departure tab).
  • Tickets for the traditional/domestic ferry, public buses and trams can be purchased using the Istanbulkart.

Traditional Public Ferry from Sariyer to Anadolu Kavağı and back to Sariyer

If you want to go to Anadolu Kavağı, I suggest getting off at Sariyer, take the ferry Anadolu Kavaği – Rumeli Kavağı- Sariyerı (click on Sariyer departure tab)and return to Sariyer on the same ferry Anadolu Kavağ- – Rumeli Kavağı- Sariyer (click on the Poyraz departure tab) and disembarking at Sariyer. Tickets for the public ferry can be purchased using the Istanbulkart.

  • Anadolu Kavağı – A sleepy fishing village on the Asian side where you can get some lunch and walk to the Yoros Castle (Google map directions to Yoros Castle ). It is a steep climb of about 25 minutes with breathtaking views from the top. This is the traditional end stop of the Long Bosphorus Cruise.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to ensure you get onboard as it can get full
  • This para is a repeat???

Taking a different route back from Sariyer – Scenic bus route from Sariyer back to Taksim/ Sultanahmet / Kabataş

In Sariyer, you can take the public bus back (local bus #25E or #40) back to Taksim/ Sultanahmet/Kabataş. It is a lovely scenic ride along the coastline. Ticket purchase for the public domestic/traditional ferry and local bus can be done using your Istanbulkart.

Public Bus from Sariyer:

  • Walk to the bus stop at Kocataş Sahil (google map directions from the Pier to the bus stop called Kocataş Sahil ) or walk to the bus stop at Sar iyer, Merkez (google map directions from the Pier to the bus stop Sarıyer Merkez ). At either bus stop you can catch the bus #25E. (Check when the buses are running and weekend schedules).
  • To Taksim: from the Kabataş bus stop, walk 95m (1 min) southwest (straight ahead after you disembark) along the main road Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. to the Kabataş Funicular station and take the funicular (one stop metro) to Taksim.
  • To Sultanahmet: from the Kabataş bus stop, cross the street and take the tram T1 Kabataş–Bağcılar to Sultanahmet. An easy way to cross the street is to walk straight ahead to the Funicular station and take the pedestrian tunnel under the main street to cross over.
  • There are many attractions along the way back, if you want to get off and explore. You will have to purchase tickets again if you want to board the bus and continue the journey back.
  • Do not take Bus 25T towards Sariyer-Taksim, it is a longer and less scenic route.

Taking a different route back from Rumeli Kava – Scenic bus route from Rumeli Kavağı back to Taksim/Sultanahmet/ Kabataş

Disembark at Rumeli Kavağıand take the public bus #25E back to Taksim/Sultanahmet/Kabataş.

  • At either bus stop catch the bus #25E to Kabataş bus stop.
  • When you reach Kabataş bus stop, simply take the funicular (one stop metro) to Taksim or catch the T1 Tram across the street to Sultanahmet

What is the Istanbulkart

Purchasing the Istanbul card is advisable if you are using public transport such as the local bus, Şehir Hatlari public ferry route and the tram system. It is a plastic card and can be used as tickets by touching or holding it over the card reader when boarding or going through the turnstile. We used one card for the whole family, touched it as many times as the number of people and topped it up as needed. There is no need to sign out when disembarking, its only used to enter the public transportation system.

The card, which looks like a credit card, can be purchased at ticket booths, tobacco shops and newsstands/kiosks. You can refill at designated kiosks located at any major bus, tram, to metro station, as well as some other places such as newspaper stands close to bus stops. They can also be refilled at the bus ticket vending machines. If you re using the vending machine, do not use large bills as the machine does not give out change and the entire amount will be loaded into the card.

Additional information can be found at Istanbulkart, call +90 212 444 1871 or download the app.

How to use the Istabnulkart

There is a non-refundable fee to buy the card. Then the card is loaded, and amounts are deducted as you use the card. The card can be used for transfers within a 2 hour window and the first transfer is 15min after activating the ride and it allows for 5 transfers within the 2 hour window. Use the card on trams, funicular, public buses, light rail, marmaray, underground metro, the tram system and the public/domestic ferry (as millions of locals cross the Bosphorus to go to work). It cannot be used with private tour companies that offer Bosphorus toursor the hop-on-hop-off tours.

We brought our old iphone to Turkey and purchased a local SIM card for internet packages available to tourist. This was a great way to travel and explore Istanbul.  I would highly recommend this: the sim cards can be topped up. Purchase of the SIM card can be done at one of the official cell phone companies and you will be looking to purchase a plan available to tourists. Your tourist status will need to be verified by showing them your passport so you will need to bring itwhen purchasing the sim card. Passports are not required for top ups.

Video: Anadolu Kavağı

Şehir hatları, eminönü, istanbul, turkey.

Boğaz İskelesi Ferry Dock, Eminönü, Istanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 212 313 8000 Website: sehirhatlari.com.tr Facebook: sehirhatlari Twitter: sehir_hatlari Instagram: sehir_hatlari YouTube: sehirhatlari1 Flickr: sehirhatlari Email: [email protected]

You will find the Şehir Hatları Bosphorus sales offices to the left Eminönü dock when exiting off the Galata Bridge. If you want a small group, private, luxury or personal cruise with a local guide, these can be booked online .

How to get to Bosphorus Cruise port:

From Sultanahmet, take the T1 tram to Eminönü station. Walk to the ferry dock and look for the Şehir Hatları ticketing office pictured in the pdf map (image 3 – Hazerfen Ahmet Çelebi İskelesi – ticket office)

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Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry with Dolmabahce Palace

  • Private Tour
  • All Year Round
  • Cultural & Historical
  • Friends, Couple, Family

Highlights of the Itinerary

Indulge in a public ferry cruise along the Bosphorus Strait will explore the hidden corners of Istanbul beyond the city’s popular attractions. Take a ferry to the heart of a city on two continents and enjoy a once in a lifetime view of the city’s majestic skyline, exciting neighborhoods, and landmarks from the Ottoman Empire.

  • Take a ferry along the Bosphorus Strait for a more profound tour of Istanbul
  • Visit the lavish Dolmabahce Palace and get a taste of the luxurious lives of Ottoman Royalty
  • Experience in the magnificent colors and aromas of the Spice Market

Departure & Return Location

Istanbul hotel

Approx. Pick-up Time

Price includes.

  • Private Vehicle
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Entrance Tickets/Fees

Price Excludes

  • Private motor-yacht

What to Expect

A ferry tour of Bosphorus lets you experience the sights and sounds of one of the world’s oldest cities at a relaxed pace from the comfort of your ferry. Take in Istanbul’s hidden sights and experience some of the best colors and aromas in the world. Enjoy an unobstructed view of Ottoman architecture along the shoreline of the Bosphorus Strait.

It only takes a moment to fall in love with Istanbul…

Bosphorus Cruise Public Ferry Turyol

Itinerary Details

1. bosphorus.

No view of Istanbul beats the one you get as you cruise slowly along the Bosphorus Strait. The Strait joins the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and separates Istanbul’s Asian and European sides.

Enjoy outstanding views of mosques, ornate timber mansions, suspension bridges, and sumptuous palaces. If fortune favors us during our cruise, you will get the opportunity to watch dolphins swim in the deep and clear blue waters.

2. Dolmabahce Palace

After a relaxing and scenic cruise on the gentle waters of the Bosphorus Canal, our first stop will be the most glamourous and lavish palace in the world, Dolmabahce. Dolmabahce palace dates back to the 19th century and sits on a bay once the hub of many shipping activities and a popular attraction for rulers.

Dolmabahce was the last and the most expensive palace built by the Ottoman Empire. It is for this reason that the place is trendy among visitors of Bosphorus suburbs. Here, you will experience a taste of pure royal extravagance like nowhere else in the world. The palace is set within a beautiful garden, and its breathtaking neoclassical exterior will blow your mind away.

While the outside of Dolmabahce will leave you breathless due to its endless beauty, the sheer extravagance on the inside will astound you. This lavish palace is divided into three parts, the Harem, Selamlik, and Veliaht Dairesi, with 365 rooms, 22 saloons, and tons of chandeliers. You may be unable to explore the whole palace, but this visit will reveal the priceless treasures, intricate mosaics, statues, and other precious objects within these walls. Get a taste of the luxurious lives of Ottoman royalty inside this one-of-a-kind palace.

3. Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar)

Another popular attraction on the edges of the Bosphorus Strait is the Spice Market (Egyptian Market). This market is famous for its wonderful aroma and tastes of every spice imaginable, resulting from the thousands of spices and herbs sold in the market. The many spices also give the bazaar spectacular colors, making it one of the few places where you can enjoy organic beauty.

The bazaar was erected in the 1660s and was the last stop for caravans on the Silk Road. Some of the buildings in the market date back to this period. Soak in the smells, tastes, and sounds of the spice market with its bright colors and enticing aromas. You can also buy delicious foodstuffs within the spice market and take the bazaar’s incredible tastes back with you. Above the bazaar is a historical restaurant that you might want to book for a plate of iconic Turkish delicacies, the Pandeli.

What is the route followed?

The most traditional route is Eminonu – Sariyer line, which is enjoyed for 1 h. 30 min. by most travelers. Depending on the sea conditions, season, and other elements, our guide will pick the best option for you.  

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Istanbul Insider

Istanbul travel guide and advice by locals.

What Bosphorus Cruise Tour to Take in Istanbul?

Last updated: September 22, 2023

A cruise on the Bosphorus is probably the most overlooked Istanbul tourist attraction. Understandable, with such an abundance of historical sightseeing spots in Istanbul and too little time to squeeze them all into your short holiday. But take my advice and set a few hours aside to take an unforgettable Bosphorus tour. Certainly if you’re in town between May and September. You won’t regret it — at least if you follow these simple guidelines.

Image of a ferry cruising on a Bosphorus tour in Istanbul, Turkey.

1. Private Bosphorus Tours

Private Bosphorus cruises  are great value for your money if you do them with reputable and trustworthy companies such as Zoe Yacht. Check out my review of a private Bosphorus cruise I took.

Unfortunately, there are also a lot of less trustworthy options. I see these scenes unfold almost every day: poorly informed tourists willing to take a Bosphorus tour, walking on the docks of Eminönü in search of a Bosphorus cruise. Such companies can spot this kind of behavior from a mile away and offer them a seat on their Bosphorus cruise boat. But please, don’t get tempted by the offer these ‘hustlers’ make. Their tours are overpriced (double and more), shorter, and often on boats that can barely be called seaworthy. Moreover, there is nothing private about a boat you share with 50 to 100 or more strangers.

2. Şehir Hatları Offers the No-Nonsense Bosphorus Tours

Şehir Hatları is Istanbul’s official ferry company. It offers three great Bosphorus tours: Short Circle Bosphorus Cruise, Full Bosphorus Cruise, and the Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night. Unfortunately, the availability of these tours changes according to the season. So do keep on reading and check out the respective links for the most up-to-date departure times. Insider tip: sit outside on the left-hand side of the ship for the best views.

The Şehir Hatları Bosphorus lines sales offices are located on the left docks of Eminönü when coming off the Galata Bridge.

Scenic River Cruise Tours on the Bosphorus

2.1 short circle bosphorus cruise ( kısa boğaz turu ).

First up is the non-stop Short Circle Bosphorus tour. This one is great for people who are pressed for time but don’t want to miss a genuine Bosphorus experience. This tour is available twice a day in summer (April 1 st until October 31 st ), and once a day during the low season. The cruise takes you from Eminönü to Istinye (well past the second bridge that is), and back.

The ferry leaves the Eminönü docks at 14:40 and 15:50, arrives at Ortaköy around 15:10 and 16:20 to pick up more people, and then continues its two-hour non-stop tour. The price per person is 65 TL, 32 TL for children under 12. For the latest updates, check the official timetable .

2.2 Full Bosphorus Cruise ( Uzun Boğaz Turu )

Picture of the Egyptian Consulate by the Bosphorus in Bebek, Istanbul.

The Full Bosphorus Tour offers a great Bosphorus experience and will take several hours in total. For a mere 120 TL, this cruise will take you from Eminönü all the way to the Black Sea, and back. Each way takes about two hours since the ferry also makes 5 short stops to let people on and off. You must get off the ferry at around 12:30 in Anadolu Kavağı , the last harbor before the Black Sea. This two-hour break gives you the opportunity to grab a (late) lunch in one of the town’s fish restaurants located on the shore and/or visit the fortress.

The ferry does one complete tour a day in summer (April 1 st until October 31 st ). You can board the ferry in Eminönü (10:35) or Beşiktaş (10:50) on the European side, and Üsküdar (11:05) on the Asian side. Do check the official schedule with the latest timetables .

On board, you can use digital guides explaining over 70 points of interest along the way, in 10 different languages (Turkish, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Persian, and Arabic). The price for a round trip is 65 TL, 32,5 TL for children under the age of 12.

2.3 Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night ( Mehtap Gezi )

It offers the exact same tour as the regular Full Bosphorus Tour, but you get to see Istanbul at night! The ferry leaves before dusk providing great Istanbul sunset views. It again stops in Anadolu Kavağı for a bit over two hours so people can enjoy dinner in the fish restaurants at the shore. Around 22:30 the ferry departs again for a moonlight cruise on the Bosphorus — a unique experience!

Illuminated Bosphorus Bridge at night in Istanbul, Turkey.

Unfortunately, the Full Bosphorus Tour by Night on the Ferry is only available on Saturdays in July and August. The good news is that it only costs 130 TL. Needless to say, you better buy your tickets in time.

3. Turyol and Dentur

Turyol and Dentur are two private companies that also offer a two-hour Bosphorus tour, similar to the one by Şehir Hatları. The good news is that they have several departures a day. The bad news is that they are more expensive and a bit shoter.

The Turyol Bosphorus tour sales booth is located on the righthand docks of Eminönü when coming off the Galata Bridge, past the fish & bread sellers. During the high season, ferries depart hourly starting 10:00. Last departure time is 20:00 on weekdays, and 21:00 during the weekend. The Bosphorus tour takes about 90 minutes, and costs 150 TL.

The Dentur Bosphorus tour dock and sales booth are located in Kabataş. The ferries depart every hour with the first departure at 12:45 and the last one at 17:45. The trip takes 1h45 and costs 150TL.

Always check the respective websites for the latest schedules and prices.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission to keep the site ad-free . I only recommend products and companies I use or have used.

Further Recommended Reading

  • Why and How Should You Visit the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul?
  • Is the Asian Side of Istanbul Worth Visiting
  • Bebek, Istanbul’s Trendy Village along the Bosphorus

January 18, 2024 at 4:55 pm

Hi! Thank you for the article. It really helps a lot! quick question, do you know different Bosphorus tours an Bosphorus lines? is it the same ferry or not? i’m planning a short tour because i only want to Ortakoy and explore a little bit more there, but unfortunately they don’t stop at the Ortakoy right? So, if it i’s the same, i wil go woth Bosphorus lines only. Thank you for your help.

Erlend says

January 18, 2024 at 8:37 pm

Not sure what you would like to do: – do you want to go from Eminönü to Ortaköy and explore the area while the ship continues its tour – do you want to go from Eminönü to Ortaköy, explore the area for a short time, boatrd the ship again and continue the Bosphorus tour (spoiler: no such tour exists) – do you want to go from to Ortaköy and explore the area, and go back to where you came from

Barry Lewis says

November 23, 2023 at 11:14 pm

Am I correct that the Full Bosphorus Cruise (Uzun Boğaz Turu) is NOT available during the month of March (we’ll plan to be there around March 7 to March 14).

Barry Lewis

November 24, 2023 at 5:06 pm

No, there is one. It leaves in Eminönü at 10:35 and will be back by 16:40 with a 2,5 hour stop at the furthest point. Keep in mind that it can still be very cold in March, so you’ll probably sit inside the whole time.

November 1, 2023 at 1:16 pm

Very helpful information thank you. Are these tours guided, ie does a guide provide a narrative on route?

November 4, 2023 at 11:33 am

No, they are not.

October 31, 2023 at 11:08 pm

Thank you for this information. Extremely helpful. Do you know what time the short tour departs in the inter season? (2 November 2023). I have checked the schedule and cannot seem to work it out.

Thanks in advance.

November 1, 2023 at 12:32 am

They’re currently in winter mode, which means that the short tour departs daily from Eminönü at 14:40.

Waldemar Kowalski says

September 22, 2023 at 5:32 am

Thank you for the invaluable information and your detail in representing Turkey and Istanbul!

The current tariffs (according to https://www.sehirhatlari.istanbul/en/price-list/bosphorus-tours-78 ) are 120 TL round trip for the long tour, 65 for the short tour, and 130 for the moonlight tour.

We are looking forward to using a LOT of your information

September 22, 2023 at 11:30 am

Hi, thanks for sharing. I’ll adjust the price … a never-ending story I’m afraid with the current inflation.

Carl Shinoda says

January 17, 2024 at 3:11 am

Thank you for your amazing article. It’s very helpful. One thing i wish to find out is, you mentioned there is a digital guide on board the long tour which cost 65TL. Is it a device they provide with earphone set or an app to download off our phones? If neither one, what is it?

January 17, 2024 at 7:25 pm

I’m guessing it’s an app these days.

September 16, 2023 at 12:23 am

do you know if there is a Boat tour leaving from Karaköy?

September 16, 2023 at 1:39 pm

No, no Bosphorus tours from Karaköy.

September 11, 2023 at 11:28 pm

Hi. Is their a sunset cruise ( preferably non/dinner)that leaves from and returns to Kadikoy

September 11, 2023 at 11:31 pm

When do you plan to go?

Brett Jones says

July 22, 2023 at 12:46 pm

Can you tell me which pier in Kadiköy the night cruise leaves from on Saturdays? The website says it’s the ‘old’ station – but not being from Istanbul I have no idea which one that is! Thanks!

July 22, 2023 at 6:56 pm

Hi Brett, just go to the Kadiköy piers and ask there where the mehtap Bogaz turu picks up passengers. They often change, so it’s hard to tell where it is now. Just make sure you’re 20 min earlier.

June 19, 2023 at 5:32 pm

Hello, We are in Istanbul right now. Just a quick update – the Turyol 90 min. tour is now 100 liras. Thanks for the suggestions. Hoping to catch a Sehir Hatlari full tour this week.

June 19, 2023 at 10:58 pm

Thanks, enjoy!

April 5, 2023 at 5:55 pm

Are all boats and crews the same? Do they have similar amounts of guests?

April 5, 2023 at 5:58 pm

Not sure that I understand your question. I review different companies and different lines on this page. Different companies of course have different boats and crews. And the crew for the short and long tour also differ.

carolyn haywood says

March 23, 2023 at 6:49 pm

Hi we dock in instanbul from 9 till 6 on a cruise and we want to do a trip on the Bosphorus, what would you recommend? We will be there june. Thanks

March 23, 2023 at 7:04 pm

I assume you’ll be there from 9 am till 6pm?

Jenny Jiang says

March 7, 2023 at 1:21 am

Hi, thanks for your article, very helpful. I’ve booked 4 days trip to Istanbul from March 8-12 (this week!), planning to do the Full Bosphorus Tour. What is the Şehir Hatları schedule in March? Can I still take the long Bosphorus tour from Eminönü at 10:35 and be back at Eminönü at around 16:40? Will it be okay to buy a ticket on the day before departure, at this time of the year? Many thanks. Jenny

March 7, 2023 at 11:04 am

The winter schedule is still in effect in March, so the timing is correct. In March, buying a ticket on the same dayshould be ok. Have fun.

November 20, 2022 at 2:39 pm

Your articles are very helpful and I am glad I came across it.

I am travelling to Istanbul with my parents next week and was planning to do the long bosphorus tour, we are staying in Cihangir. My question is – would you still advise the tour as it is November and the weather might be not the best. And do we buy the tickets from sehir hatlari the same morning?

Thank you for helping all the vacationers to plan their Istanbul holidays.

November 20, 2022 at 6:47 pm

Personally, I wouldn’t do the long cruise in winter. Part of the charm is sitting on deck, in the sun, which is obviously not possible in winter. Moreover, the main sightseeing spots (80%) are also covered by the short tour. Yes, buy tickets from their sales booth, the same day should be ok in winter.

October 29, 2022 at 7:55 am

Hi! Does the long cruise take place in November? Are there only outdoor locations on the ship? How to get to the ferry station from Pendik? Can I buy tickets online? If not, can I buy them immediately before the trip?

October 29, 2022 at 2:30 pm

Yes, there is one trip a day in winter, leaves at 10:35 and back around 16:40 with a long break at the furthest point. Seats indoor and outdoor. Tickets from the Şehir Hatları Bosphorus Tours booth at the Eminönü docks. It’s low season, so I would expect yes, but go in time.

Melanie Putra says

October 23, 2022 at 8:50 pm

I’m researching Sehir Hatlari’s short Bosphorus tour (2 hours) for my December trip. I know it departs Eminonu at 2:40pm. I am a bit confused though when I look at Hatlari’s schedule which shows: Departure from Eminonu: 2.40pm Departure from Üsküdar: 2.55pm Arrival at Ortakoy: 3.10pm This one way trip is only half hour. 1. Does this mean the ship continues on further after Ortakoy, perhaps half hour more, only then turns around to return to Eminonu? I’m just counting the timing… If it turns around at Ortakoy and heads back to Eminonu, the whole trip would only be 1 hour, not 2… 2. If this is the case, is the scenery further up after Ortakoy worth it? Or should I disembark at Ortakoy to check out Ortakoy then catch a bus to Taksim (I plan to visit Istiklal Caddesi after the cruise). Just wondering whether Ortakoy is a better option than continuing with the cruise? I heard the traffic between Ortakoy & Kabatas is horrible though.. Maybe still better to do the 2 hours cruise then catch T1 from Eminonu to Kabatas…?

October 24, 2022 at 8:09 am

The tour takes between 90 min and w hours, so don’t get off at Ortaköy and enjoy the ride until you’re back in Eminönü. From there, as you suggested, take the T1 to Kabatas followed by the F2 to Taksim.

February 6, 2023 at 11:56 am

How to buy the ticket? I’m in Turkey currently and planned to take the short tours

February 6, 2023 at 7:05 pm

As it says in the article, on the Eminönü docks, look for the Bosphorus Tour sales booth by Şehir Hatlari.

JOHN EV says

October 14, 2023 at 5:20 am

Our family will be in Istanbul on the 1st and 2nd January. Do the short 2 hour trips take place on these days? Many thanks. John EV

October 16, 2023 at 9:59 pm

Normally yes. In case not the 1st then certainly the second.

Sai Orias says

September 28, 2022 at 1:59 pm

Thank you for the wonderful article about the cruise.

I would like to try it once I arrive at Istanbul. I will be staying at the Asian Side. My question is, when I arrive at Uskudar dock what name should I look for to book this cruise at the same amount you posted? I wanted to try riding the full cruise, also is it okay to bring food and water during the cruise?

Looking forward for my stay in Istanbul. I will be going there alone and I am excited!

September 28, 2022 at 5:45 pm

Look for the name Şehir Hatları, and if there are multiple dock pavilions, look for Bosphorus lines. Sure you can bring food and (non-alcoholic) beverages along, but keep in mind that for the full cruise you’ll stop for quite a while at the farthest point.

Nishat says

September 23, 2022 at 9:20 pm

The nonstop short bosphorous tour – Will they halt at Ortakoy for an hour or so? Or we won’t have time to get down from the ferry? I really would explore Ortakoy a bit along with the bosphorous tour.

September 24, 2022 at 9:10 am

It will briefly stop there to let people board, but that won’t even be 5 minutes. So the answer is, no, it’s non-stop.

Mary M says

September 13, 2022 at 11:40 pm

We would like a round trip ferry ride from Emenonu to Anadolu Kavagi on Tuesday, September 20. Is this route served every day? What company do I use? Where can I purchase the tickets? Same day at the pier ticket? or advance ticket? Thanks, Mary

September 14, 2022 at 8:44 am

The current schedule runs until September 18. I’ll let you know as soon as the winter schedule is published.

Mary Warpeha says

September 19, 2022 at 3:22 am

Hi. We are in Istanbul and really want to cruise. Can you send an update on the schedule for Tuesday, September 20? Much appreciated.

September 19, 2022 at 9:45 am

The new Şehir Hatları schedule came out today, and you can still take the long Bosphorus tour from Eminönü at 10:35 and be back at Eminönü at around 16:40. You can also take the short tour starting at 14:40. You can find the sales booth and dock right from the Galata Bridge when facing the Galata Tower. It says Bosphorus Lines. Enjoy!

Haruethai says

September 2, 2022 at 5:27 pm

Hi, thanks for a wonderful Istanbul article Does the Sehir Hatlari has hourly short cruises like Turyol and Dentor. Are these 3 companies equally good and are the routes the same. I have very limited time in Istanbul, if not Sehir Hatlari which of this two would you suggest me to take. Because their frequencies are more and I can plan my day better. Thanks

September 2, 2022 at 6:24 pm

As I write in the post, Sehir Hatlari only has 2 short tours, while the others have multiple. I suggest going with Sehir Hatlari if their timetable suits you, if not, Turyol because you stay in Eminönü.

August 28, 2022 at 11:49 pm

Hello Erlend, We like to take the short Bosphorus Cruise on October. What is the name of the office at the Eminou dock? Can we buy tickets inside the office on the day of the cruise? We are just afraid of all these touts outside the office and all over the docks? Thanks so much.

August 29, 2022 at 11:10 am

Assuming that you want to take the one by Şehir Hatları, it’s just called Eminönü 2 Iskelesi / Pier – Boğaz Hattı / Bosphorus Line by Şehir Hatları. Yes, you can buy the day itself. If you have the time, maybe stop by in the morning already.

July 14, 2022 at 6:07 pm

Hi Erland We have just moved to Istanbul and are living it! My daughter is visiting at the moment and we want to show her the most we can via a Bosphorous tour as she is 7 months pregnant and don’t want her trudging around for hours. Is it best to get the ferry from Eminönü?

Love your tips many thanks Colin

July 14, 2022 at 10:50 pm

Yes, unless you want a private (and rather expensive) Bosphorus tour, the Eminönü pier is your best bet. You can go with the Şehir Hatları (cheapest but only once a day) or with Turyol (every hour I guess). Enjoy.

Colin Weaver says

July 15, 2022 at 9:44 am

Many thanks, we are going to take the Eminönü ferry today.

July 26, 2022 at 9:42 pm

On Thursday we will make our way to Emenonu via the tram. Where in Emenonu is the piers/docs? Will we need to take a taxi or it’s a walking distance?

July 26, 2022 at 9:58 pm

You can’t miss. Literally, when you get off the tramway, you’ll see the docks.

July 13, 2022 at 7:13 am

Hello. We plan to travel in Europe in august 20, 2022 , and we have a 15 h layover in Instanbul.we will arrive sunday around 4pm , can we still get the Bosphorus free tour from the airport? is it still on for sundays this tour? I dont mind if its the short one or the long tour. Thank you!!

July 14, 2022 at 9:18 am

This service is called Touristanbul . Do you fly with Turkish Airlines? You can find out all the information whether you’r eligible for Touristanbul .

June 6, 2022 at 1:47 pm

Hey erlend.

It will be my birthday tomorrow and I wanted to do something special. I was at eminönu the last few days and the prices were about 60 tl but without food or anything. People outside are trying to sell the Bosporus tour with dinner for 35 Euro per person… I don’t get that sorry. Can you help me?

June 6, 2022 at 3:11 pm

Not sure what you’re not getting. Just a short tour (1,5 hours) without food on a big ferry is indeed about 60TL. If you want a longer cruise with food or a small more private vessel with less people snacks and drinks, of course you need to pay more.

Here are two popular activities you may have a look at: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht and Istanbul: Bosphorus Music and Dinner Cruise w/ Private Table

May 10, 2022 at 5:15 pm

Hi Erlend, First of all – Thank you very much for these useful information! I will be in Istanbul – for the first time – for the last May weekend, arriving Wednesday afternoon and leaving Sunday noon. So, three full days and some few hours. I love boat tours and exploring places, I am thinking to take the “Full Bosphorus Cruise”. Of course I am debating if it is “worth” to spend one full day for it, out of just three days of my first time in Istanbul, or if I should just take one of the shorter cruises and have the other half day to visit other places in Istanbul. But that’s up to personal preferences, I know. Still your opinion is very welcome! 😀

But, what I am trying to figure out as well is – so, we arrive on Wednesday afternoon, I thought for Thursday we would stay and explore the city for “getting a first overview”, including Hagia Sophia, etc. and on Friday going on the Full Bosphorus Cruise. Or is there any advantage in doing the Bosphorus Cruise on Thursday? I mean, if there will be, out of your knowledge, much more people using the boat on Fridays and you would recommend the Boat cruise on Thursday? (We are staying in Sultanahmet)

Thank you very much & sunny regards, Marie

May 10, 2022 at 7:35 pm

If you’re only in Istanbul for 3 days and it’s your first visit, I would definitely go for the shorter cruise and have extra time to visit the top attractions. There is no real preference for a day, just see what day best fits in your plan and/or pick the sunniest day.

Have a nice time.

May 12, 2022 at 12:36 pm

Hi Erlend, Thank you very much! I might come back to you and ask another touristy question 😀 Oh, here comes the first one: As we arrive on a Wednesday around 3 PM (arrival at airport), what would you recommend for this evening – that doesn’t involve too much sightseeing & walking, as we will be tired probably. Drop our stuff in the hotel in Sultanahmet and make our way to the Galata Tower, to spend the evening there and for a nice view of the city for a “first impression”? Or maybe just stay in Sultanahmet. Don’t know, what makes “sense”. Thanks a million! Marie

May 12, 2022 at 6:35 pm

It will all depend a bit on traffic I guess. Let’s say out of the airport and on the road by 17:00, which is rush hour. Assume to be at hotel by 19:00. So yes, not a bad idea, and maybe have a bit nearby.

May 13, 2022 at 8:20 pm

Great, thank you so much Erlend! 🙂 All the best, Marie

Jose Monte says

April 25, 2022 at 2:22 pm

Can you please give me step by step instructions to go from our hotel at the Pullman Istanbul Hotel, Yenibosna Merkez, Mahallesi, 1. Asena Sk. No:15, 34295 Bahçelievler/İstanbul which is very neat Attaturk Airport but outside the city center to Sultanahmet or the Bosphorus Ferry tour terminal in Eminonu Pier. I would like to take public transport but I would not mind taking taxi to the nearest public transport terminal from our hotel. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

April 25, 2022 at 6:33 pm

It’s not an easy connection. If I were you I would take a taxi to the T1 tramway stop in Zeytinburnu in the direction of Eminönü or Kabatas. This tramway passes the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet and has a stop at the ferry docks in Eminönü.

April 26, 2022 at 8:34 am

Thank you Erlend. I googled Zeytinburnu and it looks easier and safer to catch a taxi back to our hotel at night. Does the Tram runs at midnight ?

April 27, 2022 at 6:35 pm

The operating hours were in the link I shared in the previous reply. But yes, outside operating hours, a taxi back is your best/only option. I would stay clear of buses, it’s not that comfortable and can be pretty confusing for tourists.

April 5, 2022 at 5:31 pm

Hi I’ll be going to Istanbul in June / early July hopefully, we want to go on the sunset cruise, on one of the days we’ll be visiting the Dolmabahce Palace and we were thinking off doing the sunset cruise the same day. Where is the best place to purchase the sunset cruise near Dolmabahce Palace or can we purchase before and get onto a boat near the Dolmabahce Palace?

Many thanks, Umar

April 5, 2022 at 11:00 pm

The season hasn’t started for the sunset cruise, so it’s hard to predict on what the schedule will be this year. Normally this trip is available during the months July and August. You can buy tickets upfront from the sales booth on the docks in Eminönü. Chances are you can board in Beşiktaş, but you won’t know for sure until the summer schedule is released. If not, no need to worry, only a 10 minute walk from Dolmabahçe you can take the T1 tram from Kabataş to the Eminönü .

April 8, 2022 at 1:10 am

Thank you so much for the reply so helpful. Do you know when the summer schedule is released? And where I can find it please?

April 9, 2022 at 3:58 pm

Hi Umar, I think around May. Here’s the link . Currently you see only two tours, as soon as the sunset tour is back available, it’ll appear there too.

April 11, 2022 at 1:33 pm

Thank you once again that’s very useful. Just a couple more questions before I stop bothering you lol:

1. You mentioned I can buy tickets upfront from the sales booth on the docks in Eminönü, can we buy tickets a few days before the cruise or do we have to purchase on the day? I’m just wondering if we’re passing by the docks in Eminönü then we may buy before if we can.

2. Which company do we need to book with? is it Sehir Haltari? Do they have ticket booths on the docks in Eminönü?

Thanks, Umar

April 11, 2022 at 3:45 pm

1. Yes, normally you can 2. Yes, Şehir Hatları

June 21, 2022 at 4:02 am

Is the sunset tour now available?

June 21, 2022 at 5:22 pm

Yes, it is. It leaves from Eminönü at 18:25 , but I suggest to be there earlier to make sure you have (a good) seat and buy your tickets in the morning if you can.

January 29, 2022 at 7:57 pm

Hey, thabk you so much for the article! I’ve read all the comments and have two questions left: for the long bosphorus tour you mentioned the audio guides, where can we get one? Is it on the boat itself? And secondly: you mentioned the ticket office, is it really an office or machines? Because we walked past the dock today and I could find a real office. Thank you so much

January 30, 2022 at 2:44 pm

In winter there are no long Bosphorus tours, only short ones. The audio guide you normally get on the vessel itself. It’s a real office. If you are on the docks, and look at The Galata Tower on the other side of the Golden Horn, it’s about 150 meters right from the bridge.

Have a nice stay.

Nadia Shehzad says

June 15, 2022 at 9:57 am

Is a night cruise available on June 25, 2022? If night cruise on 25 June is not available from you, which other affordable and reliable company is recommended? Please help me as there are so many scams. Just a decent evening/night cruise for a family in budget?

June 16, 2022 at 9:27 am

The one from Şehir Hatları will not be available. In order to recommmend you one, can you please specify the amount of people, private or not, vessel size, budget (in EUR or USD), and whether you want just the cruise or also want to eat something (and have a belly dance show)?

June 18, 2022 at 12:33 am

Hi Erlend We are 3 adults and 1 child (11 year) and 1 child (5 years old). We are fine with anything nice, private or not, food or without food, with or without night show. Budget would be 20-40 per head. We can do two separate types if they are within 25$/person, one day for sunset and another day for night/ music. Or a single one having sunset+a bit of night, max 40$/person.

Thank you very much

June 18, 2022 at 6:50 pm

Ok, when will you be in Istanbul? The reason I ask is because the state run ferry normally has a Bosphorus sunset cruise in summer, which may be announced soon?

June 21, 2022 at 5:29 pm

You can now take the Sehir Hatlari Sunset cruise for 52 TL per person. It leaves daily from the Eminönü pier at 18:25. Better buy your tickets upfront to make sure you have a seat.

Annisa Amelia says

August 4, 2021 at 2:07 pm

Hello hart! Thank you for the information, I wanted to ask you about the short trip of the bosphorus where can I buy the ticket ? In the locker in eminonu or I can use istanbulkart? Thanks a lot!

August 4, 2021 at 5:19 pm

It’s safer to go to the booth in Eminönü and buy the ticket upfront. It may not be too crowded this year, but better be safe than sorry.

Have a nice day.

May 18, 2021 at 11:11 pm

Hi – such a helpful blog! We are considering visiting Istanbul for New Years. Do you think any cruises will be running in the winter? Would it still be worth visiting one of the Princes’ Islands in the winter? I know winter means less crowds, but hoping things are still open, despite colder temperatures and COVID.

May 19, 2021 at 9:17 pm

Thanks a lot. As you mentioned, it all depends on the weather. For instance, last winter it was still 17 in the shade in December. On the flip side, it may freeze and even snow. Cruises still run in winter, but of course less frequently. Sitting outside because of the cold and/or precipitation may be less appealing. Visiting the islands is still a good idea, and something locals do on Sundays to escape the busy city life and get some fresh air. As for COVID, it’s hard to predict. I do know that the government just signed a deal for 90 million Pfizer vaccines, so let’s hope they can distribute them quickly.

February 22, 2020 at 11:48 pm

Hi there. I’m sure this must have been asked before. But please reply me. So the long tour starts at 10:35 and reaches ANADOLU at 12:25 And return from there to Eminonu is at 15:00 again. So between that time, are there places close by to have lunch ? Do they leave exactly at 15:00 or before time ?

February 23, 2020 at 2:33 pm

Yes, there will be restaurants at the port where you can eat, and the ferry doesn’t leave until 15:00. I suggest to play safe and be aboard minimum 10 minutes ahead of time though.

Sharwaaz Hassan says

January 28, 2020 at 12:13 am

Hope you’re well. I am so confused I really hope you can help me.

I’ll be visiting Istanbul in April Insha-Allah and I’d like to visit the Asian side as 1 activity on one day and I’d also like to take a Full Bosphorous Cruise by Night as a different activity…

Firstly, Where exactly do I get the ferry if I wanted to get from the European side to the Asian side for a day outing on the Asian side?

I’ve been told to walk down Istiklal Street and at the end of Istiklal Street I can get a ferry at Karakoy port on the European side, is this correct?

Is it also true that if i took the ferry from Karakoy on the European side, I will get off at Kadikoy port on the Asian side and this ferry ride should take about 15mins from Karakoy to Kadikoy…..

However, in saying this I’ve been told that coming back from the Asian side, I get on at Kadikoy port but it doesn’t drop you at Karakoy, if it doesn’t drop you at Karikoy on the European side then where does it drop you on the European side?

How much should a ferry ride cost on an IstanbulKart?

Secondly, I would also like to do a Full Bosphorous Cruise by Night. Where do I get the tickets for this cruise?

Do I have to book in advance or can I turn up on the day at Sehir Hatlati offices to book for that night?

Where are the Sehir Hatlati offices located?

How much will a Full Bosphorous Cruise by Night cost in Turkish Lira please and can I pay in Turkish Lira by cash?

How long does this cruise take?

Are there free transfers provided from hotel to boat and back to hotel after the Cruise?

I know that I’ve asked many questions, but I will great appreciate if you can be as detailed as possible in your reply please because I want to get this right. Feel free to explain it to me like you would explain it to a 5yr old 🤣🤣🤣

Thanking you in advance

January 28, 2020 at 9:38 am

To get to the Asian side, and assuming you’ll want to go to Kadıköy, you can take a ferry from Eminönü or Karaköy. Mind you that Karaköy is not located at the end of Istiklal Caddesi. You’ll still have to take Tünel (a funicular) to reach Karaköy. Alternatively, again from Taksim, you can take the other funicular to Kabataş and then take the tramway to Eminönü (which also passes Karaköy). Maybe have a look at this Istanbul Transportation map . The trip takes indeed about 15 min. If you take the Kadıköy-Karaköy ferry it will drop you off at Karaköy.

In April there is no full Bosphorus cruise by night organized by Şehir Hatları. But you can find many advertisements of such cruises organized by private companies on this site. Do read the details of such cruises to see if they match your expectations, and read the comments written by people who have take the cruise. It’s safe to book them online.

Hope this helps.

January 24, 2020 at 3:53 pm

Hello. Thanks for the article. Are there any multi-day cruises from Istanbul? We need a company that accepts children, in August.

January 25, 2020 at 12:31 pm

The Bosphorus Cruise as they call it is of course not a real cruise. For multi-day cruises you should contact established cruise companies. There is a nice cruise port in Istanbul. I read this year 65 cruise ships would enter Istanbul. Good luck.

January 20, 2020 at 5:07 pm

It’s a pleasure reading your article. Thank you so much for all the informations you have provided, we will be in istanbul in mid april for 4 days. We would like to take a Bosphorous cruise but we are more interested in taking a 2 to 3 hrs cruise, apart from 2.30 pm cruise is there any other cruise. We will be staying in Sultanhamet area and would prefer to start the cruise and ends at Eminomu. Are there any cruise that departs late in the evening without dinner provided that cruises for 2 to 3 hrs. We don’t prefer taking a private cruise. Thanks.

January 20, 2020 at 6:41 pm

The only non-private company providing Bosphorus tours is Şehir Hatları, with the tour you know. There are lots of different private tours (with and without) dinner. You can find them in the ads on the page. Make sure to read through the comments of others to make sure if it suits your needs. You may also want to check out Turyol , another private company.

Hop this helps.

Mohammad Iqbal says

January 17, 2020 at 5:12 am

Hi the schedule you shared for the full bhosphorus tour above in the article have one departure and one return cruise so it will start at 10:35 from first stop and reach the last stop at 12:25, then for the return, they will start at 15:00 which means we have to stay at the last stop for more then 2 hours? is there any option that we have continuous cruise like we reach at the last stop and after some time we start our journey back?

Is there only two long bhosphorous cruises for the day?

January 18, 2020 at 3:10 pm

Hi Mohammad,

Since it’s winter currently, they only operate one boat and only do one run. In summer the frequency is higher, so you can opt for an earlier return. If you want a continuous tour to the Black Sea and back, then I’m afraid that you’ll have to look for private companies and Bosphorus Tours. Keep in mind that they will be more expensive.

Milica says

December 30, 2019 at 4:16 pm

Are Şehir Hatları tours (either short or long) available during winter time? Their timetable looks the same way as this summer when I did a tour, but I was wondering if you have any closer information, as we would like to take the tour again these days.

Thank you 🙂

December 31, 2019 at 6:00 pm

It does look similar, but it has actually been updated. You’ll see that the long tour only has one trip up and down, where in summer there are a few more. So, to answer your question, yes the info is up to date.

November 28, 2019 at 11:19 am

Hi, my family and I will arrive Istanbul on the 2nd week of December, and from your post, the schedule changes seasonally. So I am worried about the schedule for Short Bosphorus Tour as we want to ride the cruise from Ortakoy. 1)Is the cruise still available during Winter season/ December? 2)How to find out their schedule for Short Bosphorus Cruise? Thank you

November 28, 2019 at 5:59 pm

Yes, the short Bosphorus tour continues during winter. Here you can find the schedule .

October 24, 2019 at 10:47 am

Hi there, great article! I have a couple of questions if you don’t mind:

What is the difference between the scenic River cruise for EUR20 and the full bosphorus for TL25? I ask this because of the substantial difference in price.

October 24, 2019 at 6:24 pm

The full Bosphorus cruise for 25 TL is a regular public transportation ferry taking you all the way to the last dock before the Black Sea, and back. It briefly stops at all the docks along the way to let people on and off. The 25 TL just lets you on the ship, no drink nor food included.

The Scenic River cruise, among many others on this page, are privately owned cruises that advertise here. Their offers MAY include equally long or shorter cruises, normally don’t have extra stops, can have daytime, sunset or night timeframes, food and drinks, entertainment on board, etc. each program is different, and so are their prices. I recommend you read the details and go over comments left by others.

Muhammad Siddiqui says

October 2, 2019 at 10:16 pm

Is this correct link for Bosphorus cruise? https://www.ido.com.tr/

do they pick up from Yotel at IST?

October 3, 2019 at 7:57 pm

Hi Muhammad,

No, that is the wrong link. Here are the links for the public Bosphorus tours and a private Bosphorus cruise which I took myself. Hotel pickup is only available on some tours, and certainly not for public tours.

September 21, 2019 at 6:50 am

HI, Thank you so much for all the help. It really helps us all. I have few questions:

1) I am coming there in first week of november. Is it usually busy during that time?

2) I will be there on Nov 1st (Friday Evening) to Nov 6th (Wednesday Morning). I know you mentioned the cruise doesn’t work on saturday! Would you recommend me taking the Sunday, Monday or Tuesday cruise?

3) I am planning on taking the full day cruise from Sehir Hatlari in Eminono, what is the small fish town called where the cruise stop for lunch? Any restaurants there you would recommend?

4) What time is the return cruise? What happens if we miss the last cruise?

5) Do you know where i should buy the tickets for princes island ferry? How much will it cost? I read online and people said the only place worth visiting on princes island is Buyukada. Or are there any other islands you recommend us going to. Any information about the princes ferry would be appreciated.

One day we are planning on doing bosporos tour, next day go to the princes island, third day visit mosque, museums and grand bazaar. We will still have one full day left, what do you recommend us to do. Something you would highly recommend someone doing when they visit istanbul. Doesn’t matter even if its 2-3hrs drive, i will rent a car and take my family.

Thank you so much for all the help with this forum.

September 23, 2019 at 8:54 am

1. It shouldn’t be too busy, it’s low season. 2. The cruises work every day, just the sunset cruise doesn’t. So you can take it any day you want. 3. It’s the very last stop, Anadolu Kavağı. Can’t really recommend one. Just don’t be overwhelmed by the waiters trying to lure you in, take your time to check them all out first, and then pick the one that pleases you most. 4. You can find the Şehir Hatları timetable for the full Bosporus cruise here . If you miss the only return ferry, the you’re left with a very expensive taxi ride back. 5. Just go to the Şehir Hatları offices on the docks of Eminönü and look for their Bosporus or Boğaz sales office. If you’re pressed for time, yes, focus on Büyükada . 6. Are Dolmabahçe Palace, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern on your list already?

September 9, 2019 at 8:27 pm

Is there any non stop cruise?

I am looking for something that takes 1 to 2 hours maximum? Could I buy the tickets at the boat port? How much it cost?

September 10, 2019 at 9:54 am

The short tour only stops twice to pick up passengers. If you really want non stop tours you’ll have to take a look at private Bosphorus tours . For the tours by Şehir Hatları you can buy tickets at the pier, for other tours you better buy online.

Peter P says

September 3, 2019 at 1:23 pm

Hello, thanks for your detailed article on the cruises and it helps a lot. My group are planning to do a short cruise, however we have a few questions:

1) We are a bit confused on the information from Sehir Hatlari’s website. Does the short cruises only depart once a day from Eminonu/ Uskudar/ Ortakoy? The Turkish version says it departs once a day, but the English website seems to be saying there would 2 departures per day.

2) We are planning to take on the short cruise from Ortakoy, would we be able to finish the cruise at Eminonu? Or we have to get off the ferry at Ortakoy if we were onboard there?

3) Would we miss anything good if we were onboard from Ortakoy for the short cruise?

Thanks so much and looking forward to hearing from you.

September 3, 2019 at 10:33 pm

1. There is only one tour a day. The top row are the departure times, the bottom row are the arrival times. 2. Yes, you can start in Ortaköy and get off at Eminönü. 3. You’ll only see the shore between those two points only once. If it fit your itinerary by boarding in Ortakoy, then I wouldn’t change it.

Sahana says

August 27, 2019 at 6:44 pm

Hi Erlend, Could you please share the google map location of the place where we can buy the tickets for Bosphorus tour. EMINONU area is pretty wide.

August 27, 2019 at 7:07 pm

Here you go: Şehir Hatları Bosphorus Cruises

Ahmad Mahairi says

August 25, 2019 at 10:23 pm

I am currently at Istanbul and I am planning to take the full cruze, I am also planning to visit Dolma bahçet saray and Rumli Hisarı at the same day. Would that be possible ? If so, shall I book the 1:30 trip or the 10:30 one? Is there a way to stop at a ferry station close to beşiktaş or Rumli Hisarı in the way back instead of waiting to get off at Eminonu?

August 26, 2019 at 8:29 am

I would first go to Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Hisari, and take the cruise at 13:35 from Eminönü or at 13:50 from Beşiktaş. You’ll be at 15:25 at the last stop. Before you get off the ship, ask what time the last boat embarks so you don’t miss it. On the way back you can get off at Beşiktaş or Eminönü, that’s up to you.

Have a good time.

August 23, 2019 at 6:22 pm

I will be in Istanbul in September for 3 full days, sunday – Tuesday (flying out Wednesday morning). We really wanted to do a sunset cruise, what is the best company to use and how much are we expecting for two adults? I don’t even mind dinner with the sunset cruise.

And thank you so much for taking your time to do this, great work 🙂

August 25, 2019 at 3:09 pm

Best is obviously a private cruise , but if you’re only a party of two it might be a bit too expensive. Cheapest is the one offered by Şehir Hatları, but it only runs on Saturdays in high season. If neither are an option, I suggest you take a look at all the other Bosphorus tour suggestions , with or without dinner. Please do take the amount of stars and reviews into consideration to make a wise decision.

Mustafa says

August 13, 2019 at 12:59 am

Went on Saturday for a night cruise with Şehir Hatları but the office was closed and I was told that Şehir Hatları has only one cruise on Saturday but that’s in the morning (or maybe they said afternoon..can’t recall). So we took the BigBus tour (they share the same booth with Şehir Hatları. The cost originally was 400 TL for 4 adults but after some negotiations it went down to 350 TL. It was very good. Not crowded at all. It was close to the evening so we started with a day light and also managed to see the sunset and Istanbul in night lights. Tour was with commentary at points of interest. Food drinks onboard are expensive. Bring your own snacks.

August 13, 2019 at 8:25 am

Hi Mustafa,

It’s correct that Şehir Hatları only has the sunset cruise on a Saturday. Maybe you were too late to catch it (it’s at Eminönü at 18:25) or it already sold out earlier in the day. Glad to hear that the other cruise worked out for you.

Jaco Havenga says

August 7, 2019 at 5:06 pm

Hi, thanks for your very informative articles. Me and my wife are visiting Istanbul from Sept 8th to 13 Sept. Would you suggest booking any tours or we rather do our own thing. Its like all the operators use the reason for booking with them is to skip long queues. In terms of the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus cruise (Full Cruise), when disembark at the last harbor for lunch is the ferry waiting or do you catch a different one back. And is this cruise cover all the important sites along the river or are there other cruises as well.

August 8, 2019 at 8:34 am

There are often long queues, but that’s most of the time to buy tickets. You can avoid that buy buying the museum pass or buy buying these skip the line guided tours. The latter also have the advantage that these are mostly guided tours. You can buy those online, you’ll find their ads on my site. And last but not least, you can buy a complete package with Istanbul Tourist Pass . I always used to go in with a book in hand, but I recently enjoyed the added value of a guide.

As for the cruise, it depends a bit on the day, but normally it’s the same ferry. Please safe, and take the 10:35 ferry to the last stop in the morning, and ask there when the return ferries depart. There is always a return ferry at 15:00, but the second one is either at 17:00 or 18:00, depending on the day.

John Fitzgerald says

July 30, 2019 at 11:01 pm

Is it reasonable to target the 1:30 departure from Eminonu with an arrival at Ataturk scheduled for 11:20? I don’t have any concept of the time needed to get through immigration and the taxi ride to the dock. Since we won’t buy the ticket until we are at the dock, the only question is whether it is reasonable to plan for that? Thanks.

July 31, 2019 at 8:42 am

First of all, you probably will not fly on Atatürk, because Atatürk Airport has been closed down a few months ago . You’ll now land at the new Istanbul Airport. Typically it takes just over one hour to get out of the airport, and depending on the means of transportation you choose and amount of traffic, it’ll take one to two hours to reach the city center. Assuming you’ll want to check in at your hotel first to at least drop your luggage, I think it’s very unlikely you’ll make it to the docks on time.

Hope this helps give you an idea.

July 14, 2019 at 10:12 pm

Hey, I went on a Bosphorus cruise tour from Ortaköy, Beşiktaş. The one that costed 25 TL and lasted around an hour. It said “ Bogaz turlari” where we took the boat from. Is there any way to find out who was working on the boat/ cruise that we were on? Meaning the ones selling snacks, tea and so on. Thank you

July 15, 2019 at 8:35 am

I’m afraid that would be very difficult.

Sorry I can’t help you for that.

July 14, 2019 at 5:30 pm

First of all your post helped alot to understand the Bosphrous Tour Thanks for that.

My question is what i am seeing in the schedule provided by Şehir Hatları that

Full Bosphorus Cruise is departing from EMINONU and we also have ticketing office located on the left docks of EMINONU. So its a win win you go to EMINONU get the ticket and enjoy the cruise. Ok.

Now the issue is for Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night we’ll take the tickets from docks of EMINONU but the cruise is departing from BOSTANCI according to ” http://en.sehirhatlari.istanbul/en/timetable/sunset-cruises-415.html ” this link. What is that??? Are you getting my point?

2) Second thing is you said ” For the tours organized by Şehir Hatları you can only buy tickets the same day. You can go in the morning to get tickets for the evening though ”

Then what if i wanna go in the morning as i am seeing the schedule for Full Bosphorus Cruise the morning cruise will depart from EMINONU at 10:35. Will i easily get the ticket if i reach at the ticket office at lets say 9:30 or 10:00 ? I mean is it really hard to get the ticket or you can easily get the ticket if you reach an hour before departing the Cruise?

July 15, 2019 at 8:33 am

The boat starts it’s trip in Bostancı, then sails to Kadiköy and picks up people there, then sails to Eminönü where you’ll get on the boat, etc.

Yes, you can buy your tickets in the morning to make sure the boat isn’t sold out by the evening.

Rumana says

June 16, 2019 at 6:16 am

Hi I am right now in Istanbul with my husband and two toddlers for a week. Can you please suggest me what we can do in Istanbul for around three days and for the remaining days we wish to explore places around Istanbul. Thank you

June 16, 2019 at 4:48 pm

Have you had a look at the articles 15 things to do in Istanbul and fun activities with kids ?

June 10, 2019 at 3:09 pm

Thank you so much, Erlend, for the details!

One more question – may I use Istanbulkart for the Long Bosphorus Cruise? Or the cost of the cruises are not included?

Thanks again!

June 11, 2019 at 1:09 pm

No, you can’t use your Istanbul Kart.

Camilo says

June 7, 2019 at 12:14 pm

I will arrive in Istanbul next Friday for in the afternoon at 6PM. I will be there until Saturday at 8 AM, as I checked, my only option to visit something typical in Istanbul is the Bosphorus Cruise by Night (Mehtap Gezi). Or do you suggest me another plan?

1. What time start the cruise at night? 2. How much is it? 3. Where I could buy the ticket? 4. How long is the cruise?

Thanks in advance for your help.

June 7, 2019 at 10:42 pm

If you land at 6 PM, I’m afraid you won’t make it in time. I suggest you have a nice dinner overlooking or by the Bosphorus.

June 6, 2019 at 6:30 pm

Hello! I have read your articles and they are very useful. tank uou for your effort and time to write them! I have a few questions on the cruises a tourist can take:

1. For long Bosphorus Cruise, I found on googlemaps more names for the docks, such as: Eminonu Pier / Eminönü İskelesi and Terminal Feribot Eminönü (Ş.Hatları; Üsküdar & Boğaz). Could you, please, help me with the correct one where I should go to buy tickets and embark?

2. I want to take a cruise on the Golden Horn, too. On Sehir Hatlari website I found a departure point from Karakoy (ferry coming from Uksudar and stopping to Eyup). On the other hand, I found info that there is a ferry going to Eyup from Eminonu Halic Iskelesi (this is the name I found on googlemaps). I don„t know if this is still available in 2019. Is it possible to help me with correct and updated info?

3. Istanbulkart. It is clear it can be used by up to 5 people. When they all use it first time, they will have a discount fare (around 2,60 TL instead of 5TL, as it is a standard ticket). At the first transfer, all of them get discounts?

Thank you in advance for your help, Dana

June 6, 2019 at 11:10 pm

1. The Şehir Hatları docks are on the right side of the Galata Bridge with your back to Eminönü and looking at the Galata Tower. It should write Boğaz Turları and the brand name, Şehir Hatları.

2. The one you found starting in Üsküdar and ending at Eyüp is the official Golden Horn line (Haliç Hattı). Keep in mind that Karaköy is only just across the bridge from Eminönü, a very enjoyable walk.

3. No, only the first one of all people on the same card will get the discount. Personally, I don’t recommend more than three people on one card.

Kedar Dixit says

June 3, 2019 at 11:39 am

Is it worth buying Istanbul tourist pass or venture on your own?

June 3, 2019 at 7:33 pm

Unless you plan to do all they offer in the time frame you picked, I think you’re better of on your own.

Helen Pourouna says

May 15, 2019 at 7:11 pm

Can you buy tickets for full boat cruise on the day of the cruise for the morning cruise. So in other words can you just turn up to ticket office and buy a ticket for the cruise

May 16, 2019 at 11:45 pm

Yes, you can.

vivien barton says

April 25, 2019 at 9:11 am

What is the exact location of your office/ticket office? I don’t want to go on a different company, how do I find your ticket counter?

April 25, 2019 at 10:33 pm

I’m not a travel agent, so I don’t have an office. I just share my Istanbul experiences and advice to help tourists make the most out of it.

April 24, 2019 at 10:08 am

How can i buy advance ticket for long bosphorus cruise or ensure that tickets are not totally sold for the day?

April 24, 2019 at 9:40 pm

For the tours organized by Şehir Hatları you can only buy tickets the same day. You can go in the morning to get tickets for the evening though.

April 21, 2019 at 3:39 pm

Hey, can you bring whatever you want to the cruise? (drinks, food, and the like) are the prices on board reasonable?

April 22, 2019 at 9:50 pm

On the public cruise boats you can bring your own drinks and some snacks. Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages may not be allowed.

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An Insider's Guide to Istanbul

BOSPHORUS CRUISE Prices in Istanbul [Updated 2024]

19 December 2023 by Serhat Engul

Those who visit Istanbul for the first time, primarily visit the historical monuments around Sultanahmet. However, it is not enough to see why Istanbul is such an important place in history. It is essential to take a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul in order to comprehend how large the city is.

The most important settlement of Istanbul during the Roman and Byzantine periods was the Historical Peninsula . Separated from the rest of Istanbul by the Bosphorus and Golden Horn , Historical Peninsula was the imperial capital of Constantinople.

The Ottomans captured the city in 1453. Historical Peninsula still remained the center of life for many years. In Galata, on the other side of the Golden Horn, there were Genoese and Venetians, the Latin trade colonies.

However, with the development of international trade in the 1800s, today’s districts such as Beyoglu and Besiktas started to grow. The Sultan moved from the traditional Topkapi Palace to the modern Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus.

Many mosques, mansions and palaces were built on the shores of the Bosphorus. The best examples of baroque and neo-classical architecture that marked the last period of the Ottoman Empire are on the shores of the Bosphorus.

If you want to see the traces of this architectural transformation, you can take a Bosphorus boat tour. The best photos you will take in Istanbul will probably be the ones you will take during the Bosphorus cruise.

Table of Contents

Bosphorus Cruise Prices in Istanbul 2024

Best Bosphorus Cruise Tour in Istanbul 2023

You basically have three options to join the best Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul for 2024. One of them is the official company Sehir Hatlari. The other two are Turyol and Dentur. Each company has its own pricing, schedule and route. In this article, you can find the Bosphorus cruise prices in Istanbul as updated in 2024.

Sehir Hatlari and Turyol ‘s piers are located in Eminonu neighborhood on the Old City side of Galata Bridge. This location is also next to the Spice Bazaar . For someone staying in Istanbul Old City (Beyazit, Sultanahmet, Sirkeci), it is very easy to reach Eminonu, where the tours start.

For someone staying in Taksim Square or Besiktas, it will be easy to reach Kabatas, where Dentur is located. You can reach Kabatas from Taksim Square by Funicular F1, and from Besiktas by bus or taxi. Dentur pier in Kabatas is just walking distance from Dolmabahce Palace.

For those who want a different experience, I will suggest two alternative Bosphorus tours towards the end of the article. One of them is the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise featuring local dances and Turkish cuisine. The second is the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise , which gives you romantic moments in Istanbul when the sun goes down.

1. Sehir Hatlari Public Ferry Price 2024

Bosphorus Cruise by the Sehir Hatlari Public Ferry in Istanbul

Sehir Hatlari is an official company that organizes a Bosphorus cruise with public ferries. It has a fixed schedule that has not changed for many years. There are two different tour options in this category, depending on the length of the activity.

The LONG Bosphorus cruise, which is available all year round, promises a 6-hour sightseeing experience. On the other hand, there is another 2-hour program called SHORT Bosphorus cruise in summer.

Sehir Hatlari (Public Ferry) Bosphorus cruise prices are between 65 TL and 120 TL in 2024. For example, the cost of the long Bosphorus tour, which promises a 6-hour trip, is only 120 Turkish Liras. The price of the short Bosphorus tour is only 65 Turkish Liras. These prices were last updated on December 19, 2023.

Long Bosphorus Cruise by Sehir Hatlari

The long Bosphorus cruise organized by Sehir Hatlari departs from Eminonu every day at 10:35. Two and sometimes three-storey nostalgic ferries serve for the Bosphorus tour. The fact that the ferries have a very large deck and many seating places makes Sehir Hatlari stand out from its competitors. Sehir Hatlari public ferries offer the best Bosphorus tour in Istanbul in terms of comfort.

After leaving Eminonu, the Sehir Hatlari ferry goes north without stopping for 1.5 hours. Meanwhile, you can photograph the palaces, mosques and historical mansions on the European shores of the Bosphorus.

The Sehir Hatlari ferry reaches Anadolu Kavagi , the closest place to the Black Sea coast of the Bosphorus, after 1.5 hours. In this small town there is a three-hour break that starts at 12:00 and ends at 3:00 pm.

In a 3-hour break, you can go to Yoros Castle, which was built by the Genoese in the Byzantine period. The castle allows you to fit both the Bosphorus and the Black Sea views into the same frame. You can eat fresh fish at local restaurants in Anadolu Kavagi.

After the break is over, the return journey starts at 15:00. This time, the Sehir Hatlari ferry returns from the Asian shores of the Bosphorus. Thus, you will have the chance to see the structures on the other side of the Bosphorus.

At 16:30, the boat trip on the Bosphorus ends where it started. After getting off the ferry in Eminonu, you can visit the Spice Bazaar in the Old City or cross the Taksim side from Galata Bridge .

Short Bosphorus Cruise by Sehir Hatlari

The short Bosphorus cruise organized by Sehir Hatlari is only available in summer. The tour starts at 14:35 from Eminonu. Departing from the Istanbul Old City, the ferry goes to the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the second bridge on the Bosphorus. After this point, the ferry returns to Eminonu, where it started again at the end of the 2-hour journey.

2. Turyol Bosphorus Cruise Price 2024

Bosphorus Cruise by the Turyol Private Boats in Istanbul

Turyol Bosphorus Cruise is the most practical option. Turyol‘s pier is located very close to the Spice Bazaar, the popular tourist center of Istanbul. If you cross the underpass across the Spice Bazaar, you can easily find Turyol Pier on the sea side. The ticket office box is right next to the boats selling fish sandwiches.

Turyol Bosphorus tour starts from Eminonu and stops at Uskudar to pick up more passengers on the Asian side. The cruise boat then follows the European shores of the Bosphorus and proceeds in the north direction until the bridge. The boat makes the u-turn from the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge , the second bridge on the Bosphorus, this time allows you to see the Asian shores of the Bosphorus.

The journey lasts one and a half hours and ends at Eminonu, where it started. The best thing about Turyol Bosphorus Cruise is that they depart from Eminonu every hour. So you don’t have to adjust your daily schedule for the Bosphorus cruise. You can catch one of the boats that depart every hour.

The Turyol Bosphorus cruise price is 150 TL in 2024 and the tour takes approximately 1.5 hours. Turyol boats are a bit more expensive than the public ferry considering the time of the trip. However, it provides a flexible travel opportunity due to the Bosphorus tour every hour. The cost of journey was last updated on December 19, 2023.

3. Dentur Bosphorus Cruise Price 2024

Dentur Bosphorus Cruise is the third option. The most beautiful part of Dentur is that it is very close to Kabatas. For visitors staying in Taksim Square, transportation is very easy. From Taksim Square you can come to Kabatas via Funicular F1 line and easily reach Dentur boats.

Dentur pier is very close to Dolmabahce Palace, so you can visit the palace first. Dentur’s biggest difference from Turyol is that it departs a little further. Since the tour starts from Kabatas and not from Eminonu, it goes further than Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and returns from Emirgan (beautiful neighborhood up the Bosphorus nearby Sabanci Museum)  The journey time is almost the same with Turyol.

Another feature of Dentur boats is that it stops in the Ottoman palaces on the shores of the Bosphorus. The boat stops at Emirgan on the European side and Kucuksu Pavillion (hunting palace of the Sultans) and Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side. If you want to visit these places, you can get off the boat and catch the next boat and return to the starting point of Kabatas.

Dentur Bosphorus cruise price is 150 Lira for 2024 and the tour takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Dentur is the best Bosphorus cruise tour in Istanbul for those who want to visit the palaces on the Asian side of Istanbul. The ticket price was last updated on December 19, 2023.

Visits to Kucuksu Pavillion and Beylerbeyi Palace are both a cultural experience and the opportunity to eat and drink by the Bosphorus. The cafes of both museums have Bosphorus views and the food prices are reasonable.

4. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Price 2024

Bosphorus dinner cruise in Istanbul is a really fun activity. During this tour you can watch local dances and belly dancers. The best part of the dinner cruise is that you can see the palaces and other beautiful buildings on the Bosphorus with their colorful lights.

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise price in Istanbul is 650 Turkish Lira (approximately 22 USD) in 2024. Prices may vary depending on season. You can book the Best Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul from this link . Information about ticket prices was last updated on December 19, 2023.

The activity takes approximately 4 hours and you can leave the boat at a point close to your hotel on the Bosphorus shore. Because it stops at approximately 20 different piers on the Bosphorus.

A dinner cruise on the Bosphorus is one of the most fun things to do for families in Istanbul. You can spend an unforgettable evening with beautiful music on the boat, local dances to entertain you and romantic scenery.

5. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Price 2024

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise allows you to take magnificent photos in Istanbul. You can enjoy the most romantic moments of the Bosphorus on the tour that starts when the sun sets.

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise price in Istanbul is 1900 TL (approximately 65 USD) in 2024. Prices may vary depending on season. You can book the Best Sunset Cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul from this link . Information about ticket prices was last updated on December 19, 2023.

The sunset cruise on the Bosphorus with a luxury yacht takes approximately 2.5 hours, and during this tour you can take the most beautiful photos that will remain as memories from your Istanbul trip.

In summary, a Bosphorus cruise is among the best things to do in Istanbul . You can have this wonderful experience by choosing one of Sehir Hatlari, Turyol or Dentur companies.

You can also join special organizations such as a sunset tour on the Bosphorus or an evening tour with dinner. The photos you take during any activity on the Bosphorus will probably be among your best memories in Istanbul.

About Serhat Engul

Hello, I'm Serhat Engul. I am a licensed tour guide living in Istanbul. I designed this blog to give general information to visitors to Istanbul. If you want to go on a private guided tour of Istanbul with me, you can check my references from the ABOUT section and write to me via the CONTACT page.

Reader Interactions

27 August 2023 at 05:39

Doesn’t the Sehir Hatlari long Bosphorous cruise make several stops going north, including Sariyer? Various blogs have suggested getting off at Sariyer for a one way cruise. Eating lunch and taking a bus back to Taksim.

27 August 2023 at 09:39

Hi David, yes Sehir Hatlari’s long Bosphorus cruise stops at several points to the north and one of them is Sariyer.

Someone who takes the Bosphorus ferry from Eminonu at 10:35 can get off the ferry at 12:05 in Sariyer. You can visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum and take a lunch break in Sariyer.

If it were me, I would go to Bebek on the way back and walk to Ortakoy from there. Do not miss the most beautiful walking route of the Bosphorus shores. Then you can easily go to Taksim Square from Ortakoy.

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Highlights: You’ll experience some of Istanbul’s top architectural wonders, palaces, mosques, and Bosphorus bridges and enjoy a perfect night with belly dancers, whirling dervishes, and many more. You’ll also get quality transportation between your hotel and the port with their air-conditioned and comfortable vehicles.

Meeting point: Kabatas Dentur Avrasya Pier (see location map )

Book your Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

2. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on A Luxury Yacht

This is a terrific new yacht trip for small groups aboard a luxury yacht at very reasonable costs. You can take it for 2 hours at midday or dusk. This tour is strongly suggested since you will feel amazingly special aboard this privately rented luxury yacht.

bosphorus cruise public

Tour Booking Advice

Cruise up and down the Bosphorus, passing epic palaces and historical sites, and get a closer look at famous landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, and the Maiden Tower, a certified and competent guide will share with you the tales and findings that accompany the many sites you pass, enjoy an intimate trip because group sizes are limited to 15 people.

Glasses of Wine, Fruits, Snacks, Unlimited Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks, English Speaking Local Expert Guide, and Free Wi-Fi on the Yacht are among the benefits you enjoy.

Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by Viator

Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by GetYourGuide

3. Bosphorus Dinner / Lunch Cruise – Private & Customizable

2,5 hours bosphorus cruise on a 25 meters luxury yacht.

This is one of the best private Bosphorus cruises made on a luxury yacht. You can experience and enjoy the beauties of Istanbul on a private luxurious yacht while having your dinner/lunch served by a professional crew. Also have a chance for sightseeing and/or swimming and relaxing while peacefully enjoying your day at the luxury yacht. You are also able to customize this tour according to your needs.

bosphorus cruise public

Includes: Dinner, All Fees and Taxes, Restroom on board, Snacks, Bottled water, Soda/Pop, Alcoholic Beverages

Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance

Book Bosphorus Dinner / Lunch Cruise – Private & Customizable

4. All Inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Turkish Night Show

This is a one-of-a-kind Istanbul Bosphorus cruise with dinner on your luxury motor yacht. Ideal for a romantic meal for two and a special event for families and small groups of friends. You’ll get 4-hour dinner cruise , admire spectacular views of the city’s beautifully illuminated palaces, mosques and Bosphorus bridges, and enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner with select drinks.

You’ll also enjoy the entertainment from belly dancers, whirling dervishes and other artistes, along with hotel pickup and drop-off. It has badge of excellence on Viator.

bosphorus cruise public

You will enjoy amazing nighttime views of Istanbul and the landmarks along the river, a wonderful three-course dinner, complimentary local cocktails, and a diversified program of traditional entertainment on board.

Book All Inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Turkish Night Show

5. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with entertainment

One of the most favored among tourists is the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with entertainment. Tourists that wish to enjoy a unique Istanbul experience are more likely to choose this option. Traditional belly dancing, a henna ceremony, a Romany dance, folk dancing, a live DJ, and other entertainment will keep you engaged. At the same time, you will cruise around the Bosphorus and eat your food.

bosphorus cruise public

This is a one-of-a-kind experience that appeals to both the sight and the appetite. The feast of delights begins with a range of excellent appetizers, followed by the main meal with three alternatives. The grand finale will feature the world-renowned mixed Turkish desserts and seasonal fruits.

You can pick one of the best ones below

6. Bosphorus Cruise on Yacht with Stopover on Asian Side

Set sail on an extraordinary 2.5-hour Bosphorus Cruise aboard a luxurious yacht, available both in the morning and afternoon. This excursion is the epitome of Bosphorus exploration, complete with a captivating stopover on the Asian side of the city to discover the charming neighborhood of Kanlica.

bosphorus cruise public

With over 115 reviews boasting a stellar 5/5-star rating on Viator, you can trust that this is the best way to discover the Bosphorus.

Highlights:

  • Glide along the mesmerizing Bosphorus, where Europe meets Asia, on the esteemed Sunset Bosphorus yacht.
  • Pause for a delightful break in Kanlıca, savoring the flavors of Turkish coffee and indulging in traditional Turkish snacks, all while immersed in the charm of Asian Istanbul.
  • Stay effortlessly connected with onboard Wi-Fi, ensuring you remain in touch without incurring roaming charges.
  • A range of time slots allows you to plan your day precisely as you wish, maximizing your exploration of this captivating city.

Departure: Kabatas pier (see location map )

Book Bosphorus Yacht Cruise on Yacht with Stopover on Asian Side

7. Boat Cruise of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn

This boat tour is highly recommended for tourists with limited time in Istanbul. Get a true charm of the city while capturing the most incredible pictures along the way.

bosphorus cruise public

This is a peaceful and enjoyable way to explore the key Asian and European sights. The boat sails by Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, and Beylerbeyi Palace.

You may see the Historic Peninsula by boat, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Blue Mosque. The English-speaking tour guide will accompany you the entire time.

8. Princes’ Island Boat

This boat tour to Buyukada, one of the most popular Princes’ Islands, will take approximately 75 minutes. While on the Bosphorus, you may observe Istanbul’s breathtaking skyline from the open-air deck, drink beverages from the kiosk, or listen to tales about the Bosphorus using the audio guide app installed on your phone.

bosphorus cruise public

Covers a round-trip ticket to Princes’ Islands, Fast track boat admission from the online ticket window, and Bosphorus audio tour app for IOS and Android in ten languages: English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese

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Bosphorus Cruise – Exploring Istanbul’s Waters

Journey through the heart of this magnificent city, table of contents.

The Bosphorus Strait , the shimmering vein of water bisecting the city of Istanbul , has always been a witness to history and a bridge between cultures. Its banks are adorned with regal palaces, quaint wooden ‘yalis’ (waterside villas), and modern architectures that narrate the tale of a city cradled between two continents.

What is Bosphorus?

The Bosphorus is a narrow, natural strait and an internationally significant waterway located in northwestern Turkey . It forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia , and divides Turkey by separating Anatolia from Thrace. The Bosphorus connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara , and, by extension via the Dardanelles , the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.

bosphorus cruise public

What is a Bosphorus cruise?

A Bosphorus cruise refers to a boat tour that navigates through this strait. These cruises offer a unique way to see Istanbul from a different perspective. They typically provide scenic views of the city’s skyline, historic sites, palaces, and forts.

Cruises can vary in length, from short tours to longer excursions, and often include opportunities to see landmarks like the Dolmabahçe Palace , the Maiden’s Tower , and the Bosphorus bridges that link Europe and Asia.

It’s a popular activity for tourists and locals alike, providing a relaxing and picturesque way to experience the beauty and history of Istanbul .

Bosphorus aerial shot

Moreover, cruising on the Bosphorus is not merely a sightseeing expedition; it’s a voyage through the heart of Istanbul , where every ripple in the water tells stories of empires past and the confluence of civilizations .

bosphorus cruise public

With routes stretching from Eminönü to Anadolu Kavağı , public ferries provide a laid-back cruise experience. As you glide along the water, you’ll witness the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace , the medieval fortress of Rumeli Hisarı , and the serene beauty of Yıldız Park , among others. The fare is wallet-friendly, and the schedule runs from morning till evening, making it a flexible option for anyone wishing to behold Istanbul from a different perspective.

bosphorus cruise public

There are several public ferry lines in Istanbul that offer Bosphorus tours, among which the most economical and efficient ones are the Short Circle Bosphorus Tour and the Long Bosphorus Tour.

  • Short Circle Bosphorus Tour : This is a round-trip that operates every day from the Eminonu Pier at 14:40 pm, making stops at Uskudar and Ortakoy Piers before returning to Eminonu Pier at 16:35 pm. The tour is priced at 65 TL per person, providing a quick yet thorough glimpse of the Bosphorus, showcasing the palaces, mosques, and historical mansions on both the European and Asian shores.

Download the PDF for 2023-2024 winter season’s timetable and all other information.

  • Long Bosphorus Tour : For those with more time to spare, the Long Bosphorus Tour is a full-day trip that departs from Eminonu Pier at 10:35 am daily. This tour cruises along the Bosphorus and makes stops at various piers including Besiktas, Kanlica, Yenikoy, Sariyer, Rumeli Kavagi, and Anadolu Kavagi. At Anadolu Kavagi Pier, passengers have the opportunity to disembark and explore the village for three hours before the return journey, which gets back to Eminönü Pier at 16:35 pm. The current price for adults is 120 TL for a double way trip and 72 TL for a one way trip

bosphorus cruise public

  • Rumeli Kavagi – Eminonu Line : Operated on weekdays, this line offers up to 12 voyages in each direction between Eminonu and Sarıyer, with a journey time of about one hour. The line stops at several piers on the European shore of the Bosphorus, such as Besiktas, Arnavutköy , Bebek, Emirgan, Kanlica, Yenikoy, Sariyer, and Rumeli Kavagi, with a fare of 19 TL per person. This is our personal favorite!

All these tours provide a splendid opportunity to relish the panoramic views of the city from the sea, with the backdrop of historical edifices and natural landscapes enhancing the experience.

bosphorus cruise public

To partake in these public ferry tours, you need to have an Istanbul Kart, a smart card usable for all public transportation and shopping payments in Istanbul . Istanbul Karts can be purchased from kiosks or vending machines near ferry piers or metro stations for 70 TL (as of November 2023) , which then needs to be loaded with credit for use. They can also be applied for online, easing the process for both locals and tourists alike.

For more information on schedules and departure times, the official website of Şehir Hatları is a useful resource.

Water Taxi Service

The water taxi service operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality is a more utilitarian yet equally scenic way to traverse the Bosphorus . These water taxis are a speedy and convenient mode of transport, offering a less touristic but equally captivating view of the city from the water.

bosphorus cruise public

Explore Istanbul’s Bosphorus with ease using the İBB Deniz Taksi app , available for iOS . This user-friendly app lets you schedule sea taxi rides, offering a swift, comfortable, and unique way to navigate the city’s waters.

You can view ride costs in advance, ensuring transparency in pricing. The service, which charges per mile, provides flexibility in choosing departure and arrival points , with an option for shared journeys to reduce costs. Ideal for avoiding traffic and enjoying scenic views, the İBB Deniz Taksi app transforms sea travel into a delightful and efficient experience.

Whether you’re in a hurry or prefer a less crowded voyage, water taxis are a great option to consider.

bosphorus cruise public

Guided Half-Day and Full-Day Tours

For those seeking a more enriched and educational journey across the Bosphorus , guided half-day or full-day tours are available. These tours often come with expert guides who unravel the historical, architectural, and cultural plethora of Istanbul as you sail past its iconic landmarks. Whether it’s a brief stop at the picturesque village of Anadolu Kavağı or a guided visit to the majestic Beylerbeyi Palace , the added insights provided by a knowledgeable guide enhance the cruising experience manifold.

Bosphorus & Black Sea

Embark on an 8-hour Bosphorus and Black Sea cruise , complete with professional guidance, meals, and a rich itinerary. Dive into the enchanting neighborhoods of Istanbul , marvel at historic palaces, and unwind on scenic beaches, all while enjoying inclusive services like lunch and round-trip hotel transfers. Note that alcoholic drinks and tips are excluded. Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Bosphorus , where you can immerse in both European and Asian vibes. Relish in a swimming break at the Black Sea during your tour, which runs daily, thanks to our recommended partner, IBO Tours .

bosphorus cruise public

Specialized Bosphorus Cruise Companies

Aside from public and guided tours, there are dedicated Bosphorus cruise companies like bosphorustour.com or bosphoruscruise.com that offer curated cruising experiences on the strait. With their private boats, these companies provide a variety of cruises ranging from short jaunts to longer explorations, often accompanied by onboard amenities and services.

The tranquil morning cruises or the enchanting sunset cruises are popular choices among tourists and locals alike, making for a memorable voyage through the historic waters.

Private Bosphorus Cruises by The Other Tour

At The Other Tour , we take the Bosphorus cruise experience a notch higher. Our private Bosphorus cruises are tailored to offer a unique, intimate exploration of this beautiful strait. Amidst the gentle waves, we engage our guests in cultural dialogues, local interactions, and a closer look at Istanbul ’s heritage from the water. It’s not just about sightseeing; it’s about immersing oneself in the rhythm of the city, feeling the pulse of Istanbul through its waters.

Sunset Cruises on the Bosphorus

bosphorus cruise public

Dinner Cruises

A dinner cruise on the Bosphorus, like the ones offered by mirayistanbul.com , is a delightful blend of culinary and visual feast. As you sail through the illuminated cityscape under the starlit sky, savoring a spread of delectable Turkish cuisine, the experience is nothing short of magical. Dinner cruises provide a romantic or celebratory ambiance, perfect for special occasions or simply to enjoy a serene evening amidst the ancient and modern silhouettes of Istanbul.

bosphorus cruise public

The Bosphorus Strait is a captivating spectacle, its waters narrating the tales of Istanbul ’s glorious past and dynamic present. Whether you choose a public ferry, a guided tour, a private cruise, or a dinner cruise, each journey on the Bosphorus is a unique experience. And for those seeking a more intimate and culturally enriching cruising adventure, The Other Tour awaits to take you on a voyage that transcends the ordinary.

Virtual Bosphorus Cruise

If you can’t make it there physically, maybe this will hold you over for the time being 🙂

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Explore the world of private tours in Istanbul in 2024, from private guided tours to cruises on the Bosphorus, and everything in between.

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Hi! do you recommend a sunset cruise in january? is it too cold? do they provide heaters or blankets?thanks.

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BOSPHORUS CRUISE TOUR BY A PUBLIC FERRY

Start your day tour in Istanbul with the Bosphorus Cruise by a public ferry (also some known as Gypsy Boats) in an extremely captivating scenery. The shoreline on both sides is adorned with well-kept groves, half a dozen Ottoman imperial palaces, traditional Yalis (waterside villas) and shore villages before a background patched with recent ultra-modern skyscrapers.

Continue the exciting day with a visit to Dolmabahce Palace from the 1800s and home to six Sultans. This flamboyant imperial palace is a synthesis of late Ottoman Architecture and Rococo, Baroque and Neoclassical styles, has got two main sections Selamlik (Official Part) & Harem (Privy Chambers) in addition to magnificent gardens. Its golden ceiling gilds, priceless paintings, unique furniture and the rich collection of Bohemian crystals are worth seeing as great examples of the splendor in recent Ottoman Dynasty.

Bosphorus Cruise Public Ferries

After a nice a'la carte lunch, enjoy the rest of the day is at leisure and flexible for more either to visit Suleymaniye Mosque or Chora Church.

Rest of the day is at leisure…

You will have chances for superb pictures and videos all day long in Istanbul...

This tour is recommended for visitors on a budget. Please mention it to your operator for extra transportation cost if you are staying on the Asian side or Taksim Square.

SIMILAR TOURS

Bosphorus Cruise Motor-Yacht Istanbul Tour

The Best Bosphorus Cruise for Your Travel Style in 2024

Looking for the best way to tour Istanbul’s incredible Bosphorus Strait tailored to your own unique travel style? Lori and I loved our Bosphorus cruise and wanted to make it super straightforward for others thinking about embarking on their own unforgettable journey.

These are the top choices to consider for 2024 —based on a range of reviews from hundreds of travelers, as well as our own personal experience cruising the Bosphorus—plus helpful, first-hand tips you won’t find anywhere else!

Istanbul Eminönü and mosque

1. Luxury Sunset Cruise

2. bosphorus + black sea cruise, 3. taste of two continents tour, 4. istanbul must-see tour, 5. private luxury yacht cruise, 6. turyol & dentur bosphorus cruises, 7. sehir hatlari cruise, bosphorus tour vs. public ferry, services & rates, where to buy tickets & board, bosphorus cruise tour itinerary, how much does a bosphorus cruise cost, what is the bosphorus cruise famous for, how long is the bosphorus cruise, visiting istanbul, turkey read next, 7 best bosphorus cruise tours based on your travel style.

From two-hour private luxury and sunset cruises to full day experiences for a range of budgets, Lori and I have included a range of options for every type of travel style and budget.

Our Top Pick for 2024

Add a splash of style and romance to your Bosphorus cruise with this 2.5-hour Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht . Our #1 pick offers an unforgettable sunset tour with onboard guide and complimentary drinks and canapés.

  • 2.5-hour cruise on luxury yacht
  • Drinks & canapés included
  • Small group tour
  • Onboard guide
  • Tour by Bosphorus Cruise Tours Istanbul
  • 5/5 rating (892 reviews) on TripAdvisor
  • From US$67 per passenger

Book Online Viator | TripAdvisor

Full Day Comprehensive Cruise

Looking for the ultimate Bosphorus day trip with time spent in the Black Sea as well? This 10-hour Bosphorus Strait AND Black Sea Day Cruise is our top pick for seeing it all!

Includes delicious Mediterranean lunch, onboard guide, and stops at Rumeli Fortress, Ortakoy, Kucuksu Pavilion, Buyuk Mecidiye Cami.

  • Full-day 10-hour tour of the Bosphorus Strait and Black Sea
  • Lunch included
  • Group tour (40 max)
  • Tour by IBO Cruise
  • 4.5/5.0 rating (79 reviews) on TripAdvisor
  • From US$122 per passenger

Best Tour for Foodies

Discover the flavors and delicacies of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul in this one-of-a-kind 6.5-hour Istanbul Food Tour with Bosphorus Cruise , a perfect day trip for foodies and those looking to venture beyond Istanbul’s most touristed areas.

  • 6 to 7-hour tour, crossing the Bosphorus twice by ferry
  • Multiple tastings at 9 eateries
  • Small group tour (10 max)
  • Tour by Yummy Istanbul
  • 5/5 rating (1,512 reviews) on TripAdvisor
  • From US$125 per traveler

Best City + Bosphorus Combo Tour

Experience the best of Istanbul in this 8.5-hour Istanbul Must-See Tour and Bosphorus Cruise . Join your expert guide on this small group tour to discover Istanbul’s top attractions. Explore Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Spice Market before topping it all off with a 90-minute guided tour of the Bosphorus Strait by public ferry.

  • 8 to 9-hour city tour with guided public ferry cruise on the Bosphorus
  • Small group tour (15 max)
  • Tour by Lütfullah FINDIKOĞLU
  • 5/5 rating (137 reviews) on TripAdvisor
  • From US$75 per traveler

Looking for a Private Tour?  Check out this 7-hour Istanbul Classics Private Tour with Bosphorus Cruise .

Tour the Bosphorus in Style

Cruise the Bosphorus in style with this 2-hour Private Luxury Yacht Cruise on the Bosphorus . This this private luxury yacht tour has room for up to 10 passengers—perfect for families, couples, and groups celebrating a special occasion or travelers who simply want to enjoy their Istanbul experience in luxury and seclusion.

  • 2-hour Bosphorus cruise on private luxury yacht
  • Private Tour
  • Tour by Tour Book Turkey
  • 5/5 rating (69 reviews) on TripAdvisor
  • From US$406 per group (up to 10)

Best Quick Tours

bosphorus cruise public

Turyol and Dentur are two private companies that offer some of the most popular two-hour Bosphorus tours in Istanbul. If you’re not looking for a luxury or DIY option and want more flexibility in your travel plans, this might be the way to go.

Both companies offer regular departures throughout the day and cover the top attractions along the route.

  • 2-hour Bosphorus cruises
  • Regular departures throughout the morning and afternoon
  • Tours by Turyol and Dentur
  • From 150 TL (US$5) per passenger

More Info Turyol.com | Denturavrasya.com

Best Budget/Shoestring Tours

Sehir Hatlari ferry Bosphorus Cruise

There are numerous options for doing a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul. But if you’re on a shoestring budget or just like to travel in a more independent fashion, the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus Tour service is worth considering.

Sehir Hatlari offers three Bosphorus Tour services: Long Tour (Full Circle), Short Tour (Short Circle), and Moonlight Tour (seasonal).

Keep reading for our detailed guide on how to take the the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus Cruise, plus tips and what to expect.

DIY Bosphorus Cruise: All You Need to Know

The Sehir Hatlari ferry line offers a Bosphorus tour at a very reasonable price. But taking the public ferry tour isn’t as straight forward as doing a Bosphorus cruise private tour.

Here, Lori and I tell you exactly how to take the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus tour and offer first-hand tips for getting the most out of your time on the water.

Istanbul Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus tour

Sehir Hatlari runs two different types of services: Inner-city/domestic public ferry service mostly geared to commuters and locals getting around the region, and the Bosphorus Long Tour, Short Tour, and Moonlight Tour services aimed at tourists.

Unless you want to compete for space with Istanbul’s millions of commuters (and see very little in the process), you’re far better off taking the Sehir Hatlari service clearly marked as “Bosphorus Tours”.

For those who like to figure out the details themselves, aren’t fussy about seating, and are willing to devote the better part of a day to the experience, we think the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus Tour can’t be beat for the price.

There are three Bosphorus Tour ferry options:  Long Bosphorus Tour (6 hours) ,  Short Bosphorus Tour (2 hours) , and seasonal Moonlight Tour , which operates during the summer months.

Up until recently the Long Bosphorus Tour was known as the “Full Circle”, and the Short Bosphorus Tour was known as the “Short Circle”. This guide will use the new terminology moving forward.

Current Sehir Hatlari ticket prices as of Jan 2024

Admission is free for children under the age of 6 for all cruises.

To take the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus Tour service, head to the Galata bridge.

From the Eminonu (Old City) side, don’t cross the bridge, but walk to the right of it and follow the signs for Sehir Hatlari.

The office is adjacent to the Red Hop-on Hop-off Bus ticket office.

We heard that the ticket office opened at 10am. We arrived 30 minutes beforehand and there was already a line (midweek in August).

They opened a bit early and we managed to snag a window seat on the port-side since the ferry hugs the left-hand shore (Europe on the way out, and Asia for most of the return trip).

However, we quickly realized the outside benches at the stern (back)  of the ferry might just be the best seats on the boat on a nice day, which is where we ultimately ended up.

Overall, we were pretty impressed with the amenities offered by a public ferry company for the price. We found the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus Cruise to be clean and well-organized, certainly for the cost of admission.

Lori and I particularly enjoyed riding along with a mix of people—locals and tourists—which was a fun part of the experience for us.

We also felt that the amount of time (six hours round trip with a few hours stop for lunch) was perfect for us as well, particularly since we had absolutely nothing else planned for today.

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Be sure to grab an audio guide at the ticket booth when you buy your tickets.

It adds excellent context to the cruise and tells you a bit about the many highlights along the route.

satellite image of Bosphorus Strait

No matter which Bosphorus cruise you take, the idea is very much the same. The boat leaves Eminonu on the Golden Horn and travels north along the Bosphorus Strait hugging the left bank (Europe side).

At some point depending on which service you’ve chosen, the boat will then cross the Bosphorus, hugging the right bank (Asia side), before making its way back to Eminonu.

We opted for the Full Circle / Long Tour , which takes about six hours round trip including a couple of hours in the middle to enjoy the northernmost stop at Anadolu Kavagi village.

There are a number of good restaurants, shops, and other amenities in Anadolu Kavagi for those who are taking the Long Tour. Our boat had a small snack bar and restrooms, but a lot of passengers brought their own snacks.

Here’s a further breakdown of the Long Tour itinerary so you can get an idea of what to expect.

Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise landmarks

Most Bosphorus cruises leave Eminonu on the Golden Horn, right in the heart of the city. Leaving the Old City, the tour passes a number of historic sights and points of interest.

As mentioned above, Lori and I rented an audio guide that was available at the ticket booth, which offered information about various points of interest along the way. If you opt for a tour through a private company, you’ll like have a guide to narrate the cruise for you.

Here are just a few of the many highlights you’ll see along the way:

Dolmabahce Palace Bosphorus Istanbul

Dolmabahçe Palace (Sultan’s Palace), now a museum.

Ortakoy Mosque Bosphorus Strait

Ortaköy Mosque , built in 1856.

sailing under First Bosphorus Bridge

The First Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) was completed in 1973, and as the name might imply, was the first bridge to connect Europe and Asia.

Rumeli Fortress from Bosphorus

Rumeli Fortress , built by the Ottomans in 1452.

Yoros Castle Anadolu Kavagi Bosphorus

After about 90 minutes on the water (including a few stops along the way) the tour reaches its farthest stop north: the village of Anadolu Kavagi .

Our tour docked here for a few hours—more than enough time to grab lunch, do a little hike, and poke around the small village.

From the ferry pier, you can hike up to Yoros Kalesi (Yoros Castle) , a small fortification with a commanding view of the Bosphorus and the shores of the Black Sea.

Getting around Anadolu Kavagi and finding the path to Yoros Fort can be a bit confusing. So, we’ve included a map to help you find your way around.

Map of Anadolu Kavagi on Bosphorus Strait

Looking north, we were also able to spot the Third Bosphorus Bridge spanning Europe and Asia, and the Black Sea , beyond.

woman with view of Bosphorus Strait

There are a number of restaurants and cafes near the pier and throughout the village, but we opted for Yoros Cafe near the fort, which came highly recommended and offered a stunning view of our route (not to be confused with Yoros Kale Kafe).

We were not disappointed with the food or the scenery.

The village was interesting enough to take a walkabout, but we were glad we took the extra time to hike up to Yoros Castle and have lunch with a view. We were able to comfortably achieve all of this in the layover time.

Maiden's Tower Istanbul

On the cruise back to Emononu pier in Istanbul, we hugged the Asia side with a few quick stops to let local passengers on and off.

Istanbul Galata Tour Bosphorus Cruise

Bosphorus Cruise FAQs

A ticket to cruise the Bosphorus can cost as little as under US$5 to over US$100 per person depending on the type of tour you opt for. The most basic tours run by the public ferry company, Sehir Hatlari, tend to offer the cheapest rates. But if you want a private luxury tour, or want to fold your cruise into a city tour, the cost will increase significantly.

The Bosphorus Strait is famous for being the natural waterway that separates the continent of Asia from the European continent, and runs right through the vibrant and ancient city of Istanbul. Additionally, there are a number of historic sights and popular modern day attractions along the route that most cruises ply.

Typically, cruise times last anywhere from 2 hours to 10 hours, depending on the number of stops and the length of the journey. Long Tour (Full Circle) cruises make lunch stops at Anadolu Kavagi, with some even spending time in the Black Sea. The Short Tour (Short Circle) cruises do not.

Thanks for reading our guide to the best Bosphorus Cruise tours for 2024!

Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

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Featured image credit: Ante Samarzija on Unsplash

5 thoughts on “The Best Bosphorus Cruise for Your Travel Style in 2024”

Thank you so much for this information. We will be doing Turkey round about 20th September and the Bosphorus is on our list. We will take advantage of the cheapest cruise.

Hi Carol, We took the public ferry tour in late Feb 2023. The boat is heated indoors with large, upholstered benches. Nothing fancy but quite comfortable. There was even an area with wooden toys for the children.

The windows are large, maybe not the clearest, but we certainly were happy with our views… plus the outdoor areas on the back of the boat were protected from the wind. Highly recommend.

Thanks for this, but I wish you had included a picture of the inside seating. Would it be warm enough in the winter and can you see well outside?

Hi Carol, wish we had a picture of inside seating to share. It was a gorgeous August day when these pics were taken and we felt quite fortunate to snag an outdoor seat. We did pass through the inside a few times and it seemed pretty well-protected from the wind (glass windows, etc.).

Great post guys ! Thank you for all that nice info !

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Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry with Dolmabahce Palace and Spice Market Tour

bosphorus cruise public

  • Private transportation
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Entry/Admission - Dolmabahce Palace
  • Entry/Admission - Bosphorus Strait
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
  • You'll get picked up See departure details
  • 1 Dolmabahce Palace Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
  • 2 Bosphorus Strait Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
  • 3 Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) Stop: 2 hours See details
  • You'll return to the starting point

bosphorus cruise public

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  • 881howardg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exceptional service, again! This is the second time I used Made in Turkey Tours in 2023. Ismael gave us the same personal attention coordinating our trip to Bodrum and Rhodes. We needed special services along the way and he went over and above our expectations in making our trip seamless. Read more Written October 24, 2023
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  • jacquelinehM3566VO 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Blue Dream While we very much enjoyed the crew of Blue Dream, the boat was not in the best condition. Engine maintenance needed to be done at 9:30 pm every night which meant it was quite loud. Then the generator couldn’t be turned on until 11pm to cool off the rooms. Therefore one needed to wait around and stay awake during that time. Also the generator occasionally stopped working at night which turned off the air conditioning so one would need to go up and sleep on deck. Read more Written August 19, 2023
  • Jglh86 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Absolutely Amazing tour of Turkey I had a cruise booked that ended in Istanbul, and 11 days before my flights back to the US. I’m usually an intrepid traveler booking my out arrangements, but decided that with this trip, I needed some help. I searched the internet for days eventually finding Made in Turkey tours. I could not have found a better tour agent/advisor/planner than Ismail!!! He came up with a custom made tour for my husband and I visiting Konya, Cappadocia, and Istanbul. Ismail took care of every detail, from private Mercedes touring vans and drivers, to wonderful boutique hotels The Hich Hotel in Konya, Taskalar in Cappadocia and Empress Zoe in Istanbul., the BEST tour guides, Nihat in Konya Cappadocia and Deniz in Istanbul. We were still on our cruise when Turkish air cancelled our flights in Turkey the day before our arrival,We had limited WiFi, and Ismail took care of the problem rearranging our flights and even arranging our boarding passes. Nihat was Exceptional. He went above and beyond as a guide making sure that we had great experiences, sometimes off the beaten path - touring underground cities and cave churches without any other tourists in sight. He took us to his favorite restaurants where he suggested we try certain regional foods. I would definitely travel with him again. We also had an amazing cooking class at Cappadocia Home Cooking. ,a small family run cooking school at a village somewhere in Cappadocia. These are memories that we will forever cherish. Ismail is so professional, knowledgeable and caring, He even had a bottle of special Turkish wine for us to celebrate our 37th anniversary during our Private Bosphorus cruise I also want/ need to point out that his prices were comparable to. some US tour group companies. And Ismail provided such a better product. I could not have wanted more. It was truly an amazing tour Read more Written June 23, 2023
  • 881howardg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Touring Turkey in Luxury We began our 12 day trip to Turkey with a blank sheet of paper. Fortunately we connected with Ismael of Made In Turkey Tours. We knew we wanted a luxury experience. Ismael not only met, but exceeded our expectations. We went to Istanbul, Cappadocia and Alacati. From the moment we landed in Istanbul to our departure from Izmir, every driver and tour guide was on time and professional. 'We especially enjoyed the Hammam in Istanbul and the hot air balloon in Cappadocia. Alacati had hundreds of restaurants in charming narrow streets. The hotels Ismael chose were indeed a luxury experience. Although we had an outline of our day to day itinerary, Ismael gave us the flexibility to change as we learned more about our likes and dislikes. We even diverted to Chios, a Greek Island off the coast of Cesme. Ismael and our guide made the plans for that trip within an hour. It was a great day on the island and our guide joined us for the experience. They arranged an english speaking taxi driver and tour guide to meet us at the ferry in Chios. I have been fortunate to travel the world using companies located in the countries I wanted to see. Ismael and his group are at the top of the list of great experiences. Howard Read more Written June 3, 2023
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  • carolinelxbr 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles We totally loved the 10 day trip - a truly memorable experience! We have just returned from an amazing trip organised through Ismail at Madeinturkey tours. He was extremely professional right from the start and I would highly recommend his services and suggestions. From arrival In Istanbul, we were treated royally starting with an excellent transfer to our beautiful hotel. We met our knowledgeable and entertaining guide Fatih the following morning - his attention to detail, knowledge & humour were outstanding. We totally loved the 10 day trip - a truly memorable experience ! Thanks again for an amazing trip !! Read more Written December 15, 2022
  • mel1234Chicago 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best private tour Excellent experience. Very knowledgeable guide, organized, flexible, food ordered was varied allowing us to try almost everything from mezas to desserts, super easy to work with. Felt more like family than a tour company. Would highly recommend and Definitely use to see the other half of Turkey!! Read more Written November 27, 2022
  • 6momo-245 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect! We did a 4 day/3 night trip, 2 days in Cappadocia, 2 days in Antalya. The 2 guides were both kind and knowledgeable. They were very accommodating to listening to us in case we wanted to adjust any aspect of the itinerary. We stayed in 2 wonderful hotels, both with great breakfasts. The lunches were equally as lavish. In the evening we were on our own to explore the cities ourselves, and great restaurants were recommended. Transportation was easy - the drivers were waiting for us at the airports and with us for the duration of our tours in each city. I would definitely recommend Made in Turkey Tours to anyone! Read more Written November 15, 2022

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Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry with Dolmabahce Palace and Spice Market Tour provided by Made in Turkey Tours

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Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht

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Come aboard an elegant luxury yacht for a beautiful cruise along the Bosphorus Strait where you can enjoy sightseeing at the most beautiful time of day-sunset in Istanbul. Coast along as you spot out Ortakoy, Bebek, Rumeli Fortress, Maiden's Tower and Bosphorus Bridges, all with a drink of choice in your hand with bosphorus cruise .

Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Shows

Bosphorus night cruise with dinner, drinks and great Turkish night shows...

Cruise Hours: 20:30 to 23:45

2.5-Hours Bosphorus Cruise on a Luxury Yacht: From 10.30 am to 13.00

Morning bosphorus cruise with stopover on the asian side, luxury yacht cruise.

Experience some luxury on this 2.5-hour yacht cruise down the Bosphorus. It's a small group tour that is designed to help travelers spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Istanbul is a beautiful city with its peculiarities. This Bosphorus cruise exposes you to a different perspective on Istanbul. You get to observe the beautiful city by a luxury yacht on this popular cruise.

Istanbul's Multicultural Heritage Tour with Sunset Cruise

Istanbul's Multicultural Heritage Tour with Sunset Cruise

Istanbul's multicultural heritage tour with sunset cruise itinerary that covers the city's less known, less visited iconic and historically significant attractions such as galata tower, city walls, yedikule dungeons, pierre loti hill, fener and balat districts..

Tour Starting Time: 09.00 am Tour Ending Time: 19.00

Istanbul is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage spanning centuries, and this tour aims to showcase its treasures and religious heritage.

Turkish Night Shows

Bosphorus night cruise with dinner, drinks and great Turkish night shows. Spend a memorable evening cruising along the Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy spectacular views of Istanbul at night and the sights along the waterway, a delicious 3-course dinner, free local drinks, and a diverse program of traditional entertainment on board.

Istanbul Bosphorus

Dance Performances

Dinner cruise, night shows, istanbul lunch cruise on the bosphorus.

Cruise Hours: Departure 12:00 Duration: 5 hrs

Extended Bosphorus Cruise up to the Black Sea, 5-Hour Bosphorus and the Black Sea Cruise with lunch

Step aboard a cruise in Istanbul for a few hours to see the sights along the coast of the Bosphorus, all the way to the Black Sea. As you travel, sit down for a 2-course lunch accompanied by soft drinks and coffee or tea. You'll get great photo ops of the sights from the water, and stop in the fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi to visit the ancient fortress there.

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Istanbul Lunch Cruise on the Bosphorus

Extended Bosphorus Cruise up to The Black Sea, 4.5 Hour Boat Cruise with lunch

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Bosphorus night cruise with dinner, drinks and great Turkish night shows.

During your 2 hours and 30 min Bosphorus sightseeing cruise, you'll be free to wander between decks to capture the best shots of Istanbul's attractions. Our experienced guide will illustrate the history of what you see during the cruise; Bosphorus has a storied past, and our guides know the fun facts you can't find in a tourist handbook. See why this is one of the best Istanbul city sightseeing cruises. Book now and enjoy your adventure with us!

Istanbul Lunch Cruise, Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise with Lunch

Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise with Lunch 65 €

Cruise Hours: Departure 12:30 / Duration 4.5 hrs

Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show

Istanbul Bosphorus Boat Tour 25 €

Istanbul bosphorus boat tour.

Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Boat Cruise, 2.5-Hour Short Circle

Cruise Hours: 11:30 to 14:00

AFTERNOON BOSPHORUS CRUISE WITH STOPOVER ON THE ASIAN SIDE

The Bosphorus Strait divides Europe from Asia, and a Bosphorus cruise is a signature Istanbul experience. This round-trip yacht cruise, with live commentary and fun facts from an experienced guide, covers all the classic waterfront sights-bridges, palaces, the Maiden's Tower, the Rumeli Fortress, and more. But it also includes a stop for coffee and snacks in the characterful Kanlica neighborhood and onboard Wi-Fi so you can share as you go.

2.5-Hours Bosphorus Cruise on a Luxury Yacht: From 13.15 to 15.45

Guided Dolmabahce Palace Museum Tour with Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht

Guided Dolmabahce Palace Museum Tour with Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht

Dolmabahce palace, bezmi alem mosque tour and bosphorus sunset cruise on luxurious yacht.

Explore Istanbul's Dolmabahce Palace on a guided tour with skip-the-line entry and access its Harem section. Sail away on a magical sunset cruise on the Bosphorus and you will have a lifetime experience on our luxurious Sunset Bosphorus Yacht.

Dolmabahce Palace Tour and Bosphorus Yacht Cruise

Dolmabahce Palace Tour and Bosphorus Yacht Cruise

Dolmabahce palace, bezmi alem mosque tour and bosphorus yacht cruise with asian side stopover.

Tour Starting Time: 09.00 am Tour Ending Time: 13.00

Exploring Dolmabahce Palace , Visiting Bezmi Alem Mosque , Taking a 2.5-Hours Luxury Yacht Cruise on the Bosphorus, Stop Over in Kanlica , a lovely village in the Asian Side

Learn about Istanbul's history as you explore the opulent Dolmabahce Palace with an expert guide. Enjoy Istanbul with a relaxing Bosphorus Yacht Cruise, see the higlights of city from the water and stop for a short visit in Kanlica Village.

Istanbul Tour with Bosphorus Cruise and Dolmabahce Palace

Marvels of Istanbul Tour with Bosphorus and the Black Sea Cruise 80 €

Tour Hours: 09:00 am to 18:00

Combine visits to some of Istanbul's top sights such as Galata Tower, Pierre Loti Hill, Cable Car, Ancient City Walls, Dolmabahce Palace, and a delicious lunch cruise on the Bosphorus that goes all the way up to the Black Sea on a single day tour.

Istanbul: Dolmabahce Palace Tour and Bosphorus Cruise

Full-Day Tour and Cruise of Istanbul with Dolmabahce Palace, Cable Car and lunch

Cruise Hours: 09:00 am to 18:00

Full Day Istanbul Old City Tour

Full Day Istanbul Old City Tour Istanbul City Tour

Tour Hours: 09:00 am to 17:00

See the sights of Istanbul on an 8-hour tour with inclusive lunch. Admire the former church and mosque of the Hagia Sophia, see the site of Bzyantine sports at the Roman Hippodrome, explore the alleys of the Grand Bazzar, and much more.

Full Day Istanbul Old City Tour

Ottoman and Byzantine traces during this full-day guided Istanbul city tour in the Sultanahmet district.

Cruise Hours: 09:00 am to 16:00

Istanbul Tour with Bosphorus Cruise and Dolmabahce Palace

Istanbul: Dolmabahce Palace Tour and Bosphorus Cruise 80 €

Istanbul Istanbul Princes Islands Cruise Tour

Princes Island Tour Istanbul 45 €

Princes island tour istanbul.

Full Day Istanbul Princes' Islands Cruise Tour with Lunch

Cruise Hours: 09:00 am to 17:00

Full Day Istanbul Old City Tour

Full Day Istanbul Old City Tour 60 €

Historical tour of istanbul with bosphorus sunset cruise, all in one day istanbul.

If you have limited time in Istanbul and you want to make the most of it, we have planned a perfect day for you in which you can see the most important sights in the old town and finish with a relaxing sunset cruise on The Bosporus.

ALL IN ONE DAY ISTANBUL

ISTANBUL CITY TOUR

Combine a trip to both Istanbul's greatest sites including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar and a luxury yacht cruise on the Bosphorus in one day. Take advantage of special no-wait entry at the Topkapi Palace and skip-the-line access to the great Ottoman Palace during this full-day tour.

Witness the classic sites of heritage and history that abound in Istanbul on your full-day tour. Visit architectural masterpieces, marvel at awe-inspiring, Byzantine-era tileworks, and see the imperial treasures of Ottoman sultans. Along the way, experience the customs of at a bustling bazaar.

When you finish exploring the old city of Istanbul, the next thing is to take a magical journey on the Bosphorus. Sail down the Bosphorus passing Dolmabahce Palace, impressive Bosphorus Bridges, and beautifully designed seaside villas along both sides of the Bosphorus, before rounding the spectacular tip of old city and ultimately cruising only a few feet away from the magnificent Maiden's Tower.

BOSPHORUS SUNSET CRUISE

When you finish exploring the old city of Istanbul, the next thing is to take a magical journey on the Bosphorus. Sail down the Bosphorus cruise passing Dolmabahce Palace, impressive Bosphorus Bridges, and beautifully designed seaside villas along both sides of the Bosphorus, before rounding the spectacular tip of old city and ultimately cruising only a few feet away from the magnificent Maiden's Tower.

Full Day Guided Tour to Old City Highlights Cultural Walking Tour of Istanbul

Istanbul Tour: Full Day Guided Tour to Old City Highlights Cultural Walking Tour of Istanbul

Istanbul Tour

Full Day Guided Tour to Old City Highlights Cultural Walking Tour of Istanbul. » TOUR DETAIL «

Istanbul Tour: Full Day Guided Tour to Old City Highlights Cultural Walking Tour of Istanbul

I learned a true appreciation for Istanbul 'Nov 2021'

I went from being simply curious to developing a genuine admiration and appreciation for Istanbul and its history. Yunis was an excellent and extremely knowledgable guide who took care of us until the very end. He even helped us get on the ferry to avoid traffic in order to get us back to our hotel on the Asian side.

" Kellena D.

Istanbul Tour: Full Day Guided Tour to Old City Highlights Cultural Walking Tour of Istanbul

Embark on an evening of a lifetime with a 4-Hours sunset cruise around the Bosphorus.

4 Hours Sunset and Dinner Cruise

from Hours: 17:15 to 20:45

Combined Bosphorus Sightseeing Sunset Cruise with Dinner

17:22 17th Feb 2015

Perfect Views of Istanbul

Steve Rogers

Pass by Dolmabahce Palace, Maiden's Tower and Golden Horn while enjoying a freshly prepared dinner, perfect views of Istanbul at sunset with a live tour commentary and DJ performance.

We'll bring the adventure

Natasha Romanoff

We'll bring the adventure, you bring the romance on our Bosphorus Sunset Dinner Cruise.

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Tours

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise 'bosphorus cruise' is perfect to bring along the whole family, friends, and visiting guests, to enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul and its stunning strait that divides the city into two continents like Europe and Asia, which is the only city standing on two continents in the world!

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Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Live Guide on Luxurious Yacht

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise; Enjoy breathtaking views of the World-famous Bosphorus sights with a live guide on a luxury yacht.

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Bosphorus Sunset Cruise (Small-Group Cruise )

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise - Small - Group Cruise with Live Tour Guide. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Live Guide on Luxurious Yacht.

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Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Private Yacht

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise is perfect to bring along the whole family, friends, and visiting guests, to enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul.

Istanbul Sunrise Cruise on the Bosphorus

Istanbul Sunrise Cruise on the Bosphorus

Watch Istanbul wake up from the comfort on a luxury yacht during a 2.5-hour sunrise cruise. In the glow of the early morning light, snap photos of iconic places including Bosphorus Bridges, Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Maiden's Tower and the city skyline as the city revs up for the day. Your cruise includes a light breakfast served with hot tea and coffee, the perfect way to start your day!

Watch Istanbul wake up from the comfort on a luxury yacht during a 2.5-hour sunrise cruise. In the glow of the early morning light, snap photos of iconic places including Bosphorus Bridges,

Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Maiden's Tower and the city skyline as the city revs up for the day.

Your cruise includes a light breakfast served with hot tea and coffee, the perfect way to start your day!

BOSPHORUS BREAKFAST CRUISE ON A LUXURY YACHT

Admire city sights, sip bubbly, and savor delicious breakfast on a Bosphorus Breakfast Cruise along the shores of Europe and Asia! » TOUR DETAIL «

BOSPHORUS BREAKFAST CRUISE ON A LUXURY YACHT

Friendly crew , professional. There was only few people on the cruise, u can feel free and safe.

" Eric H. Twain

BOSPHORUS BREAKFAST CRUISE ON A LUXURY YACHT

Istanbul Layover Tour

Got a minimum 6-hour layover in Istanbul? Leave the airport in a private vehicle, immerse yourself in this dynamic city and spend the day at your leisure, before enjoying a stress-free return in time to catch your onward flight. Enjoy two holidays in one with a private Istanbul Layover Tour .

Your Istanbul Layover Tour can be 100% personalised for your time, interests and needs.

Global Support

Available 24 hours everyday

Bosphorus Cruise

Flexible & personalized

Bosphorus Cruise

You are new to Istanbul

We will show you the highlights.

Bosphorus Cruise

Private & clean vehicle

Bosphorus Cruise

Family - Friendly

Bosphorus Cruise

Airport pick-up and return

top istanbul tours

Low-level fitness required

Marriage Proposal Cruise Istanbul on Luxury Yacht

Bosphorus is one of the best places in the world if you are looking for a romantic atmosphere to propose to your loved one.

Contact us, let's plan your proposal together and spend an unforgettable night on The Bosphorus.

Things You Should Definitely Experience in Istanbul

See The Whirling Dervishes Ceremony in Istanbul

See The Whirling Dervishes Ceremony in Istanbul

Discover Turkish culture as you admire the Sufi whirling to soul-stirring music while watching the Whirling Dervishes of Mavlana

Go to a Tradational Turkish Bath

Go to a Tradational Turkish Bath

Visit an authentic Turkish hammam in Istanbul's old city, dating back to Ottoman times. Experience a bathing tradition that is still popular today.

Parks Along the Bosphorus: Explore Breathtaking Bosphorus Parks: A Guide to Serene Green Spaces Along the Waterfront

Parks Along the Bosphorus-A Guide to Serene Green Spaces Along the Waterfront

A Guide to Serene Green Spaces Along the Waterfront

Along the Bosphorus in Istanbul, there are several parks and green spaces that offer locals and visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the strait.

2023 Top 6 Bosphorus Cruise and Boat Tours on a Luxury Yacht Istanbul-Guide with Advice

2023 Top 6 Bosphorus Cruise and Boat Tours on a Luxury Yacht Istanbul-Guide with Advice

Unveil Istanbul's Splendor Embark on an Unforgettable Bosphorus Cruise Adventure

Unveil Istanbul's Splendor: Embark on an Unforgettable Bosphorus Cruise Adventure: When it comes to exploring Istanbul's enchanting allure, few experiences rival the magic of a Bosphorus Cruise.

Unlock the Wonders of Istanbul with Exclusive Private Istanbul Tours

Unlock the Wonders of Istanbul with Exclusive Private Istanbul Tours

Welcome to the World of Exclusive Private Istanbul Tours!

Our Exclusive Private Istanbul Tours are not just tours; they're immersive journeys tailored to your desires. With our handcrafted itineraries, you're not limited to generic attractions.

Can you give information about the Istanbul tourist pass?

Can you give information about the Istanbul tourist pass?

Where to buy Istanbul tourist card?

Yes, of course! The Istanbul Tourist Pass is a prepaid sightseeing and transportation card that offers free admission to many of Istanbul's top attractions istanbul tour , as well as discounts and special offers at a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

Where are the istanbul tour places for a tourist?

Where are the istanbul tour places for a tourist?

istanbul tour places

There are many other interesting places to explore in this historic and vibrant city, so be sure to plan enough time for your visit! It will be a trip worth your time for the Istanbul tour .

Istanbul and Bosphorus Blog Articles

  • THE BOSPHORUS AND ITS YALIS
  • BOSPHORUS PAVILIONS
  • BOSPHORUS MANSIONS
  • Places Where to Watch Sunset in Istanbul
  • How to Get the Best Bargain in Istanbul
  • Bosphorus History and Legends
  • Walking from Karakoy to Eminonu
  • Shopping to Tahtakale from Spice Bazaar
  • Going to the Galata Tower and Watching Istanbul
  • Istanbul Toy Museum
  • Eat Fish Sansdwich in Eminonu
  • Turkish Citizenship By Investment
  • Tophane Art Walk
  • MORE »»

- Walking from Galata Bridge from Karakoy to Eminonu with Simit and Soda

- shopping to tahtakale from spice bazaar, - going to the galata tower and watching istanbul, - istanbul toy museum, - eat fish sansdwich in eminonu, - tulip festival in emirgan, - indulge your sweet tooth with baklava, - tophane art walk, - eat kumpir in ortakoy, - chocolate paradise jadore and "oh la la beatrice".

We offer a variety of dining cruises that combine delicious food with a scenic tour of Bosphorus and Istanbul, as well as fun, social cocktail events. Our menus include freshly caught seafood, locally grown vegetables, premium cocktails, beer from local breweries, and irresistible desserts, all prepared onboard by our award-winning staff.

Istanbul Dinner Cruise, Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

Istanbul Dinner Cruise, Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

Bosphorus cruise with dinner, unlimitted drinks and a great Turkish night show...

Istanbul Lunch Cruise on the Bosphorus

Full Day Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise, Long Circle Boat Tour in Istanbul.

Ottoman Nights Dinner Cruise with Belly Dancer and Turkish Folk Dances

Ottoman Nights Dinner Cruise with Belly Dancer and Turkish Folk Dances

Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Traditional Turkish Show

Private Istanbul Tours With Guides

Private Istanbul Tours with experienced guides, No Bus, No Rush, No Sharing With Strangers! Bosphorus Tour provides private istanbul tours by car and on foot, all of which can be perfectly customized to suit your own particular requirements and needs. Discover our deals and get ready to be taken on a memorable private tour in the Eternal City with our top-rated expert guides.

Fener and Balat Tour

Fener and Balat Tour

Istanbul is a city of many famous landmarks. Most people come to see sites such as the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet and Hagia Sophia...

Istanbul Islamic Tour

Istanbul Islamic Tour

Istanbul Religious Tours are the spiritual activities that you can do in Istanbul and you can learn the culture & religions in our city...

Istanbul Old City Tour Classics & Highlights

Istanbul Old City Tour Classics & Highlights

Enjoy a royal welcome to Istanbul with a full-day private guided tour...

Istanbul Package Tours

Discover city breaks to Istanbul. From short weekend breaks to holidays in Istanbul, book the best Istanbul city package deals now.

Istanbul City Break Package

3 Days Istanbul City Break Package

Istanbul is an impressive and mystical destination for a weekend holiday or city break...

5 Days Istanbul Tour Package with Accommodation

5 Days Istanbul Tour Package with Accommodation

Arrivalto Istanbul Ataturk Airport and meeting by your English speaking assistant and transfer to your hotel.

Istanbul 5 Days Tour Package

Istanbul 5 Days Tour Package

4 nights accommodation, return airport transfers, 2 guided city tours including the Blue Mosque, Hippodromme...

Turkey Tour Packages

Best Turkey Tour Packages - Discover Turkey's treasures with tour packages including transportation, accommodation, and meals in must-see destinations like Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus and much more.

2 Days Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul by Plane

2 Days Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul by Plane

Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, the House of Virgin Mary, the necropolis at Hierapolis, and the thermal springs at Pamukkale...

2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Istanbul by Plane

2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Istanbul by Plane

Travel to Cappadocia by air and enjoy 2 days of tours. Take in the Goreme Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys and enjoy a hot-air balloon ride...

4 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour by Plane From Istanbul

4 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour by Plane From Istanbul

Start and end in Istanbul! With the In-depth Cultural tour 4 Days - Cappadocia, Pamukkale & Ephesus...

Private Events on The Bosphorus, Istanbul

Yacht charter in istanbul, day trips from istanbul.

The Great Bursa Day Trip

The Great Bursa Day Trip, Daily City Escape to Green Bursa

Bursa Tour: Visit the city of Bursa, once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, on this day trip from Istanbul that starts with a 2-hour ferry ride.

Edirne Imperial Tour

Edirne Imperial Tour, Follow Ottoman Pattern in One Day

Edirne Day Tour makes taking a day-trip from Istanbul to the former Ottoman capital of Edirne easy. See beautiful mosques...

Sapanca Lake and Masukiye Full-Day Tour

Sapanca Lake and Masukiye Full-Day Tour

Sapanca and Masukiye Tour is one of our nice trips out of Istanbul especially for nature lovers. Escape the bustle of Istanbul...

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with live guide on luxury yach.

You see so many historical spots which u might miss if you are on a short visit to istanbul.

Capture the moment of the beautiful sunsets of Istanbul with a cruise of the Bosphorus that includes hotel pick - up, snacks, baklava, fresh season fruits and soft drinks, as well as live guide commentary in English and Spanish languages. It's the perfect start to a night that could be continued on with a trip down to the Bosphorus or a celebratory gathering, and a wonderful bonding time for family groups and individuals who want to wind down after a day in Istanbul. As the sunset begins, race to the expansive open decks or the 360-degree to get unmatched views of the Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress and the Bosphorus Bridges as you cruise the strait right in between two continents of Europea and Asia. It's a perfect chance to photograph the city, the sunset, and the skyline. At the end of the cruise, our yacht SUNSET BOSPHORUS will cruise along the Golden Horn foreshore and here you might like to disembark for a nightcap at one of the many nightclubs in Taksim area.

Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul "Journey through Time and Beauty: Exploring Istanbul's Magnificence on a Bosphorus Cruise"

Bosphorus Cruise Tours in Istanbul Turkey

Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul

Bosphorus Cruise Tours in Istanbul Turkey (A Short Overview of the Bosphorus)

The Bosphorus cruise is a popular activity in Istanbul, where you can sail along the Bosphorus Strait, which separates the European and Asian sides of the city. Cruising along the Bosphorus offers stunning views of the city's iconic landmarks, palaces, and beautiful waterfront mansions.

BOSPHORUS TOUR ORGANISATIONS

Bosphorus Tours Istanbul is the leading boat tours operator of tourism and leisure passengers services on Bosphorus, carrying in excess of passengers annually on our route through the heart of Istanbul between the two continents, Europe and Asia.

Book a boat cruise in Istanbul with  Istanbul Bosphorus Tours  - Istanbul's No 1 Sightseeing Cruise on the Bosphorus. Combining quality dining, superb entertainment and spectacular views from Bosphorus, our unique boat sightseeing and dining cruises capture the excitement of Istanbul from a truly special perspective.

Know your city ISTANBUL?

istanbul travel quide

The Istanbul Bosphorus

The Istanbul Bosphorus

Sultanahmet Hippodrome

Sultanahmet Hippodrome

Istanbul Travel Tips

Istanbul Travel Tips

BOSPHORUS THROUGH THE AGES

Before a wedding, Marriage Proposals can be the most significant in a couple’s life.

You have the ring and now want to make it the most perfect proposal!

COVID-19 PROTECTING OUR GUESTS AND EMPLOYEES

Anyone with access can view your invited visitors.

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07.23.2022: new birthday event video added. [click view]

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07.16.2022: added new tour image from sunset cruise. [click see]

  • Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

Thinking of going to Moscow?

scubacruiserx2

By scubacruiserx2 , October 11, 2013 in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

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scubacruiserx2

We thought about it and did it September 21, 2013. We would like to share how we did it and explore options on how to visit this great city.

Because we were staying in St. Petersburg, we chose a "Day Trip".

We found a guide on the internet and contacted her. We asked her the best way and day to visit Moscow. We agreed Saturday would be good and the Sapsan train is the preferred way to travel. We booked our e-tickets for the train on the internet.

The day began early with an accuweather check. It showed brilliant sun all day - in St. Petersburg (1 of only 35 days a year) and rain all day in Moscow. Walking to the Metro station we began the long ride down to the underground train.

The early morning Metro

This is the Moscow train station in St. Petersburg

And here is the Sapsan at rest

After scanning our tickets and a walk through a metal detector ( which we set off) we walked to wagon #3. Showing our passports to the attendant , we were seated by 0630 and ready to ride !

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After we were seated we received this overhead greeting

Russian Railways welcomes you aboard ! We soon found out that every thing would be in Russian first and then in English. Our launch time was reached - and we were off.

Here is some information about the Sapsan

http://www.russiantrains.com/en/page/sapsan-train

As the sun began to rise we saw some fog , but a clear sky just outside of St. Petersburg @ 125 mph.

We settled in for the 4 hour train ride to Moscow.

TLCOhio

Appreciate your posting of these visuals in connection with your rail trip to Moscow and back. As noted below, we did this "adventure" in 2008 via the air routes. Keep sharing your nice and interesting visuals. Below are a few of mine showing the "prizes" to be enjoyed in Moscow. Fortunately, we had three days on our cruise stop in St. Petersburg, making this one-day trip work better.

The high-speed train connection does make a big, big difference currently. We did the one-day Moscow trip in 2008 by the air connections. I'll offer up some added background, along with various pro/con factors for your consideration. My wife thought it was lots of money, but she viewed it as very much worth it after completing the trip as a "once in a lifetime" experience.

CON FACTORS : It's a long day! Leave the ship early (greeted by a small welcoming band dockside); get back to the St. Petersburg airport around midnight and back to the ship a little before 1 am. Moscow is a super large city of over ten million people. There has been huge growth in the suburbs of this city during the past decades or so. Traffic and time from the airport to the main downtown takes about an hour, but the train takes your directly into the heart of this large city. Since we had to drive in from the airport, we had a good feel as we traveled into town through the coach windows about the “new Moscow” with its suburban growth, commerce, advertising, capitalism, big box stores, etc.

PRO FACTORS : Moscow has its unique history, sights and sites, from Ivan the Terrible up through Lenin, Stalin and the new Russian leaders of today. After a long ride in from the airport on the outer edge of this large metro areas of 17.3 million (with 10.5 million in the city), we stopped at a new hotel for coffee/tea/break. Then, we rode the Moscow subway and saw a couple of their very unique and artistic stations. Stalin at the time called these stations “People’s Palaces”. This Moscow Metro was first opened in 1935 and now has 182 stations, 12 different lines,187 miles of routes and carries seven million passengers each weekday. It’s the world second busiest subway system. This subway ride offered a good sampling of real life for people who live and work in Moscow. We then saw more key places enroute, including the home of the Bolshoi Ballet, KGB Headquarters, various Stalin-era buildings, etc. Then we went to the Kremlin with its 19 historic towers. WOW, we were really there!

Inside the Kremlin are three key “super stars”. First, was the State Armoury with its spectacular Faberge Eggs, plus so many carriages, crowns, gowns, jewels, etc. Second are the various historic Cathedrals within the Kremlin Walls, plus the Tower Bells, Icon art, etc. This includes the Cathedral of the Annunciation built in the 1480’s and having such spectacular wall murals and icons. Third, was the Great Kremlin Palace with its spectacular reception halls, inlaid wood floors, gold and more gold, fancy ceilings, etc. The Czars were crowned here, plus the current heads of the Russian government, etc. The size and scale of these areas are hard to describe in words, let alone reflect and capture the history that has happened in some of these rooms dating back to the late 1400’s. We have seen lots of great palaces all over Europe, but this is something above and beyond for the eyes, heart and brain.

Then, we saw more building inside the walls of the Kremlin. We went outside of the Kremlin Walls and walked next door to adjoining Red Square, seeing St. Basil’s and the re-done Gum Department Store. Red Square is so historic, especially having grown up seeing the military May Day parades there, visuals of Lenin’s Tomb, etc. Have the words “spectacular” and historic been used too much? Maybe, but it fits for many of these unique places. St. Basil’s was built 1555–1561 on the order of Ivan IV (the Terrible). It was the tallest building in Moscow until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower (266 feet tall) in 1600 inside the Kremlin Walls. To be able to “CONTRAST” and compare Moscow and St. Petersburg during these three short days adds to the benefits of seeing both of these great Russian capital cities. Each is a very different and special city.

We finished with dinner in the Central Writers’ Club, a one hundred years old mansion made into a restaurant with crystal chandeliers, rich wood panelling, fireplaces, and antique balustrades.

Is one day too short and limited? YES! You can, however, do and see lots in only that one short day. You get a small sampling above. How often do you get to Russia? The Cold War might not come back in full force, but there are going to be increasing and revisited tensions in future years involving Russia and getting access there. They have done this tour many times and have its details down well and timing perfected. Let us know any questions, thoughts or reactions.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 120,278 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Walking on the famed Red Square of Moscow. This square separates the Kremlin, as the former royal citadel and the current official residence for Russia's President, from a historic merchant quarter. Red Square is often considered the central square of Moscow and all of Russia, because Moscow's major streets originate from here. The name Red Square comes neither from the color of the bricks nor from the link between the color red and communism. The name came about because of a Russian word that can mean either "red" or "beautiful". This word, per Wikipedia, has the meaning "beautiful", was originally applied to Saint Basil's Cathedral. Then, later, the meaning was transferred to the nearby square. It is believed that the square acquired its current name in the 17th century. Red Square was the leading stage and trade center for Moscow. Ivan the Great decreed that trade should only be conducted from person to person, but later these rules were relaxed and permanent market buildings began appearing on the square. After a fire in 1547, Ivan the Terrible reorganized the lines of wooden shops on the Eastern side into market lines and part of that transitioned into what is now GUM department store that adjoins this famed square.:

St. Basil's sits on Red Square and dates back to its 1555-61 construction on the orders of Ivan the Terrible (Ivan IV). It commemorates the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan and marks the geometric center of the city. This location has been the hub of its growth for Moscow since the 14th century. It was the tallest building in Moscow until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in 1600. This church was near destroyed in the 1930’s when Stalin was in control.:

The domes of the historic church inside the walls of the Kremlin:

This is the interior for Moscow's most historic church, Assumption Cathedral or the Cathedral of the Dormition, inside the Kremlin walls. It is the mother church of Muscovite Russia. The church stands on Cathedral Square and was built in 1475–1479 by the Italian architect Aristotele Fioravanti. It was erected on the spot of an older 14th century cathedral of the same name:

The famed KGB (Secret Police) Headquarters in Moscow where many entered and did not exit (alive) during the 1950’s and 1960’s:

Here is a small sampling of the Kremlin Royal Treasures of the Czars: Eggs & Jewels inside the famed State Armoury in Moscow. One of the oldest museums in Moscow, it was established in 1808 and located within the Kremlin Walls. It originated as the royal arsenal in 1508 during when it was in charge of producing, purchasing and storing weapons, jewelry and various household articles of the Tsars. There are ten Fabergé eggs in the Armoury collection (all Imperial eggs). This is the most Imperial eggs, and the second-most overall Fabergé eggs, owned by a single owner. The Trans-Siberian Railway Egg is a jeweled Easter egg made under the supervision of the Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé in 1900 for Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. It was presented by Nicolas II as an Easter gift to his wife. The exterior of the 1900 Trans-Siberian Railway egg is made of onyx, silver, gold, and quartz, and is decorated with colored vitreous enamel. The lid of the egg is hinged, has an overlay of green enamel, and is decorated with inlaid leaves of acanthus. On top of the lid is a golden three-headed eagle in gold with the Imperial Crown. The interior is lined with velvet. A route map of the Trans-Siberian Railway is engraved in silver across the face, with major stations marked by a precious stone, forming a belt around the egg. The egg is supported by three griffins made of gold-plated silver on a stepped triangular base of white onyx.:

RJ2002

Scuba and Terry, thanks for sharing the information and beautiful pictures.

One question... I assume the one day tour is similar to the St Petersburg tours, in that you don't need to obtain a Russian Visa if you are booked through a Russian tour agency?

Scuba and Terry, thanks for sharing the information and beautiful pictures. One question... I assume the one day tour is similar to the St Petersburg tours, in that you don't need to obtain a Russian Visa if you are booked through a Russian tour agency?

Appreciate the nice comments and good question from our friend in Las Vegas. YES , if your cruise is there three days or less . . . A ND . . . you are with a licensed travel/tour firm , then there is no need to do a Russian Visa. You cannot take that one- or two-day train to Moscow and back unless you either have a visa or are with an appropriate such firm traveling with you.

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik . Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 144,153 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

The announcements on the train requested turning off phones. We quietly greeted and introduced ourselves (In Russian) to our table mates . It seems that we were the token foreign passengers and we quickly realized that on the train (Like most public transport), people don't usually speak unless they have a question or know one another. Even when they do it's respectful of others privacy with no loud talking or phone calls." I could get used to this" I thought to myself. Reading was the norm and listening to music was socially acceptable. Out came the Eyewitness Travel Moscow and cued Al Stewart's Road to Moscow on the mp3. After a quick nap and a snack we noticed that the movie Moscow does not believe in tears was playing on the TV and people were seemed surprised that we knew the movie.

The next thing we knew, the train was arriving in Moscow !

Exiting the train , we headed for the station.

Irina was waiting for us at the end of the platform and it was starting to rain. " Welcome to Moscow and it's weather" she said. " Nine months of expectations and three months of disappointment" she remarked. We headed to the Metro for a tour.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Metro

As you can see , at 11 in the morning and we still had an empty Metro. Saturday or Sunday is the way to tour Moscow with a minimum of crowds

The first station that we visited was Komsomolskaya which is named for the Communist Youth League

Here is a mosaic from the ceiling

And at the end of the station was comrade Lenin

The Kievskaya Station is dedicated to the friendship between Russia and the Ukraine and is named after it's Capital - Kiev

It features idealized mosaics in the Soviet realism style

The Ukraine was the bread basket of the Soviet Union so agriculture and handicraft is displayed prominently in it's mosaics.

Because it is on the ring line #5 , it connects with #3 and #4 line and can get very busy.

Desertbelle

Desertbelle

Thank you for these wonderful reviews. We are going to St. Petersburg for two days on the Brilliance next May. We have decided we want to go to Moscow for one of the days....your great photos make me want to go even more now! :D

The train ride of 8 hours (4 hours one way) and only 8 hours in Moscow doesn't sound perfect. Should we look for a tour guide who will take us by plane? Any recommendations? We would not want to undertake this on our own.

Thank you for these wonderful reviews. We are going to St. Petersburg for two days on the Brilliance next May. We have decided we want to go to Moscow for one of the days....your great photos make me want to go even more now! :D   The train ride of 8 hours (4 hours one way) and only 8 hours in Moscow doesn't sound perfect. Should we look for a tour guide who will take us by plane? Any recommendations? We would not want to undertake this on our own.

Congratulations on your upcoming TA and Baltic cruise and thank you for your kind comments. We did a TA in April of 2009 , followed by a 10 day stay in St. Petersburg. It's really a great time for the weather. Going to Moscow from St. Petersburg on a 2 day stay is going to be an either/ or proposition. Unless you can do a post cruise stay , it will be either Moscow or St. Petersburg . If its your first visit to Russia , we would recommend that you stay in St. Petersburg. It will save you travel time and money and there is more than enough to do in 2 days. If you decide on Moscow , many of the cruise ship offer this trip. We don't normally use or recommend the ship's tours but Moscow would be an exception. Few if any private tours offer this option for 2 days. If you chose to DIY with a Visa you could fly and meet the guide in Moscow and stay overnight. The problem with a 2 day stay is that Sapsan leaves before your ship arrives in port on the first day and arrives after your ship leaves on the second day. A more radical plan that we considered was to jump ship (With the Captain's permission) with a Russian Visa and stay longer in St. Petersburg / Moscow. Because we wanted more time in Russia , we cancelled our post TA Baltic cruise and just stayed in St. Petersburg.

Our last Metro stop before entering Red Square was Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Square of the Revolution). The hall contains life size sculptures of 'everyday people' who made The Revolution and the Metro possible.

Rubbing the nose of this border guards dog is said to bring good luck. I was amazed to see how many people touched this dogs nose after we stepped away.

This last 'every day person' is Lyudmila Pavlichenko who was credited with 309 kills as a sniper during WWII.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyudmila_Pavlichenko

Upon leaving the Metro station we were greeted by a steady rain and it was time to pop the umbrellas. After entering through The Resurrection Gate we stopped to take a picture.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iberian_Gate_and_Chapel

And turning around , there is was - Red Square ! I felt like like Dorothy opening the door in OZ. All of my childhood fears of ICBM rockets , goose stepping troops , 1 PM air raid sirens on Saturday , bomb shelters and duck and cover drills at school flooded my memory! Focusing on the task at hand , I had to learn to shoot pictures with one hand while holding an umbrella with the other. The first picture is Marshal Zhukov , a war hero

mounted on a horse , in front of The Historical Museum.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgy_Zhukov

Kazan Cathedral was consecrated in 1636 by Prince Pozharsky and stood for 300 years until Joseph Stalin destroyed it in 1936. This faithful reconstruction was completed and consecrated in 1993.

There was a sea of umbrellas watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I could only get a picture by holding the camera overhead. If you look carefully, you can see his rifle beneath his raincoat.

The crowd thinned as they quickly marched away

But I sprinted ahead to capture a video clip

It was raining harder so we headed for GUM in hopes that the rain would abate.

GUM (pronounced goom) was the name given to this building after the Revolution in 1921. It was built in 1893 and currently has over 1000 shops. A banner proclaims 120 years.

This was one of my favorite photos of our trip. Watching a game of Bridal tug of war.

Maybe they were here shopping for this Mother In Law Cake. It features poisonous mushrooms on top ( I think they are sugar but didn't try them ).

We moved on to Yeliseev's Gastronom. The original store is in St. Petersburg.

http://russiapedia.rt.com/prominent-russians/business/grigory-yeliseev/

This is their souvenir shop

With no sign of the rain stopping it was time to pop the umbrellas and head out to Red Square. The square is about 500 yards long.

The small platform in front of St. Basil's is called The Lobnoe Mesto. It is where the Tsar and patriarch would address the people at various times.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobnoye_Mesto

Even in the rain and overcast skies the cathedral is striking !

To the right of the photo is The Savior's Tower. It was the main entrance to the Kremlin and stands 230 feet tall.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spasskaya_Tower

We thought we would go inside of St. Basils to dodge rain and see what the interior looked like. Here's the porch.

Fancy doors

Iconostasis

And here is a view of Red Square with everything labeled

seeriteR

Wow! What else can be said. The photos and your trip are amazing! We have booked a Baltic cruise for June, 2014. We had not considered going to Moscow and after reading your blog, we are still not. BUT if we ever are lucky enough to come back sometime, it will definitely be on our TO DO list! Thank you for sharing the pics, vids and memories!

Jim and Pam

Hi: I am new to CC and we are going on our first cruise in June 2014 with Crystal Cruises. Scuba - I would like to find out more about your Moscow trip - not sure how one goes about emailing here, but could you please email me at [email protected] ?

Welcome to Cruise Critic ! We are honored to be your first post. Don't be afraid to ask questions and browse the threads on CC. They are many experienced people willing to help and share with your upcoming trip. We are emailing now.

Wow! What else can be said. The photos and your trip are amazing! We have booked a Baltic cruise for June, 2014. We had not considered going to Moscow and after reading your blog, we are still not. BUT if we ever are lucky enough to come back sometime, it will definitely be on our TO DO list! Thank you for sharing the pics, vids and memories!   Jim and Pam

Hi Jim and Pam, how was the Fall in Michigan this year ? DW is a Michigander and we met in Michigan. We love spending the fall there. Congratulations on your Baltic cruise. We fell in love with St. Petersburg when we visited there on our 2006 cruise. You will have 2 full and enjoyable days there. Is it possible to do a post cruise stay in Moscow or St. Pete. ? We wished that we did when we first went because there a lot that we missed and wanted to see things at our own pace. It would be much quicker and cheaper to fly from Copenhagen than another transatlantic flight from Michigan. If you have not seen our thread on St. Petersburg - you may want to check it out.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1775172

In front of St. Basil's Cathedral is a statue of a butcher Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitniy Pozharskiy. When Moscow was occupied in 1612 by the Polish Army , they raised a volunteer group to repel the invaders.

To me, the most amazing church in Moscow is The Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

After Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812 , the strategy of retreat and destroy (scorched earth) was employed by Russia to allow Napoleon to enter Moscow. He found it in ruins - burned by the residents. When winter arrived on October 19, Napoleon began the long retreat to France. Along the way with no food , the winter and the Russian people attacking , the French troops were decimated. 600,000 troops had entered Russia and less than 60,000 left alive. To celebrate the victory Tsar Alexander ordered the Cathedral built to thank Christ for the victory.

In 1931 Joseph Stalin blew up the cathedral to build a skyscraper - The Palace of the Soviets , that would be taller than The Empire State Building. It would feature a giant statue of Lenin on top. The plans were abandoned when Germany invaded in 1941. After the war , it became a giant pool when construction was needed for housing. It was rebuilt beginning in 1995 , and was completed in 2000.

There was a crowd at the door and we waited in the rain and cold. It was beautiful inside (no pictures allowed). We stayed about an hour and the crowd had left and we took the second picture in the rain. A quick Metro ride to the train station and we said goodbye to our guide Irina.

http://www.newbyzantines.net/byzcathculture/christsavior.html

We returned to St. Petersburg on the Sapsan 1st Class. It included dinner , a drink and internet connections. The internet only works with a Russian phone service - so it did not work for us. The chairs reclined , so we got a nice nap after a long day.

Hi Jim and Pam, how was the Fall in Michigan this year ? DW is a Michigander and we met in Michigan. We love spending the fall there. Congratulations on your Baltic cruise. We fell in love with St. Petersburg when we visited there on our 2006 cruise. You will have 2 full and enjoyable days there. Is it possible to do a post cruise stay in Moscow or St. Pete. ? We wished that we did when we first went because there a lot that we missed and wanted to see things at our own pace. It would be much quicker and cheaper to fly from Copenhagen than another transatlantic flight from Michigan. If you have not seen our thread on St. Petersburg - you may want to check it out.   http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1775172

Ok, so now that I spent hours looking at and reading your posts, I see why you suggest a post tour. There is no way to see everything in only 2 days. But thank you so much for your information on SPB. We are really looking forward to our visit and want to get the most out of it.

We had snow flurries today in Michigan. Our fall was pretty short which means winter will be pretty long. We will survive though because we have 2 cruises to look forward to... Caribbean in February and the Baltic in June!

Thanks again for the great photo review and tips! I'll keep reading...

Ok, so now that I spent hours looking at and reading your posts, I see why you suggest a post tour. There is no way to see everything in only 2 days. But thank you so much for your information on SPB. We are really looking forward to our visit and want to get the most out of it.   We had snow flurries today in Michigan. Our fall was pretty short which means winter will be pretty long. We will survive though because we have 2 cruises to look forward to... Caribbean in February and the Baltic in June!   Thanks again for the great photo review and tips! I'll keep reading...   Jim

It sounds like a couple of great cruises coming your way. The Western Carib. is our most common trip cause we dive in all 4 ports. It's a great way for you to beat that long winter ! My wife's sister (from Bay City) does a girl cruise every winter to beat the cold and avoid the Spring breakers. We would encourage you to prioritize in St. Petersburg - you won't get to see it all in 2 days so pick the best for you. Please know your camera well before you visit ! The sites will come fast and furious so you want to catch them all. I had some new lenses and made some rookie mistakes and muffed some good shots ! If we can answer any questions - give us a holler. Joe

Thank you for your great report and photos! We will be in St. Petersburg for 3 days next June on Legend of the Seas. I arranged private tours in St. Petersburg on days 1 and 3, and to Moscow on day 2 - all with Alla Tours. I previously visited St. Petersburg in 2005, and am especially looking forward to visiting Moscow this trip.

Good to know that Nancy has these great Russian locations on her future, upcoming list. That assumes she survives her earlier “down under” visit, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Celebrity Solstice sailing, departing Sydney, going from Australia to Auckland/NZ doing 14 days on this ship we loved in the Med in June 2011. Nancy will be "riding" with us on this Aust-NZ cruise. Will share more on Russia with Nancy while we are sailing on this early 2014 adventure.

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 123,372 views.

Sounds like the perfect plan NancyIL ! Maybe something old and something new in St. Petersburg and something Red in Moscow! Did anyone watch Miss Universe in Moscow ? We enjoyed seeing the locale shots at night - something that we missed on our day trip. It also confirmed what we observed when we were there. Moscow like St. Petersburg has the majority of it's main sites located in a very small area. Catherine's Palace , Peterhof and Moscow require an amount of travel time equal or greater than the time spent there. There is the additional cost to Moscow as well. But it's great that you have 3 days and have seen some of St. Petersburg before so it made your decision easy. If you look at the map of Moscow you will see that most of the sites are very close together

and can be seen in a day, but Petersburg requires several days or more for maximum enjoyment.

Red Square and The Kremlin are next to each other and , in the lower left corner, is The Cathedral of Christ the Savior - all within walking distance.

We will be taking the Sapsan from Moscow to St. Petersburg next summer. Is there much of a difference between first class and coach? We're booked in coach as the TA says there's not all that much difference for the money. Also, do you have any opinion on whether to ride on the left or right, facing forward, headed to St. Petersburg? I want to get the best views.

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IMAGES

  1. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour, Timings, Price, Night Shows

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  2. Full Day Bosphorus Cruise Tour & Two Continents

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  3. Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise

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  4. A Comprehensive Guide To Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul For Tourists

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  5. BOSPHORUS CRUISE (Istanbul): 2022

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  6. Bosphorus Cruise

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  1. Bosphorus aur cruise 🚢 Night Dinner 🍣 🐟

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  3. Bosphorus Cruise, Istanbul Turkey

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  5. Cruise at the bosphorus

  6. Private Bosphorus Cruise Umroh+ Turki 20-5 februari 2024

COMMENTS

  1. Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul: Top 10 Best Boat Tours in 2024

    3. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht. This is one of the best and the most attended Bosphorus cruises. 2,5 hours cruise on a 25 meters luxury yacht. It is made on a luxury yacht and has a badge of excellence with over 400 5/5 stars reviews on Viator, and 335 excellent reviews and stars on GetYourGuide.

  2. Bosphorus Cruise Price, Schedule, Map (Updated 2024)

    Turyol Bosphorus cruise boats organize tours every hour starting from 10:00 in the morning. In this sense, the most practical trips are made by Turyol, located in Eminonu. ... Or you can also review the Istanbul metro map article for public transportation in Istanbul. Written by Serhat Engul Filed Under: ACTIVITIES, BOSPHORUS Tagged With ...

  3. Istanbul Public Ferries (Timetables, Prices, Best Ferry Rides + Advice)

    Bosphorus Rides by Public Ferries Domestic Trips * This is not a proper Boshorus Cruise, it is the common sea transportation in between the districts of Istanbul and used with the locals. * This can be an option for a quick cruise in the Bosphorus. * Price vary from one way 7,67 TL to 12 TL according to the distance travelled.

  4. Bosphorus Cruise

    When in Istanbul, a cruise on the Bosphorus is a must. Many cruises start from the Eminonu -Sirkeci piers in the old town ( easily reaches by tram ) For less than 200TL (£10 ) you will get a 90 minute cruise up to the Bosphorus Suspension Bridge and back again and possibly going under Galata Bridge to Halic Pier.

  5. Bosphorus Public Cruise

    Why Choose a Bosphorus Cruise? After exploring the streets of Istanbul, a Bosphorus cruise provides a tranquil escape. As the sun sets and casts its golden hue over historical landmarks, you find yourself gently drifting along the waters, experiencing the city's magnificence from an entirely new perspective. Details of the Tour. The Bosphorus ...

  6. Ultimate Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Map and Guide

    The public ferry (Şehir Hatlari) has two main lines: the Bosphorus Cruise line and Domestic Trips. the Bosphorus Cruise line is designated as Boğaz, meaning Bosphorus and have their own embarkation port that is different from the domestic/traditional Şehir Hatlari pier used by locals and is described in option 1b. below.

  7. Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry with Dolmabahce Palace

    Indulge in a public ferry cruise along the Bosphorus Strait will explore the hidden corners of Istanbul beyond the city's popular attractions. Take a ferry to the heart of a city on two continents and enjoy a once in a lifetime view of the city's majestic skyline, exciting neighborhoods, and landmarks from the Ottoman Empire.

  8. What Bosphorus Cruise Tour to Take in Istanbul?

    Last departure time is 20:00 on weekdays, and 21:00 during the weekend. The Bosphorus tour takes about 90 minutes, and costs 150 TL. The Dentur Bosphorus tour dock and sales booth are located in Kabataş. The ferries depart every hour with the first departure at 12:45 and the last one at 17:45.

  9. BOSPHORUS CRUISE Prices in Istanbul [Updated 2024]

    Sehir Hatlari (Public Ferry) Bosphorus cruise prices are between 65 TL and 120 TL in 2024. For example, the cost of the long Bosphorus tour, which promises a 6-hour trip, is only 120 Turkish Liras. The price of the short Bosphorus tour is only 65 Turkish Liras. These prices were last updated on December 19, 2023. Long Bosphorus Cruise by Sehir ...

  10. Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Audio Guide App

    Bus and Boat Combo Tour: Bosphorus Cruise and City Bus Tour with Tour Guide. 37. from $44.19. $55.24 $11.05 savings. Istanbul, Turkey. Turkish Show with Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. 3. ... Near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps. Most travelers can participate. This tour/activity will have a maximum of 99 travelers. See 1 More.

  11. 8 Best Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises: boat tours, tickets, prices

    The Bosphorus Cruise is one of the most famous, distinctive, and amazing types of entertainment available during your trip to Istanbul. Discover and enjoy our pick of the best Bosphorus cruises in Istanbul. Public ferries, boat tours, sunset cruises, lunch or luxury romantic dinners on luxury yachts. The best way to experience Istanbul by sea.

  12. Bosphorus Cruise

    Bosphorus public ferries are frequent and an experience in an of themselves. With routes stretching from Eminönü to Anadolu Kavağı, public ferries provide a laid-back cruise experience.As you glide along the water, you'll witness the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace, the medieval fortress of Rumeli Hisarı, and the serene beauty of Yıldız Park, among others.

  13. Bosphorus Cruise Tour by a Public Ferry

    Start your day tour in Istanbul with the Bosphorus Cruise by a public ferry (also some known as Gypsy Boats) in an extremely captivating scenery. The shoreline on both sides is adorned with well-kept groves, half a dozen Ottoman imperial palaces, traditional Yalis (waterside villas) and shore villages before a background patched with recent ...

  14. The Best Bosphorus Cruise for Your Travel Style in 2024

    Experience the best of Istanbul in this 8.5-hour Istanbul Must-See Tour and Bosphorus Cruise.Join your expert guide on this small group tour to discover Istanbul's top attractions. Explore Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Spice Market before topping it all off with a 90-minute guided tour of the Bosphorus Strait by public ferry.

  15. Seeing the Bosphorus Strait via Istanbul's Public Ferry

    The Public Ferry . The longer Bosphorus tour starts at 10:35 a.m. from Eminonu and is an approximately two-hour ride across the waters toward Anadolu Kavagi. Passengers get an opportunity to experience a ride on a double-decker boat. ... The highlight of the Bosphorus cruise is definitely the view; its beauty is unmatched. Despite the daily ...

  16. Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry

    We took the public ferry cruising the Bosphorus Strait. Crusing the Bosphorus by public ferry takes more time. We left Old Town's Eminonu district at 10:30 am and it would take 90 minutes to go all the way to Anadolu Kavagi (almost to the Black Sea) where passengers can get off, have lunch or walk up to the castle while waiting for the return ...

  17. Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry with Dolmabahce Palace and Spice

    This is a laid back tour to enjoy visiting an imperial palace, follow your favorite fragrance at Spice Market, and a smooth ride on Bosphorus by a public ferry boasts incredible views of the strait and waterfront buildings. Ages 0-100. Duration: 6-8 hours. Start time: Check availability.

  18. Bosphorus Public Cruise

    The Bosphorus public cruise offers budget-friendly, fun tours of Istanbul's gorgeous sea. Relax and enjoy stunning views of historical locations, charming neighborhoods, and the iconic Bosphorus Bridge. These trips provide guests with a great experience on the Bosphorus with insightful narration and comfy boats.

  19. Istanbul Bosphorus sightseeing Cruises

    The leading Bosphorus cruise company for quality seeking travelers in Istanbul. We offer daily scheduled small group cruises on the Bosphorus; Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht, Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, Long Circle Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise with Lunch, Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruises and We also host a range of private cruises in Istanbul; Marriage Proposal Cruise, Boat Weddings on ...

  20. Imperial Waterways of Russia

    Your ship cruises along the southern shores of Lake Ladoga, a vast freshwater inland sea that was once connected to the Baltic Sea. Islands dot the water while forested nature preserves and beaches line the shores. Relax and enjoy the scenery. Day 6: Kizhi Island - cruising Lake Onega.

  21. Best of Moscow by high speed train

    Sure would appreciate someone who has taken Best of Moscow by high speed train from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day. Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also wha...

  22. Scenic River Cruise in Moscow

    Enjoy Moscow's majestic sights and landmarks by taking a scenic river cruise along the Moscow River (also known as Moskva River). Get to see Russia from another perspective and see places such as Kremlin, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and more!

  23. Thinking of going to Moscow?

    We thought about it and did it September 21, 2013. We would like to share how we did it and explore options on how to visit this great city. Because we were staying in St. Petersburg, we chose a "Day Trip". We found a guide on the internet and contacted her. We asked her the best way and day to v...