Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide

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1 hour (approx.)

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Overview

Step aboard a sightseeing cruise and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Istanbul's iconic Bosphorus. Admire the city's breathtaking skyline, historic landmarks.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Istanbul from a unique perspective with a Bosphorus day cruise. Departing from the heart of the city, set sail on the serene waters of the Bosphorus Strait, a magical waterway that divides Europe and Asia.

Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the majestic Bosphorus Bridge, historic Ottoman palaces, and traditional neighborhoods lining the shores. Your journey will be enhanced by informative commentary detailing the rich history and culture of Istanbul. As you glide along the sparkling waters, soak in panoramic views of the city's skyline and enjoy a truly unforgettable experience that captures the essence of this vibrant and historic metropolis.

What's Included

Bosphorus Cruise
Mobile audio guide

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Ömer Avni
Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. No:, 34427 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Dolmabahce Palace (Pass By)

Built in an opulent European style, Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi) was the home of the Ottoman sultans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before the fall of the empire. The giant crystal chandeliers, marble staircases, and lush carpets that adorn the interior reflect the shift toward Istanbul’s more European way of thinking.

Ortakoy (Pass By)

Istanbul’s bustling waterside neighborhood of Ortaköy buzzes with the energy of bars, restaurants, cafés, and nightclubs. The main sight here is the Ortaköy Mosque (Ortaköy Cami), a 19th-century structure featuring a blend of baroque and neoclassical influences. Behind it, the Bosphorus Bridge looms, connecting the old Istanbul with the new.

Bosphorus Bridge (Pass By)

The Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu) in Istanbul is one of three continent-spanning bridges over the Bosphorus Strait, connecting Europe and Asia. When it opened in 1973, the 5,118-foot (1,560-meter) bridge was the fourth-longest suspension bridge in the world. And though it has since slid down the rankings, it is still an impressive sight to behold.

Rumeli Fortress (Pass By)

Built over just four months, the 15th-century Rumeli Fortress played a key role in the fall of Byzantine Constantinople. Together with the Anatolian Fortress (Anadolu Hisarı) on the Bosphorus, Rumeli Fortress was used by the Ottomans to cut off aid and supplies to Constantinople. Today, it serves as both an open-air theater and site of historical interest.

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Pass By)

Surprisingly for a city split between two continents, Istanbul existed without connecting bridges for most of its existence. After the construction of the Bosphorus Bridge in the 1970s, the second unifying bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, came in 1988. It is part of Istanbul’s O-2 highway and connects the European and Asian sides of the city.

Emirgan Park (Pass By)

Located on the European shores of Istanbul, Emirgan Park (Emirgân Korusu) is one of the largest in Istanbul and serves as an oasis of nature in the urban sprawl. The park a popular weekend destination thanks to its jogging trails and picnic areas, and it is also the main venue for the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival, which blooms every April.

Anadolu Hisari (Pass By)

Anadolu Hisari

Kucuksu Pavilion (Pass By)

Commissioned in the mid-19th century by Sultan Abdulmecit, Küçüksu Palace (Küçüksu Kasri) Palace, aka Küçüksu Pavilion (Küçüksu Sarayı), was designed to be a summer palace for Ottoman sultans. The Istanbul palace’s design blends European and Ottoman styles, with an intricate carved exterior, sweeping staircases, and an interior with gilded accents and chandeliers.

Beylerbeyi Palace (Pass By)

Located in the shadow of Istanbul’s first bridge, Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi) was historically a summer residence for Ottoman sultans. The 24 rooms of the palace contain a mix of Ottoman and Western decoration, with 19th-century furniture from Europe and garden pavilions, and its ornate exterior is visible from the Bosphorus Strait.

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023