Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide

4.6 (767 reviews) Istanbul, Turkey
Duration1h - 2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesHindi, German, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Malay, Greek, English, Italian, French, Hungarian, Spanish, Arabic, Ukrainian, Japanese, Persian, Chinese, Polish, Urdu, Romanian, Dutch, Turkish, Serbian
Group sizeUp to 250 travelers

Overview

Enjoy a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and discover Istanbul from a unique perspective on the water. Sail between Europe and Asia while admiring the city's beautiful skyline, historic palaces, waterfront mansions, mosques, and famous Bosphorus bridges.

Choose between two different cruise options:

• 1-Hour Bosphorus Cruise
A short sightseeing cruise to the First Bosphorus Bridge and back.

• 2-Hour Bosphorus Cruise
A longer Bosphorus experience, including both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. The tour includes approximately 1 hour along the European shore up to the Second Bosphorus Bridge and 1 hour returning along the Asian side.

During the cruise, you can enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul and capture unforgettable photos of the city's most iconic landmarks. Whether you are visiting Istanbul for the first time or returning, this cruise offers a memorable and relaxing experience on the Bosphorus.

Due to high demand, we recommend making a reservation in advance.

Options

1-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing

1-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing: Short cruise to the First Bosphorus Bridge and back. Ideal for limited time, with the same onboard services but fewer sights.

2-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing

2-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing : 2-hour Bosphorus cruise: 1 hour along the European side to the Second Bridge, 1 hour returning via the Asian shore.

What's included

  • Unlimited Turkish tea and Nescafe
  • WiFi on board
  • Indoor and outdoor seating
  • Bosphorus sightseeing cruise
  • Online audio guide in 30 languages
  • Restroom on board
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips / gratuities

What to expect

  1. Galata Koprusu
    Pass by
    Galata Bridge connects Istanbul’s historic and modern districts over the Golden Horn. Built in the 19th century, its current structure dates back to 1994. The bridge is known for its seafood restaurants underneath and fishermen above, providing stunning city views.
  2. Galata Tower
    Pass by
    Galata Tower, built in 1348 by the Genoese, is a 67-meter landmark offering breathtaking views of Istanbul. It originally served as a watchtower and is famous for Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi's legendary flight. Today, it's a popular tourist destination with a museum and café.
  3. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
    Pass by
    Hagia Sophia: Built in 537 as a Byzantine cathedral, Hagia Sophia later became an Ottoman mosque and is now a mosque again. Known for its massive dome, mosaics, and rich history, it symbolizes Istanbul’s blend of cultures.
  4. TopkapI Palace
    Pass by
    Topkapi Palace: The grand residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace contains royal treasures, sacred relics, and beautiful courtyards. Overlooking the Bosphorus, it provides a peek into the luxurious life of the Ottoman Empire.
  5. Galataport
    Pass by
    Galata Cruise Port, also called Galataport, is a modern waterfront hub in Istanbul that welcomes international cruise ships. Opened in 2021, it features a top-notch underground terminal, luxury shops, restaurants, and museums.
  6. Cihangir Mosque
    Pass by
    Cihangir Mosque, situated in the Cihangir neighborhood, was built in the 16th century during Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent's reign. Renowned for its peaceful ambiance and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, the mosque offers a tranquil retreat amid a lively area. It is named after Cihangir, Sultan Suleiman's son.
  7. Istanbul Resim Ve Heykel Muzesi, Mimar Sinan Guzel Sanatlar Universitesi
    Pass by
    Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts, founded in 1882, is one of Istanbul's top art schools. Named after the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, it offers programs in architecture, fine arts, and design.
  8. Dolmabahce Mosque
    Pass by
    Dolmabahçe Mosque, situated near the Dolmabahçe Palace, was finished in 1855 during the Ottoman Empire. Its design combines traditional Ottoman mosque architecture with Western influences.
  9. Pass by
    Beşiktaş Stadium, officially called Vodafone Park, is the home of Beşiktaş J.K., one of Istanbul's leading football clubs.
  10. Dolmabahce Palace
    Pass by
    Dolmabahçe Palace, situated along the Bosphorus, served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1922. Built in 1856, it combines European and Ottoman architectural styles.
  11. Pass by
    Çırağan Palace, situated on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, was originally constructed as an Ottoman imperial palace in the 19th century.
  12. Galatasaray University
    Pass by
    Galatasaray University, founded in 1481 as a school for the elite during the Ottoman Empire, is one of Turkey's oldest and most prestigious institutions.
  13. Ortakoy
    Pass by
    Ortaköy is a vibrant neighborhood in Istanbul located along the Bosphorus. Known for its lively cafés, art galleries, and stunning views, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
  14. Bosphorus Bridge
    Pass by
    The Bosphorus Bridge, officially called the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
  15. Galatasaray Island
    Pass by
    Galatasaray Island is a private island located in the Sea of Marmara, near Istanbul. Owned by Galatasaray University, it is primarily used for educational and recreational purposes.
  16. Pass by
    Kuruçeşme is an upscale neighborhood on the European side of Istanbul, located along the Bosphorus. Known for its scenic views, it is a popular spot for dining, with many stylish restaurants and cafés lining the waterfront.
  17. Pass by
    Arnavutköy is a historic neighborhood along the European shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Famous for its charming narrow streets, old wooden houses, and traditional Ottoman architecture, it has kept a peaceful, village-like vibe despite being close to the city center.
  18. The Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Istanbul
    Pass by
    The Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Bebek is situated in one of Istanbul's most prestigious neighborhoods along the Bosphorus.
  19. Bebek Sahili
    Pass by
    Bebek is an upscale neighborhood along the European side of the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Known for its charming waterfront, beautiful parks, and luxurious homes, it’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
  20. Rumeli Fortress
    Pass by
    Rumeli Fortress, also known as Rumeli Hisarı, is a historic castle situated on the European side of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus.
  21. Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
    Pass by
    The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, also called the Second Bosphorus Bridge, connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
  22. Pass by
    Anatolian Fortress, or Anadoluhisarı, is a historic fortress located on the Asian side of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus.
  23. Kucuksu Pavilion
    Pass by
    Küçüksu Pavilion is a charming Ottoman-era palace situated along the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Built in the 19th century by Sultan Abdulmecid I, it served as a summer retreat for the sultans.
  24. Pass by
    Kandilli is a historic and peaceful neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul, located along the Bosphorus.
  25. Pass by
    Kuleli Military High School is a historic military school situated on the Asian side of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus.
  26. Pass by
    Istanbul Yalı refers to historic waterfront mansions along the Bosphorus, known for their stunning architecture and prime locations.
  27. Beylerbeyi Palace
    Pass by
    Beylerbeyi Palace is a beautiful Ottoman-era palace situated on the Asian side of Istanbul, along the Bosphorus.
  28. Kuzguncuk Sahili
    Pass by
    Kuzguncuk is a charming, historic neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul, situated along the Bosphorus.
  29. Uskudar
    Pass by
    Üsküdar is a historic neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul, located along the Bosphorus.
  30. KIz Kulesi
    Pass by
    Maiden's Tower, or Kız Kulesi, is a small historic tower found on a tiny islet at the entrance of the Bosphorus.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please check in at our Eminönü office, next to the pier, at least 15 minutes before departure. After check-in, our staff will guide you to the boat. For assistance, contact us on WhatsApp. Please use the address on your voucher and verify it on Google Maps.

End point

Please check in at our Eminönü office, next to the pier, at least 15 minutes before departure. After check-in, our staff will guide you to the boat. For assistance, contact us on WhatsApp. Please use the address on your voucher and verify it on Google Maps.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The detailed tour commentary is provided through an online audio guide on your smartphone. No app download is required.
  • Bring your own headphones and a fully charged smartphone for the best audio-guide experience.
  • Live onboard announcements provide general information and should not be considered a full guided narration.
  • Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure. Staff will guide you to the boat after check-in.
  • Cruise duration and route may vary slightly depending on sea, weather, and Bosphorus traffic conditions.
  • In addition to the languages listed on this website, our audio guide system also supports the following languages: Bulgarian, Azerbaijani, Uzbek, Indonesian, Bosnian, Georgian, and Macedonian. All these languages are available in our system.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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4.6 (767)
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