Istanbul: Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise with Audio Guide

4.4 (84 reviews) Istanbul, Turkey
Duration2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesArabic, Russian, English, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 100 travelers

Overview

Sail through the Bosphorus Strait and along the Golden Horn as you see Istanbul's most famous sights on this sightseeing tour.

Hop on a sightseeing cruise to tour the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Get a fresh look at Istanbul on this boat tour with an audio guide to tell you all the top tales as you glide by Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden's Tower, and Galata Tower. Sail as far south to see the iconic Bosphorus Bridge.

Meet your host on the other side of Hagia Sophia and walk down to the pier behind the grand mosque. Jump on board to discover the Golden Horn, considered to be the world’s largest natural harbor. Sail through the magnificent Bosphorus strait forming the continental boundary between Asia and Europe.

Admire the Bosphorus coastline on the European side from the cruise, and see a string of villages, each with its own individual character and attractions. Glide past Dolmabahçe Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and the Bosphorus Bridge, among others.

What's included

  • Audio guide
  • Boat cruise

What to expect

  1. Bosphorus Strait
    Pass by
    When it comes to Istanbul, one of the most important and well-known landmarks has to be the splendid Bosphorus. It is the reason Istanbul is known as the “the city between two continents.” The Bosphorus Strait is a natural waterway that runs through Istanbul, dividing the city into two continents. The Bosphorus connects Europe and Asia via the Sea of Marmara.
  2. Galata Tower
    Pass by
    The Galata Tower is one of the symbols of Istanbul. From its elevated position, there is a magnificent view of Beyoğlu and Karaköy, and the tower's colorful lights can be seen from all over the city at night. Here is an overview of the history of the Galata Tower and some interesting facts about its use.
  3. Pass by
    The Golden Horn (Halic) is an arm of the Bosphorus, into which two rivers flow at the other end. Considered the largest natural harbor in the world, it separates the European coast from Istanbul.
  4. Dolmabahce Palace
    Pass by
    The royal Dolmabahce Palace is one of the main attractions that we will see whileon board. This elegant mansion of the Bosphorus is one of the most marvelous symbolic of Istanbul representing the Ottoman Empire’s 19th century architectural advancements.
  5. Ortakoy
    Pass by
    Ortakoy is one of the most popular, liveliest and attractive neighborhoods in Besiktas, located right on the Bosphorus and under the Bosphorus Bridge. Ortakoy is also another popular entertainment and nightlife center of Istanbul with a variety of excellent cafes, bars, pubs, restaurants, shops, boutiques, bakery and souvenir shops.
  6. Bosphorus Bridge
    Pass by
    Istanbul is standing between two continents: Asia and Europe. Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges are the two main bridges linking these two continents.
  7. Rumeli Fortress
    Pass by
    The historical fortress that is erected by the orders of Fatih Sultan Mehmet is another landmark of The Bos.phorus Strait. Rumeli Fortress is now serving as a facility including a lot of cafes and restaurants.
  8. Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
    Pass by
    As mentioned, this second bridge was built in 1988 and is named after the famous Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, who conquered Istanbul in 1453.
  9. Pass by
    Located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, it is the neighbor of the Rumeli Fortress. Built by the orders of Sultan Bayezid, it not only added a new beauty to the city silhoutte, it was also used for security purposes. With its ancient look and mysterious atmosphere, Anatolian Fortress is another landmark of the mesmerizing Istanbul while we take a dinner tour along the Bosphorus.
  10. Beylerbeyi Palace
    Pass by
    The glamorous Beylerbeyi Palace is located on the Asian part of the Bosphorus in the Beylerbeyi neighborhood of Istanbul. Located really close to the Bosphorus Bridge, it is one of the most chic buildings of Istanbul, the pearl of the Bosphorus Strait. Commissioned by the Sultan Abdulaziz of Ottoman Empire, it was originally built as a summer vacation palace for the imperial family. The luxurious and elegant interiors greatly complements the outer surroundings. It is a feast fort he eye, while cruising along the Bosphorus.
  11. KIz Kulesi
    Pass by
    The Maiden's Tower, that is also known as Leander's Tower since the medieval Byzantine period, is a tower built on a small islet right across the coast of Uskudar. One of the most famous symbols of the city, Maiden’s Tower stand alone in the sea like a beautiful, graceful woman. It is considered one of the most romantic spots of the city and it witnesses many celebrations, engagements, proposals, etc… It is the subject of a many mysterious and romantic folk stories. During our Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, we will have the chance to take a look at this amazing structure while having the best time with delicious food and unlimited entertainment.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide with the Grand Boat Line sign in his hand in front of the Gazete Market kiosk opposite the Hagia Sophia. Follow them on a 10minute walk down to the pier.

End point

Meet your guide with the Grand Boat Line sign in his hand in front of the Gazete Market kiosk opposite the Hagia Sophia. Follow them on a 10minute walk down to the pier.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

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

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4.4 (84)
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