The heart of Istanbul: Bosphorus
The Bosphorus, which has a very important place today and in history, has a very important position for Istanbul in terms of tourism. The Bosphorus, visited by millions of tourists every year, is a truly worth seeing location.
One of the reasons that make the Bosphorus so important is the historical magnificent structures (Dolmabahçe Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Beylerbeyi Palace, Küçüksu Pavilion, Topkapı Palace, and Rumeli Fortress) built on the shores of the Bosphorus as a result of being the center of attention of many empires throughout history, and another reason is its magnificent natural beauties. It turns into a riot of colors with mimosa flowers that bloom especially in spring.
The Bosphorus, which separates the Asian and European continents from each other, is unique in the world with this feature. The only natural Bosphorus route that separates two continents in the world is the Bosphorus. By joining a Bosphorus cruise, you can have the privilege of traveling between the continents of Europe and Asia.
As a result of these reasons, the Bosphorus is one of the most visited locations by local or foreign tourists. In short, the Bosphorus is one of Turkey’s most important locations in terms of tourism, geopolitical and natural beauties.
Features of the Bosphorus:
The Bosphorus is a 30 km long passage connecting the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea. The average depth of the strait is about 60 meters. Its deepest point is 120 meters. The strait differs in width between the Asian and European sides. Since the shores on the European side of the Bosphorus are excessively indented compared to the Anatolian Side, the length of the European Side is 55 Km, while the length of the coast on the Asian Side is 35 Km. While the widest part of the Bosphorus is about 3500 meters, the narrowest part is the part between Rumelihisarı and Anadoluhisarı. In this area, the width of the strait is around 760 meters.
The Bosphorus, which is the only connection road of the Black Sea with the open seas, as we wrote above, has a great geopolitical position, so the countries’ desire to dominate them for ages stems from their desire to have this important waterway. Istanbul maintains this characteristic even today.
There are 3 bridges on the Bosphorus, which connect Asia and Europe, namely the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge.
The best time to visit Istanbul Bosphorus
The Bosphorus is a location that is flooded by visitors in 4 seasons. However, it is most heavily visited during the spring and summer months. It is not preferred much in winter and autumn due to cold and windy weather. The Bosphorus, which turns into a riot of colors with mimosa flowers blooming on the shore in spring, is the best time to visit. In summer, it will be a good option to take a cruise in the cool waters of the Bosphorus and take pictures.
Historical buildings on the Bosphorus
As we mentioned above, the Bosphorus, which has a very important place in terms of tourism, geopolitical and natural beauties, is a region where many empires rule. There are many magnificent structures on the Asian and European shores of the Bosphorus, where the empires ruled.
- Galata Tower
- Maiden’s Tower
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Ortakoy
- Rumeli Fortress
- Anadolu Fortress
- Küçüksu Pavilion
- Beylerbeyi Palace
- Kuleli Military High School
Things to do on the Bosphorus
Bosphorus boat and yacht tours come to mind first when the Bosphorus is mentioned. The real question is which tour should you join? More than 100 different companies are making Bosphorus tours in the Bosphorus. The most important criterion that will enable you to decide; quality service and customer satisfaction. The tours you buy from companies whose focus is only on making money will only waste your day. Our advice to you is to choose companies that provide quality service.
Let’s come to the other important issue, which tour should you join?
Istanbul Bosphorus tours
In this section, we will try to tell you which of the Bosphorus tours you should join. We will talk about the most unique tours of the Istanbul Bosphorus that you can join.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
- Bosphorus Sunset Cruise
- Istanbul Lunch Cruise
- Dolmabahce Palace Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
- Istanbul Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise
- Bosphorus Yacht Cruise
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise:
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise is one of the most unique tours you can do in the Bosphorus. Much more than a Bosphorus tour.
Turkish cuisine appetizers, dinner, desserts, and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages according to your request.
Selected performances from Whirling Dervish, belly dancer, and Turkish folk dances, where you will have the chance to get to know the Turkish cult.
Dinner Menu & Drinks
- Welcome Cocktail – 10 kinds of Cold Mezes (Starters) – Fresh seasonal salad
- ENTREE (Main Dish with 4 options)
- Grilled Fish served with arugula, onion and lemon
- Grilled Chicken Steak served with rice and potatoes
- Grilled Meat Ball with served with rice and potatoes
- Vegetarian Meal (pasta with vegetables or vegetable plate)
- Dessert(Baklava & Fruit)
- Unlimited local drinks (With or W/O Alcohol)
Show Programme
- Whirling Dervish
- Turkish Gypsy Dance
- Caucasian Dance
- Belly Dancer Group Show
- Turkish Folk Dance
- Rhythm Show
- Belly Dancer
- Professional DJ Performance
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise:
Everyone has witnessed the sunset throughout his life. People participate in many activities to capture that wonderful moment and take pictures. Well, have you witnessed the sunset during the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise? If your answer is no, you should definitely see it. Capturing the sun setting over the Bosphorus Bridge and especially the Maiden’s Tower setting and taking pictures is a magnificent ambiance.
Watching the pearly historical sites on the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus on a luxury yacht close to sunset and listening to the history of the Bosphorus from a local guide will make you feel very special. Also, taking amazing pictures at sunset and sharing them will get you a lot of likes.
You will not only cruise on the luxury yacht, you can sip your drinks and enjoy your snacks.
Istanbul Lunch Cruise:
While visiting the Bosphorus on the boat at noon, it will be a good option for you to have a delicious lunch and experience the history of the Bosphorus from a local guide.
Half-day Istanbul Lunch Cruise is usually very suitable for those with limited time.
Dolmabahce Palace Tour and Bosphorus Cruise:
The promise of killing 2 birds with one stone can be said exactly for this tour. Visiting the Dolmabahce Palace, which was the home of the Ottoman sultans and Atatürk, with a Dolmabahçe palace tour, learning its history, is perfect for those who love history tours. Right after, it is an opportunity not to be missed to cruise around the Bosphorus, the pearl of Istanbul, by boat, and then watch the golden horn from Pier Lotti Hill, known as the Lovers’ Hill.
Lunch, entrance tickets, and a cable car ride to the top of Pierlotti are included in the price on this tour with a local guide.
Istanbul Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise:
This full-day Istanbul Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise is the most enjoyable way to explore the entire Bosphorus and Black Sea coast. This tour, which lasts 8-9 hours, starts from the European side of the Bosphorus and continues to the Asian side and the Black Sea coast.
Lunch, local guide, snack, fruit service are included in the price of this tour.
Bosphorus Yacht Cruise:
The most unique tour you can take in the Bosphorus. With the Bosphorus Yacht Cruise you can choose the yacht you want, the tour route, and any activity (lunch, dinner, cocktail, or party) you want during the tour, which can be completely personalized.
In the Bosphorus yacht tours, which are completely flexible, a special program is prepared for the person or the group, and the duration and route are completely according to the customer’s request. You will feel very special with VIP transfer, transportation to the yacht, and a special welcome.
So what can you do by renting a yacht in Istanbul?
- Romantic Proposal Marriage
- Company dinners or events
- An unforgettable and legendary wedding
- Birthday Party
- Wedding Anniversary Celebration
In short, it is a tour where all your wishes will be met and you will feel very special.
It’s nice to see the Icomoon-facebook, Youtube, Instagram icons. We would like to follow you on social media. Seeing real photos shared by customers helps us decide. What is your Instagram address?
Your website is very informative. The “Istanbul Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise” caught my attention. An 8-9 hour tour sounds like a great opportunity to see all the beauty of the Bosphorus and the entrance to the Black Sea. Do you stop at Anadolu Kavağı on this tour? Is there free time there?
My friend and I are coming to Istanbul in May. We just want to capture the best moments for photos. According to your post, the Sunset Cruise seems perfect for that. Do you think we should prefer a tour departing from the European side or the Asian side? Does it make a difference for the view?
Hello, my comment will be a bit technical. The information you gave about the depth and width of the Bosphorus was very interesting (the narrowest point is 760m). During the tours, do you also provide this kind of geographical information, or do you focus more on the historical structures?
I did the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise last summer with friends and it was unforgettable! The views, the food, and the dance shows were spectacular. Definitely recommending to everyone! We’re thinking of coming again this summer. Do you have early booking discounts for the new season?
Thank you for the detailed information about the historical structures along the Bosphorus. It must be wonderful to hear this information live during a guided tour. I can only imagine the feeling when passing between Rumeli Fortress and Anadolu Fortress.
Hello, thanks for the article. Are these tours suitable for families with children? Could a sunset cruise be boring for a 4-year-old? Or do you have a special program for families?
The “Dolmabahce Palace Tour and Bosphorus Cruise” combination sounds like a great way to “kill two birds with one stone.” Visiting Dolmabahce and then enjoying the Bosphorus… And taking the cable car to Pierre Loti is a bonus. What is the total duration of this tour? Is lunch included?
A few years ago I joined a cheap Bosphorus tour on a large boat and was quite disappointed. Crowded, insufficient commentary, and bad food… It’s great that you emphasize “quality service” in your post. What would you say are the most important features that set you apart from others?
This might be a bit complicated. We’re a family group of 10. Some of us drink alcohol and some don’t. On the Dinner Cruise, does the “Unlimited local drinks” option apply individually? Are non-alcoholic drinks also unlimited for those who don’t drink?
Watching the sunset by the Maiden’s Tower must be one of the most romantic things in the world. Your photos are beautiful. My question: are these tours usually crowded? For someone looking for a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, would Private Yacht Tours be more suitable?
The famous Ortaköy baked potato and Bosphorus view… You mentioned Ortaköy in your post. Do your tours make a short photo stop when passing in front of Ortaköy, or do we just view it from a distance?
Great blog post, very helpful! We’re planning to visit Istanbul this October and trying to decide between Sunset and Dinner Cruise. What’s the weather usually like for sunset tours in October? Also, what time would you recommend for the best views?
You mentioned that more than 100 companies organize Bosphorus tours. Among so many companies, aside from “quality service” and “customer satisfaction,” what should a potential customer like me pay attention to when choosing you? What makes you different?
I saw you mentioned a “Winter Special” discount of €20 which seems like great value. Does this price include unlimited drinks or is it just the boat tour? Also, how is the heating inside the boat during winter tours?
I’ve been looking for a special place to propose to my girlfriend and your Private Yacht Tours sound perfect! Is it possible to book this kind of romantic organization through your company? Could you provide some pricing information?
Great description! The show program on the “Bosphorus Dinner Cruise” looks really entertaining. The Whirling Dervish show and the dances seem like a wonderful opportunity to get to know Turkish culture. How long is the program? How many hours does the boat tour last in total?
Hello, the “Best Price Guaranteed” statement is reassuring. However, I still want to ask: For a family of 4, would there be a huge price difference between a Private Yacht Tour (private charter) and a regular Sunset Cruise? Which one makes more sense? Thank you.
On your website, under “Private Yacht Organizations,” there are many great options. It looks very romantic, especially for an anniversary celebration. Do you do special decoration on the boat for us? For example, roses, candles, etc.?
The Bosphorus Yacht Cruise (private charter) option looks very appealing. We’re a small group of 15-20 colleagues wanting to do a small celebration. We’re thinking of just a cocktail style event with drinks, no meal. Could you give an average price for such an organization?