• Bosphorus Strait - The Bosphorus, historically known as the Bosporus, is a significant strait and international waterway that divides the continents of Asia and Europe, linking the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea.

The Bosphorus generally extends in a northeast-southwest direction, splitting the city of Istanbul into the European Side and the Anatolian Side.

This strait serves as a crucial passage connecting Asia and Europe, stretching 30 kilometers in length. It links the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. The Bosphorus has an average depth of 60 meters, with its deepest point reaching 120 meters. Its width varies significantly due to its proximity to the shore, with the widest point measuring 3,500 meters.

In the Bosphorus, surface currents flow from the Black Sea to the Marmara, while underwater currents move from the Marmara to the Black Sea. Occasionally, counter currents appear on the water surface.

• Dolmabahce Palace - Dolmabahçe Palace is an Ottoman palace situated on a 250,000 m² area in Istanbul, Beşiktaş, between Dolmabahçe Street, which stretches from Kabataş to Beşiktaş, and the Bosphorus.

It is positioned on the left bank at the Bosphorus entrance from the Sea of Marmara, opposite Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk.

Dolmabahçe, once a cove where ships anchored in ancient times, became the favored residence of the sultanate, embodying centuries of history and the clear splendor of the Bosphorus waters.

• Ciragan Palace Kempinski - Commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz and designed by architect Sarkis Balyan, the Cıragan Palace stands where a former wooden summer palace, built by Selim III in 1800, once existed. During its construction, the wooden structure and the nearby Beşiktaş Mevlevihane were demolished.

Completed in 1871, the palace is constructed of marble and spans a total area of 80,000 square meters. After Abdulaziz was deposed, he and his family were imprisoned here for years. Similarly, after Murat V was deposed, he and his family were confined here for 29 years.

Following the declaration of the Second Constitutional Monarchy in 1908, the palace served as the House of Parliament but was damaged by fire in 1910. The palace grounds were later transferred to the Beşiktaş Sports Club and used as the Şeref Stadium for some time. In the early 1990s, the palace was restored and reopened as a luxury hotel.

• Ortakoy - Ortaköy is a vibrant neighborhood and district in Beşiktaş, located on the European side of the Bosphorus. The Ortaköy district, comprising Ortaköy and Mecidiye neighborhoods, is a settlement established on the slopes along the valley opening to the coast. The district is bordered by Kuruçeşme, Ulus, Levazım, Balmumcu, and Yıldız, with Defterdarburnu marking its northern boundary.

Ortaköy Bazaar is bustling at all hours with its “intellectual market,” souvenir shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. However, in the early morning, the market is somewhat quiet, with activity picking up after 10:00 am.

• Bosphorus Bridge - The Bosphorus Bridge, one of the two suspension bridges over the Bosphorus, has its feet located in Ortaköy on the European side and in Beylerbeyi on the Anatolian side. As the first bridge built over the Bosphorus, it facilitates access between the two sides of the city, alongside the later Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the ferries operating on the Bosphorus.

The concept of constructing a bridge over the Bosphorus is quite old. After numerous attempts, construction of the Bosphorus Bridge began in 1970, and it was inaugurated on October 29, 1973, marking the 50th anniversary of the Republic’s proclamation. This suspension bridge is a vital link in Turkey’s transportation network and remains active throughout the day. It also serves as a significant crossing point for the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Besides its transportation role, the bridge is a prominent symbol of Istanbul, offering a unique view of the Bosphorus.

• Bebek Park - Bebek is a historic neighborhood in Istanbul, located on the European shores of the Bosphorus, surrounded by Arnavutköy, Etiler, and Rumeli Hisarı. The name “Bebek,” meaning “baby,” refers to the neighborhood’s attractive location on the Bosphorus. A popular residential area since Ottoman times, Bebek’s population reflects the diverse society of that era. Today, with its historical buildings like Boğaziçi University and waterside mansions, along with its stunning Bosphorus views and upscale restaurants, Bebek remains a sought-after destination.
• Rumeli Fortress - Situated in Sarıyer, Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı) was built directly across from Anadolu Hisarı (the Anatolian Fortress). Construction commenced in 1453 under the orders of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, strategically placing the fortress at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. The construction was completed in just three months. Before the conquest of Istanbul, it served as a defense against naval attacks. After the conquest, it functioned as an inspection point for maritime traffic on the Bosphorus.

Over the centuries, the area within the fortress filled with small wooden houses, but these were removed during restoration work in 1953. Following its restoration, the fortress became known for hosting numerous concerts during the summer months and now serves as an open-air theater and museum.

• Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge - Istanbul’s second bridge spanning the Bosphorus, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü), was constructed between Kavacık and Hisarüstü. Construction began in 1986, and the bridge opened on July 3, 1988. The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge ranks as the 14th largest steel suspension bridge globally.

Alongside the Bosphorus Bridge and the city’s ferries, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge carries a significant portion of Istanbul’s trans-Bosphorus traffic. It has also become an iconic part of the Istanbul skyline.

• Anadolu Hisari Fort - The Anatolian Fortress (Anadolu Hisarı) is located in Beykoz (on the Asian Side), at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. It was constructed in 1395 by Beyazit I and consists of a citadel and its exterior castle walls.

After the conquest of Istanbul, it lost much of its strategic importance and was converted into a military hospital. Over time, the area around the castle became settled. Today, waterfront houses and old mansions are interspersed among the castle’s ruins. During restoration work from 1991-1993, it was converted into a museum, although it is not open to the public.

Currently, Anadolu Hisarı is an open-air museum, but only the outer walls can be visited, and the road passes directly through it.

• Kucuksu Pavilion - The Küçüksu Pavilion museum offers a glimpse into history. Many Ottoman emperors used the Küçüksu Pavilion as a summer palace and hunting lodge.
• Beylerbeyi Palace - The Beylerbeyi Palace, meaning “Lord of Lords,” is an Ottoman summer palace complex built in the 1860s on the Bosphorus shores. Today, it lies directly beneath the Bosphorus Bridge. Designed by the renowned architect Sarkis Balyan, the palace combines elements of Renaissance, Baroque, and other styles from both the East and West.

The main building of the complex is a two-story structure made of stone, set on a high basement. The building occupies approximately 2,500 square meters and sits on a rectangular floor area. The South side of the Palace was organized as the Imperial Mabeyn, and the North side as the Valide Sultan’s Apartment. The palace features a total of 6 halls, 24 rooms, 1 hamam, and 1 bathroom across two stories.

In addition to the breathtaking Bosphorus views and historical architecture, visitors should not miss exploring its lily pond and expansive garden.

• Galata Tower - Constructed by the Genoese in 1348, the nine-story Galata Tower stands 66.90 meters tall and was the tallest building in the city when built.

During the Ottoman Era, the tower served various purposes, including as a fire observatory and a jail. Throughout its long history, the tower has witnessed many events, but the most remarkable was in 1632 when Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi glided from the top of the Galata Tower across the Bosphorus to Üsküdar using his self-made wings.

In 1875, a storm destroyed the tower’s conical roof, which was not restored during the remainder of the Ottoman Era. In the 1960s, the conical cap was restored, and the wooden interior was replaced with a concrete structure. Since then, the tower has been open to the public. Today, a restaurant and café occupy its upper floor. With its prominent role in Istanbul’s skyline, Galata Tower is the perfect spot to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

• Galata Koprusu - The history of the Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü), one of Istanbul’s most vibrant spots, dates back to 1845. The bridge, which connects the two sides of the Golden Horn, has undergone numerous changes over the years. Most recently, the bridge was damaged by fire in 1992, and a new bridge was constructed in its place. The cherished old bridge was relocated to Haliç.

The Galata Bridge is a significant symbol of Istanbul and holds an important place in the city’s daily life, as well as in its literature and popular culture. With its restaurants, cafes, and hookah lounges below, and the tramway and pedestrian traffic above, it offers a splendid view of the city, especially in the evening.

Together with street vendors, people fishing from the bridge, and ferries docking nearby, it is one of the most magnificent places to capture the essence of daily life in Istanbul.

• Kiz Kulesi - The Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is a distinctive feature of the Bosphorus skyline. Built on a small island about 200 meters from the shore of Üsküdar, the tower is the subject of many legends.

The most popular legend involves a sultan and his daughter. An oracle predicted that the sultan’s daughter would die from a snake bite on her 18th birthday. To protect her, the sultan had the tower built in the middle of the Bosphorus, where she lived in secrecy and safety.

On her 18th birthday, the sultan brought her a basket of fruits as a gift, unaware of the hidden snake inside. When she reached into the basket, the princess was bitten by the snake and died in her father’s arms, as foretold by the oracle. This legend gave the tower its name: Maiden’s Tower.

• Professional licensed tour guide
• Snacks

• Alcoholic beverages

Savor the rich heritage of Turkish coffee while onboard. Explore its evolution from the Ottoman period to contemporary Istanbul, delve into its genuine brewing tradition, and relish a freshly brewed cup as you sail along the Bosphorus.

Embark on an extraordinary cruise along the breathtaking shores of Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait. Witness the city’s splendor with the refreshing Bosphorus breeze, an essential experience for every traveler.

The Bosphorus Strait separates the city into its European and Asian sections, yet a yacht cruise offers the opportunity to view both sides in a single journey.

Gain insights into this magnificent city from our expert tour guide and feel free to inquire about anything. Delight in light refreshments as you forge unforgettable memories on this picturesque voyage.

• Not recommended for people with Vertigo
• Not recommended for people who are prone to seasickness

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