• Bosphorus Strait - The Bosphorus, historically known as Bosporus, is a significant strait and international waterway that separates Asia and Europe, linking the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea. It runs in a northeast-southwest direction, dividing Istanbul into the European and Anatolian sides.

The Bosphorus serves as a vital connection between Asia and Europe, stretching 30 kilometers in length. It links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The strait 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.

The Bosphorus features surface currents flowing from the Black Sea to the Marmara and underwater currents moving from the Marmara to the Black Sea, along with occasional countercurrents on the surface.

• Dolmabahce Palace - Dolmabahçe Palace is an Ottoman palace situated on a 250,000 m² area in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, between Dolmabahçe Street, stretching from Kabataş to Beşiktaş, and the Bosphorus. It is located 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 a favored residence of the sultanate, preserving the memory of centuries 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 made of marble and spans 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 held 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.
• Buyuk Mecidiye Cami - Ortaköy is a neighborhood and district within 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 leading to the coast. The district is bordered by Kuruçeşme, Ulus, Levazım, Balmumcu, and Yıldız, with Defterdarburnu marking its northern boundary.

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

• Bosphorus Bridge - The Bosphorus Bridge, one of 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 city’s two sides, along with the later Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Bosphorus ferries.

The idea of constructing a bridge over the Bosphorus dates back many years. 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, a crucial link in Turkey’s transportation network, is bustling at all hours and serves as a key crossing point for the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Besides its transportation role, the bridge is a significant symbol of Istanbul, offering a unique view of the Bosphorus.

• Bebek Sahili - Bebek is a historic neighborhood in Istanbul, situated 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, it boasts historical buildings like Boğaziçi University and waterside mansions, along with stunning Bosphorus views and upscale restaurants.
• Rumeli Fortress - Located in Sarıyer, Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı) was built directly across from Anadolu Hisarı (the Anatolian Fortress). Construction began in 1453 under the orders of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, positioning the fortress at the Bosphorus’s narrowest point. The construction was completed in just three months. Before Istanbul’s conquest, it served as a defense against naval attacks. After the conquest, it became an inspection point for maritime traffic on the Bosphorus.

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

• Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge - Istanbul’s second bridge over 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 handles 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 Bosphorus’s narrowest point. Built in 1395 by Beyazit I, it consists of a citadel and its exterior castle walls. After Istanbul’s conquest, 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, but it is not open to the public. Currently, Anadolu Hisarı is an open-air museum, with only the outer walls accessible, and a road passing through it.
• Kucuksu Pavilion - The Kucuksu Palace, located on the Bosphorus coast road between Üsküdar and Beykoz, is a small Ottoman summer palace commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecit. Designed by the renowned architect of the time, Nikogos Balyan, the palace offers a splendid view of the Bosphorus. During the Ottoman era, Kucuksu attracted many sultans who used the palace for relaxation. Due to its exquisite furniture, paintings, carpets, and intricate details, the small palace was opened as a museum during the Republican period.
• 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 esteemed architect Sarkis Balyan, the palace combines elements of Renaissance, Baroque, and other styles from both the East and West. The main building is a two-story stone structure on a high basement, covering about 2,500 square meters on a rectangular floor plan. 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 six halls, 24 rooms, one hamam, and one bathroom across two stories.

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

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

The most famous 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.

• Galataport Istanbul - Galataport is a contemporary port and social hub in Istanbul’s Karaköy district, seamlessly blending the city’s historical charm with modern architecture. The area features restaurants, cafes, shops, and cultural venues, making it a vibrant destination for both locals and tourists. The innovative underground terminal efficiently manages cruise ship traffic, enhancing its appeal. Galataport exemplifies Istanbul’s fusion of culture and modernity.
• Beyoglu - The program concludes at the starting point.

• 2 hours luxury yacht cruise
• romantic live music with violinist
• unique view of the Bosphorus lights
• snacks

An Unforgettable Night Cruise on the Bosphorus!

Set sail on a 2-hour memorable adventure aboard a luxurious yacht, enveloped by Istanbul’s captivating nighttime skyline. Beneath the Bosphorus’ shimmering lights, savor a glass of wine accompanied by fresh fruit and nuts, while a live violin performance sets a romantic mood.

• 2-hour luxury yacht cruise
• A glass of wine, fresh grapes, and nuts
• Live violin music
• The breathtaking view of the Bosphorus

Reserve your spot now to discover Istanbul from a fresh perspective and indulge in a truly unforgettable experience!

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