• 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. It runs in a northeast-southwest direction, splitting Istanbul into the European and Anatolian sides.

The Bosphorus serves as a crucial link between Asia and Europe, stretching 30 kilometers in length. It connects 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.

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 surface.

• Dolmabahce Palace - Dolmabahçe Palace is an Ottoman palace situated on a 250,000 m² area in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, between Dolmabahçe Street, which extends 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.

Once a cove where ships anchored in ancient times, Dolmabahçe became a 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 marble palace covers an area of 80,000 square meters. After Abdulaziz was deposed, he and his family were imprisoned here. 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 grounds were later transferred to the Beşiktaş Sports Club and used as the Şeref Stadium. In the early 1990s, the palace was restored and reopened as a luxury hotel.
• Ortakoy - Ortaköy is a vibrant neighborhood in the Beşiktaş district on the European side of the Bosphorus. Comprising Ortaköy and Mecidiye districts, it is nestled on the slopes along a 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 bustling throughout the day with its “intellectual market,” souvenir shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. However, in the early morning, the market is somewhat quieter.

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

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, a vital part of Turkey’s transportation network, is active around the clock 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, 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 charming 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 waterfront mansions, along with stunning Bosphorus views and upscale restaurants.
• Rumeli Fortress - Situated 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, strategically placing the fortress at the Bosphorus’ 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. It 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’ narrowest point. Built in 1395 by Beyazit I, it consists of a citadel and its outer 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 Küçüksu 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, it attracted many sultans who used it 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 building 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 designated as the Imperial Mabeyn, and the North side as the Valide Sultan’s Apartment. It 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. Built on a small island about 200 meters from the Üsküdar shore, the tower is central to 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 fruit 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 lively 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.

• 2-hour luxury yacht cruise
• Romantic live music with violinist
• 1 glass of wine
• Seasonal fruit plate and nuts
• Guide

Join an unforgettable evening surrounded by the captivating lights and distinctive views of the Istanbul Bosphorus!

During this exclusive 2-hour evening cruise, participants will discover Istanbul’s historical and contemporary skylines aboard a luxurious yacht, all while soaking in the stunning ambiance of the Bosphorus.

Guests will be treated to a glass of wine, fresh grapes, and delectable snacks throughout the tour. These delights will tantalize your taste buds as you unwind in a romantic setting beneath the Bosphorus’ night lights, ensuring a truly pleasurable experience.

To enhance this memorable voyage, a violinist will perform on the yacht’s deck. The gentle melodies of the violin will resonate over the tranquil waters of the Bosphorus, turning the night into a magical fairytale.

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