• 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 generally extends 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 runs 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 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 made of marble and spans 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 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 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 and district in Beşiktaş, located on the European side of the Bosphorus. The Ortaköy district, comprising Ortaköy and Mecidiye neighborhoods, is nestled 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 bustling 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 spanning the Bosphorus, has its foundations in Ortaköy on the European side and Beylerbeyi on the Anatolian side. As the first bridge constructed over the Bosphorus, it facilitates connectivity between the city’s two sides, alongside the later Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Bosphorus ferries.

The concept of building 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 is a vital component of Turkey’s transportation network, bustling with activity around the clock. It also serves as a key crossing point for the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon, organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Beyond transportation, the bridge is a significant 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,” reflects the neighborhood’s charming location on the Bosphorus. A popular residential area since Ottoman times, Bebek’s population mirrors the diverse society of that era. Today, it boasts historical buildings like Boğaziçi University and waterfront mansions, offering stunning Bosphorus views and upscale dining options.
• 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 Bosphorus’s narrowest point. The fortress was completed in just three months. Before Istanbul’s conquest, it served as a defense against naval attacks. Afterward, it became an inspection point for maritime traffic on the Bosphorus.

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

• Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge - The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü), Istanbul’s second bridge over the Bosphorus, 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 substantial 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 comprises a citadel and exterior castle walls. After Istanbul’s conquest, it lost much of its strategic significance and was converted into a military hospital. Over time, the surrounding area became settled, with waterfront houses and old mansions interspersed among the castle’s ruins. During restoration work from 1991 to 1993, it was transformed into a museum, although it is not open to the public. Today, 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 era, Nikogos Balyan, the palace offers a splendid view of the Bosphorus. During the Ottoman period, Kucuksu attracted many sultans who used it for relaxation. Due to its exquisite furniture, paintings, carpets, and intricate details, the palace was opened as a museum during the Republican era.
• Beylerbeyi Palace - Beylerbeyi Palace, meaning “Lord of Lords,” is an Ottoman summer palace complex constructed in the 1860s on the Bosphorus shores. Today, it lies beneath the Bosphorus Bridge. Designed by the esteemed architect Sarkis Balyan, the palace blends 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 approximately 2,500 square meters on a rectangular floor plan. The South side of the palace was designated as the Imperial Mabeyn, while the North side served as the Valide Sultan’s Apartment. The palace features six halls, 24 rooms, one hamam, and one bathroom across two floors.

In addition to its breathtaking Bosphorus views and historical architecture, visitors should explore its lily pond and expansive garden.

• Kiz Kulesi - The Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is a prominent feature of the Bosphorus skyline. Situated on a small island about 200 meters from Üsküdar’s 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 merging the city’s historical allure with modern architecture. The area boasts restaurants, cafes, shops, and cultural venues, making it a lively destination for both locals and tourists. Its innovative underground terminal efficiently manages cruise ship traffic, enhancing its appeal. Galataport exemplifies Istanbul’s blend of culture and modernity.

• 1 glass of wine, nuts and seasonal fruit plate
• Romantic live music with violinist
• Unique view of the Bosphorus and lights
• 2 hours luxury yacht cruise

Explore Istanbul from a fresh angle on a 2-hour Bosphorus luxury yacht tour as the city lights shimmer on the water. This sophisticated evening cruise provides an ideal opportunity to witness Istanbul’s iconic skyline, historic sites, and the enchanting ambiance of the Bosphorus at night.

Unwind on the deck of a stunning luxury yacht while savoring a glass of wine, fresh grapes, and a variety of nuts. As you glide between the European and Asian shores, take in the illuminated palaces, mosques, and bridges that make Istanbul one of the world’s most stunning cities.

To enhance the experience, a live violin performance adds a romantic and serene atmosphere as you sail through the Bosphorus. The gentle melodies paired with the city’s sparkling lights make this evening cruise truly memorable.

Enjoy Istanbul at night in comfort and luxury, creating memories that will linger long after the cruise concludes.

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