• Bosphorus Strait - The Bosphorus, historically known as the 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 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, 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.

Once a cove where ships anchored, 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 Çırağan Palace stands where a former wooden summer palace, built by Selim III in 1800, once existed. During its construction, the wooden structure and nearby Beşiktaş Mevlevihane were demolished. Completed in 1871, the marble palace spans 80,000 square meters. After Abdulaziz was deposed, he and his family were imprisoned here, as was Murat V for 29 years. Following the Second Constitutional Monarchy’s declaration in 1908, it 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 Şeref Stadium. In the early 1990s, the palace was restored and reopened as a luxury hotel.

• Ortakoy - Ortaköy is a vibrant neighborhood in Beşiktaş, on the European side of the Bosphorus. It comprises Ortaköy and Mecidiye districts, nestled on slopes along a valley leading to the coast. The district is bordered by Kuruçeşme, Ulus, Levazım, Balmumcu, and Yıldız, with Defterdarburnu as its northern boundary.

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

• 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 connects the city’s two sides, along with the later Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and Bosphorus ferries.

The idea of constructing a bridge over the Bosphorus dates back many years. After numerous attempts, construction began in 1970, and the bridge opened on October 29, 1973, marking the Republic’s 50th anniversary. This suspension bridge is a vital part of Turkey’s transportation network, active around the clock, and a key crossing point in the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Besides transportation, the bridge is a significant symbol of Istanbul, offering a unique Bosphorus view.

• Bebek Park - Bebek is a historic Istanbul neighborhood 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, waterside mansions, 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 Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror’s orders, strategically placing the fortress at the Bosphorus’s narrowest point. It was completed in just three months. Before Istanbul’s conquest, it protected against naval attacks. Afterward, it served as a checkpoint for Bosphorus maritime traffic.

Over the centuries, small wooden houses filled the fortress’s interior, but they were removed during restoration in 1953. Now, the fortress is renowned for summer concerts and serves 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), connects 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 city ferries, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge handles a significant portion of Istanbul’s trans-Bosphorus traffic and is an iconic part of the city’s 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 exterior castle walls. After Istanbul’s conquest, it lost much of its strategic importance and became a military hospital. Over time, the surrounding area developed, with waterfront houses and old mansions scattered among the castle ruins. During restoration from 1991-1993, it was converted into a museum, though 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 Küçüksu Palace, located on the Bosphorus coast road between Üsküdar and Beykoz, is a small Ottoman summer palace commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecit. Designed by renowned architect Nikogos Balyan, the palace offers a stunning Bosphorus view and attracted many sultans during the Ottoman era for relaxation. Due to its exquisite furniture, paintings, carpets, and intricate details, the 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. It lies beneath the Bosphorus Bridge. Designed by the esteemed architect Sarkis Balyan, the palace blends Renaissance, Baroque, and other styles from both East and West. The main building is a two-story stone structure on a high basement, covering about 2,500 square meters in a rectangular layout. The South side houses the Imperial Mabeyn, while the North side contains 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. Built 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 the sultan’s daughter would die from a snake bite on her 18th birthday. To protect her, the sultan built the tower in the Bosphorus, where she lived in secrecy and safety. On her 18th birthday, the sultan brought her a fruit basket as a gift, unaware of the hidden snake inside. When she reached into the basket, the snake bit her, and she 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 locals and tourists alike. Its innovative underground terminal efficiently manages cruise ship traffic, enhancing its appeal. Galataport exemplifies Istanbul’s fusion 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

An Enchanting Evening on the Bosphorus: Enjoy a Memorable 2-Hour Luxury Yacht Tour!

Istanbul’s breathtaking beauty transforms under the night sky. Are you prepared for an extraordinary journey through the stunning views of the Bosphorus? Our 2-hour luxury yacht tour provides the ideal chance to explore Istanbul’s mix of historical and contemporary landmarks, the pristine waters of the Bosphorus, and the captivating city lights.

Throughout this exclusive tour, relax on the sophisticated deck of a yacht, enjoying a glass of wine, fresh grapes, and a variety of nuts. To enhance the evening’s enchantment, a violinist will serenade you with romantic and soothing melodies, contributing to the magical ambiance of the Bosphorus.

These unforgettable moments will remain with you as cherished memories. Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s history while experiencing the city’s night in absolute luxury and comfort.

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