Tours/Viator
Viator · group up to 250 pax

Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide

4.6(630)1 hour
VIATOR3.7(69)TRIPADVISOR4.7(561)

Description

Enjoy a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and discover Istanbul from a unique perspective on the water. Sail between Europe and Asia while admiring the city's beautiful skyline, historic palaces, waterfront mansions, mosques, and famous Bosphorus bridges. Choose between two different cruise options: • 1-Hour Bosphorus Cruise A short sightseeing cruise to the First Bosphorus Bridge and back. • 2-Hour Bosphorus Cruise A longer Bosphorus experience, including both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. The tour includes approximately 1 hour along the European shore up to the Second Bosphorus Bridge and 1 hour returning along the Asian side. During the cruise, you can enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul and capture unforgettable photos of the city's most iconic landmarks. Whether you are visiting Istanbul for the first time or returning, this cruise offers a memorable and relaxing experience on the Bosphorus. Due to high demand, we recommend making a reservation in advance.

Tour Options

2-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing
  • 2-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing : 2-hour Bosphorus cruise: 1 hour along the European side to the Second Bridge, 1 hour returning via the Asian shore.
1-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing
  • 1-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing: Short cruise to the First Bosphorus Bridge and back. Ideal for limited time, with the same onboard services but fewer sights.

Itinerary

Pass by

Galata Bridge connects Istanbul’s historic and modern districts over the Golden Horn. Built in the 19th century, its current structure dates back to 1994. The bridge is known for its seafood restaurants underneath and fishermen above, providing stunning city views.

Pass by

Galata Tower, built in 1348 by the Genoese, is a 67-meter landmark offering breathtaking views of Istanbul. It originally served as a watchtower and is famous for Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi's legendary flight. Today, it's a popular tourist destination with a museum and café.

Pass by

Hagia Sophia: Built in 537 as a Byzantine cathedral, Hagia Sophia later became an Ottoman mosque and is now a mosque again. Known for its massive dome, mosaics, and rich history, it symbolizes Istanbul’s blend of cultures.

Pass by

Topkapi Palace: The grand residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace contains royal treasures, sacred relics, and beautiful courtyards. Overlooking the Bosphorus, it provides a peek into the luxurious life of the Ottoman Empire.

Pass by

Galata Cruise Port, also called Galataport, is a modern waterfront hub in Istanbul that welcomes international cruise ships. Opened in 2021, it features a top-notch underground terminal, luxury shops, restaurants, and museums.

Pass by

Cihangir Mosque, situated in the Cihangir neighborhood, was built in the 16th century during Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent's reign. Renowned for its peaceful ambiance and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, the mosque offers a tranquil retreat amid a lively area. It is named after Cihangir, Sultan Suleiman's son.

Pass by

Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts, founded in 1882, is one of Istanbul's top art schools. Named after the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, it offers programs in architecture, fine arts, and design.

Pass by

Dolmabahçe Mosque, situated near the Dolmabahçe Palace, was finished in 1855 during the Ottoman Empire. Its design combines traditional Ottoman mosque architecture with Western influences.

Pass by

Beşiktaş Stadium, officially called Vodafone Park, is the home of Beşiktaş J.K., one of Istanbul's leading football clubs.

Pass by

Dolmabahçe Palace, situated along the Bosphorus, served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1922. Built in 1856, it combines European and Ottoman architectural styles.

Pass by

Çırağan Palace, situated on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, was originally constructed as an Ottoman imperial palace in the 19th century.

Pass by

Galatasaray University, founded in 1481 as a school for the elite during the Ottoman Empire, is one of Turkey's oldest and most prestigious institutions.

Pass by

Ortaköy is a vibrant neighborhood in Istanbul located along the Bosphorus. Known for its lively cafés, art galleries, and stunning views, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Pass by

The Bosphorus Bridge, officially called the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

Pass by

Galatasaray Island is a private island located in the Sea of Marmara, near Istanbul. Owned by Galatasaray University, it is primarily used for educational and recreational purposes.

Pass by

Kuruçeşme is an upscale neighborhood on the European side of Istanbul, located along the Bosphorus. Known for its scenic views, it is a popular spot for dining, with many stylish restaurants and cafés lining the waterfront.

Pass by

Arnavutköy is a historic neighborhood along the European shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Famous for its charming narrow streets, old wooden houses, and traditional Ottoman architecture, it has kept a peaceful, village-like vibe despite being close to the city center.

Pass by

The Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Bebek is situated in one of Istanbul's most prestigious neighborhoods along the Bosphorus.

Pass by

Bebek is an upscale neighborhood along the European side of the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Known for its charming waterfront, beautiful parks, and luxurious homes, it’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

Pass by

Rumeli Fortress, also known as Rumeli Hisarı, is a historic castle situated on the European side of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus.

Pass by

The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, also called the Second Bosphorus Bridge, connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

Pass by

Anatolian Fortress, or Anadoluhisarı, is a historic fortress located on the Asian side of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus.

Pass by

Küçüksu Pavilion is a charming Ottoman-era palace situated along the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Built in the 19th century by Sultan Abdulmecid I, it served as a summer retreat for the sultans.

Pass by

Kandilli is a historic and peaceful neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul, located along the Bosphorus.

Pass by

Kuleli Military High School is a historic military school situated on the Asian side of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus.

Pass by

Istanbul Yalı refers to historic waterfront mansions along the Bosphorus, known for their stunning architecture and prime locations.

Pass by

Beylerbeyi Palace is a beautiful Ottoman-era palace situated on the Asian side of Istanbul, along the Bosphorus.

Pass by

Kuzguncuk is a charming, historic neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul, situated along the Bosphorus.

Pass by

Üsküdar is a historic neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul, located along the Bosphorus.

Pass by

Maiden's Tower, or Kız Kulesi, is a small historic tower found on a tiny islet at the entrance of the Bosphorus.

Highlights

AUDIO Tour Guide in 11 languages
WiFi on board
Unlimited Free Turkish Tea & Nescafe!
Restroom on board

What's included

Included
AUDIO Tour Guide in 11 languages
WiFi on board
Unlimited Free Turkish Tea & Nescafe!
Restroom on board
Not included
Personal Expenses
Tips
Hotel Pickup

Traveller Ratings

4.6
630 reviews
5
473
4
92
3
26
2
17
1
22

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • IMPORTENT! This cruise uses a multilingual audio guide on a smartphone as the primary means of explanation. Live loudspeaker announcements are limited to general information and safety messages, not full historical narration. For the best experience, bring your own headphones.
  • We can send you photos and location of the meeting point upon request via whatsapp.
  • Audio guide requires no app download. Instructions on how to use it are posted on the boat.
  • To use the audio guide, you need your own headphones and a fully charged smartphone to access the audio guide website.

Reviews(630)

4.6
Based on 630 verified reviews
Read all 630 reviews on Viator →