Bosphorus Cruise Tickets & Tours
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Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide
- Escape the city traffic and set sail on this 1.5 hour boat ride that shows you the best sights along the Bosphorus Strait.
- At the pier, a Marine Officer will meet and greet you and give you an overview of the things you will be seeing.
- You will also be given a handy map of the Bosphorus to help you identify the best spots along the way and an informative audio guide that is available in 9 languages.
- Glance over at Istanbul’s most beautiful attractions including Topkapi Palace, Golden Horn, Ortaköy Mosque.
- Take photographs as you pass under the legendary Bosphorus Bridge that connects Europe and Asia.
- To get to your location, make your way to Dentur Avrasya Kabataş. This is located across tram line no 1 and the funicular. Come to the wooden house behind the red petrol station. Look for the Istanbul Welcome Card ticket window.
- You can upgrade your ticket to visit Topkapi Palace or go on a guided tour of Hagia Sophia along with the cruise.
Inclusions
Bosphorus Cruise
- 1.5-hour cruise
- Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese.
Topkapi Palace
- Skip-the-line entry into Topkapi Palace
- Audio guide in English, German, French, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish.
- The services of a representative
Historian-Guided Hagia Sophia
- 1-hour English guided tour by a historian
Exclusions
Topkapi Palace
- Entrance to the Harem
- Guide
This ticket has the following options you can choose from:
- Bosphorus Cruise Tickets
- Topkapi Palace + Bosphorus Cruise Tickets
- Historian Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia + Bosphorus Cruise Tickets
- Duration: 1.5 hour
- Start Point & End Point: Kabatas Pier
- What will you see: Galata Tower | Dolmabahce Palace | Ciragan Palace| Ortaköy Mosque | Bosphorus Bridge | Beylerbeyi Palace | Üsküdar | Maiden Tower | Topkapi Palace | Hagia Sophia | Seaside Villas
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- These tickets are valid for 3 days from the date of purchase.
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table & Live Entertainment
- Admire the beauty of Istanbul on this 3-hour cruise along the Bosphorus with live music, entertainment, and dinner.
- Indulge in a 3-course Turkish meal and sip on unlimited soft drinks as you gaze out at the picturesque city.
- Dance to the tunes of an onboard DJ and watch belly dancing, dervish dance, and folkloric shows.
- Spot iconic Byzantine attractions such as the medieval Rumeli Fortress, Faith Bridge – the world's 5th-longest suspension bridge – and more.
- Enjoy pick-up and drop-off in an AC coach and/or unlimited alcoholic beverages by upgrading your ticket.
Inclusions
- 3-hour Bosphorus cruise
- 3-course Turkish dinner
- Live entertainment and DJ
- Unlimited soft drinks
- Free Wi-Fi on board
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages (optional)
- Round-trip hotel transfers from centrally located hotels (optional)
- Transport by air-conditioned coach (optional)
Exclusions
- Imported drinks
- Duration: 3 hours
- Start Point & End Point: Kabatas Pier
- What will you see: Galata Tower | Dolmabahce Palace | Ciragan Palace| Ortaköy Mosque | Bosphorus Bridge | Beylerbeyi Palace | Üsküdar | Maiden Tower | Topkapi Palace | Hagia Sophia | Seaside Villas
- Tip: The best time to go on a Bosphorus Cruise is between April and September. During this period, the weather is pleasant and the humidity is bearable.
- This experience is weather-dependent. An alternative date or a full refund is provided if the activity is canceled due to inclement weather.
- Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility
- Dietary needs such as vegetarian, pescetarian, and halal can be accommodated.
- Languages spoken on board are English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, and Russian.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht
- Sail about the waters of the Bosphorus Strait and brace yourself for some sights you’ll savor.
- Take in waterfront palaces, mansions, and mosques, other than Istanbul’s stunning skyline.
- An expert tour guide will offer live commentary along the way.
- Nibble on snacks, cookies, baklava, and fresh seasonal fruits, and sip on a beverage of your choice.
- Click here to view the route map.
Inclusions
- 2.5-hour sunset cruise
- Live commentary
- Snacks, cookies, baklava & fresh season fruits
- Soft drinks, bottled water, tea & coffee
- Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht in Istanbul
Exclusions
- Attraction tickets
- Meals
- Board your cruise at Kabataş (Ş.Hatları).
- Address: Kabataş (Ş.Hatları), Türkiye.
- Get Directions to the Boarding Point
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stopover (Morning or Afternoon)
- Sail the Bosphorus in style on a 2.5-hour luxury yacht cruise, exploring Istanbul's stunning sights.
- Enjoy a small-group experience with a professional tour guide, ensuring a personalized and informative journey.
- Experience a stopover in Kanlica on the Asian side, and treat yourself to its famous local yogurt.
- Indulge in tasty snacks, fruits, Turkish coffee, and more as you admire iconic landmarks like Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Leander Tower from aboard.
Inclusions
- 2.5-hour cruise on a luxury yacht
- Professional tour guide
- Snacks
- Savory pastry
- Fruits
- Turkish coffee served with Turkish delight
- Turkish tea
- Board your cruise at Kabataş (Ş.Hatları).
- Address: Kabataş (Ş.Hatları), Türkiye.
- Get Directions to the Boarding Point
- Tip: Opt for the morning cruise to start your day with stunning views and avoid the afternoon heat.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Fast Track Princes Island Round Trip Ferry Tickets with Audio Guide
- Your boarding point is at Kabatas Pier. There will be a Marine Officer there who will welcome you, give you the cruise plan, and brief you on your journey.
- Make your way to Büyükada, or 'Big Island,' an island that has no vehicles other than emergency transportation, bicycles, or carriages.
- Explore the ruins of Trotsky’s house, St. George’s Church, and a 19th-century pharmacy.
- Listen to the Bosphorus audio guide on your own smartphone, available in 10 languages.
Inclusions
- Round-trip ticket to the Princes' Island
- Fast-track entry on the boat from the online ticket window
- Bosphorus audio guide app for IOS and Android in 10 languages
- Tip: The Princes' Islands offer breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscape, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery!
- The audio guide is available in the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo: Historian Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia + Bosphorus Cruise Tickets
- Get to experience the best of Istanbul with this combo ticket that offers a partly-guided tour of Hagia Sofia plus a Bosphorus Cruise.
- Learn about Byzantine and Ottoman art pieces with your expert English-speaking guide.
- After the 1-hour guided tour, feel free to explore the museum on your own and discover the beauty of Byzantine architecture.
- Enjoy sailing on the waters of the Bosphorus strait on a 1.5-hour cruise as a part of this combo ticket.
- Watch some of the famous attractions of Istanbul pass you by such as the domes of Hagia Sophia, the soaring towers of Galata, and the Bosphorus Bridge.
- Do not forget to capture Instagram-worthy pictures of the beautiful scenery and the memory of feeling culturally closer to Istanbul more than ever.
Inclusions
- 1.5-hour cruise
- Audio guide in 9 languages
- Combo: Historian-guided tour of Hagia Sophia + Bosphorus cruise tickets (optional)
- Combo: Topkapi Palace + Bosphorus cruise tickets
Exclusions
** Historian Guided Hagia Sophia**
- Audio guide
Bosphorus Cruise
- Hotel transfers
- Food and beverages
- Earphones
- Duration: 1.5 hour
- Start Point & End Point: Kabatas Pier
- What will you see: Galata Tower | Dolmabahce Palace | Ciragan Palace| Ortaköy Mosque | Bosphorus Bridge | Beylerbeyi Palace | Üsküdar | Maiden Tower | Topkapi Palace | Hagia Sophia | Seaside Villas
- There will be a mandatory security check before entering the attraction and guests should expect a considerable wait time.
- Please carry your own earphones for the best audio experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Types of Bosphorus River Cruises
Sightseeing Cruises
A Bosphorus Strait sightseeing cruise is a must-try experience. Discover landmarks like Beylerbeyi Palace, Küçüksu Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, Ortaköy Mosque, Anatolian Fortress, and Hagia Sophia. Depending on the ticket chosen, you can get an English-speaking guide or audio guides in 10 languages.
Recommended Tours:
Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruises
Dining Cruises
Meander along the Bosphorus Strait under blue skies or the sparkling night. Be surrounded by stunning views of Istanbul’s waterfront palaces, mansions, and mosques as you enjoy a delicious 2 or 3-course meal and live entertainment. You will also be pampered with complimentary drinks, and there are vegetarian options if you need them.
Recommended Tours:
Bosphorus Dinning Cruises
Princes' Islands Cruises
Escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul and visit the tranquil Princes’ Islands with your tour guide. Explore beautiful landscapes, historical structures, and the rich history of these unique islands. With no motor traffic, you can indulge in leisure with the only modes of transportation available, bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. Relish the peaceful islands whether you enjoy lunch or spend the whole day!
Recommended Tours:
Princes' Islands CruisesKnow Before You go on a Bosphorus Cruise
Food and Drinks on the Bosphorus Strait?
Care for a delectable, traditional, and authentic meal along with a window into the cultural and entertainment prowess of Istanbul? The Bosphorus Lunch & Dinner Cruises are for you!
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours 30 Minutes
Best of Both Worlds!
Would you like to make the most of a Bosphorus Cruise? A combo ticket is perfect for you. Expand your experience, following your cruise, with a visit to a famous tourist attraction like the Hagia Sofia or the Topkapi Palace.
Duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Istanbul Welcome Card
The Istanbul Welcome Card opens the whole of Istanbul for you to explore. Apart from being able to take guided tours of many monuments, this card has a week-long validity and gives you a 90-minute Bosphorus Cruise without any prior reservation.
Know More About the Bosphorus Strait
Turkey is at a crossroads where East meets West. The Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara in northern Turkey. The name is said to have originated from the Greek myth of Zeus and his mortal lover Io. To protect Io from the wrath of Hera, he transformed her into a white heifer (cow). But the vengeance of Hera baited Zeus's surrender of the heifer. Despite Hermes aiding Zeus, Hera leaves Io tormented and wandering, and eventually, she swims across the strait. Hence its name- The Bosporus, which means Ox’s Ford or Ox’s Passage.
Sights You Will See: Galata Tower | Dolmabahce Palace | Topkapi Palace | Hagia Sophia | Blue Mosque | Ciragan Palace | Ortaköy Mosque | Bosphorus Bridge | Beylerbeyi Palace | Üsküdar | Maiden Tower | Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge | Kiz Kulesi Tower | Küçüksu Palace | Rumeli Fortress | Anatolian Fortress
14 Top Attractions Covered on a Bosphorus Cruise
Plan Your Visit
The timings are generally based on the ticket chosen. The all-day tour starts by 9 AM, the morning sightseeing cruises typically start by 10 AM, the afternoon sightseeing cruises start by 12 PM, and the evening sightseeing cruises begin by 6 PM.
Bosphorus Lunch Cruises are available on all days of the week between 12.30 PM and 5 PM.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruises are available throughout the year, and depending on your ticket, the departure is between 8:30 PM and 9 PM.
The best times to visit Istanbul are from March to May and between September and November. That’s when crowds at the city’s attractions are manageable, room rates are average and daytime temperatures generally sit between 15.5°C and 21.1°C.
This depends on the ticket, but some Bosphorus cruise tickets come with a complimentary audio guide.
Again, this depends on the ticket, but some cruises do allow patrons to explore the city on foot as well as via the cruise.
Your cruise includes a 2-course meal, Turkish tea, complimentary drinks, a bilingual guide, and hotel transfers if you are in central Istanbul.
Yes, you will be accompanied by a bilingual guide.
Your cruise includes a 3-course meal, complimentary drinks (you can pick between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink packages), live entertainment, and hotel transfers if you are in central Istanbul.
You will get to enjoy a show that features belly dancing, traditional folk music, and even a live DJ.
Most Bosphorus Cruises begin and end at Kabatas Pier.
Address: Ömer Avni, İskele Yolu, 34427 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Please refer to your tickets for more information.
- Hagia Sophia: A world-famous former Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque, now a museum, known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
- Grand Bazaar: One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, featuring over 4,000 shops selling traditional goods such as jewelry, carpets, spices, and textiles.
- Topkapi Palace: It is a vast palace complex that served as the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, featuring ornate courtyards, gardens, and galleries.
- Dolmabahçe Palace: It is a lavish 19th-century palace that served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and later the Republic of Turkey.
- Blue Mosque: A stunning mosque with six minarets, a grand dome, and intricate blue tiles, located in the heart of Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district.
- Galata Tower: A medieval tower that offers panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline and the Bosphorus Strait, with a restaurant and observation deck at the top.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brosphorus Cruises
You can purchase your Bosphorus Cruise tickets online.
- Sightseeing tours
- Dining cruises
- yachts cruises
This depends on the type of cruise chosen. A sightseeing cruise can take between 1 to 10 hours, while a lunch or dinner cruise takes about 3-4.5 hours.
Only the Bosphorus Cruise with Audio Guide and the Combo Tour offer audio guides. The Princes Islands Ferry Tickets offer an audio guide app for IOS and Android in 10 languages.
Most Bosphorus Cruises begin and end at Kabatas Pier but not all. Please refer to your ticket for more information.
The Combo Tour of Bosphorus River Cruise with Historian-Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace is perfect for families as it covers the best of the city from both land and water and is cost-effective as well.
The Bosphorus Dinner Cruises are perfect for couples as it is a very romantic experience. You can enjoy delicious traditional food, accompanied by live entertainment as you see the city come to life around you.
Depending on your tickets for the cruise, you might be able to cancel 24 hours in advance or not at all. It is highly advised you check the cancellation policy when booking.
No, the meal-based cruises do not offer vegetarian options.
The best time to go on a Bosphorus Cruise is between April and September.
This depends solely on the cruise chosen. However, typically, children aged under 4 can go for free, while those aged 4-15 can avail discounts on Bosphorus Cruise tickets, provided they have a valid ID.
Bosphorus Cruises are available throughout the year. The timing depends on the cruise chosen, but it is typically between 10 AM - 12 PM. Dinner cruises usually begin around 8 PM.
Your cruise tickets are valid for the day and time chosen during checkout.