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- About Bosphorus Cruise
- Princes Island Cruise
- Sightseeing Cruises
- Dinner Cruises
- Evening Cruises
- Lunch Cruises
- Yacht Tours
- Basilica Cistern Tickets
- Topkapi Palace Tickets
- Dolmabahçe Palace Tickets
- Galata Tower Tickets
- Hagia Sophia Tickets
- Blue Mosque Tickets
- Madame Tussauds Tickets
- Turkish Bath & Hammam Experience Tickets
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tickets
- Grand Bazaar
- Istanbul Aquarium
- Maiden's Tower
- Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport transfers
Bosphorus Cruise Tickets & Tours
4.4(16.7K Ratings)
Select Your Experience
Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table & Live Show
- Admire the beauty of Istanbul on this 3-hour cruise along the Bosphorus with live music, entertainment, and dinner.
- Spot iconic Byzantine & Ottoman Empire attractions such as the medieval Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower, and Bosphorus Bridge.
- 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.
- 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
- Board your cruise at Boss4.net Kabataş Bosphorus Tour Point
- Address: Ömer Avni, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. 36/A, 34440 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye.
- 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.
Daytime or Sunset Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise in Istanbul
- Escape the city traffic and set sail on this 2-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 10 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.
Inclusions
- 2-hour Bosphorus cruise
- Audio guide available in 10 languages
- Duration: 2 hour
- Start Point & End Point: Kabatas Pier
- What you'll see: Galata Tower | Dolmabahce Palace | Ciragan Palace| Ortaköy Mosque | Bosphorus Bridge | Beylerbeyi Palace | Üsküdar | Maiden Tower | Topkapi Palace | Hagia Sophia | Seaside Villas
- Board your cruise at Kabataş (Ş.Hatları).
- Address: Kabataş (Ş.Hatları), Türkiye.
- Get Directions to the Boarding Point
- Don’t forget to bring along your headphones to listen to the audio tour.
- The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese.
- Please note: There is limited internet at the pier so please download the app before the tour.
- The app does not require internet once it has been downloaded but ensure you have activated GPS.
- 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.
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.
2-Hour Bosphorus Luxury Private Yacht Rental in Istanbul
- Experience luxury with a 2-hour private yacht rental and cruise along the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul.
- Enhance your experience by adding round-trip hotel transfers in a Mercedes Vito or a delectable onboard meal.
- Enjoy complimentary soft drinks and snacks as you sail past the picturesque Ortakoy Mosque and the cross-continental Bosphorus Bridge. Upgrade to include alcoholic drinks.
- Sit back and relax in the seating lounge or put on your sunscreen for some sunbathing on the open deck.
- Come across the stunning architecture of Dolmabahce Palace, reflecting the opulence of the Ottoman Empire and the 15th-century Rumeli Fortress featuring imposing stone walls, towers, and battlements.
Inclusions
- 2-hour luxury private yacht rental on the Bosphorus
- Round-trip hotel transfers in a luxury vehicle (optional)
- Complimentary drinks & snacks
- Breakfast, lunch, or dinner (optional)
- Alcoholic beverages (optional)
- Tip: Time your cruise to coincide with the sunset to watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting warm hues across the Bosphorus.
- Complimentary drinks & snacks include soft drinks, tea, coffee, cookies, chips, nuts, and fruits.
- Facilities: Wi-Fi, Pram/stroller Accessibility.
- Pets and guide dogs are allowed on board.
- Bring along your sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat.
- If the main yacht is busy, you will be offered another yacht of the same quality.
- 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.
Which Bosphorus Cruise ticket is best for you?
If you are on a budget
Go for: Sightseeing cruises, fast-track, or combo tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Bosphorus audio guide app or an expert English-speaking tour guide, depending on the ticket option
- Sail along the Bosphorus Strait with these sightseeing cruise tickets. Spot iconic landmarks and listen to an audio guide, available in over 10 languages.
- Explore the Prince’s Islands on a round-trip ferry ride across the Bosphorus River. You can also book a combo ticket and visit the Hagia Sophia.
Recommended tours:
If you want privacy
Go for: Dinner cruises with live entertainment
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Bosphorus audio guide app or an expert English-speaking tour guide, depending on the ticket option
- Enjoy a 3-course Turkish dinner on a private table with unlimited soft drinks and a live DJ on board. You can also go on a 2-hour luxury cruise on a private rental boat along the Bosphorus Strait.
- If you upgrade your ticket, you can also enjoy pick-up and drop-off services in an AC coach.
Recommended tours:
If you want a luxury experience
Go for: Luxury yacht cruises
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Bosphorus audio guide app or an expert English-speaking tour guide, depending on the ticket option
- Depending on the cruise you book, you can stop on the Asian side of the Bosphorus River and enjoy their local yogurt.
- The Bosphorus luxury cruises offer a 2.5-hour ride along the Bosphorus River, live commentary, snacks, cookies, baklava, seasonal fruits, soft drinks, bottled water, and other beverages.
- You can also choose to cruise along the Bosphorus River for 2 hours on a private rental luxury boat.
Recommended tours:
If you want a sightseeing cruise
Go for: Fast-track or combo tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Bosphorus audio guide app or an expert English-speaking tour guide, depending on the ticket option
- Enjoy fast-track access to a round-trip ferry ride to and from the Prince’s Islands along the Bosphorus River.
- Save time and money with a one-time purchase of the combo tickets, which include a historian-guided tour of the Hagia Sophia along with a 1.5-hour Bosphorus Cruise.
Recommended tours:
Know 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
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Plan Your Visit
Timings
Sightseeing Cruise
Lunch Cruise
Dinner Cruise
Boarding Point
Nearby
What are the Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise timings?
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.
What are the Lunch Cruise timings?
Bosphorus Lunch Cruises are available on all days of the week between 12.30 PM and 5 PM.
What are the Dinner Cruise timings?
Bosphorus Dinner Cruises are available throughout the year, and depending on your ticket, the departure is between 8:30 PM and 9 PM.
When is the best time for a Bosphorus Cruise?
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.
Are audio guides included in Bosphorus Cruise tickets?
This depends on the ticket, but some Bosphorus cruise tickets come with a complimentary audio guide.
Can I get off to see monuments?
Again, this depends on the ticket, but some cruises do allow patrons to explore the city on foot as well as via the cruise.
What is included in a Bosphorus Lunch Cruise?
Your cruise includes a 2-course meal, Turkish tea, complimentary drinks, a bilingual guide, and hotel transfers if you are in central Istanbul.
Will a guide accompany me?
Yes, you will be accompanied by a bilingual guide.
What is included in a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise?
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.
What are my entertainment options?
You will get to enjoy a show that features belly dancing, traditional folk music, and even a live DJ.
Where can I board my Cruise?
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
Where can I buy Bosphorus Cruise tickets?
You can purchase your Bosphorus Cruise tickets online.
What are the different types of Bosphorus Cruises?
- Sightseeing tours
- Dining cruises
- yachts cruises
How long does the Bosphorus Cruise take?
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.
Are audio guides available on a Bosphorus Cruise?
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.
Where do Bosphorus river cruises depart from?
Most Bosphorus Cruises begin and end at Kabatas Pier but not all. Please refer to your ticket for more information.
What is the best Bosphorus River Cruise for families?
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.
What is the best Bosphorus River Cruise for couples?
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.
What is the cancellation policy for Bosphorus Cruise tickets?
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.
If I take a meal-based Bosphorus River Cruise, will I be able to get vegetarian food?
No, the meal-based cruises do not offer vegetarian options.
What is the best time to go on a Bosphorus Cruise?
The best time to go on a Bosphorus Cruise is between April and September.
Who can avail discounted Bosphorus Cruise tickets?
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.
What are the Bosphorus Cruise timings?
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.
What is the validity of my Bosphorus Cruise tickets?
Your cruise tickets are valid for the day and time chosen during checkout.