Bosphorus Cruise Tours: A Full-Guide

If you're considering a Bosphorus cruise, various options depend on your preferences. See our compared curation of the different options you can get for a Bosphorus tour below:

Hagia Sophia Classic Bosphorus Tour

The Hagia Sophia Classic Bosphorus Tour offers a 1-hour-and-45-minute cruise, departing at 6:45 PM and returning at 8 PM.

This tour boards off from the Ahırkapı pier and takes place on a private boat exclusively for the guests, providing an intimate and personalized experience. Onboard, multilingual guides fluent in Italian, Russian, and English provide extensive insight into Istanbul’s history and landmarks as you cruise the mesmerizing Bosphorus. 

Adding to the fun, lively music sets the mood, encouraging guests to dance and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. You can also dress up in traditional Ottoman sultan outfits for unforgettable photos in the onboard studio, which offers a unique experience. 

We highly recommend this tour because,

• It offers the ideal balance of leisure, cultural exploration, and amusement with a value of money.

• This tour offers live guided tours in English, French, and Spanish, and can provide a tour in your preferred language upon request.

Breakfast Bosphorus Tour

Did you know that you can enjoy a delicious Turkish breakfast at an exquisite ferry restaurant on the Bosphorus? If you are interested in eating at a niche restaurant, we highly recommend trying out Le Vapeur Magique Bosphorus Tour. 

We recommend this tour because,

• You can enjoy a rich and varied Turkish breakfast, featuring unlimited delicacies such as simit (Turkish bagels), menemen, fresh tomatoes with cucumbers, honey and butter, Turkish jams, and fried Turkish doughs, served with tea.

• You get your reservation to your phone, so you can have digital access. 

• The ferry has an exceptional design with decorations making it a unique Istanbul experience for you

• The live music is quite relaxing and soothing so you can have a gist of Turkish music.

Festive Le Vapeur Magique cruise ship docked, Istanbul’s skyline and the iconic Süleymaniye Mosque in the background.

Dentur Sunset Bosphorus Tour 

The sunset Bosphorus tour is a perfect way to experience breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. The tour starts from Kabataş pier and takes 2 hours. It departs at 4:45 PM in the winter season and 6:45 PM in the summer season. 

We recommend this tour because:

• Spacious areas per person: The tour offers plenty of space, ensuring comfort for every guest.

• Stunning photo opportunities: The terrace provides the perfect spot to capture breathtaking views of the Maiden's Tower and the Historic Peninsula.

• Informative audio guide with QR: Covers the top destinations along the route, providing insights into Ottoman-Turkish culture.

• Diverse menu: Enjoy a variety of Turkish snacks and flavors, complemented by the option of alcoholic - beverages

Skyline of the Historical Peninsula at Sunset

Eminönü Bosphorus Tour

Tours start from Eminönü pier and offer a quick introduction to sightseeing in Bosphorus. The tour begins at Kabataş, passing by Dolmabahçe Mosque and Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus (The First) Bridge, Galatasaray Islet, and the famous Rumeli Fortress from the medieval age on the European side. Then, it continues to go through Küçüksü Pavillion, Beylerbeyi Mosque and Palace, Üsküdar, and the Maiden’s Tower on the Asian side with a marvelous sunset view before returning to Kabataş. 

We do not recommend this tour because 

• The audio guide plays through the speakers and provides only limited information in English, in contrast to the lengthy explanations in Turkish.

• Some sellers inside the ferry may take your photos without your permission and expect you to purchase the printed copies.

Municipality (Şehir Hatları) Bosphorus Tour

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the Bosphorus, with plenty of time to hop off and explore local neighborhoods and attractions. This full-day tour, which includes stops at historic villages and fortresses like Anadolu Kavağı, extends to the Black Sea for those seeking an immersive experience. A great way to see the Bosphorus and its surroundings, this slow-paced tour allows time to explore ashore, particularly at the Black Sea's mouth.

We recommend this tour since

• It offers a cozy atmosphere and goes through the hidden gems of the city such as Anadolu Kavağı. 

• You can use your Istanbul Card during the tour, which is the most affordable way to explore the city.

Hop on Hop Off Bosphorus Tour

This flexible option lets you explore at your own pace, disembarking at various stops before catching the next boat. This option allows travelers to hop on and off at various designated stops along the Bosphorus. Major stops typically include Ortaköy Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, and other historical sites, allowing visitors to explore key landmarks at their own pace before catching the next boat.

Private Yacht Bosphorus Tour

Looking for something exclusive? Renting a private yacht is perfect for special events, allowing you to personalize your experience. A private yacht offers a more close and customized experience, allowing guests to create their itinerary along the Bosphorus. This option is popular for special occasions or group outings and can be tailored with extras like catered meals, guides, and music.