Bosphorus Lunch Cruise Opportunity to Swim in Black Sea in Summer

based on 386 reviews

Duration:5 hours (approx.)
Location: Istanbul, Turkey

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Enjoy incredible views of Istanbul sailing between two continents towards the Black Sea as you enjoy delicious two-course lunch onboard a lovely boat.

Spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the Bosphorus Strait during this spectacular 4-hour lunch cruise. Take in the iconic sights along the way and stop for a visit to the fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi and discover the old fortress remnants on a hill with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and The Black Sea.

Climb aboard a gorgeous boat and forget your worries as you enjoy a relaxing half-day cruise down the Bosphorus Strait. Admire the views of beautiful castles, palaces, old mansions, and the minarets of the city mosques. During the cruise, you will have plenty of time to relax, sit back and indulge in two-course lunch that offers a variety of delicious dishes and fresh seasonal fruits. During the summer months, you can also swim in the Black Sea or in Poyrazkoy Village.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

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Istanbul is a bridge between Europe and Asia, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, a position that endows it with one of the most unique and beautiful settings in the world. For, between the hills on the European and Asiatic shores flows the Bosphorus, the brightest gem in the diadem of nature. "This beautiful strait, sometimes spelled Bosporus and sometimes Bosphorus, was so called from the earliest ages by the ancients; from the mythology of 10, the mistress of Jupiter, having passed over it in the shape of a cow. It resembles the Dardanelles, in length, breadth and current, and like it, is a narrow separation which divides Europe from Asia; but it has many features familiar to itself. Instead of being a solitary stream running between deserted shores, it is a body of water full of life and animation, winding its way through banks covered with palaces and villages, shaded with magnificent forest trees, presenting to the eye, at every mile, a new scene of crowded existence."
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Dolmabahce Palace It stands on the European shore of the Bosphorus and the with its various dependencies forms almost a little town, its gardens extending for a mile or more along the water's edge. Though the exterior of the Dolmabahce Palace, built by Sultan Abdülmecit (1839-1861) exhibits a variety of architectural styles, mainly baroque, and is decorated with a profusion of ornament, the general effect is not unpleasing, and the site is remarkably well-chosen. The heart of thePuildiny is chandeliers and a musician's gallery. Its interior, like that of other palaces, glitters whith gilded decorations, costly chandeliers and mirrors, priceless porcelains and gorgeous brocades of gold and silver tissue. The vast gardens were originally laid out by European landscape architects and comprise parterres and fountains. Built by architect Balyan Usta in 1853, the palace has a 600 metres long marble pier and landing stages that run splendidly along the Bosphorus, whilst access from the land is through beautiful tall Baroque gates.
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The Dolmabahçe Mosque is a mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It was commissioned by queen mother Bezmi Alem Valide Sultan.
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Which was inaugurated on October 29, 1973 on the fiftieth anniversary of the Turkish Republic, has the longest span in Europe and the fourth in the world. This suspension bridge has a total length of 1560 metres (1706 yards) and a width of 33.4 metres (110ft). The span between pylons is 1074 metres (1175 yards) and the clearance above sea level is 64 metres (210ft). The constrnction of the steel box-girder suspension was carried out by a British-german consortium. The second bridge to link Europe and Asia over the Bosphorus will be completed in 1989 between Emirgan and Kanlica.
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Bosphorus Through The Ages Istanbul has no rival anywhere. It spells adventure. It has the ingredients that unite to create glamour, excitement and mystery. Centuries of invaders have been intrigued with this magic and majestic city with its 340 Byzantine columns, 500 mosques, fabulous palaces, fountains, cisterns, baths, churches, wells and covered bazaars. NO city on earth has so many old buildings of beauty and distinction. Istanbul is no myth. Its reality lies in its extraordinary history that goes back through countless phases to the first colonisation in 657 BC by the Megarians who named it Byzantium after their commander Byzas. The Roman Emperor Constantine elevated Byzantium to the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire in the third century AD and renamed it Constantinople after himself. The Turks finally brought the Eastern Empire to an end when they burst through the city walls in 1453 and established Constantinople as capital of the Ottoman Empire.
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Bebek is a historic Istanbul neighbourhood that falls within the boundaries and administration of the Beşiktaş district. It is located on Bebek Bay along the European shores of the Bosphorus strait and is surrounded by similarly affluent neighbourhoods such as Arnavutköy and Etiler.
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Ortaköy is a lively area centered on its waterfront square, where crowds gather to listen to impromptu concerts or sip tea on cafe terraces. Stands serving waffles or kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes) share busy alleys with souvenir stalls. The ornate, light-filled Ortaköy Camii mosque sits at the water’s edge in the shadow of the Bosphorus Bridge. After dark, upmarket restaurants and clubs nearby draw a chic crowd.
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The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, also known as the Second Bosphorus Bridge, is a bridge in Istanbul, Turkey spanning the Bosphorus strait. When completed in 1988, it was the 5th-longest suspension bridge span in the world; today it is the 24th.
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Anadolukavağı, also known as Anadolu Kavağı, is a neighborhood of Beykoz district in İstanbul Province, Turkey. "Anadolu" is the Turkish name for Anatolia, and "Kavak" means "control post" in Ottoman Turkish referring to the strategical position of the location on the Bosporous.
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The purpose of the castle, located in Beykoz, is to protect the Black Sea entrance of the Bosphorus. Although it is known as Genoese Castle in most sources, it is understood that it was built by the 8th Byzantine Emperor Mihael Palaeologos, according to the information in the inscription. It is believed that it may have taken its name from Oros, which means mountain and hill in Greek. Yoros Castle has been closed for a long time. But you can also enjoy the view of the 3rd Bridge with a view of the Bosphorus and some climbing.
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Rumelishisari Fortress - (Rumelihisari Castle) At the narrowest point of the Bosphorus stands the Rumelihisarr Fortress, built by Sultan Mehmet, the Conqueror on the European shore. The Sultan himself on the 26th day of March 1452 laid the foundation stone of the Fortress with a view to controlling the passage of the ships through the Bosphorus and using it as a base for his attack on the city. The fortress or castle was built upon the ancient site of Hermaion. It was completed in five months on August 28th 1452. The cannon on the towers could command this narrowest part of the Bosphorus opposite the older fortress of Anadoluhisarr. Darius in 500 BC had thrown a pontoon bridge across the Strait at this point and passed over 700,000 men. To Sultan Mehmet, the Conqueror, it was the key to Constantinople. The design of the walls and the towers display the Prophet's and the Conqueror's name - Muhammet - Mehmet.
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Beylerbeyi Palace Situated on the Asiatic shore of the Bosphorus between the villages of Kuzguncuk and Cengelköy, the palace was built by Sultan Abdülaziz in 1865. Beylerbeyi Palace seen from the Bosphorus floats like a white vision in a fairy tale. It is the most extravagant royal house of the 19th Century on which millions were spent. It is built completely of marble, surpassing all the Palaces of European Kings. Empress Eugénie, during her visit of 1869 stayed in this palace as well as Czar Nicholas Il of Russia. Edward VIII was a guest in 1936. Stone lionesses recline on marble carpets set in lawns, and swans float and fish swim in the unobtrusive pool where pigeons fly to catch the spray of the fountain upon their wings. Miss Pardoe, on her visit to the Palace, was so impressed with its Imperial Bath, that she wrote:
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Kucuksu Palace The summer Palace of Kucuksu, sometimes called the Palace of Göksu, is situated between the villages of Anadoluhisan and Kandilli on the Asiatic shore of the Bosphorus. The Kucuksu Palace was first built by Mahmut I in 1749. Later it underwent a restoration during the reigns of Selim Ill and Ahmet Il. It was renovated by Sultan Abdülmecit in 1857. Sultan Abdülaziz gave the palace a new face-lift and had it refurbished and redecorated. It is a small but elegant edifice, stretching along the lip of the Bosphorus, surrounded by intricately cast iron railings. Waters and waves of the Bosphorus wash its terraces of glittering marble and sometimes penetrate their latticed and mysterious recesses.
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Anadoluhısarı Fortress (Anadoluhısarı Castle) On the opposite bank stands the Anadoluhisari Fortress by the Göksu stream. This romantic castle which adorns the Asiatic shore of the Bosphorus was built in 1395 by Sultan Bayazit, the Thunderbolt and named as "Güzelcehisar". Later it was extended by Mehmet, the Conqueror. Today, as the first possession of Turks on the Bosphorus, it serves as the landmark of Turkish rule.
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Anadolu Kavagi: A traditional fishing village on Asian Shore The ruins of the Byzantine-Genoese Castle on the hill, which was established at the junction of the Black Sea and Marmara, watch the passage from a magnificent view. Separated from Beykoz by a wooded area, the main square of this fishing town is full of fishermen's restaurants serving Bosphorus travelers.
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The Galata Bridge is a bridge that spans the Golden Horn in Istanbul, Turkey. From the end of the 19th century in particular, the bridge has featured in Turkish literature, theater, poetry and novels.
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The Galata Tower — called Christea Turris by the Genoese — is a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of Istanbul, Turkey, just to the north of the Golden Horn's junction with the Bosphorus.
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Leander never crossed here even in the legend which refers to the Hellespont, Dardanelles. The Turkish name is KIZ kulesi ( Maiden's Tower ). It is now a modern lighthouse. In the past, it served as a fort to tax ships up to one tenth of their cargo, similar to Pfalz Castle on the Rhine.
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We go all the way to the Black Sea, we even pass the third Bosphorus Bridge, the tipping point between the Bosphorus and the Black Sea.
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The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge is a bridge for rail and motor vehicle transit over the Bosphorus strait, to the north of two existing suspension bridges in Istanbul, Turkey. It was initially named the Third Bosphorus Bridge.

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CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Linda_B
The best experience. Wonderful boat ride. Fantastic lunch. Just a great day and found some sea glass on the beach!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 02:37:08

Posted By : 214agnese
Excellent cruise. Food was amazing. Guide and team just made our day perfect. Best way to discover Istanbul from the water to get many ideas of outing and eating.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-26 09:39:31

Posted By : 987catrine
We had a wonderful day. The tour was brilliantly organised. The guide was excellent - informative and witty. This is a great way to learn about, and see, Istanbul away from the crowds and heat. Amazing to be able to swim too! I highly recommend this tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-20 02:01:59

Posted By : Marian C
Awesome day trip with great lunch, drinks and guide. After a day in Sultanhamet this was such a cool, refreshing change of pace. Crew were very attentive and spoke good English. Highlight of Istanbul.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-19 09:26:58

Posted By : Kris_C
The trip went all the way to the 3rd bridge, the start of the back Sea. (Most that we checked only go up about 2/3 of the way). The lunch was quite good, for that type of setting...tasty, and generous servings. Taking a dip up near the 3rd bridge was fun. The scenery is not spectacular, but constantly changing and fascinating seeing man's imprint on such a historic waterway, and the way it is still a major sea route - and very busy getting down around the Godlen Horn area, with the dozens of ferries zipping back and forth. Highly recommend!!! (The only recommendation is to replace the speakers/sound system on the boat. The guide's words were loud enough, but muffled and unintelligible, so we missed a lot of information).
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-15 09:43:38

Posted By : Vladimir_P
My wife and I enjoyed the cruise immensely. We were picked up at our hotel on time, the crew was efficient and friendly, and the route was thoughtfully chosen, with a nice village to stop in and the swimming opportunity was great.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-07 04:08:28

Posted By : Joe D
A very enjoyable day cruise. The cruise was very enjoyable and the crew was very helpful. The food and snacks on the board were amazing
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-06 03:12:15

Posted By : Y2652SJricardoc
We were a group of six people an we live an AMAZING experience in THIS cruise between Istambul to THE Black Sea and return to Istambul.
All employees were very kind and THE meals were very tasty
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-19 10:30:54

Posted By : Thomas V
The boat is new and very clean. The attentive staff. The guide speaks good English and gives good explanations.
The starter was very good but the main chicken dish was not great and the fish one would have deserved a side dish.
The cruise is very suitable for people interested in the different monuments and history of the Bosphorus.
Overall we are satisfied with the cruise.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-19 09:59:06

Posted By : P7633PSjohnnyt
A very good trip. Pickup our hotel was nice. The driver was on time. The staff on the boat was friendly and professional. The boat was clean and well maintained. Our guide spoke flawless English and was very knowledgeable. The views of Istanbul from the Bosporus were spectacular. All in all a first class experience.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-19 09:48:43