Attending to Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise is one of the best ways to discover and enjoy the beautiful Istanbul and also one of the best things to do in Istanbul. With Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises, you may board the ferry, boat or yacht at the variety of piers and soak up the atmosphere along the riviera cruising along both European & Asian shores. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palce, Rumeli Fortress, Anadolu Fortress and the two Bosphorus Bridges as you cruise along the Bosphorus strait.
Which Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Should I Take?
One of the more popular and fantastic forms of entertainment on your Istanbul visit is the classic Bosphorus Cruise. The classic Bosphorus cruises begin slightly to the east of the famous Galata Bridge and continues to Anadolu Kavagi which is the Bosphorus’ entrance to the Black Sea making numerous sightseeing stops along the strait. This Bosphorus Cruise can be made via the Public Ferries (Sehir Hatlari) or via Private Boats & Yachts.
Public Ferry boats (Sehir Hatlari) are the most easiest, cheapest and the most pleasant way to travel up, down and across the Bosphorus. With the ferries you are able to travel from Europe to Asia and back. Tickets can be bought at the ferry docks. There are ten main ferry docks that include; Karakoy, Kabatas, Besiktas and in Eminonu on the European side; Uskudar and Kadikoy on the Asian side. Ferries operate every 15-20 minutes until 11pm.
If you want a proper cruise, than you may find range of tours leaving from the main docks mostly located in Eminonu, Kabatas and Besiktas piers or you may private boat tours made planned upon your request. Typical Bosphorus cruise goes for about two hours.
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Bosphorus Cruises by Private Boats
Typical Bosphorus cruise goes for about two hours. There are variety of companies making Bosphorus cruises. Travelers who want to travel on a shoestring can board one of the passenger boats that regularly zigzag along the shores. You may also celebrate your special days like birthdays, meetings or any kind of organizations at the Bosphorus Cruises.
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner and Entertainment, Private Bosphorus Yacht Tour, or Morning/Afternoon/Half day Bosphorus Cruises are some these themed Bosphorus cruises. You can see and book them below and pick the best one that suits your needs.
Half-Day Guided Tours that include Bosphorus Cruises
There are also variety of guided Istanbul city tours that offer Bosphorus Cruises on their schedule. You can see and book them below and pick the best one that suits your needs.
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Bosphorus Cruises via Public Ferries (Sehir Hatlari)
With Istanbul Public Ferries (Sehir Hatlari), the official ferry company of Istanbul, operating between Eminonu, Karakoy, Kadikoy, Uskudar and Besiktas and named Inner Istanbul Ferry Lines, you may arrange your own picked, short circled and cheap Bosphorus Cruises. This is not a proper Boshorus Cruise, it is the common sea transportation in between the districts of Istanbul and used with the locals. This may be an option for a quick cruise in the Bosphorus.
As for real Bosphorus Cruises by the Public Ferries (Sehir Hatlari), there are two type of cruises named Short Bosphorus Tour and Full Bosphorus Tour. You may find all Istanbul Public Ferry Lines Routes, Timetables and Prices from http://en.sehirhatlari.istanbul/en
Short Bosphorus Cruise
Short Bosphorus Cruise starts from the Eminonu Pier at 14.30 and goes for Uskudar and Ortakoy Piers in order. And goes back from Ortakoy and Uskudar Piers to Eminonu Pier at 16.30. Duration is about 2 hours. The price per person is 12 TRY, 6 TRY for children under 12.
Note: Short Bosphorus Cruise is made only in Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays between 01.10.2018 – 31.03.2019; every day between 01.04.2019 – 02.06.2019.
Full Bosphorus Cruise
Full Bosphorus Cruise starts from the Eminonu Pier at 10.35 and goes for Besiktas, Uskudar, Kanlica, Sariyer, Rumelikavagi and Anadolu Kavagi Piers in order. Ferry arrive to Anadolu Kavagi about 12.25 and gives a break here till 15.00. And goes back from Anadolu Kavagi Pier following the piers of Rumelikavagi, Sariyer, Kanlica, Uskudar and Besiktas Piers in order and the cruise ends in Eminonu Pier at 16.40. Duration is about 6 hours. The price for a round trip is 25 TRY.
Private Bosphorus Moonlight Dinner Cruises with Entertainment
Your 5-hour program begins with a free pick-up at your Istanbul hotel between 19:00 and 20:00. When you board the cruise ship you’ll enjoy a complimentary welcome drink that you can enjoy along with the live music. Relax and get ready to enjoy an evening cruising along the Bosphorus Strait.
Your cruise follows a route that takes passes historical sites, including Ottoman palaces, and stunning bridges illuminated by night. For dinner, you can choose from a fish or meat main course on a menu that features 3 courses. While you enjoy your meal you’ll be entertained by traditional belly dancing, a henna ceremony, a Romany dance, folk dancing, a live DJ, and shows. You’ll be picked up and transferred back to your hotel, arriving by midnight.
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Private Bosphorus Cruises with Luxury Private Yachts
With private yachts, you may enjoy an exclusive sightseeing experience on the Bosphorus from the private deck of your yacht on a 2-hour private cruise past some of Istanbul’s most famous sites. You’ll admire the beautiful scenery with 360 degree views from the spacious upper fly-bridge, or enjoy relaxing in comfort on the sun deck or in the comfortable outdoor and indoor lounges.
During the cruise, you’ll just sit back and unwind as you enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or water which are available on request (free of charge) or enjoy sipping an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage or cocktail from our on-board bar (purchase required).
