• Bosphorus Strait - The Bosphorus, historically known as the Bosporus, is a strait and international waterway that separates Asia and Europe, linking the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea.

The Bosphorus generally extends in a northeast-southwest direction, dividing Istanbul into the European and Anatolian sides.

This strait serves as a bridge between Asia and Europe, stretching 30 kilometers in length. It connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The Bosphorus has an average depth of 60 meters, with its deepest point reaching 120 meters. Its width varies significantly due to its proximity to the shore, with the widest point measuring 3500 meters.

In the Bosphorus, surface currents flow from the Black Sea to the Marmara, while underwater currents move from the Marmara to the Black Sea. Occasionally, counter currents appear on the surface.

• Dolmabahce Palace - Dolmabahçe Palace is an Ottoman palace situated on a 250,000 m² area in Istanbul, Beşiktaş, between Dolmabahçe Street, stretching from Kabataş to Beşiktaş, and the Bosphorus.

It is located on the left bank at the entrance to the Bosphorus from the Sea of Marmara, opposite Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk.

Dolmabahçe, once a cove where ships anchored in ancient times, became a favored residence of the sultanate, preserving the memory of centuries and the clear splendor of the Bosphorus waters.

• Ciragan Palace Kempinski - Commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz and designed by architect Sarkis Balyan, the Cıragan Palace stands where a former wooden summer palace built by Selim III in 1800 once existed. During its construction, the wooden structure and the nearby Beşiktaş Mevlevihane were demolished.

Completed in 1871, the palace is made of marble and spans 80,000 square meters. After Abdulaziz was deposed, he and his family were imprisoned here for years. Similarly, after Murat V was deposed, he and his family were held here for 29 years.

Following the declaration of the Second Constitutional Monarchy in 1908, the palace served as the House of Parliament but was damaged by fire in 1910. The grounds were later transferred to the Beşiktaş Sports Club and used as the Şeref Stadium. In the early 1990s, the palace was restored and reopened as a luxury hotel.

• Ortakoy - Ortaköy is a vibrant neighborhood in the Beşiktaş district on the European side of the Bosphorus. The Ortaköy district, comprising Ortaköy and Mecidiye neighborhoods, is nestled on the slopes along the valley leading to the coast. The northern boundary of the district, surrounded by Kuruçeşme, Ulus, Levazım, Balmumcu, and Yıldız districts, is Defterdarburnu.

Ortaköy Bazaar is lively throughout the day with its “intellectual market,” souvenir shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. However, in the early morning, the market is somewhat quiet, with activity picking up after 10:00 am.

• Bosphorus Bridge - The Bosphorus Bridge, one of the two suspension bridges over the Bosphorus, has its feet located in Ortaköy on the European side and in Beylerbeyi on the Anatolian side. As the first bridge built over the Bosphorus, it facilitates access between the two sides of the city, along with the later Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the ferries operating on the Bosphorus.

The idea of constructing a bridge over the Bosphorus is quite old. After numerous attempts, construction of the Bosphorus Bridge began in 1970, and it was inaugurated on October 29, 1973, marking the 50th anniversary of the Republic’s proclamation. This suspension bridge, a vital link in Turkey’s transportation network, is bustling at all hours and serves as a key crossing point for the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Besides transportation, the bridge is a significant symbol of Istanbul, offering a unique view of the Bosphorus.

• Rumeli Fortress - Situated in Sarıyer, Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı) was built directly across from Anadolu Hisarı (the Anatolian Fortress). Construction began in 1453 under the orders of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, positioning the fortress at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. The construction was completed in just three months. Before the conquest of Istanbul, it served as a defense against naval attacks. After the conquest, it was used as an inspection point for maritime traffic on the Bosphorus.

Over the centuries, the area inside the fortress filled with small wooden houses, but during restoration work in 1953, these houses were removed. Following its restoration, the fortress became known for hosting numerous concerts during the summer months and now functions as an open-air theater and museum.

• Anadolu Hisari Fort - The Anatolian Fortress (Anadolu Hisarı) is located in Beykoz (on the Asian Side), at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. It was constructed in 1395 by Beyazit I and consists of a citadel and its exterior castle walls.

After the conquest of Istanbul, it lost much of its strategic importance and was converted into a military hospital. Over time, the area around the castle became settled. Today, waterfront houses and old mansions are scattered among the castle’s ruins. During restoration work from 1991-1993, it was converted into a museum, although it is not open to the public.

Currently, Anadolu Hisarı is an open-air museum, but only the outer walls can be visited, and the road passes directly through it.

• Kucuksu Pavilion - The Küçüksu Pavilion museum offers a glimpse into history. Many Ottoman emperors used the Küçüksu Pavilion as a summer palace and hunting lodge.
• Beylerbeyi Palace - The Beylerbeyi Palace (meaning “Lord of Lords”) is an Ottoman summer palace complex built in the 1860s on the shores of the Bosphorus. Today, it lies directly beneath the Bosphorus Bridge. Designed by the renowned architect Sarkis Balyan, the palace combines elements of Renaissance, Baroque, and other styles from both the East and West.

The main building of the complex is a two-story stone structure on a high basement, constructed on a land area of about 2,500 square meters, with a rectangular floor plan. The south side of the palace was organized as the Imperial Mabeyn, and the north side as the Valide Sultan’s Apartment. The palace features a total of 6 halls, 24 rooms, 1 hamam, and 1 bathroom across two stories.

In addition to the stunning view of the Bosphorus and historical architecture, visitors should not miss exploring its lily pond and expansive garden.

• Kiz Kulesi - The Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is a distinctive feature of the Bosphorus skyline. Built on a tiny island about 200 meters from the shore of Üsküdar, the tower is the subject of many legends.

The most popular legend involves a sultan and his daughter. An oracle predicted that the sultan’s daughter would die from a snake bite on her 18th birthday. To protect her, the sultan had the tower built in the middle of the Bosphorus, where she lived in secrecy and safety.

On her 18th birthday, the sultan brought her a basket of fruits as a gift, unaware of the hidden snake inside. When the princess reached into the basket, she was bitten by the snake and died in her father’s arms, as foretold by the oracle. This legend gave the tower its name: Maiden’s Tower.

• Galata Koprusu - The history of the Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü), one of Istanbul’s most vibrant spots, dates back to 1845. The bridge, which spans the two sides of the Golden Horn, has undergone many changes over the years. Most recently, the bridge was damaged by fire in 1992, and a new bridge was constructed in its place. The beloved old bridge was relocated to Haliç.

The Galata Bridge is a significant symbol of Istanbul and holds an important place in the city’s daily life, as well as in its literature and popular culture. With its restaurants, cafes, and hookah lounges below, and the tramway and pedestrian traffic above, it offers a splendid view of the city, especially in the evening.

Together with street vendors, people fishing from the bridge, and ferries docking nearby, it is one of the most magnificent places to capture a snapshot of daily life in Istanbul.

• Galata Tower - Built by the Genoese in 1348, the nine-story tower stands at 66.90 meters and was the tallest building in the city when constructed.

During the Ottoman Era, the tower served various purposes, including as a fire observatory and a jail. Throughout its long history, the tower has witnessed many events, but the most remarkable was in 1632 when Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi glided from the top of the Galata Tower across the Bosphorus to Üsküdar with his self-made wings.

In 1875, a storm destroyed the tower’s conic roof, which was not restored during the remainder of the Ottoman Era. In the 1960s, the conical cap was restored, and the wooden interior was replaced with a concrete structure. Since then, the tower has been open to the public. Today, there is a restaurant and café on its upper floor. With its essential role in Istanbul’s skyline, Galata Tower is the perfect spot to enjoy a panoramic view of Istanbul.

• 2 Hours Luxury Yacht Cruise
• Freshly prepared Turkish coffee, cookies, and baklava served onboard
• On-board restrooms

• Alcoholic beverages
• Transfer services

Join an unforgettable Bosphorus Afternoon cruise and immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Turkish coffee. Explore its intriguing history from the Ottoman era to contemporary culture, learn about its distinctive brewing ritual, and savor a freshly brewed Turkish coffee onboard as part of this genuine cultural experience.

Departing from Kabataş, you will enjoy the stunning views of the European side, then sail under the 2nd Bridge to admire the magnificent beauty of the Asian side. After passing by the Maiden’s Tower, we will return to Kabataş.

Throughout this memorable journey, our professional and experienced guide will share fascinating insights into the historical and cultural treasures of the Bosphorus in English.

Aboard our luxurious yacht, you will indulge in delicious snacks, including baklava and cookies, while enjoying breathtaking views and creating unforgettable memories. Experience a truly unique Bosphorus adventure!

• Not recommended for vertigo and seasickness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.