How to plan your Istanbul: Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise with Audio Guide

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Istanbul and see the city from a different perspective, you should definitely consider going on a boat tour of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn. With this 2-hour guided tour, you’ll be able to experience the beauty of Istanbul from the water and learn about the city’s top landmarks from your informative audio guide.

Here’s everything you need to know before booking your tour.

Experience

This boat tour is the perfect way to get a fresh look at Istanbul and appreciate the enchanting sights from a new perspective. You’ll have the chance to relax on board, soak up the sun, and take in the scenery while enjoying an informative audio guide that tells you all about the history of Istanbul’s top landmarks.

Itinerary

During the boat tour, you’ll see several breathtaking sights, including the Golden Horn, Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Hisari, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Anatolian Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Maiden’s Tower.

Main sites passed

Throughout the tour, you’ll pass by several of Istanbul’s top landmarks, including:

• Hagia Sophia
• Topkapi Palace
• Maiden’s Tower
• Galata Tower

Highlights

• Get kissed by the sun while sailing on the Bosphorus Strait and Golden Horn
• Enjoy a sightseeing excursion between the continents of Asia and Europe
• Cruise by a string of colorful waterfront villages along the Bosphorus coastline
• See sights like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden’s Tower, and Galata Tower
• Find out about the history of Istanbul’s top landmarks from your audio guide

End point

The boat tour will end back at the original starting point, where you’ll disembark and be free to continue your exploration of Istanbul.

How to book the tour

To book this tour, simply follow this link here. You’ll find all the necessary information, including availability, pricing, and tour times. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot on this popular boat tour.

Conclusion

Overall, if you’re looking for something different and enjoyable to do in Istanbul, a boat tour of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn comes highly recommended. With an informative audio guide, relaxing surroundings, and stunning views, this tour provides a unique and unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.

The Insider’s Guide to Istanbul: Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise with Audio Guide

Istanbul is a city of contrasts, where east meets west and ancient meets modern. Its location straddling the continents of Europe and Asia makes it a unique destination that offers an exciting blend of cultures, traditions, and flavors. One of the best ways to explore Istanbul’s beauty is through a Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise. This Insider’s Guide will help you plan your Istanbul trip, giving you tips on the best attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Attractions

Istanbul has an abundance of historical and architectural landmarks that mesmerize visitors. The best way to enjoy them up close is by taking a Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruise, which covers a wide range of attractions along the shore. Here are some of the top attractions:

– Hagia Sophia: The crown jewel of Istanbul’s architectural heritage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The massive dome of Hagia Sophia and its Byzantine mosaics tell the story of Istanbul’s rich history and culture.
– Topkapi Palace: A grand Ottoman-style palace that served as the royal residence of the sultans for centuries. The palace is known for its opulent decor, lush gardens, and stunning views of the city and the Bosphorus.
– Blue Mosque: One of the most iconic monuments of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque boasts six soaring minarets and a vast central dome. The mosque’s intricate wall tiles and stained glass windows make for a breathtaking sight.

Dining Spots

Istanbul is a food lover’s paradise, with a range of traditional and modern dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets. Here are some of the best dining spots that you can’t miss:

– Sunset Grill&Bar: Located on a waterfront promenade with stunning views of the Bosphorus, Sunset Grill&Bar offers gourmet Turkish cuisine with a contemporary twist. The restaurant’s romantic atmosphere, attentive service, and impressive wine list make it the perfect spot for a memorable dining experience.
– Lokanta Maya: A trendy bistro in the heart of Istanbul’s bohemian neighborhood, Lokanta Maya serves authentic Turkish dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s rustic decor and casual ambiance create a relaxed and friendly vibe that makes you feel right at home.
– Ciya Sofrasi: A family-run restaurant that celebrates the diversity of Turkish cuisine, Ciya Sofrasi is a must-visit for foodies looking for an authentic culinary experience. The restaurant’s daily-changing menu features dishes from different regions of Turkey, ranging from grilled meats to vegetarian stews and freshly baked bread.

Cultural Experiences

Istanbul is a cultural hub that offers a wealth of experiences for travelers who want to delve deeper into the city’s rich heritage and traditions. Here are some of the best cultural experiences in Istanbul:

– Whirling Dervishes Show: A spiritual dance performance that originated in Turkey and is now a UNESCO World Heritage cultural event. The Whirling Dervishes Show showcases the profound mystical principles of Sufism with hypnotic music and spinning dance moves that create a trance-like state among the performers and the audience.
– Turkish Bath: The Turkish bath, also known as hammam, is a traditional cleansing ritual that dates back to the Ottoman era. It involves a steamy, soap-filled room, where you are pampered by a masseur who scrubs, massages, and washes you until you feel rejuvenated and relaxed.
– Bazaar Tour: Istanbul’s bazaars are legendary and a must-visit for shopaholics. The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar are the most famous ones, where you can haggle for spices, textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and souvenirs to your heart’s content.

Local History

Istanbul’s history is long and complex, starting from the ancient Greek colony of Byzantium to the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural metropolis of today. Here are some of the top historical highlights in Istanbul:

– Istanbul Archaeological Museums: The museums are a treasure trove of artifacts from different eras of Istanbul’s history, including the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Highlights include the Alexander Sarcophagus, the Troy Exhibition, and the Istanbul Through the Ages showcase.
– Istanbul’s City Walls: The city walls of Istanbul are a testament to the city’s resilience and strategic importance throughout history. The walls stretch for 22 miles and were built in different phases by various empires and civilizations, including the Byzantines and the Ottomans.
– Galata Tower: One of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul, the Galata Tower offers panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus. The tower was built in the 14th century by the Genoese colonizers and served as a watchtower and a vantage point for the city’s skyline.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Istanbul is a vast city with many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will take you away from the tourist crowds and into the local life:

– Balat and Fener Neighborhoods: These two neighborhoods are located on the Golden Horn and are renowned for their colorful houses, narrow streets, and authentic atmosphere. Balat is known for its Jewish heritage, while Fener is home to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.
– Chora Church: Located in the Edirnekapi neighborhood, the Chora Church is a hidden gem that showcases some of the best-preserved Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in Istanbul. The church is also known as the Kariye Museum and is a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts.
– Beykoz: Beykoz is a district on the Asian side of Istanbul that offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. The district is famed for its scenic beauty, winding roads, and traditional wooden houses. The Beykoz shore is an ideal spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

In conclusion, Istanbul is a city of endless possibilities, where every corner has a story to tell and every experience has a flavor of its own. Planning a Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruise with an audio guide is the perfect way to explore this multifaceted city and make the most of your visit. With this Insider’s Guide, you are ready to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery and enjoyment.