Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise from the Old City in Istanbul

The Bosphorus – it’s no secret that Istanbul is a city of mystery and intrigue, and one of its many attractions is the sprawling Bosphorus Strait that links the Black and Aegean seas. A cruise along the picturesque Bosphorus offers a relaxing, calming experience; one which displays the natural wonders of Istanbul, as well as its vibrant history in a unique way. Taking a cruise from the Old City area of Istanbul is an incredibly popular activity, and one that many visitors like to experience as soon as possible. If a sightseeing cruise of the Bosphorus from the Old City of Istanbul is something you are interested in, here is what you need to know for making the most of your experience.

The Benefits of a Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise from the Old City in Istanbul

Taking a sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus is an activity that offers up numerous benefits and advantages. Many cruises tend to be no more than two hours long, meaning that you can make the most of your time in this wonderful city. Furthermore, you can sit back and enjoy the stunning vistas of both European and Asian shores of Istanbul. Not only this, but it is also possible to take photographs and videos with ease, retaining memories of this impressive city forever. Cruises are also typically fully guided, meaning that you can learn more about the area, soak up local myths and legends, and admire some of the awe-inspiring monuments that line the shore. The best cruises tend to feature air-conditioned interiors, comfortable seating, and pleasant scenery.

Options for Taking a Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise

There are several different ways to take a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise from the Old City area of Istanbul. Depending on your schedule, budget, and desired length of tour, there’s certainly an option for you.

• Private Tours: These are usually more expensive than other forms of a Bosphorus tour. It is possible, however, to craft your own bespoke tour here, allowing your group to enjoy more time with each stop on the tour route. It’s worth noting, however, that private charters tend to be organized through travel agents.
• Organized Tours: For those looking for a more affordable version of the classic sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus, organized boat tours offer several distinct advantages – they are usually cheaper than private trips and can accommodate large groups. These tours consist of typically semi-premium boats that run frequently with experienced guides who can help provide informative insight into the city.
• Home Cruises: It’s also possible to rent various types of boats for sightseeing cruises on the Bosphorus strait for yourself or a small group. This is an ideal option if you want flexibility – you don’t need to rush in order to make it to each stop – and if you feel comfortable navigating in and out of the waters off Istanbul.

The Typical Tour Route for a Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise from the Old City in Istanbul

A typical cruise along the picturesque Bosphorus will last approximately two hours in total and offers ample time to admire some of Istanbul’s most impressive monuments, while also boasting incredible vistas above and below the waters. Many cruises also have an onboard restaurant with traditional music performances, which certainly add to the atmosphere while traveling along the impressive strait.

The North Shore:

• Beylerbeyi Palace: The Beylerbeyi Palace is one of the most popular monuments in Istanbul, having once served as a summer residence for Ottoman Sultans.
• Kanlica Hill: Kanlica Hill is a small hillside outside of Istanbul where visitors can enjoy incredible views across both shores.
• Kuleli Naval School: Located on an island just past Rumeli Fortress, this impressive institution once served as the center of maritime instruction in Turkey.
• Rumeli Fortress: This stronghold was built by Mehmet II in just 3 months (1451) prior to his taking over Constantinople.

The South Shore:

• Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge: The Sultan Mehmet Bridge is one many two bridges that connects Istanbul’s two sides.
• Camlica Hill: Soaring high above the banks of the Bosphorus strait, Camlica Hill is home to several expansive parks filled with lush greenery.
• Anadolu Kavagi: This historic village was once used for defense purposes centuries ago.
• Maiden’s Tower: This legendary tower stands right in the middle of the strait and offers visitors a wonderful experience.

Making Bookings For a Bosphorus Cruise from Old City Istanbul

Before making your booking, it is worth researching as much as possible about each cruise available. For example, look into things such as length of time spent at each stop, what snacks are included on board, and customer reviews so you can find out more about each boat. Read up on prices too – cruises shouldn’t cost more than 200 Turkish lira (or €25) per person. Once that’s done, it’s easy enough to make bookings from the Old City area of Istanbul. One company which runs such cruises is GetYourGuide; an online platform for booking organized tours and activities all around Istanbul. Here you can expect to find knowledgeable operators who are really passionate about showing off all that Istanbul has to offer. GetYourGuide also offers cruises at a variety of different hours throughout the day and evening; ensuring that you can find a time which fits in with your schedule. Book packages at GetYourGuide start from as little as $12 per person; plus they guarantee easy booking. Best of all though is its user-friendly customer service desk where you can have all your queries answered by customer service reps finally 24/7. When considering sightseeing cruises through Istanbul’s majestic blue waters, taking a Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise from the Old City provides visitors with a truly mesmerizing experience. From private charters to organized tours or rented boats, there is an option to suit nearly any type of budget or schedule; plus their relaxed atmosphere allows for plenty of time for appreciating the historic monuments and locations along both shores. With its ease of access from the Old City area and its timeliness over other guided tours and charters around Istanbul, taking a cruise on the Bosphorus becomes an activity that is surely not to be missed! Make sure you book your trip through GetYourGuide to receive some great discounts on your tour! Book your magical Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise now!.