The tour was better than expected. I would do it again. I was there for the boat ride and the tour. Swimming was an added bonus. Restaurant choice was ok.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Black Sea swimming break (summer months)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Light snacks and seasonal fruit
- Air-conditioned vehicle for transfers
- 2-course sit-down lunch
- Hotel pickup from Fatih and Taksim areas
- Bottled water, coffee, and tea
Excludes
- Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)
- Hotel drop-off (ends at meeting point)
- Towels and swimwear
- Gratuities (optional)
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Pick - up service is available from hotels located in Fatih and Taksim Areas.
Itinerary
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."
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.
The Dolmabahçe Mosque is a mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It was commissioned by queen mother Bezmi Alem Valide Sultan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Reviews
Lovely way to spend the afternoon. Sailing past grand structures, swimming; then eating lunch in a small village. There was only about 15 passengers, so there’s plenty of room on the ship. Would recommend
Fantastic tour of the Bosporus! Everyone was super nice and helpful. The best part was the swimming and the lunch break. The food was great and the water from the Black Sea was spectacular. Best swim I ever had. I highly recommend this tour. Worth every penny or in this case Lira.
Had the best day. Pick up was perfect and amazing, all the Tour guides, and the people on the Yacht were absolutely lovely. Food was delicious lovely stop at the top of the phosphorus to go for a swim. On the way back, we stopped at a lovely restaurant and a little fishing village for lunch. And then continued our journey back to the dock. Fresh fruit was provided and nonalcoholic beverages. Beautiful day. I highly recommend.
A definite must! I just had the most special day everything from the moment of pick up to the drop off. Our guides were amazing. The boat trip was lovely. The weather was perfect. The food was delicious. Gorgeous cruise up the Bosphorous river when you get up to the black sea, you stop and you tie off on a huge buey and you get to swim and then you head back down the riverfor a little bit you stop at a lovely restaurant walk around the little fishing Village and then head back home. The drive home was so relaxing. They bring you up some fresh fruit. I highly recommend this. I love turkey.
The organizer made it very easy for the place to meet by having good communication with me. We had a dinner cruise at the Bosphorus but despite having a lot of fun it wasn’t informative as the lunch cruise. We had wonderful time swimming and also having lunch by the water and also we had all the informations about the buildings around the Bosphorus
Amazing experience on the beautiful Bosphorus! Murat was our guide and we wanted to take him with us! Very knowledgeable about Turk history and gossip about Turkish series. Beautiful afternoon cruising in a luxury yacht, swimming and eating. Very charming.
From pick up to drop off this day was wonderful! There were no hiccups, all smooth. The Black Sea was quite frigid, so maybe not the best swim experience but the rest of the day was quite charming and the boat was beautiful.
Modern large motor boat with full amenities. Good service with nice selection of drinks & nibbles. Great sightseeing to the Black Sea and back incl hotel transfers
We recently took a day trip here, and it turned out to be a fantastic balance of everything we were looking for as a family. The standout hit for the kids was definitely the water. It’s cold, but on a warm day, it is nothing short of deeply refreshing and completely invigorating. They spent hours splashing around and didn't want to leave. Beyond the fun and games, the trip offered a wonderful mix of relaxation and culture. While the kids burned off energy, the adults found plenty of space to unwind, slow down, and soak in the local atmosphere and sights. The Verdict: A solid, highly recommended day trip that successfully keeps everyone—from toddlers to adults—happy, cool, and well-fed. We’ll definitely be back
Boat was modern, not crowded, guide shared interesting information, good food on the Asian side - half a day extremely well spent!
The trip was very good and a good duration…the swimming stop was a touch lengthy and the lunch stop was adequate. The tour staff and general boat crew were pleasant and attentive. The guide was good but lacked a lot of other information as we passed by sights on shore with no information and unlike other guides, lacked the anecdotal insights…for example, telling us the value of shore side properties and the reason why prices are high is largely irrelevant to a historical cruise. A simple hand rail on the gangway steps would be a useful addition.
It was a great day to be on the boat. The tour guides were good and the boat itself could hold more then twenty people but for our small group it was great to spread out and relax. The swimming part was really nice and lunch on the bank was amazing. I highly recommend this tour to people.
Murat was a good tour guide. He knows a lot about the history of the city in the buildings, and has a nice running commentary as you go up the Bosphorus. The highlight was the Swim, though it was a bit choppy. The water felt great! Not too cold. Lunch was OK, in a small village that we stopped at. And then we had a nice relaxing cruise back. My husband and I bought some beer and wine on the boat (extra). Make sure to bring cash to pay. Credit cards have a 20% markup! I believe it was 16,000 Turkish lira for the two of us.
We had a beautiful day on a lovely yacht with our tour guides. Murat was an excellent guide showing us important aitea and providing historical notes. Swimming in the black sea was a highlight. We even saw dolphins!
Murat, the guide was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of interesting historical information with us. There were very young kids and the elders in our group. I am convinced, everyone enjoyed the trip. Pick up was on time. There was about 4 hours of boat ride ( 2 hours each way), approximately 45 min of swim, and an hour for the lunch and a brief walk on the beach. Food was good. The crew was awesome. Thank you! P.S. if in Istanbul again, will definitely repeat!
Awesome trip that allowed us to enjoy swimming in the Bosphorus just at the mouth to the Black Sea. Followed by great food and sometime to explore Anadolu. The tour guide was fantastic, hats off to Murat!
Great experience on this cruise ship. Nice and very kind crew. Murat was very informative explaining all the historical sites. Last but not least, John was very energetic and helping. I proposed to my partner in this 5 hour trip and everyone was amazingly helping to make this a success and a memorable time. I’m sure you’ll have the best time with this company.
Murat... excellent Guide!!! Perfect day trip...nice swimming in Black Sea...and great Lunch
Outstanding experience . Wonderful day and learnt so much from Murat about the river, its history and the culture
Thanks to Murat and all crew ! Wonderful cruise! I recomend and hope come back again. By the way, it’s our second in 3 days!
Lovely experience-perfect weather, knowledgeable guide, attentive staff. The trip was interesting and Murat did an excellent job in all aspects. Lunch was delicious!
Murat was our guide. He is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Great guide. Thank you. The 4 hour boat trip was fabulous. We saw so many different waterside properties, areas and special buildings. Murat gave us details on the history of each part which we loved. Lunch in a small fishing village was a real delight. Would definitely recommend
Murat was great! A lot of information - both history and current day. The crew was efficient and professional. Highly recommend!!
Very nice cruise on a beautiful day. Our guude, Murat, was very knowledgeable and experienced and made it a very pleasurable trip. We even got to see dolphins which does not always happen. Would definitely recommend.
It was the best experience! The service was amazing, the tour, the guide, the crew - everything was top tier. Strongly recommend to everyone who’s visiting Istanbul!
everything was wonderful, highly recommended to take a tour❤️
Excellent trip on the Bosphorus. Such a relaxing and enjoyable day. To view the city from the perspective of the river is a completely different appreciation for the city’s history and beautiful!! The staff is so very attentive, polite and helpful. Lunch is on the Asian side - quaint fishing village. Food was excellent- try the fish The sites, the food the day was excellent! Oh and take a dip in the Black Sea - don’t worry- the jelly fish won’t bother you !!
What a wonderful experience with Evora! Good food, food entertainment very accommodating, what an exceptional experience. Highly recommended.
I travel with Verena travel agency for the 2nd time and this time it was even more enjoyable than last time when I took the afternoon cruise. Everyone was so kind and helpful, we have been experiencing the whole Turkish experience with Tarkan😉 very much recommend!
Teh tour was amazing. Murad and Can were great guides and hosts. We were lucky enough to see dolphins swimming around the boat. Good lunch and also good service on board. Totally recommend.
In early October, this cruise does not go to the Black Sea. It stopped before the “third bridge” so, while close, it doesn’t actually enter what are considered Black Sea waters. Lunch at an Asian side fishing village was good. Crew was competent and eager to please. They worked efficiently to solve a transportation problem caused when the city closed the road to the port.
Great trip, very attentive staff and knowledgeable tour guide. Thoroughly recommended. Loved the trip to the fishing village
Well arranged trip with good english speaking guide. The serviceminded staff made it a good trip. Pleasant boat with good space.
Staff exceptional, friendly & helpful. Relaxing break from busy & crowded other tourist sites. We can't afford the real estate though.
Great trip. Beautiful views of the city from the yacht. Both our guide’s Mohammed and Murat were very good. Would definitely recommend this trip.
Super polite and attentive guide and crew, wonderful boat etc. etc. A wonderful experience. Without question a cruise that we highly recommend.
This was so fun and well worth the money. The staff were so great. They were friendly and fun and joined us jumping into the Black Sea.
Incredible experience- great food, outstanding guides, extremely accommodating and wonderful views. This trip is a must if visiting Istanbul.
Amazing scenery with a great group of people from all countries. Swimming in the Black Sea was probably the highlight. Lunch was also amazing. Intimate and enjoyable at the same time.
Boat/yacht was amazing and spacious. Service was great. Although I had thought drinks were included only non alcoholic drinks provided but beer, wine, and cocktails available for purchase. Lunch on Asian side of Bosphorus was good. Wish we had a little more time to wander around the little town, only an hour. Were we able to swim very near the Black Sea we all wanted boat to take us under the bridge into the sea but were told we couldn’t do that bc if the sailing regatta that was underway. We were given a little history along the way and important sights were pointed out to us. Would highly recommend this tour. Mohammed was wonderful.
This was the first thing we did in Istanbul and I highly recommend it. We did the 5-hour cruise and it was so relaxing while also getting amazing views and learning a lot of history. The lunch spot is meh but the little town is cute to walk around. And getting to swim was incredible! The staff was extremely helpful and attentive. We enjoyed it so much that we went on a sunset tour a couple days later. I highly recommend doing the morning or all day tour because there are way fewer people and you feel like you’re on a yacht cruise with a few friends.
Lovely boat and crew, nice relaxing cruise passing all the sights on both sides of the River. Great commentary from the guide and good stop for lunch at the pretty village of Anadolu Kavagi. Pity about the rain but nice way to spend the aternoon.
We had a lovely afternoon cruise on the river passing all the major sights ,what give you a different aspect from the river level,, this in cuddles the three big bridges you pass underneath,, we had a very good tour guide who gave us good information a long the way . We stop for lunch in a beautiful fishing village. Shame about the weather we were looking forward to a swim in the black sea . The transfer drives we great as on the way back there was heavy traffic because of a football match. I would recommend this tour it was a lovely relaxing afternoon,,thanks everybody.
It was a very enjoyable experience with the endless beauties of Istanbul. The boat we travel on is comfortable, clean and luxurious, the staff is friendly. It was very nice to swim in the waters of the Marmara Sea. I recommend it to everyone.
The perfect trip in Istanbul !! The guide was professional, the crew incredibly nice. Safety was perfect. The value was affordable and acces was easy.
Very well organized. Great staff/ excellent guide who knew his stuff w a good attitude. Ground transportation was spot on. Thank you for all.
The views were astounding. We took so many vedios and photos.Amazing experience and very accomodating personnel!!!😘😘😘😘😘😘👍😘✌️✌️✌️✌️👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
They said be back at the shore at 245 and we arrived at 245 and they had already left. We spent mo eg getting g back and they did not respond to our message yet about a refund.
Highly recommend this tour. Good food, great views, and very informative tour guide. The tour takes you through the marmara sea towards the Black Sea. You’re between Europe and Asia all the way through
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