Istanbul Bosphorus Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide
by HGR CRUISE TRAVEL AGENCY MEGA LUFER YACHTS
Choose from 3 available options
How do you want to book?
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$19.80Overview
This two-hour boat cruise on the Bosphorus Strait offers views of Istanbul’s historic buildings and neighborhoods from the water, available at daytime or sunset depending on the chosen schedule. Guests board a large yacht at a designated meeting point and travel along the Bosphorus, passing landmarks on both the European and Asian sides of the city. Throughout the cruise, a mobile audio guide in nine languages provides information about the history, culture, and architecture of the sites you see. The tour includes soft drinks such as carbonated beverages, bottled water, tea, and coffee served onboard. Guests can also choose to add dinner and alcoholic drinks for a more complete experience, with alcohol served only to travelers aged 21 and over. Wi-Fi is available on the yacht, and an English-speaking live guide is present to assist during the trip. Notable landmarks visible during the cruise include Dolmabahçe Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Büyük Mecidiye Camii (Ortaköy Mosque), Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Anadolu Hisarı (Anadolu Fortress), Küçüksu Pavilion, Beylerbeyi Palace, Galatasaray Island, and the Maiden's Tower. The mobile audio guide offers detailed commentary about each site’s historical and architectural significance while the boat sails past them, providing ample opportunities for photography.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Dolmabahce Mosque
The Dolmabahçe Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid in 1855, stands beside Dolmabahçe Palace along the Bosphorus. The mosque features elegant minarets and a large dome. The boat passes this Ottoman architectural site early in the cruise, while the audio guide provides historical and architectural details. This area offers photo opportunities of both the mosque and the palace surroundings.
Dolmabahce Palace
The boat glides past Dolmabahçe Palace, the 19th-century residence that served as the late Ottoman Empire’s administrative center. The palace blends various European architectural styles and is famed for its large Bohemian crystal chandelier. From the water, guests see the palace’s elaborate design and landscaped gardens. The audio guide shares information about the palace’s history, cultural role, and notable events connected to it.
Çırağan Palace
Passing the Çırağan Palace, the cruise offers views of this former royal residence turned luxury hotel. The palace is known for its Ottoman marble façade and terraces facing the Bosphorus. The audio guide explains the site’s transition from a royal palace to a hotel and recounts stories of historical figures associated with it.
Buyuk Mecidiye Camii
The boat cruises past the Büyük Mecidiye Camii, commonly called Ortaköy Mosque, located in the lively Ortaköy district. This Neo-Baroque mosque has an ornate façade and prominent dome. Passengers can photograph the mosque while the audio guide discusses its architectural features and historical background.
Bosphorus Bridge
The cruise approaches the Bosphorus Bridge, a suspension bridge connecting Europe and Asia. The guide offers facts about its construction and importance. Guests can photograph the bridge’s span and the surrounding Istanbul skyline.
Bosphorus Strait
The boat travels along the Bosphorus Strait, providing views of the waterway and access to photo opportunities. The audio guide delivers commentary about the strait’s historical and cultural significance.
Galatasaray Island
Guests pass Galatasaray Island, a small artificial island known for its exclusive club and links to the Galatasaray Sports Club. The audio guide shares the island’s history and its role as a gathering place in Istanbul.
Rumeli Fortress
The cruise sails past Rumeli Fortress, built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The fortress’s walls and towers are visible from the boat. The audio guide discusses its military architecture and significance during the conquest of Constantinople.
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
The boat passes under the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, also called the Second Bosphorus Bridge. This suspension bridge links Europe and Asia and was named after the Ottoman Sultan. The guide provides details about its engineering and role in Istanbul’s transportation network.
Anadolu Hisari
The cruise approaches Anadolu Hisarı, a 14th-century Ottoman fortress on the Asian shore. The fortress’s watchtowers and walls stand against the green landscape. The audio guide explains its role in Ottoman expansion and architectural features.
Kucuksu Pavilion
Guests see Küçüksu Pavilion, a 19th-century summer palace on the Bosphorus’ Asian side. The pavilion displays detailed Ottoman decorations and imperial design. Its gardens and waterfront setting are visible from the boat. The audio guide covers its history as a royal retreat and use in films.
Beylerbeyi Palace
The boat passes Beylerbeyi Palace, a 19th-century summer residence for Ottoman sultans and guests. The palace is known for its stone carvings and gardens. The audio guide shares information about its architecture and notable visitors.
KIz Kulesi
The cruise passes Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi), located on a small islet at the Bosphorus’ southern entrance. The tower is known for legends involving princesses and love stories. It currently operates as a café and restaurant. The audio guide recounts its history and myths as guests photograph this well-known landmark.
Meeting point
Head to the pier opposite Kabatas tram station, inside the gas station named Kabataş Kadoil Petrol Station. Look for the cruise boat named Mega Lüfer. The pier is a 5-minute walk from Dolmabahçe Palace and Galataport.
End point
Boat: Mega Lüfer-3 Pier: In front of Kadir Has University, next to Cibali Tram Station (T5) https://maps.app.goo.gl/GRSme3gNKqnU3Gsn6
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
More things to do in Istanbul
- Istanbul Small-Group Yacht Cruise on the Bosphorus with Snacks, Sunset or Daytime
- Istanbul Short Bosphorus Cruise Tour With Hotel Pickup and Audio Guide
- Bosphorus Yacht Cruise: 2.5-Hour Small Group Tour with Asian Side Visit in Istanbul
- Istanbul Full-Day Private Guided City Tour of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar
Istanbul Bosphorus Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide
by HGR CRUISE TRAVEL AGENCY MEGA LUFER YACHTS
Choose from 3 available options
How do you want to book?
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$19.80Overview
This two-hour boat cruise on the Bosphorus Strait offers views of Istanbul’s historic buildings and neighborhoods from the water, available at daytime or sunset depending on the chosen schedule. Guests board a large yacht at a designated meeting point and travel along the Bosphorus, passing landmarks on both the European and Asian sides of the city. Throughout the cruise, a mobile audio guide in nine languages provides information about the history, culture, and architecture of the sites you see. The tour includes soft drinks such as carbonated beverages, bottled water, tea, and coffee served onboard. Guests can also choose to add dinner and alcoholic drinks for a more complete experience, with alcohol served only to travelers aged 21 and over. Wi-Fi is available on the yacht, and an English-speaking live guide is present to assist during the trip. Notable landmarks visible during the cruise include Dolmabahçe Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Büyük Mecidiye Camii (Ortaköy Mosque), Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Anadolu Hisarı (Anadolu Fortress), Küçüksu Pavilion, Beylerbeyi Palace, Galatasaray Island, and the Maiden's Tower. The mobile audio guide offers detailed commentary about each site’s historical and architectural significance while the boat sails past them, providing ample opportunities for photography.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Dolmabahce Mosque
The Dolmabahçe Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid in 1855, stands beside Dolmabahçe Palace along the Bosphorus. The mosque features elegant minarets and a large dome. The boat passes this Ottoman architectural site early in the cruise, while the audio guide provides historical and architectural details. This area offers photo opportunities of both the mosque and the palace surroundings.
Dolmabahce Palace
The boat glides past Dolmabahçe Palace, the 19th-century residence that served as the late Ottoman Empire’s administrative center. The palace blends various European architectural styles and is famed for its large Bohemian crystal chandelier. From the water, guests see the palace’s elaborate design and landscaped gardens. The audio guide shares information about the palace’s history, cultural role, and notable events connected to it.
Çırağan Palace
Passing the Çırağan Palace, the cruise offers views of this former royal residence turned luxury hotel. The palace is known for its Ottoman marble façade and terraces facing the Bosphorus. The audio guide explains the site’s transition from a royal palace to a hotel and recounts stories of historical figures associated with it.
Buyuk Mecidiye Camii
The boat cruises past the Büyük Mecidiye Camii, commonly called Ortaköy Mosque, located in the lively Ortaköy district. This Neo-Baroque mosque has an ornate façade and prominent dome. Passengers can photograph the mosque while the audio guide discusses its architectural features and historical background.
Bosphorus Bridge
The cruise approaches the Bosphorus Bridge, a suspension bridge connecting Europe and Asia. The guide offers facts about its construction and importance. Guests can photograph the bridge’s span and the surrounding Istanbul skyline.
Bosphorus Strait
The boat travels along the Bosphorus Strait, providing views of the waterway and access to photo opportunities. The audio guide delivers commentary about the strait’s historical and cultural significance.
Galatasaray Island
Guests pass Galatasaray Island, a small artificial island known for its exclusive club and links to the Galatasaray Sports Club. The audio guide shares the island’s history and its role as a gathering place in Istanbul.
Rumeli Fortress
The cruise sails past Rumeli Fortress, built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The fortress’s walls and towers are visible from the boat. The audio guide discusses its military architecture and significance during the conquest of Constantinople.
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
The boat passes under the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, also called the Second Bosphorus Bridge. This suspension bridge links Europe and Asia and was named after the Ottoman Sultan. The guide provides details about its engineering and role in Istanbul’s transportation network.
Anadolu Hisari
The cruise approaches Anadolu Hisarı, a 14th-century Ottoman fortress on the Asian shore. The fortress’s watchtowers and walls stand against the green landscape. The audio guide explains its role in Ottoman expansion and architectural features.
Kucuksu Pavilion
Guests see Küçüksu Pavilion, a 19th-century summer palace on the Bosphorus’ Asian side. The pavilion displays detailed Ottoman decorations and imperial design. Its gardens and waterfront setting are visible from the boat. The audio guide covers its history as a royal retreat and use in films.
Beylerbeyi Palace
The boat passes Beylerbeyi Palace, a 19th-century summer residence for Ottoman sultans and guests. The palace is known for its stone carvings and gardens. The audio guide shares information about its architecture and notable visitors.
KIz Kulesi
The cruise passes Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi), located on a small islet at the Bosphorus’ southern entrance. The tower is known for legends involving princesses and love stories. It currently operates as a café and restaurant. The audio guide recounts its history and myths as guests photograph this well-known landmark.
Meeting point
Head to the pier opposite Kabatas tram station, inside the gas station named Kabataş Kadoil Petrol Station. Look for the cruise boat named Mega Lüfer. The pier is a 5-minute walk from Dolmabahçe Palace and Galataport.
End point
Boat: Mega Lüfer-3 Pier: In front of Kadir Has University, next to Cibali Tram Station (T5) https://maps.app.goo.gl/GRSme3gNKqnU3Gsn6
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
More things to do in Istanbul
- Istanbul Small-Group Yacht Cruise on the Bosphorus with Snacks, Sunset or Daytime
- Istanbul Short Bosphorus Cruise Tour With Hotel Pickup and Audio Guide
- Bosphorus Yacht Cruise: 2.5-Hour Small Group Tour with Asian Side Visit in Istanbul
- Istanbul Full-Day Private Guided City Tour of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar