Istanbul is one of the most underrated cities to visit that some people don’t even know it’s something worth going to. All these notions will be changed once you take a chance on the Bosphorus Tour.
What is the Bosphorus Tour?
The Bosphorous Tour is a cruise on the Bosphorus strait which divides Istanbul’s east and west sides. It cuts right between Europe and Asia which is just the perfect getaway if you want to be in two places at once. It’s also the best experience to see all the wonderful sites Istanbul has to offer. All you need is to spare half a day for this scenic experience.
Looking for a Tour
There are a number of companies offering a tour along the Bosphorus strait; however, not every one of them is credible. The best cruise line to get is a company that you’ve booked before your actual cruise. In fact, it’s best to book in trustworthy companies who have had great reviews from their customers. It pays to do a little research here.
Going for a trustworthy company can cost relatively more, but you will definitely have less to worry about. Avoid booking a tour with the hustlers you see in the city as what they say usually won’t be guaranteed on the cruise.
There are three types of trips you can choose from Short Circle Bosphorus Cruise, Full Bosphorus Cruise (day tour), and the Full Bosphorus Cruise (night tour).
The Short Circle Bosphorus Cruise is what you should get if you only have around 3 hours to spare from yoru busy tourist schedule. The cruise takes around 3 hours maximum and is widely available. It covers the Eminönü to Istinye before going back to the dock.
The Full Bosphorus Cruise, on the other hand, takes a lot longer. Both the day and night cruises take at least 3.5 hours since the ferry will do a few stops before going on a non-stop tour. If you plan to take this trip, you can start early at around 9 AM and just take a late lunch after the whole trip. The trip starts at Eminönü and ends at the Anadolu Kavağı. You can also get off here to enjoy lunch at one of its seafood restaurants. If you’re taking the night cruise, you can start at 6 PM and enjoy dinner at the Anadolu Kavağı.
If you want to know more about the trips, you can visit Sehir Hatlari, Istanbul’s official ferry company. Here, they will orient you with the three types of cruise trips and what you can expect from each of them. They have a lot of information on cruise schedules as well.
Lastly, there’s also an option to rent a private yacht to take this scenic trip in the Bosphorus Strait. During your cruise, you can also avail of a dinner cruise with a live performance of dances and songs. This is the best option if you’re traveling in a big group of friends or relatives and want to keep it private.