Are you ready for a captivating journey where the rhythm of the sea meets the skyline of the city in the heart of Istanbul? The "Lunch Bosphorus Tour" offers a unique experience in the blue waters of the Bosphorus during the most enjoyable hours of the day, intertwined with history and breathtaking scenery. On this tour, you will follow an unforgettable route accompanied by palaces, mansions, and waterfront houses illuminated by the midday sun, all while enjoying views of both the European and Anatolian sides from the same vantage point.
Galata Bridge
Galata Tower
Topkapi Palace
Gulhane Park waterfront
You will begin the tour by boarding from Eminönü or Kabataş on the waterfront. The boat moves gently northward with the cool breeze of the Bosphorus, taking in the unique view of the historic peninsula. As your guide narrates the stories of Istanbul from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, you witness this historical stage from the sea.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Çırağan Palace
Beşiktaş Pier
Ortaköy Mosque
Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge)
As you pass by the shores of Ortaköy, you will view the colorful cafes that line the coast, the scents of waffles, and the photogenic Ortaköy Mosque from the water. While passing under the bridge, you will feel the magnificence of this giant structure that unites the two sides of Istanbul best from the deck of the boat. The sun creates silver reflections on the waters of the Bosphorus, providing unique frames for photography enthusiasts.
Arnavutköy Yalıs
Bebek Beach
Rumeli Fortress
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
Anadolu Fortress
Küçüksu Pavilion
As you approach the central parts of the Bosphorus, history and nature intertwine. The reciprocal positioning of the Rumeli and Anadolu Fortresses reveals their strategic importance in the conquest of Istanbul. While your guide shares the stories of these castles in an engaging manner, you also enjoy the magnificent scenery. Guests can take photos on the deck, or alternatively, savor a drink inside while gazing at the Bosphorus.
Kandilli Yalıs
Vaniköy Beach
Çengelköy Pier
Kuleli Military High School (from the outside)
Üsküdar Beach
Maiden's Tower (panoramic)
On the return trip, the boat will approach the Anatolian side; the historical yalis, tranquil beaches, and tea gardens lining the shore are revealed. As you near Maiden's Tower, you come eye to eye with one of Istanbul's most romantic symbols in the midst of the sea. As the tour returns to the starting point, you will feel both refreshed and have discovered the Bosphorus from an entirely different perspective.
The "Lunch Bosphorus Tour" is an ideal option for those looking to feel the essence of Istanbul in a short time, seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city in the tranquility of the sea. Whether you're discovering Istanbul for the first time or have been familiar with the city for years, this tour will allow you to see the Bosphorus anew and from a different angle.
Panoramic Istanbul tour by boat in the afternoon hours on the Bosphorus
Lunch service with a buffet or set menu on the boat
Serving hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages (tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc.)
Information and narration in Turkish by a professional guide
Photo stops at Bosphorus bridges, waterfront mansions, and historical palaces
Music broadcasting and basic entertainment activities inside the boat
Round-trip transportation from the pier by boat
Insurance and tour organization service fee
Lunch service with a buffet or set menu on the boat
Serving hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages (tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc.)
Information and narration in Turkish by a professional guide
Photo stops at Bosphorus bridges, waterfront mansions, and historical palaces
Music broadcasting and basic entertainment activities inside the boat
Round-trip transportation from the pier by boat
Insurance and tour organization service fee
Transfers to and from the hotel
Alcoholic beverages
Extra food and beverage expenses beyond the lunch menu
Personal expenses during the tour
Optional entrance fees for museums and palaces
Alcoholic beverages
Extra food and beverage expenses beyond the lunch menu
Personal expenses during the tour
Optional entrance fees for museums and palaces
Meeting time and location: To start the tour smoothly, it is recommended to arrive at the pier indicated on the ticket or reservation confirmation at least 15-20 minutes in advance. This time is necessary for boarding procedures, settling in, and to avoid any delays that may occur at the last moment.
Duration and route of the tour: The Afternoon Bosphorus Tour usually lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours, during which time you can see the historical mansions, bridges, palaces, and iconic structures on both sides of the Istanbul Bosphorus viewed panoramically. The route may vary according to the departure pier, but it is generally planned to follow a circular route along the European and Anatolian sides.
Services included: The tour fee often includes the use of the boat, guiding services (if offered), basic hot-cold refreshments, or in some tours, a set menu or buffet lunch. It is important to check which services are included in the price, as well as any drinks or activities that may incur extra charges during the reservation.
What to bring: Weather-appropriate, comfortable, and wind-resistant clothing, sunglasses, and a hat are especially useful for those who will spend time on the open deck. Additionally, it is advised to take a light jacket, a phone or camera for taking pictures, and any personal medications you regularly use.
Weather and cancellation conditions: Since sea and weather conditions directly affect the safety of the tour, the tour time may be postponed or completely canceled in cases of severe winds, heavy rain, or fog. It is important to learn about your rights regarding ticket refunds, date changes, or converting to an open ticket in such situations before making a reservation.
Transportation and parking facilities: Researching public transportation options (metro, tram, bus, ferry, etc.) to reach the pier where the tour departs in advance provides an advantage against potential traffic or service changes. For those coming by private vehicle, it is essential to check in advance whether there are paid/free parking options, valet services, and the capacity of the parking areas close to the pier.
Duration and route of the tour: The Afternoon Bosphorus Tour usually lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours, during which time you can see the historical mansions, bridges, palaces, and iconic structures on both sides of the Istanbul Bosphorus viewed panoramically. The route may vary according to the departure pier, but it is generally planned to follow a circular route along the European and Anatolian sides.
Services included: The tour fee often includes the use of the boat, guiding services (if offered), basic hot-cold refreshments, or in some tours, a set menu or buffet lunch. It is important to check which services are included in the price, as well as any drinks or activities that may incur extra charges during the reservation.
What to bring: Weather-appropriate, comfortable, and wind-resistant clothing, sunglasses, and a hat are especially useful for those who will spend time on the open deck. Additionally, it is advised to take a light jacket, a phone or camera for taking pictures, and any personal medications you regularly use.
Weather and cancellation conditions: Since sea and weather conditions directly affect the safety of the tour, the tour time may be postponed or completely canceled in cases of severe winds, heavy rain, or fog. It is important to learn about your rights regarding ticket refunds, date changes, or converting to an open ticket in such situations before making a reservation.
Transportation and parking facilities: Researching public transportation options (metro, tram, bus, ferry, etc.) to reach the pier where the tour departs in advance provides an advantage against potential traffic or service changes. For those coming by private vehicle, it is essential to check in advance whether there are paid/free parking options, valet services, and the capacity of the parking areas close to the pier.
Sunscreen
Hat or sunglasses
Windbreaker or light jacket
Camera or phone
Water bottle or drink
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat or sunglasses
Windbreaker or light jacket
Camera or phone
Water bottle or drink
Comfortable walking shoes