The Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise with Lunch offers visitors a chance to experience the captivating waterways of Istanbul. This 5-hour tour combines a leisurely boat ride, visits to iconic landmarks, and a traditional Turkish lunch – creating a well-rounded culture along the picturesque Bosphorus Strait. With stunning views of historic palaces, bridges, and towers, the cruise provides travelers an opportunity to discover the city’s rich heritage in a delightful and relaxing setting. As the boat glides along the shimmering waters, one can’t help but wonder what other enchanting sights and flavors await on this remarkable journey.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Istanbul.
Key Points
- This 5-hour guided tour offers a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, including a 2-hour boat ride and a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace.
- The tour includes a delicious traditional Turkish lunch menu with soup, main course, salad, and dessert, providing an authentic culinary experience.
- Flexible pickup options from various locations in Istanbul, with comfortable transportation to the waterfront, ensuring a seamless start to the tour.
- The tour features photo stops and opportunities to enjoy the stunning views of iconic landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and Leander’s Tower.
- The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for travelers.
Tour Overview
The Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise offers a 5-hour guided tour along the scenic Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul.
Departing from central locations, the tour includes transportation to the waterfront and a 2-hour boat ride showcasing the city’s historic sights.
Passengers will enjoy photo stops, a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace, and optional shopping.
The tour concludes at Eminönü, a bustling district on the Golden Horn.
With a midday departure, this cruise allows travelers to maximize their day, committing the afternoon to this unique Istanbul experience.
Priced at $50.10 per person, the tour provides a delightful lunch and the opportunity to explore the city’s renowned waterway.
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Pricing and Inclusions
Priced at $50.10 per person, the Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise offers an excellent value for the 5-hour guided experience.
With the option to reserve now and pay later, travelers can secure their spot with flexibility. The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring peace of mind.
Guests will enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the historic Bosphorus Strait, complete with a delicious lunch menu featuring soup, chicken or meatballs, salad, rice, and dessert.
While drinks aren’t included, the cruise provides the perfect opportunity to soak in the stunning sights of Istanbul‘s iconic landmarks, from Dolmabahce Palace to Leander’s Tower, all while navigating the scenic waterway.
Tour Itinerary
Although guests are free to enjoy the morning hours as they please, the afternoon is committed to the Bosphorus Cruise experience. After pickup from hotels in Istanbul, Taksim Square, and Sultanahmet, guests are transported by bus or coach (45 minutes) to the Bosphorus Strait. The guided tour includes photo stops and sightseeing along the way (2 hours), followed by a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace and optional shopping (1 hour). The tour culminates at the Eminönü district.
Tour Itinerary | |
---|---|
Morning | Free time |
Pickup Locations | Istanbul, Taksim Square, Sultanahmet |
Transportation | Bus/Coach (45 minutes) |
Guided Tour | Photo stops, sightseeing (2 hours) |
Palace Visit and Shopping | Beylerbeyi Palace, optional (1 hour) |
Finish | Eminönü |
Sights and Highlights
The Bosphorus Cruise Tour offers a captivating journey along the iconic strait, showcasing Istanbul’s rich history and architectural wonders.
During the tour, guests will sail past the stunning Dolmabahce Palace, an opulent 19th-century Ottoman palace, and the Beylerbeyi Palace, a magnificent summer residence of the sultans.
The cruise also provides a unique perspective of the Rumeli Fortress, a 15th-century fortification built by Sultan Mehmet II.
Another highlight is the Leander’s Tower, a historic watchtower and lighthouse situated on a small island in the Bosphorus.
These iconic sights, combined with the serene boat trip and a delectable lunch, create an unforgettable experience for visitors to Istanbul.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyLunch Menu
The Bosphorus Cruise Tour‘s lunch menu offers a delightful selection of traditional Turkish dishes.
The meal begins with a tasty soup, followed by a choice of chicken or meatballs as the main course. Accompanying the entree is a fresh salad and fragrant rice.
To conclude the dining experience, a sweet dessert is served.
While the menu provides a satisfying and authentic culinary journey, beverages aren’t included.
The lunch is designed to complement the scenic Bosphorus cruise, allowing guests to savor the flavors of Turkish cuisine while taking in the captivating views along the iconic waterway.
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Pickup and Transportation
The tour begins with convenient pickup options, allowing participants to start their Bosphorus adventure from various locations across Istanbul.
Guests can be picked up from their hotels in the city center, Taksim Square, or the historic Sultanahmet district.
The transportation is provided by a comfortable bus or coach, which takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the Bosphorus Strait.
This efficient transfer ensures a seamless start to the guided tour, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey to the waterfront.
Once at the Bosphorus, the group will embark on the cruise and commence their exploration of the iconic sights along the strait.
Cancellation Policy
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund should their plans change. This flexible policy is designed to accommodate unexpected schedule shifts or travel adjustments.
By offering this option, the tour provider give you customers with peace of mind and the freedom to book the Bosphorus cruise without worrying about non-refundable fees.
Plus, the "Reserve now & pay later" option further enhances the user experience, enabling customers to secure their spot on the tour and handle the payment at a later, more convenient time.
This customer-centric approach ensures a stress-free booking process and a seamless tour experience.
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews for the Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise paint a very positive picture of the overall experience.
Based on a five-star rating from a single verified customer, the tour seems to have exceeded expectations. Travelers appreciate the guided sightseeing along the Bosphorus, with highlights like the Dolmabahce Palace and Leander’s Tower.
The lunch served on the boat also receives praise, though some may wish the menu included more beverage options.
Bookings can be filtered by traveler type, making it easy for couples, solo adventurers, and families to find reviews relevant to their needs.
With free cancellation and a pay later option, the cruise offers flexibility and convenience for those planning their Istanbul itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Children Join the Tour?
Yes, children can join the tour. The tour is family-friendly, and children are welcome to participate in the Bosphorus cruise and enjoy the sights and lunch, as mentioned in the tour overview.
Is the Tour Available Daily?
The tour is available daily. According to the information provided, the Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise with Lunch tour operates regularly, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic waterway and sights of Istanbul throughout the year.
Are Restrooms Available on the Boat?
Restrooms are typically available on the boats used for Bosphorus cruises. Passengers can access the onboard facilities during the tour, ensuring a comfortable experience as they enjoy the sights along the iconic Istanbul waterway.
How Long Is the Boat Ride?
The boat ride lasts approximately 2 hours, giving passengers ample time to enjoy the scenic views of the Bosphorus Strait. The guided tour provides photo opportunities and sightseeing along the way.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
No, customers cannot bring their own food and drinks on the Bosphorus cruise. The tour package includes a set lunch menu, and outside food and beverages are not permitted. Drinking water may be available for purchase.
Recap
The Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise with Lunch offers a wonderful way to explore Istanbul’s stunning waterways. Guests can admire iconic landmarks, visit the magnificent Beylerbeyi Palace, and enjoy a delicious traditional Turkish lunch during the 5-hour experience. It’s a perfect blend of culture, history, and culinary delight along the picturesque Bosphorus Strait, making it an excellent choice for visitors to the city.
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