Best Bosphorus Cruise
Mar 5th, 2002, 06:37 AM
#2
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While we were in Istanbul, I looked at a couple of organized tours or cruises on the Bosphorus, but settled on just taking the "cheap" ferry. We opted to stay on to the end -- at Anadolu Kavagi, on the Asian side near the Black Sea. It was about an hour and a half trip to that point. The return was three hours later so we hiked up to the old fort there for spectacular views, hiked back down, and had a wonderful lunch at one of the several seafood restaurants along the harbour, then took the hour and a half trip back. It was a delightful day. However, there were other stops, and you can easily get off at a number of places and take the next ferry. We were advised that the "best" stop was the one we did.
Mar 16th, 2002, 03:14 AM
#3
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Take several ferries from different point. Like from Besiktas to Kadikoy. So You can see Leandrios Tower That is a tower on an island in the sea. <BR>Take another ferry from Besiktas to Uskudar That will take 5-6 minutes but You will have a wonderful nice looking<BR>Each one will cost you 0.50 USD. <BR>Take another ferry from Besiktas to Islands Where you can get wonderful scenes. I have more recommendation. I am a traveller and working in a tour operator. It is like a non-profit organization 
. Because4 I work there. <BR>so These are recommendations from a person Who lives in Istanbul and don't want you to miss the opportunity of unknown Istanbul.<BR>Go to Balat and just walk on the streets. Don't be scare. People can be poor. But You will be safe. And Don't look like a tourist. I mean a backpack and a map,If you are shopping.<BR>Have a nice trip. If any price check for hotel or tour,send me e-mail.<BR>Bosphorus cruise around 2 hurs. My buying price is around 12 USD. I am not wrong. Your sailing and disembarking in several place.<BR>Feel free,and like travel as an Inhabitant in Istanbul.Maybe It will be a little bit diffucult. But believe me,It will be more fun.<BR>Have a nice trip.<BR>Ally
. Because4 I work there. <BR>so These are recommendations from a person Who lives in Istanbul and don't want you to miss the opportunity of unknown Istanbul.<BR>Go to Balat and just walk on the streets. Don't be scare. People can be poor. But You will be safe. And Don't look like a tourist. I mean a backpack and a map,If you are shopping.<BR>Have a nice trip. If any price check for hotel or tour,send me e-mail.<BR>Bosphorus cruise around 2 hurs. My buying price is around 12 USD. I am not wrong. Your sailing and disembarking in several place.<BR>Feel free,and like travel as an Inhabitant in Istanbul.Maybe It will be a little bit diffucult. But believe me,It will be more fun.<BR>Have a nice trip.<BR>Ally
Feb 12th, 2011, 12:34 AM
#4
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Ally,
can you help me design a do-by-myself, bosphorus cruise by taking several individual ferries? I plan to start my trip (post checking in at a hotel in sultanahmet) at 2:00pm on Feb 25, 2011. I plan to at least include Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maiden´s Tower, Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli and Anadolu fortresses and Ottoman Residences in the tour. Will it be easy to get connecting ferries from these locations? Your valuable comments will be appreciated. can we also get these ferries from You can also email me at [email protected].
can you help me design a do-by-myself, bosphorus cruise by taking several individual ferries? I plan to start my trip (post checking in at a hotel in sultanahmet) at 2:00pm on Feb 25, 2011. I plan to at least include Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maiden´s Tower, Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli and Anadolu fortresses and Ottoman Residences in the tour. Will it be easy to get connecting ferries from these locations? Your valuable comments will be appreciated. can we also get these ferries from You can also email me at [email protected].
Feb 12th, 2011, 05:06 AM
#5
hello robert, there are four alternative Bosphorus cruises which meet your specs:
- the touristy cruises, currently 15 and 25TL, which stops at a few villages where you can get on or off on either side of the Bosphorous., or spend three hours at the final stop, as patrick wrote. In the summer, there are two of these and you can cut your stay at the final destination to 90 minutes if you wish.
- The one way commutor lines, leaving Bosphorus piers in the morning and from Eminonu in the evenings.
- The frequent commutor ferris between Eminonu and Uskudar, Kabatas and Kadikoy or Eminonu and Kadikoy.
- The excellent ring line between 3-4 European and 3-4 Anatolian piers, midway up the Bosphorus. (listed among the commutor lines). Small boat but very scenic trip. repeated a number of times so that you can get off at one pier, have a meal or tea and get on the next one about an hour later. Also a number of piers like Arnavutkoy, bebek, Kandilli, Kanlica, and Cengelkoy have restaurants, cafes (the famous yoghurt stop at Kanlica) within a few minutes walking of the pier.
By the way, these require a 1.75TL or $1.15 token.
To make one more correction, the Princes Islands boats do not leave from besiktas but from Kabatas. Their cost is slightly higher.
For all of the above, check the following link in English:
http://www.sehirhatlari.com.tr/en/
If you do not have the time for the ring line or if you wish to combine the cruise with dinner, I fully recommend one of the evening commutor lines up the Bosphorus for the sunset views and good photography, especially when the days are somewhat shorter so that you are still on the boat when the historic sites and the city starts lighting up. There are also some fabulous restaurants up the Bosphorus, and the famous supper clubs of Kurucesme/Ortakoy if you wish to splurge; which you can reach by a taxi after you have had your cruise.
One warning, the restaurants at Anadolu Kavagi, the last stop where the ferry requires you to stay for a long period are not very good. If you eat fish, i suggest that you should eat only grilled and not fried fish. In fact do not eat anything fried, unless you go back to the kitchen and make sure they use fresh commercially bottled frying oil. Otherwise just get a good collection of meze plates to share. Salads and white cheese will be fine any time of the year.
- the touristy cruises, currently 15 and 25TL, which stops at a few villages where you can get on or off on either side of the Bosphorous., or spend three hours at the final stop, as patrick wrote. In the summer, there are two of these and you can cut your stay at the final destination to 90 minutes if you wish.
- The one way commutor lines, leaving Bosphorus piers in the morning and from Eminonu in the evenings.
- The frequent commutor ferris between Eminonu and Uskudar, Kabatas and Kadikoy or Eminonu and Kadikoy.
- The excellent ring line between 3-4 European and 3-4 Anatolian piers, midway up the Bosphorus. (listed among the commutor lines). Small boat but very scenic trip. repeated a number of times so that you can get off at one pier, have a meal or tea and get on the next one about an hour later. Also a number of piers like Arnavutkoy, bebek, Kandilli, Kanlica, and Cengelkoy have restaurants, cafes (the famous yoghurt stop at Kanlica) within a few minutes walking of the pier.
By the way, these require a 1.75TL or $1.15 token.
To make one more correction, the Princes Islands boats do not leave from besiktas but from Kabatas. Their cost is slightly higher.
For all of the above, check the following link in English:
http://www.sehirhatlari.com.tr/en/
If you do not have the time for the ring line or if you wish to combine the cruise with dinner, I fully recommend one of the evening commutor lines up the Bosphorus for the sunset views and good photography, especially when the days are somewhat shorter so that you are still on the boat when the historic sites and the city starts lighting up. There are also some fabulous restaurants up the Bosphorus, and the famous supper clubs of Kurucesme/Ortakoy if you wish to splurge; which you can reach by a taxi after you have had your cruise.
One warning, the restaurants at Anadolu Kavagi, the last stop where the ferry requires you to stay for a long period are not very good. If you eat fish, i suggest that you should eat only grilled and not fried fish. In fact do not eat anything fried, unless you go back to the kitchen and make sure they use fresh commercially bottled frying oil. Otherwise just get a good collection of meze plates to share. Salads and white cheese will be fine any time of the year.
Feb 16th, 2011, 06:36 PM
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OC, can you enlighten on what are the departure times for the touristy cruises from Eminonu ? My LP guidebook mentions three departures during summer months, at 10:30am, noon and 1:30pm. Appears from your comment that one has been eliminated.
Is it necessary to purchase tickets in advance, or at the time of the cruise ?
Is it necessary to purchase tickets in advance, or at the time of the cruise ?
Feb 18th, 2011, 12:45 AM
#10
Indian couple, it is really up to you.
I gave a lot of info on the cruises at the above post.
What i would personally like would be a meaningless recommendation, since my fields of interest are most probably very different from yours.
If you have followed my previous posts, you will have seen that i try not to impose my personal preferences on any visitors, although i will mention what i liked among other alternatives.
I gave a lot of info on the cruises at the above post.
What i would personally like would be a meaningless recommendation, since my fields of interest are most probably very different from yours.
If you have followed my previous posts, you will have seen that i try not to impose my personal preferences on any visitors, although i will mention what i liked among other alternatives.
Jun 4th, 2011, 03:01 AM
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While we were in Istanbul we attended full day Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Cafe Pierre Loti Hill and Asian Side Tour. At first we were unsure if we took it or not since we did not want to spend a full day on a boat but after we reviewed the cruise itinerary we found out that it was more than a cruise but a combination of city sightseeing and Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise. We wanted to try it and we booked through Bosphorus Tour Organisations Company, the web page: www.bosphorustour.com phone: +90 554 797 26 46 Mr. Tugrul responded our questions, he was so efficient that we got replies within minutes. We booked the following tour;
Full day city tour with unch and entrance fee included
Cruise on the Golden Horn
Cruise along the Golden Horn and see the historical heart of the city and principal harhor of Byzantium, Constantinople and Istanbul for over 2,000 Ears.
Cruise on the Bosphorus
The Cruise on the Bosphorus which will give you the best chance to view the finest palaces and pavilions along the shores.
Rumeli Fortress (From the sea)
The biggest fortification of Istanbul can be seen dearly during our Bosphorus Cruise.
Cable Car to Pierre Loti
Enjoy the beautiful view from the cable car as you climb the hill to the cafe named after the famous French writer Pierre Loti, birth name Louis Marie Julien Viaud (1850-1923).
City Walls
Constantinople's great city walls were breached only twice in 1600 years. The first breach occured in 1204 during the fourth Crusade; the second breach was led by "Sultan Mehmetthe Conqueror' in 1453 with cannons and troops. Before having lunch at our restaurant there will be an optional shopping opportunity.
Dolmabahçe Palace & Harem
The main palace was built by the leading Ottoman architects of the era, Karabet and Nikoğos Balyan, and consists of three parts: the Imperial Mabeyn (State Apartments), Muayede Salon (Ceremonial Hall) and the Imperial Harem.
Bosphorus Bridge
Overshadowing Istanbul's traditional architecture is one of the world's largest suspension bridges, the Bosphorus Bridge, linking Europe and Asia.
Çamlıca Hill
The highest peak in the Istanbul vicinity is the 288m Çamlıca Hill. It commands a magnificent view that embraces the mouth of the Bosphorus, old Istanbul,Galata, BeyogTu and lets you
understand the magnificence and beauty of the city.
Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Monday and Thursday. It will be replaced by a visit to Chora Museum (Church) on those days.
The tour includes many services that we can hardly do on our own but it was all included in one programme. We enjoyed it very much and it help us to explore the city of Istanbul. We highly recommend it.
Full day city tour with unch and entrance fee included
Cruise on the Golden Horn
Cruise along the Golden Horn and see the historical heart of the city and principal harhor of Byzantium, Constantinople and Istanbul for over 2,000 Ears.
Cruise on the Bosphorus
The Cruise on the Bosphorus which will give you the best chance to view the finest palaces and pavilions along the shores.
Rumeli Fortress (From the sea)
The biggest fortification of Istanbul can be seen dearly during our Bosphorus Cruise.
Cable Car to Pierre Loti
Enjoy the beautiful view from the cable car as you climb the hill to the cafe named after the famous French writer Pierre Loti, birth name Louis Marie Julien Viaud (1850-1923).
City Walls
Constantinople's great city walls were breached only twice in 1600 years. The first breach occured in 1204 during the fourth Crusade; the second breach was led by "Sultan Mehmetthe Conqueror' in 1453 with cannons and troops. Before having lunch at our restaurant there will be an optional shopping opportunity.
Dolmabahçe Palace & Harem
The main palace was built by the leading Ottoman architects of the era, Karabet and Nikoğos Balyan, and consists of three parts: the Imperial Mabeyn (State Apartments), Muayede Salon (Ceremonial Hall) and the Imperial Harem.
Bosphorus Bridge
Overshadowing Istanbul's traditional architecture is one of the world's largest suspension bridges, the Bosphorus Bridge, linking Europe and Asia.
Çamlıca Hill
The highest peak in the Istanbul vicinity is the 288m Çamlıca Hill. It commands a magnificent view that embraces the mouth of the Bosphorus, old Istanbul,Galata, BeyogTu and lets you
understand the magnificence and beauty of the city.
Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Monday and Thursday. It will be replaced by a visit to Chora Museum (Church) on those days.
The tour includes many services that we can hardly do on our own but it was all included in one programme. We enjoyed it very much and it help us to explore the city of Istanbul. We highly recommend it.
Jun 4th, 2011, 07:16 AM
#12
A simple option are the Turyol cruises. They leave from the west side of the Galata bridge at Emınönü. They take you up to the 2nd bridge & turn around. 12TL Only 1 1/2 hours with frequent departures starting at 11 or 12 depending upon the time of year. The right side of the ferry is the 'right' side for photo opps. 
Ian
Ian
Jun 9th, 2011, 02:02 AM
#13
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Also what about renting a small boat such as the new Zoe Yacht in Istanbul at http://www.bosphorusyacht.com/. This is a beautiful 16 meter yacht for up to 12 people. They run daily private yacht cruises/rental for those who want a boat to themselves - this is another great way to cruise in Istanbul but at any time, to where you like and in comfort if you want more freedom.
It's also a nice alternative for families or small groups of friends for something a bit more special with good service. They also do Bosphorus, Black Sea and swimming cruises to the islands, great idea if you've kids.
Or you can also see all Zoe Yacht tours here: http://www.toursistanbul.com/bosphorus-yacht-cruise.htm
It's also a nice alternative for families or small groups of friends for something a bit more special with good service. They also do Bosphorus, Black Sea and swimming cruises to the islands, great idea if you've kids.
Or you can also see all Zoe Yacht tours here: http://www.toursistanbul.com/bosphorus-yacht-cruise.htm
Jan 20th, 2013, 09:54 AM
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I can recommend it to everyone we come for a weekend break in istanbul Bosphorus tour, I wanted to share my experience with. The places I have ever traveled to Istanbul strait between the place left me, the most affecting and unforgettable memories. We reached our hotel by car on the pier by the agency. Take the tour was to begin bed. Istanbul is a very wonderful thing strait W images. Palaces and mansions fascinates people. My stomach much food eaten before the tour 's supposed to understand the fact that I've been bothering me. However, before the tour is definitely among the things that you take your camera and extra clothes you can wear on you feel chilly. The only thing I feel sorry for this tour to be a photographic machine forgot to take with us. Had seen so wonderful palaces and mansions unable to take picturesbeni upset. Despite the fact that approximately two-hour tour of how time passes, and not notice them going on the tour. Tour at the end of a tool to deal with us again to our hotel was waiting for us to leave. Up to us to return to the hotel after a wonderful view of the throat that sounded a bit sad. When we're not going away, and we ask the driver to leave the cab, he can not do such a thing and can leave us by phone by calling the travel agency said. You can leave us a cab after a phone call said with a smile. Tour agency for providing services to us on our expectation, thank you very much. If you want to take a closer look in you that you can get detailed information at http://www.touroperatoristanbul.com/...vate_boat.html
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