• Bosphorus Strait - The Bosphorus, historically known as the Bosporus, is a significant strait and international waterway that divides the continents of Asia and Europe, linking the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea. It runs predominantly in a northeast-southwest direction, splitting Istanbul into the European and Anatolian sides.

The Bosphorus serves as a crucial link between Asia and Europe, stretching 30 kilometers in length. It connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The strait has an average depth of 60 meters, with its deepest point reaching 120 meters. Its width varies significantly due to its proximity to the shore, with the widest point measuring 3,500 meters.

In the Bosphorus, surface currents flow from the Black Sea to the Marmara, while underwater currents move from the Marmara to the Black Sea. Occasionally, counter currents appear on the surface.

• Dolmabahce Palace - Dolmabahçe Palace is an Ottoman palace situated on a 250,000 m² area in Istanbul, Beşiktaş, between Dolmabahçe Street, which extends from Kabataş to Beşiktaş, and the Bosphorus. It is positioned on the left bank at the Bosphorus entrance from the Sea of Marmara, opposite Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk.

Dolmabahçe, once a cove where ships anchored in ancient times, became a favored residence of the sultanate, embodying centuries of history and the clear splendor of the Bosphorus waters.

• Ciragan Palace Kempinski - Commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz and designed by architect Sarkis Balyan, the Cıragan Palace stands where a former wooden summer palace, built by Selim III in 1800, once existed. During its construction, the wooden structure and the nearby Beşiktaş Mevlevihane were demolished. Completed in 1871, the palace is made of marble and spans 80,000 square meters. After Abdulaziz was deposed, he and his family were imprisoned here. Similarly, after Murat V was deposed, he and his family were held here for 29 years. Following the declaration of the Second Constitutional Monarchy in 1908, the palace served as the House of Parliament but was damaged by fire in 1910. The grounds were later transferred to the Beşiktaş Sports Club and used as the Şeref Stadium. In the early 1990s, the palace was restored and reopened as a luxury hotel.
• Ortakoy - Ortaköy is a vibrant neighborhood in the Beşiktaş district on the European side of the Bosphorus. The Ortaköy district, comprising Ortaköy and Mecidiye neighborhoods, is nestled on the slopes along the valley leading to the coast. The district is bordered by Kuruçeşme, Ulus, Levazım, Balmumcu, and Yıldız, with Defterdarburnu marking its northern boundary.

Ortaköy Bazaar is bustling throughout the day with its “intellectual market,” souvenir shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. However, in the early morning hours, the market is relatively quiet, with activity picking up after 10:00 am.

• Bosphorus Bridge - The Bosphorus Bridge, one of two suspension bridges spanning the Bosphorus, has its feet located in Ortaköy on the European side and in Beylerbeyi on the Anatolian side. As the first bridge built over the Bosphorus, it facilitates access between the city’s two sides, alongside the later Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Bosphorus ferries.

The concept of constructing a bridge over the Bosphorus is quite old. After numerous attempts, construction of the Bosphorus Bridge began in 1970, and it was inaugurated on October 29, 1973, marking the 50th anniversary of the Republic’s proclamation. This suspension bridge, a vital link in Turkey’s transportation network, is active around the clock and serves as a key crossing point for the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Beyond transportation, the bridge is a significant symbol of Istanbul, offering a unique view of the Bosphorus.

• Bebek Sahili - Bebek is a historic neighborhood in Istanbul, located on the European shores of the Bosphorus, surrounded by Arnavutköy, Etiler, and Rumeli Hisarı. The name “Bebek,” meaning “baby,” refers to the neighborhood’s charming location on the Bosphorus. A popular residential area since Ottoman times, Bebek’s population reflects the diverse society of that era. Today, it boasts historical buildings like Boğaziçi University and waterfront mansions, along with stunning Bosphorus views and upscale restaurants.
• Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge - Istanbul’s second bridge over the Bosphorus, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü), was constructed between Kavacık and Hisarüstü. Construction began in 1986, and the bridge opened on July 3, 1988. It ranks as the 14th largest steel suspension bridge globally.

Together with the Bosphorus Bridge and the city’s ferries, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge handles a significant portion of Istanbul’s trans-Bosphorus traffic. It has also become an iconic part of the Istanbul skyline.

• Anadolu Hisari Fort - The Anatolian Fortress (Anadolu Hisarı) is situated in Beykoz (on the Asian Side), at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. Built in 1395 by Beyazit I, it consists of a citadel and exterior castle walls. After Istanbul’s conquest, it lost much of its strategic importance and was converted into a military hospital. Over time, the area around the castle became settled. Today, waterfront houses and old mansions are scattered among the castle’s ruins. During restoration work from 1991-1993, it was converted into a museum, but it is not open to the public. Currently, Anadolu Hisarı is an open-air museum, with only the outer walls accessible, and a road passing through it.
• Kucuksu Pavilion - The Küçüksu Palace, located on the Bosphorus coast road between Üsküdar and Beykoz, is a small Ottoman summer palace commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecit. Designed by the renowned architect of the time, Nikogos Balyan, the palace offers a magnificent view of the Bosphorus. During the Ottoman period, it attracted many sultans who used it for relaxation. Due to its exquisite furniture, paintings, carpets, and intricate details, the small palace was opened as a museum during the Republican period.
• Rumeli Fortress - Situated in Sarıyer, Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı) was built directly across from Anadolu Hisarı (the Anatolian Fortress). Construction began in 1453 under the orders of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, placing the fortress at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. The construction was completed in just three months. Before Istanbul’s conquest, it served as a defense against naval attacks. After the conquest, it was used as an inspection point for maritime traffic on the Bosphorus.

Over the centuries, the area inside the fortress filled with small wooden houses, but during restoration work in 1953, these houses were removed. Following its restoration, the fortress became known for hosting numerous concerts during the summer months and now functions as an open-air theater and museum.

• Beylerbeyi Palace - The Beylerbeyi Palace (meaning “Lord of Lords”) is an Ottoman summer palace complex built in the 1860s on the Bosphorus shores. Today, it lies directly beneath the Bosphorus Bridge. Designed by the renowned architect Sarkis Balyan, the palace combines elements of Renaissance, Baroque, and other styles from both the East and West. The main building is a two-story stone structure on a high basement, covering about 2,500 square meters on a rectangular floor plan. The South side of the Palace was organized as the Imperial Mabeyn, and the North side as the Valide Sultan’s Apartment. The palace features six halls, 24 rooms, one hamam, and one bathroom across two stories.

In addition to its breathtaking Bosphorus views and historical architecture, visitors should not miss exploring its lily pond and expansive garden.

• Kiz Kulesi - The Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is a distinctive landmark on the Bosphorus skyline. Built on a small island about 200 meters from the Üsküdar shore, the tower is the subject of many legends.

The most famous legend involves a sultan and his daughter. An oracle predicted that the sultan’s daughter would die from a snake bite on her 18th birthday. To protect her, the sultan had the tower built in the middle of the Bosphorus, where she lived in secrecy and safety. On her 18th birthday, the sultan brought her a basket of fruit as a gift, unaware of the hidden snake inside. When she reached into the basket, the princess was bitten by the snake and died in her father’s arms, as foretold by the oracle. This legend gave the tower its name: Maiden’s Tower.

• Galata Tower - Constructed by the Genoese in 1348, the nine-story Galata Tower stands 66.90 meters tall and was the tallest building in the city at the time.

During the Ottoman Era, the tower served various purposes, including as a fire observatory and a jail. Throughout its long history, the tower has witnessed many events, but the most remarkable was in 1632 when Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi glided from the top of the Galata Tower across the Bosphorus to Üsküdar using self-made wings. In 1875, a storm destroyed the tower’s conical roof, which was not restored during the remainder of the Ottoman Era. In the 1960s, the conical cap was restored, and the wooden interior was replaced with a concrete structure. Since then, the tower has been open to the public. Today, a restaurant and café occupy its upper floor. With its prominent role in Istanbul’s skyline, Galata Tower offers an ideal spot for panoramic views of the city.

• Galata Koprusu - The history of the Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü), one of Istanbul’s most vibrant locations, dates back to 1845. The bridge, which connects the two sides of the Golden Horn, has undergone numerous transformations over the years. Most recently, it was damaged by fire in 1992, leading to the construction of a new bridge in its place. The cherished old bridge was relocated to Haliç. The Galata Bridge is a significant symbol of Istanbul and holds an important place in the city’s daily life, literature, and popular culture. With its restaurants, cafes, and hookah lounges below, and tramway and pedestrian traffic above, it offers a splendid view of the city, especially in the evening.

• 1 glass of wine, nuts, and seasonal fruit plate
• Romantic live music with violinist
• 2-hour luxury yacht cruise

A Magical Evening on the Bosphorus: Enjoy an Unforgettable 2-Hour Luxury Yacht Tour!

Istanbul’s captivating views are even more spectacular at night, and now is the perfect time to explore this breathtaking scene. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure with our 2-hour luxury yacht tour, where you will uncover both the historical and contemporary silhouettes of Istanbul, the pristine waters of the Bosphorus, and its enchanting night lights.

During this exclusive tour, relax on the deck of an elegant yacht while savoring a glass of wine, fresh grapes, and a selection of snacks. Additionally, the romantic and soothing tunes played by a violinist will enhance the enchanting ambiance of Istanbul’s Bosphorus.

Every moment of this experience will remain with you as an unforgettable memory. Witness the history of Istanbul and enjoy the night in luxury and comfort in this mystical city.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.