Bosphorus Cruises

Written by Viator, August 2010

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Cultural Experience, Must-Do Experience, Romantic, Sailing, Sunrise / Sunset, River

One of the best ways to get a feel for Istanbul is to take a cruise on the legendary Bosphorus. Begin the tour with a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul's most colorful and bustling attractions. Then hop aboard your ferry for a cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From your cruise boat, you can view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus' wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world's longest, the massive Rumelihisar fortress, the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultan's fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges.

Built in 1660 with the taxes collected from the trade of Egyptian herbs and spices, the exotically domed Egyptian bazaar is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint and thyme. Browse the stalls and compare the prices! The Rumelihisar Fortress was built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus in order to isolate the city of Istanbul, prior to its invasion in 1453. The Sadberk Hanim Museum is an art collection originally collected by an Armenian civil servant. It fills two charming 19th-century wooden villas. The museum has recently expanded to include a new collection of archeological exhibits, including ancient statues, artifacts, clothing and jewelry.

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All Bosphorus Cruises Reviews

Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Bosphorus Cruise and Istanbul's Egyptian Bazaar

This tour was awesome, despite the weather being slightly cold and cloudy, the trip to the cruise ship and the guided tour down and back on the Bosphorus was very enlightening and informative. The tour guide was great, explaining things to us when we asked and making the entire experience quite enjoyable, this is a DEFINITE must if you go to Istanbul.

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Reply by Viator, March 2013
Doing what: Bosphorus Cruise and Istanbul's Egyptian Bazaar

A very nice day out with Omar as our guide, very enjoyable cruise, and time to shop in the spice market! Thanks again, Omar!

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Reply by Viator, January 2013
Doing what: Private Tour: Bosphorus Cruise and Istanbul's Egyptian Bazaar

This tour was actually great! We took other tours with the same group after the Viator booking and it wasn't as trustworthy or safe as the one we book through Viator. In the future, I would advise people to book through this channel only.

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