Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 188 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise worth booking?
Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise is a 10-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €35 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 188 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (188)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- €35 per person
Experience Istanbul’s rich history with the Istanbul Old City and Bosphorus tour. This Tour will take you through the city’s most remarkable landmarks and immerse you in the captivating allure of Constantinople. In just 12 hours, you can explore the historical epochs of Istanbul and embrace the ancient vibes of Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. This Tour is ideal for all travelers, whether you’re here for business or leisure. You will visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the most important mosques in history and a historical landmark of the old city of Istanbul, as well as other iconic sites. Take advantage of this chance to witness the magnificent beauty of Istanbul! Secure your spot today and embark on a remarkable journey through the city's varied and contrasting landscape. Discover the sights, relish the flavors, and indulge in the distinct charm of Istanbul – the city that links two continents.
What you get
About this experience
Experience Istanbul’s rich history with the Istanbul Old City and Bosphorus tour. This Tour will take you through the city’s most remarkable landmarks and immerse you in the captivating allure of Constantinople. In just 12 hours, you can explore the historical epochs of Istanbul and embrace the ancient vibes of Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. This Tour is ideal for all travelers, whether you’re here for business or leisure. You will visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the most important mosques in history and a historical landmark of the old city of Istanbul, as well as other iconic sites. Take advantage of this chance to witness the magnificent beauty of Istanbul! Secure your spot today and embark on a remarkable journey through the city's varied and contrasting landscape. Discover the sights, relish the flavors, and indulge in the distinct charm of Istanbul – the city that links two continents.
What's included
Included
- On-board WiFi
- 2-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All Fees and Taxes
- Tea and coffee
- Professional Tour Guide
Not included
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off, unless included in the selected option
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Discover one of Istanbul's most important landmarks and learn about its Byzantine and Ottoman history, architecture, mosaics, and Islamic details. (Hagia Sophia entrance is not included. Guests who do not wish to enter will receive the guide's explanation from outside.)
60 minutes here · Admission not included
TopkapI Palace
Learn about the former residence of the Ottoman sultans and the imperial life that once centered around this vast palace complex. (Topkapi Palace entrance is not included. You will receive information from the guide outside the palace area.)
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Sultanahmet District
Explore the historic heart of Istanbul’s Old City, once the center of Byzantine Constantinople and later of Ottoman Istanbul. See the famous square and learn about the ceremonies, public events, and daily life that shaped this area over centuries.
30 minutes here
Visit one of Istanbul's most recognizable mosques, famous for its elegant domes, six minarets, and blue Iznik tiles. Learn about its architecture and religious importance while experiencing the atmosphere of this active place of worship.
30 minutes here
Eyup
Enjoy free time in the historic Eyup area, with the opportunity to have lunch and explore the neighborhood. (Lunch is included only if specified in the selected option. Guests without lunch included can purchase a meal separately on-site.)
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Visit the distinctive Bulgarian Iron Church, renowned for its unusual cast-iron construction. Learn about the history of Istanbul’s Bulgarian Orthodox community and the story behind this remarkable church.
30 minutes here
Visit the spiritual center of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul. Explore its richly decorated interior and learn about its religious significance and long-standing role in the Orthodox Christian world.
30 minutes here
Balat
Explore Balat’s colorful streets and historic character, one of Istanbul’s most photogenic neighborhoods. See traditional houses, local cafes, narrow streets, and traces of the area’s multicultural past.
30 minutes here
Suleymaniye Mosque
Visit one of the great works by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Admire its impressive architecture and peaceful courtyard while enjoying elevated views across Istanbul, learning about its place in Ottoman history.
60 minutes here
Bosphorus Strait
Relax on a scenic 2h cruise between Europe and Asia while viewing Istanbul from the water. See waterfront palaces, mosques, bridges, fortresses, historic mansions, and both shores of the city.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Meet us at our Sirkeci office. Please arrive at our office to check in. Please arrive 15 minutes before the activity begins. Please provide a valid phone number so we can contact you if needed. If you need help, contact us anytime on WhatsApp.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
The tour will end at Eminönü Square, near the Spice Bazaar.
Options you can book
Basic | Hotel Transfer
Tour + Hotel Transfer: Full tour route with hotel pickup and drop-off, plus a Bosphorus cruise. Lunch is not included. Pickup included
Basic | Meeting Point
Old City Tour + Cruise: Full tour route includes a Bosphorus cruise. Lunch and hotel transfers are not included.
Lunch | Hotel Transfer
Full Tour + Hotel Transfer: Full tour route with hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and Bosphorus cruise included. Pickup included
Lunch | Meeting Point
Tour + Lunch & Cruise: The full tour route includes lunch and a Bosphorus cruise. Join the tour at the meeting point.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- SeaLand Trip Bosphorus Cruise
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Hagia Sophia: Entrance is not included. Guests who wish to visit inside may purchase a ticket on-site. Guests who do not enter will receive the guide’s explanation from outside.
- Topkapi Palace: Interior visit is not part of this tour due to the limited tour schedule. The guide will provide information and historical explanations from outside.
- Lunch is included only when stated in the selected option. Guests without lunch included may purchase a meal separately during the tour.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only with the Hotel Pickup option.
- Guests who prefer not to join the Bosphorus cruise may finish the tour after the land portion. Travelers with hotel drop-off included will be returned to their hotel, while guests without drop-off will finish the tour in Eminonu.
- The itinerary order may change due to traffic, local conditions, weather, sea conditions, or operational requirements, and the Bosphorus cruise operates subject to suitable weather and sea conditions.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 188 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
188 verified traveler reviews for Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour
Great boat, great views, great tour.
via Tripadvisor
Cruise
The tour was insightful and the views were stunning
via Tripadvisor
Nice tour
It was grat experience and nice :)
via Tripadvisor
Great tour!
The tour was great, as described, really beautiful city!
via Tripadvisor
Nice tour
Excellente tour in the sea of bosfor
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Sat
- Price range
- €35 to €80
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 66
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise cost?
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Prices start at €35 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 188 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise?
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Around 66 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
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On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise?
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Included: On-board WiFi; 2-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise; In-vehicle air conditioning; All Fees and Taxes; and Tea and coffee. Not included: Admission fees; Admission fees; Lunch; and Hotel pickup and drop-off, unless included in the selected option. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 2885 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise?
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Across 188 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
What booking options are available for Best of Istanbul Old City with Bosphorus Cruise?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Basic | Hotel Transfer, Basic | Meeting Point, Lunch | Hotel Transfer, Lunch | Meeting Point. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
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