
İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 75 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket worth booking?
İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket is a 4-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €33 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 75 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (75)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- €33 per person
Discover the highlights of Istanbul on this tour. Sail between two continents on a Bosphorus Strait cruise, explore the wonders of the Golden Horn, Balat and ride a cable car down Pierre Loti Hill.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the highlights of Istanbul on this tour. Sail between two continents on a Bosphorus Strait cruise, explore the wonders of the Golden Horn, Balat and ride a cable car down Pierre Loti Hill.
What's included
Included
- Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
- Local Taxes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (If option selected)
- Pierre Loti Hill Cable Car ticket
- Visit center of Balat
- Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari Mosque & Tomb visit
- Bosphorus Tour Cruise ticket
Not included
- Food and Drinks
- Tips
What you'll see and do
Golden Horn
In the afternoon, board a comfortable coach for a scenic drive along the Golden Horn (We ll pass by without stopping) With your guide narrating the history, spot traditional wooden houses, historic churches, synagogues, mosques and remnants of the ancient Roman Wall.
17 minutes here
Pierre Loti
We ascent to the Pierre Loti Hill by bus. You can take a photo in this beautiful place with a perfect view of the Golden Horn. This hill got its name from the famous French novelist who lived in Istanbul for a while and wrote his novel "Aziyade"
40 minutes here
Istanbul Cable Car
We descent from Pierre Loti Hill by cable car.
3 minutes here · Admission included
Eyup Sultan Mosque
Visit the revered Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a close companion of Prophet Muhammad. Learn how this sacred site became the ceremonial location for the coronation of Ottoman sultans, where they were girded with the Sword of Osman at the start of their reigns.
30 minutes here
Balat
Continue your tour through the center of Balat, the Istanbul’s most colorful neighborhood. Once home to diverse communities including Ottoman Orthodox Greeks, Jews and Armenians, these districts reflect a rich cultural mosaic. Discover their most iconic landmarks, where centuries of history, religion and architecture come together in a unique atmosphere.
20 minutes here
Hazerbaba
Break for rest some minutes & Taste Turkish delight, apple tea etc
30 minutes here
Bosphorus Cruise Enjoy the historical sightseeing from the sea by seeing the Golden horn, Topkapı palace, Dolma Bahçe palace, The Hagia Sophia Mosque, Maiden’s tower, Galata tower, Blue mosque, Ortakoy mosque, and the two continents Europe and Asia with the two Bridges connecting them
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Front of Buhara 93 Restaurant
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Front of Buhara 93 Restaurant
Options you can book
T3A With Hotel Pick-up
Duration: 4 hours: This option includes Hotel pickup & drop-off and All tickets. Pickup included
T3A Without Hotel Pick-up
Duration: 4 hours: This option does not include Hotel pickup & drop-off but include All tickets.
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, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Aljazeera Tour
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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 75 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
75 verified traveler reviews for İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Istanbul tour
The experience was nice, they pick is up at the hotel and after the tour they drove us back to our hotel. The guide was so knowledgeable with the facts about the places and answers us whenever we have questions. Recommended 💯
via Tripadvisor
Great afternoon out on the Bosphorus
Really enjoyed the boat trip, complimented by an excellent commentary. Plenty to see. Pick up from our hotel was easy and we were kept well informed. Enjoyed the company of other friendly travellers we met on the trip.
via Tripadvisor
Know what to expect before trip
This tour was very average and below average in some aspects. Our tour guide was very kind but did not seem to want to be there. The cruise was the only part that was worth it and it ended with him bringing us to a large store where they’re trying to sell us on everything. They wouldn’t let us leave the store until we went into every room and tasted many products. If you are deciding to do this, look more into the Pierre Loti, it was very underwhelming compared to expectations but had a very beautiful lookout spot at the top. We would rather do this than do nothing!
via Viator
cool tour
very nice trip we did so many fool things and learnt so many cool facts about istanbul. highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour
Great Experience, prompt pickup, professional, friendly, had some really good knowledge. We would definitely book again if we returned.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- €33 to €39
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 26
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Aljazeera Tour, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.1.
See everything Aljazeera Tour runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket cost?
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Prices start at €33 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 İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket take?
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Plan for about 4 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 İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 75 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 İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket?
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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 İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket?
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Around 26 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket 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 İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket?
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Included: Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle; Local Taxes; Hotel pickup and drop-off (If option selected); Pierre Loti Hill Cable Car ticket; and Visit center of Balat. Not included: Food and Drinks; and Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 1301 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time.
What languages is İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket 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 İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket?
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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 İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket 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 İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket 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 İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket?
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Across 75 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for İstanbul Guided Balat Bosphorus Cruise Pierre Loti Hill W/ Ticket?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including T3A With Hotel Pick-up, T3A Without Hotel Pick-up. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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