
Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour worth booking?
Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour is a 5-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €87 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (35)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- €87 per person
Explore the Dolmabahçe Palace (ticket not included) and get caught up in the royal past of Ottoman Empire. With this guided tour, visit the palace without waiting for the long queue. After visiting the palace, see both European & Asian sides and the most important highlights of the city on the boat cruise in 2 and a half hours. Also have an opportunity to visit an Ottoman palace on the Asian side of Istanbul.
What you get
About this experience
Explore the Dolmabahçe Palace (ticket not included) and get caught up in the royal past of Ottoman Empire. With this guided tour, visit the palace without waiting for the long queue. After visiting the palace, see both European & Asian sides and the most important highlights of the city on the boat cruise in 2 and a half hours. Also have an opportunity to visit an Ottoman palace on the Asian side of Istanbul.
What's included
Included
- English Speaking Tour Guide
Not included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Dolmabahce Palace Ticket
What you'll see and do
Dolmabahce Palace
meeting at the point and transfer with other parts of groups to visit Dolmabahçe Palace to see one of the best Ottoman Palaces (ticket not included)
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress is the stop point every Monday and Thursday with our tour guide.
Pass by without stopping
KIz Kulesi
Explore the Tower has been subject to many myths, used by many civilizations with your guide. A place worth seeing with a unique location. In the middle of two continents.
Pass by without stopping
Beylerbeyi Palace
One of the best attraction we will be seen on our boat tour and get information by our tour guide
Pass by without stopping
Kucuksu Pavilion
Stop point during our boat tour to visit the Ottoman palace at Bosphorus.
Pass by without stopping
Galata Tower
One of the places that we will see on our Boat tour and the tour guide will give the information about the Galata Tower.
Pass by without stopping
Bosphorus Strait
Separate European and Asian continent. There are many things to wonder about and get information all about from our tour Guide.
Pass by without stopping
Halic
Golden horn is a natural lagoon apart from Bosphorus strait.
Pass by without stopping
Suleymaniye Mosque
Mosque of Suleyman The Magneficent from 16th Century.
Pass by without stopping
Bosphorus Bridge
1st Suspension bridge of istanbul from 1970s
Pass by without stopping
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
2nd Suspension bridge of İstanbul.
Pass by without stopping
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Famous Hagia Sophia mosque/church from 6th Century
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
The meeting point is in front of Dolmabahce mosque, near to dolmabahçe palace the pickup time is at between 09.15/09.30 AM.
Meeting point
Istanbul
Near to Sultanahmet tram station next to Mado Cafe Shop. pickup time is at between 08.30/08.45 AM.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- IBO Cruise
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We visit Rumeli Fortress only on Thursdays On Mondays Both Rumeli Fortress and Küçüksü Palace will be closed and visits replaced with freetime in Bebek neighborhood.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 35 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
35 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Tour good, transport unacceptable.
I was switched to this as an alternative tour when the original tour was cancelled. As a result, I was unable to participate in the swimming portion of the tour. Although somewhat different, I was very impressed by the knowledge of our guide (Emir...) and his constant efforts to see that we were comfortable and having a good time. The palace tour went well with the exception of the transport issues noted below. On the boat, he was constantly moving between the decks to make sure everything was OK. Two other representatives on board appeared to do little to assist. Unfortunately there were significant problems with this tour which spoiled it. As others have mentioned, the sound system on the boat was very bad. Although the speaker was relocated several times, there was no way that both decks could hear the commentary. Even worse was the complete lack of coordination in the transport. Significant time was spent waiting for the shuttle van and walking around for the correct pickup location. Drop off was even worse. All of the representatives of the tour company left and the shuttle was left in the command of an independent operator. Instead of dropping me at my hotel, as promised, the shuttle left me five long uphill blocks away on a different street. This is completely unacceptable - to leave a customer in an unfamiliar neighborhood after dark.
Response from the operator: Thank you
via Viator
very good
It was sprendid. I wiil remember this tour eternally. If I am asked which tour is best, I will recommend this tour. When I come back to Japan I will tell about this tour and Emirhan.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the best rate and for advising us.
via Tripadvisor
Best tour for Palace and Bosphorus
What a great tour of the Dolmebache Palace and Bosphorus. Friendly tour guide Emirhan Sanli and his colleagues were excellent and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Thanks a lot
via Tripadvisor
Amazing day
It was an enjoyable experience, the tour guide, Emirhan, was really attentive and knowledgeable about anything and everything we were asking about
Response from the operator: Thank you
via Tripadvisor
Emirhan’s knowledge is like a treasure chest of fun facts and fascinating historical stories
Our family of four truly enjoyed the fantastic guided tour. Emirhan’s knowledge of the places (Dolmabache Palace, Bosphorus - Asia and Europe) and his captivating story telling on the history, culture and beauty + even the jokes make the journey truly magical. The cruise had fantastic view with the entire deck reserved for the few of us, almost like a private one. You have to experience the ES MMXVII flag and experience :)
Response from the operator: Thank you so much :)
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- €87 to €101
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by IBO Cruise, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.1.
See everything IBO Cruise runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour cost?
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Prices start at €87 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 Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour take?
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Plan for about 5 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 Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 35 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 Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour?
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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 Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour?
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Around 12 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour 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 Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour?
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Included: English Speaking Tour Guide. Not included: Hotel pick-up and drop-off; and Dolmabahce Palace Ticket. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour?
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The meeting point is in front of Dolmabahce mosque, near to dolmabahçe palace the pickup time is at between 09.15/09.30 AM. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour?
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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 Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour 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 Istanbul Combo: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Tour?
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Across 35 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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