Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea worth booking?
Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea is a 4-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €100 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (3)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- €100 per person
Escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul city center and enjoy a half-day lunch cruise of the Bosphorus Strait. Sail to the Black Sea to explore the town of Beykoz located on the Asian shore. Climb aboard a pleasure boat and forget your worries as you enjoy a relaxing half-day cruise down the Bosphorus Strait. Marvel at the views of beautiful Ottoman-era mansions and the minarets of the city mosques as you sit down to a lunch of grilled chicken and typical meze dishes. Go for a stroll on deck to soak up the sun and see the many famous sights that line both coastlines, such as Galata Tower and the immense Bosphorus Bridge that connects Asia and Europe. Sail to the Black Sea, and then make your way to the small coastal town Beykoz. Drop anchor and enjoy a walk in the lush hills of the surrounding area. See the ruins of a medieval fortress and other landmarks before the cruise back to Istanbul in the late afternoon.
What you get
About this experience
Escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul city center and enjoy a half-day lunch cruise of the Bosphorus Strait. Sail to the Black Sea to explore the town of Beykoz located on the Asian shore. Climb aboard a pleasure boat and forget your worries as you enjoy a relaxing half-day cruise down the Bosphorus Strait. Marvel at the views of beautiful Ottoman-era mansions and the minarets of the city mosques as you sit down to a lunch of grilled chicken and typical meze dishes. Go for a stroll on deck to soak up the sun and see the many famous sights that line both coastlines, such as Galata Tower and the immense Bosphorus Bridge that connects Asia and Europe. Sail to the Black Sea, and then make your way to the small coastal town Beykoz. Drop anchor and enjoy a walk in the lush hills of the surrounding area. See the ruins of a medieval fortress and other landmarks before the cruise back to Istanbul in the late afternoon.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tour Guide
What you'll see and do
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey, on the European coast of the Strait of Istanbul, served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887 and from 1909 to 1922.
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Dolmabahce Mosque
The Dolmabahçe Mosque is a mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It was commissioned by queen mother Bezmi Alem Valide Sultan.
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Ciragan Palace An Ottoman Imperial Palace On The Bosphorus. Book Direct Online For Best Rates! A Resort Ambience In The City And Reflects The Ultimate Luxury Of A Genuine Ottoman Palace. Business Centre. Luxury Spa. Best available rate. Restaurants & Bars.
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Ortakoy
Ortaköy Mosque, officially the Büyük Mecidiye Camii in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey, is situated at the waterside of the Ortaköy pier square, one of the most popular locations on the Bosphorus.
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Bebek Park
Arnavutköy is a historic neighbourhood in Istanbul, Turkey renowned for its wooden Ottoman mansions and seafood restaurants, as well as the campus of the prestigious Robert College with its historic buildings.
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Rumeli Fortress
RUMELISHISARI FORTRESS - (RUMELIHISARI CASTLE) At the narrowest point of the Bosphorus stands the Rumelihisarr Fortress, built by Sultan Mehmet, the Conqueror on the European shore. The Sultan himself on the 26th day of March 1452 laid the foundation stone of the Fortress with a view to controlling the passage of the ships through the Bosphorus and using it as a base for his attack on the city.
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Bosphorus Bridge
Which was inaugurated on October 29, 1973 on the fiftieth anniversary of the Turkish Republic, has the longest span in Europe and the fourth in the world. This suspension bridge has a total length of 1560 metres (1706 yards) and a width of 33.4 metres (110ft).
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Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, also known as the Second Bosphorus Bridge, is a bridge in Istanbul, Turkey spanning the Bosphorus strait. When completed in 1988, it was the 5th-longest suspension bridge span in the world; today it is the 24th.
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Yavuz Sultan Selim Koprusu
The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge is a bridge for rail and motor vehicle transit over the Bosphorus strait, to the north of two existing suspension bridges in Istanbul, Turkey. It was initially named the Third Bosphorus Bridge
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Anadolu Kavagi
Anadolukavağı, also known as Anadolu Kavağı, is a neighborhood of Beykoz district in İstanbul Province, Turkey. "Anadolu" is the Turkish name for Anatolia, and "Kavak" means "control post" in Ottoman Turkish referring to the strategical position of the location on the Bosporous.
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Beykoy
Beykoz, also known as Beicos and Beikos, is a district in Istanbul, Turkey at the northern end of the Bosphorus on the Anatolian side. Beykoz includes everything from the streams of Küçüksu and Göksu up to the opening of the Bosphorus into the Black Sea, and the villages in the hinterland as far as the river of Riva.
30 minutes here
Beylerbeyi Palace
BEYLERBEYI PALACE Situated on the Asiatic shore of the Bosphorus between the villages of Kuzguncuk and Cengelköy, the palace was built by Sultan Abdülaziz in 1865. Beylerbeyi Palace seen from the Bosphorus floats like a white vision in a fairy tale. It is the most extravagant royal house of the 19th Century on which millions were spent. It is built completely of marble, surpassing all the Palaces of European Kings. Empress Eugénie, during her visit of 1869 stayed in this palace as well as Czar Nicholas Il of Russia. Edward VIII was a guest in 1936. Stone lionesses recline on marble carpets set in lawns, and swans float and fish swim in the unobtrusive pool where pigeons fly to catch the spray of the fountain upon their wings.
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Kucuksu Pavilion
KUCUKSU PALACE The summer Palace of Kucuksu, sometimes called the Palace of Göksu, is situated between the villages of Anadoluhisan and Kandilli on the Asiatic shore of the Bosphorus. The Kucuksu Palace was first built by Mahmut I in 1749. Later it underwent a restoration during the reigns of Selim Ill and Ahmet Il. It was renovated by Sultan Abdülmecit in 1857. Sultan Abdülaziz gave the palace a new face-lift and had it refurbished and redecorated.
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KIz Kulesi
KIZKULESI (MAIDEN'S TOWER - LEANDER'S TOWER) About 180 metres away from the shores of Üsküdar stands this tower which bears two different names. Europeans who named it the Leander's Tower thought that it was here where Leander was drowned while attempting to swim the Bosphorus to reach his beloved Hero, the priestess of Aphrodite. But, in fact, Leander never crossed here even in the legend which refers to the Hellespont, Dardanelles. The Turkish name is KIZ kulesi (Maiden's Tower). It is now a modern lighthouse. In the past, it served as a fort to tax ships up to one tenth of their cargo, similar to Pfalz Castle on the Rhine.
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Galata Koprusu
The Galata Bridge is a bridge that spans the Golden Horn in Istanbul, Turkey. From the end of the 19th century in particular, the bridge has featured in Turkish literature, theater, poetry and novels.
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Galata Tower
The Galata Tower — called Christea Turris by the Genoese — is a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of Istanbul, Turkey, just to the north of the Golden Horn's junction with the Bosphorus.
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Halic
The Golden Horn, also known by its modern Turkish name, Haliç, is a major urban waterway and the primary inlet of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey.
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Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
We meet all our guests in front of KABATAS VAPUR ISKELESI, https://maps.app.goo.gl/BpKPZbB1FAhcsvee7 The meeting point is right opposite of KABATAS TRAM STATION. Your guide will be holding a board on which "VELENA TRAVEL" is written.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We meet all our guests in front of KABATAS VAPUR ISKELESI, https://maps.app.goo.gl/BpKPZbB1FAhcsvee7 The meeting point is right opposite of KABATAS TRAM STATION. Your guide will be holding a board on which "VELENA TRAVEL" is written.
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
- Wed, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Istanbul Bosphorus Tours
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 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Not what you’re expecting
Ah man where do I start. Food was horrible. Tour was interesting when you could hear it. Had to sit with strangers for lunch. I’d recommend getting a private tour if you’d like to explore the Bosphorus. The fishing village 2 hours down river was cool, but you get like 20 minutes enjoy it. We were over this tour after the first hour of a four and a half hour experience.
via Tripadvisor
We were impressed
Last August we were so lucky to have a great day on Bosphorous cruise. We booked a tour in advance. The service was great, we were met and placed . During the tour we contemplated the incredible views of the beautiful city with a cup of tea and delicious Turkish dishes. We were really impressed. Next time will repeat it with pleasure. Recommend to all
via Tripadvisor
Feel the History
We had really great time at Bosphorous cruise 👍🏻❤️ If you want to have 360 view of Istanbul, you definitely need to book this tour. You just feel the Istanbul history with great cruise team 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Luxury yacht👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻🧿 As a family we enjoyed Istanbul and will come again soon
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
- Wed, Fri, Sun
- Price range
- €100 to €150
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Istanbul Bosphorus Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.4 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Istanbul Bosphorus Tours runsWhy this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea cost?
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Prices start at €100 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 Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea 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 Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea?
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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 Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea 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 Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea?
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Around 1 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 Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea 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 Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea?
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Included: Lunch; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Tour Guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea?
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We meet all our guests in front of KABATAS VAPUR ISKELESI, https://maps.app.goo.gl/BpKPZbB1FAhcsvee7 The meeting point is right opposite of KABATAS TRAM STATION. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea 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 Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea?
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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 Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea 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 Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea 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 Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 3.7 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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