Marvels of Istanbul Tour

Marvels of Istanbul Tour with Bosphorus: Combine visits to some of Istanbul's top sights such as Galata Tower, Pierre Loti Hill, Cable Car, Ancient City Walls, Dolmabahce Palace, and a cruise on the Bosphorus that goes all the way up to the Black Sea on a single day tour.

Istanbul is a city like no other and it has a strait to match. We'll show you the "must-see" sights and teach you something about the history of Istanbul both land and waterfront like no one else can. Whether you're looking for a city discovery excursion or a unique perspective on Istanbul and the Bosphorus, let Bosphorus Tour be your guide.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the city by coach, seeing top Istanbul attractions like the Golden Horn, Yedikule Dungeons and the Walls of Constantinople
• See Rumeli Fortress and Bosphorus Bridge on a sightseeing cruise on the Bosphorus Strait
• Admire incredible panoramic city views from Pierre Loti Hill
• Discover the magnificence of Dolmabahce Palace on a walking tour
• 4-Hours Istanbul sightseeing cruise with two-course lunch
• Glace over the castles, palaces and mansions on the Bosphorus Strait
• Learn about the rich history of the Bosphorus from our knowledgeable guide on-board.
• Sail to the village of Anadolu Kavagi on the Black Sea coast.

The sights to See and Visit

Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

The most prominent feature of the New District skyline, Galata Tower was built by the Genoese in the mid-14th century and has been used over the centuries as a fire tower, a barracks, a dungeon, and even as a launchpad to test the possibility of human-powered flight. In the Middle Ages, when Byzantines controlled the historic core of the city, this was the territory of Genoa (the Italian city once controlled much of the Mediterranean). This tower-sometimes called the "Genoese Tower"-was part of a mid-14th-century fortification. But, with a key location facing the Byzantine capital across the Golden Horn, the dramatic tower's purpose was likely as much to show off as to defend.

Today, the tower is a tourist attraction-offering visitors perhaps the best view of Istanbul. Climb the little staircase behind the tower, take the elevator to the seventh-floor restaurant, and go to the observation terrace.

Take a unique cruise along the Bosphorus Strait and gaze at the emblematic landmarks along the banks, including Galata Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge. When you get to the Black Sea, stop for a swim and enjoy an onboard lunch.

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are the walls around Istanbul (City Walls) and the city is under protection. The walls were built in Eastern Roman times. The first wall was built when there was a small village called Ligos in Seraglio, and then it was continuously expanded.

Pierre Loti Hill

Pierre Loti Hill, located on the ridge of Eyup Sultan Mosque, is the place where the Golden Horn view can be seen most beautifully. When you climb this hill, Pierre Loti Coffee House, where the French writer Pierre Loti once sat for hours and watched the Golden Horn with dreamy eyes and now bears his name, welcomes you.

Cable Car from Pierre Loti Hill to Eyup District

A distinctive way to reach the summit of Pierre Loti , which overlooks the Golden Horn

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace was built between 1843 and 1856 as a mixture of European art styles. It is the work of Karabet Balyan, the architect of Sultan Abdulmecit. Ottoman Sultans had many palaces in every era. However, Topkapi Palace, which is the main palace, was abandoned after the completion of Dolmabahce Palace. Dolmabahce Palace has 3 floors and a symmetrical plan. It has 285 rooms and 43 halls. It has a 600-meter quay from the sea and 2 monumental gates, one of which is very ornate, on the land side. In the middle of this seaside palace, surrounded by a well-kept and beautiful garden, is the ceremonial and ballroom, which is higher than the other sections.

Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise

Travel to Kabatas Pier at 1 pm and embark on a comfortable cruise on a luxury yacht that will drift along the Bosphorus Strait. Over the course of several hours, enjoy gorgeous views as we sail the waters of the Marmara Sea.

Walls of Constantinople, Marvels of Istanbul Tour with Bosphorus and the Black Sea Cruise

To start the cruise off with a bang, we'll welcome you with a refreshing cocktail served on board, accompanied by fried rolls with cheese and different snacks. Meanwhile, we'll sail across the Bosphorus Strait, admiring fantastic views of castles, palaces, ancient mansions and the different minarets in the city that can be seen from the water.

Throughout the cruise, the guide on board will tell you some of the most amazing stories of the Turkish monuments we'll see. At 1 pm, a delicious meal will be served on board, consisting of hot and cold starters, a main course (choice of grilled meat or fish), fruit, a drink and a Turkish tea. Bon appetit!

With your appetite satisfied, relax on the open-top deck and revel in the incredible views of Rumeli Hisari, a historic fortress, Galata Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge, among other iconic sights in Istanbul.

When the cruise reaches the Black Sea at the third bridge of the Bosphorus Strait, it'll be time to drop anchor and stroll around the small coastal town of Anadolu Kavagi. Here you'll have the chance to wander through the lush surrounding hills or see the ruins of a medieval fortress - a unique experience you don't want to miss!

After an exciting day of cruising between two continents, we'll return to the starting point in Istanbul, arriving around 5:30 pm.

Anadolu Kavagi

Today Anadolu Kavagi is a sleepy fishing village located near the narrowest part of the Bosphorus. But the ruined castles, fortifications and ancient temples that surround it show how strategically important the area has been for millennia. The hills above the village give a beautiful view of the water and a welcome respite from city noise.

Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise Map

Our Yacht