Istanbul Bosphorus Lunch Cruise
Bosphorus Lunch Cruise in Istanbul
Enjoy a relaxing Bosphorus lunch cruise with hotel transfers, delicious Turkish cuisine, and stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline from the water.
Tour Overview
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Istanbul from the water with our relaxing Bosphorus Lunch Cruise. Glide between Europe and Asia as you enjoy a delicious open-buffet or set-menu lunch aboard a comfortable cruise ship. Pass iconic landmarks such as the Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Maiden’s Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridges while dining in style.
- 2.5 to 3-hour scenic cruise on the Bosphorus Strait
- Freshly prepared Turkish lunch with vegetarian options available
- Unmatched views of palaces, mosques, and Ottoman mansions
- Live commentary or background music during the cruise
- Hotel transfers from central Istanbul locations included
This tour is perfect for couples, families, and first-time visitors who want to combine relaxation with cultural sightseeing—while sailing between two continents.
Tour Itinerary
12:30 / 13:00 – Our comfortable hotel pick-up service begins. After gathering all guests from their respective hotels, we meet at the pier and board the boat together with your tour guide and fellow guests.
Our journey starts from the scenic Golden Horn, where we sail under the Golden Horn Bridge and enter the magnificent Bosphorus Strait. As we begin cruising between the continents, your freshly prepared lunch is served onboard.
Lunch Menu: A selection of delicious Turkish appetizers, seasonal salads, Chicken Shish Kebab, rice, and seasonal fruits. During low season, lunch is served in the calm waters of Golden Horn before entering the Bosphorus for comfort and weather considerations.
While you enjoy your meal, the boat gently sails past Istanbul’s most elegant landmarks on both European and Asian shores. Admire the stunning waterfront palaces and mansions, including:
- Dolmabahçe Palace – The grand imperial residence of the late Ottoman sultans
- Çırağan Palace – A luxurious 19th-century palace now operating as a five-star hotel
- Beylerbeyi Palace – A summer palace on the Asian shore filled with history and charm
- Historical Ottoman Yalı Mansions – Beautiful wooden villas lining the coastline
Our boat sails all the way up to the Second Bosphorus Bridge near the Black Sea entrance, offering panoramic views of the two continents connected by graceful bridges.
On the return route, enjoy the coastal beauty of the Asian side and see the legendary Maiden’s Tower standing alone at the Bosphorus’s heart—one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
We arrive back at Golden Horn around 17:30 – 18:00. You will then be transferred back to your hotel, ending the tour full of beautiful memories and photos from your day on the Bosphorus.
What's Included
Included
- Pick up and drop off from Central Hotels.
- Lunch
- English Speaking Licenced Tour guide
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise
- All necessary land transportation by A/C Touristical Buses
- Local Taxes
Not Included
- Personal Expenses
- Drinks at the lunch
- Any extra fees for transportation if your hotel is not central
Important Remarks
Please read the following important information carefully before booking. These remarks contain essential details about your tour experience.
- The lunch menu is based on seasonal availability and may vary slightly depending on the day. A set menu is generally served, but changes may occur without prior notice. Vegetarian options are available on request—please inform us at the time of booking.
- During the winter and low season, lunch may be served while the boat is still in the calm waters of the Golden Horn for guest comfort and safety.
- In case of adverse weather or sea conditions, the cruise route may be adjusted or shortened by the captain’s discretion to ensure passenger safety. This does not entitle guests to a refund.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off services are included from centrally located hotels (Sultanahmet, Taksim, Şişli, Fatih, Beyoğlu). If your hotel is outside of our pick-up zone, an additional transfer fee may apply.
- Seating on the boat is arranged by staff upon boarding. Special requests for seating (window, upper deck, etc.) are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
- This is a shared group cruise. If you prefer a private Bosphorus experience, please contact us for upgrade options.
More Details
As the midday sun glistens on the Bosphorus, you step onto a stylish cruise boat docked along the historic shores of Istanbul. A light breeze greets you as you settle into your seat. The moment the boat begins to drift away from the shore, the city’s noise fades, and serenity takes over.
Soon, your table is filled with the aromas of freshly prepared Turkish dishes—grilled meats, savory mezes, and seasonal salads. As you dine, Istanbul glides by. To your right, the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace. To your left, the colorful neighborhood of Ortaköy, crowned by its elegant mosque beside the sea.
The boat sails toward the second Bosphorus Bridge, with the Asian and European continents surrounding you. You see wooden Ottoman mansions hugging the water’s edge and fishermen waving from ancient piers. Above you, the Bosphorus Bridge stretches like a ribbon between worlds.
You sip tea or coffee as the cruise gently circles back. The hum of the water, the skyline of minarets and domes, and the sun dancing on the strait create an experience that’s equal parts peaceful and unforgettable.
This is not just lunch—it’s Istanbul served to you with a view.
The Bosphorus cruise was both relaxing and informative. The guide shared interesting facts about the historical sites we saw, which added to the experience. The lunch was delicious, with fresh ingredients and a variety of choices. The seating arrangement allowed for clear views of the iconic palaces and mosques. The staff was courteous and ensured a pleasant atmosphere. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul.
We really enjoyed this cruise along the Bosphorus. The atmosphere was relaxing, and the staff was very friendly. The lunch was tasty with a good variety of dishes. It was a perfect way to see Istanbul from a different perspective.
The Bosphorus lunch cruise was a fantastic experience. The views of Istanbul from the water were breathtaking. The food was delicious and freshly prepared. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the city!
I absolutely loved the Bosphorus lunch cruise! The boat was elegant and offered a smooth ride along the water. The scenic views of Istanbul’s coastline were simply breathtaking. The tour was well-organized, and the staff was professional and friendly. This was one of the best experiences of my trip!
From the moment we stepped aboard the elegant boat, we were greeted with warm hospitality and impeccable service. The staff was friendly, attentive, and ensured that every aspect of the experience was top-notch. The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the breathtaking views of Istanbul's iconic landmarks along the Bosphorus Strait. We sailed past majestic palaces, historic mosques, and charming waterfront neighborhoods, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's rich heritage and culture. Throughout the cruise, the knowledgeable guide provided insightful commentary, sharing fascinating facts and anecdotes about the history and significance of the landmarks we passed. Our family enjoyed it a lot. Highly recommend.
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