Exploring Istanbul’s historic waterways is a must for any visitor. The Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise with Audio Guide offers an immersive experience, allowing travelers to witness the city’s iconic sights from the comfort of a boat. With an informative audio guide, passengers can dive deeper into the significance of landmarks like the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia as they drift along the scenic routes. Conveniently located near public transportation, this 2-hour tour is a competitively priced way to discover Istanbul from a unique perspective. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this cruise promises to reveal…
Key Points
- 2-hour boat cruise along the Bosphorus and Golden Horn with an optional audio guide to enhance the experience.
- Meeting point at Cankurtaran, near the historic Hagia Sophia, with a 10-minute walk to the pier.
- Flexible cancellation policy, allowing full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
- Competitive pricing starting from £12.07, with a Lowest Price Guarantee.
- Overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 77 reviews, with some concerns about audio quality and overcrowding.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Details
The tour is a 2-hour boat cruise along the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, with an audio guide available to enhance the experience. Boasting a Badge of Excellence, the tour has received 77 reviews from satisfied customers.
The meeting and pickup point is at Cankurtaran, Ayasofya Meydanı No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, and the end point is the same location. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s situated near public transportation.
Infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
Guests will meet the guide with the Grand Boat Line sign in front of the Gazete Market kiosk opposite Hagia Sophia, and follow them on a 10-minute walk to the pier.
Meeting Instructions
Guests will meet the guide with the Grand Boat Line sign in front of the Gazete Market kiosk opposite Hagia Sophia and then follow the guide on a 10-minute walk to the pier.
This straightforward meeting process ensures everyone arrives at the departure point together. The short walk allows guests to take in views of the historic Hagia Sophia before boarding the boat.
Following the guide makes the start of the tour seamless and eliminates any uncertainty about the meeting location or getting to the pier on time. With clear instructions and a guide to lead the way, guests can look forward to a smooth and stress-free beginning to their Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruise experience.
Cancellation Policy
Travelers can cancel their Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruise up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
However, no refund is provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the experience.
Plus, the tour is subject to weather cancellation, in which case you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
This cancellation policy provides flexibility for travelers, allowing them to plan their trip with confidence.
It’s important to note these guidelines to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Pricing
Prices for the Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruise start from £12.07, offering a Lowest Price Guarantee for travelers. The tour is competitively priced, making it accessible to a wide range of budgets.
Customers can be confident they’re getting the best value for their money. The pricing structure is transparent, with no hidden fees or surprises.
Travelers can book the cruise secure in the knowledge that they won’t find a lower price elsewhere. Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply looking to save where you can, the Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruise provides an affordable way to experience the stunning sights of Istanbul from the water.
Reviews
With over 77 reviews, the Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruise has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Positive reviews commend the tour for its great sights, relaxing experience, and good organization.
However, some negative feedback cites issues with poor audio quality, overcrowding, and the disorganized meeting point.
Reviewers praised the breathtaking views of Istanbul’s landmarks and the relaxing nature of the boat cruise.
However, some noted problems with the audio guide and complained about the crowded conditions on the boat.
A few also mentioned difficulties in finding the designated meeting point.
Boat Cruise Experience
The 2-hour Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruise provides an immersive journey along Istanbul’s iconic waterways, offering passengers remarkable views of the city’s historic landmarks. The audio guide, available in multiple languages, enhances the experience by providing insightful commentary on the passing sights.
Passengers can sit back, relax, and take in the stunning scenery, including:
- Breathtaking vistas of the Sultanahmet Mosque and Hagia Sophia
- The serene landscapes of the Bosphorus Strait
- The charming neighborhoods and fortifications along the Golden Horn
- The iconic Galata Bridge connecting the old and new parts of the city
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this cruise is an exceptional way to experience the beauty and rich history of Istanbul from the unique vantage point of the water.
Sightseeing Highlights
As passengers embark on the Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruise, they’re treated to a feast for the senses, taking in the city’s iconic landmarks and picturesque landscapes.
The audio guide provides insightful commentary on the passing sights, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the rich history and charm of Istanbul.
From the majestic Hagia Sophia to the elegant Dolmabahçe Palace, the cruise offers breathtaking views of Istanbul’s most treasured attractions.
Passengers can also admire the charming neighborhoods and bustling markets that line the shores of the Bosphorus Strait.
With the audio guide to enrich the experience, this cruise provides an unforgettable way to explore the best of Istanbul’s sights and sounds.
Accessibility and Transportation
The cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation options for those able to get to the meeting point.
The pickup and drop-off location is at Cankurtaran, Ayasofya Meydanı No:2 in the Fatih district. This is a 10-minute walk from the meeting point at the Gazete Market kiosk opposite Hagia Sophia.
While the boat itself may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges or certain medical conditions, the convenient transportation links make it accessible for many visitors.
Key accessibility notes include:
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation options
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise With Live Performance, Folk Dance and DJ
- Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
- Small-Group Bosphorus Yacht Cruise in Istanbul
- #1 Rated Istanbul Party Pub Crawl W Party Bus/Sultanahmet&Taksim
- Bosphorus Yacht Cruise With Stopover on the Asian Side – (Morning or Afternoon)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Audio Guide?
Yes, you can bring your own audio guide. The tour provides an optional audio guide, but it’s not required. You’re free to use your own audio guide if you prefer.
Is There a Dress Code for the Cruise?
There is no specific dress code for the cruise. Passengers can wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for a boat tour. The key is to dress appropriately for the weather conditions on the day of the cruise.
Are Food and Drinks Available for Purchase on the Boat?
Food and drinks are not provided on the boat, but passengers are welcome to bring their own refreshments. There are no on-board catering options available during the cruise.
What Languages Are the Audio Guides Available In?
The audio guides are available in multiple languages, though the specific languages are not mentioned in the details provided. Passengers can expect to have a variety of options to choose from for their audio tour.
Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Cruise?
Passengers are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the cruise, as long as they don’t disrupt the experience for others. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies or restrictions.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Istanbul – Cappadocia 6 Day Private Tour + Deluxe Balloon Ride
- Highlights of Istanbul With Private Tour Guide Zerrin
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Turkish Night Show All Inclusive
- Istanbul Combo: Classic City Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
- Istanbul: Blue Mosque Guided Tour
- Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia 8 Day Package
- Buyukada Princes’ Island Guided Day Tour With Lunch From Istanbul
- Istanbul: Half-Day Turkish Coffee Tasting and Tour
- Full Day Private Istanbul Tour
- Eyup, Pierre Loti Hill, and Kariye Museum: Guided Day Tour From Istanbul
- Cappadocia Dream – 2 Days Cappadocia Travel With Balloon Ride From/To Istanbul
- 12 Days Private Tour of Turkey
- Istanbul Aquarium and Aqua Florya Shopping Mall Tour
- From Istanbul: Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia 8-Day Tour
Recap
The Istanbul: Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise provides an excellent opportunity to experience the city’s iconic waterways. With an audio guide, travelers can learn about the sights as they enjoy the scenic boat tour.
While the cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour is competitively priced, making it an attractive option for those visiting Istanbul.