Start your day with a pickup from your European-side Istanbul hotel, and travel to the port where your ferry awaits. Cruise south across the Sea of Marmara to Yalova, and then continue your journey by air-conditioned minivan. After just over two hours of traveling, arrive into Bursa, the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire.
Get to know Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, on a day trip from Istanbul! With a private guide at your side, travel by minivan and ferry to the city and then visit some of its landmark monuments. Gaze in awe at the colorful grandeur of the Green Mosque, and then learn of the city as an Ottoman-era silk powerhouse on a trip to Bursa Silk Market and the Koza Han building. After lunch, ride to the top of Mt Olympus (Snow Hill) by cable car and some impressive city views.
Ottoman Empire was one of the largest empires in the history. Bursa was its first capital. The city that is settled on the northwestern slopes of Mount Uludag is known as "Yesil Bursa" (meaning "Green Bursa") from its beautiful parks and gardens located throughout the city. This fourth largest city of Turkey is also known for its peaches, chestnuts, and silk industry.
Departure by ferry-boat via Yalova, enjoying the lovely countryside view. Drive to Bursa, former Ottoman Capital and lunch of famous "Kebap of Alexander The Great". Climb to Uludag, the legendary Mount Olympos, by Teleferik (Cable Car), visit to Ulucami (Grand Mosque), the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, the old Silk Market in the Covered Bazaar. Late evening return to Istanbul and transfer to hotels.
The city is frequently cited as "Green Bursa" in a reference to the beautiful parks and gardens located across its urban tissue, as well as to the vast forests in rich variety that extend in its surrounding region. The city is synonymous with the mountain Uludağ which towers behind the city core and which is also a famous ski resort. The mausoleums of early Ottoman sultans are located in Bursa and the numerous edifices built throughout the Ottoman period constitute the city's main landmarks. The surrounding fertile plain, its thermal baths, several interesting museums, notably a rich museum of archaeology, and a rather orderly urban growth are further principal elements that complete Bursa's overall picture.
Watching one of the best silhouettes in the world with Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque and
the Leander' s Tower will be your exceptional experience to enjoy this imperial elegance and
the unique panoramic view of the Bosphorus waterway which brings the two continents
Europe and Asia, face to face…
The royal Dolmabahçe Palace, the late residence of the Ottoman Sultans; Bosphorus and
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges connecting the two continents Asia and Europe;
Rumeli Fortress, the historical armament built by the Conqueror Sultan, marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman style besides modern residentials
UNFORGETTABLE BOSPHORUS CRUISE… DINNER… UNLIMITED LOCAL DRINKS…
BELLY DANCERS… FOLKLORE SHOW…
Dinner with a rich variety of specialities from the Turkish and international cuisine including unlimited local drinks on board of a Bosphorus yacht.
Golden Horn (from the bus), the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of İstanbul where the first colonies settled during the Byzantines. The residential area for Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-muslim minorities. Drive along the traces of history at Balat viewing Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), Fener Orthodox Patriarchate and 22 kms. long Byzantine City Walls, strongest fortification of the Middle age.
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers etc.
Bosphorus Cruise on Plan Tours’ private boat, through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials and luxurious apartments.
Rumeli Fortress (from the boat - no interior visit), historical armament built by the Conqueror
to control and protect the Bosphorus. A unique example of military architecture.
also visioned during the tour
IMPERIAL GARDENS OF ROYAL YILDIZ PALACE
BOSPHORUS BRIDGE connecting EUROPE & ASIA continents • BEYLERBEYİ PALACE
from the boat
First time in Turkey and this was an incredible way to view the city. The staff was kind, polite, and wanted to ensure every guest was happy. I HIGHLY recommend. Comfortable, drinks/meals provided, and easy to relax as a foreigner.
An enchanted evening cruise starts while you sip your welcome drink and enjoy the marvelous scenery as the sun sets on the Bosphorus. Chance to view and photograph the precious relics of three world dominating Empires: Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.
The royal Dolmabahçe Palace, the late residence of the Ottoman Sultans; Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges connecting the two continents Asia and Europe; Rumeli Fortress, the historical armament built by the Conqueror Sultan, marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman style besides modern residentials. These are all things you will see on this tour.
In short, explore Istanbul from the sea, on Bosphorus, a unique link between East and West, Past and Present. Do all this, while enjoying a welcome drink and perhaps a wonderful sunset, if the weather permits.
We hired our guide for a full day of private touring the next day. The boat trip itself was awesome! His knowledge of Turkey's Ottoman history and storytelling was incredible! He added interesting details, dates, and anecdotal information and answered my husband's thousands of questions! As a private tour guide, he was amazing as well- our tour was highly personal, well planned, and comprised a full day including lunch and tea. He expertly navigated all the places we wanted to see and pointed out details, large and small! We highly recommend this travel operator!
City sightseeingCruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise is a very popular cruise that you can enjoy a memorable evening of food, wine and entertainment. Admire the spectacular views of Istanbul’s beautifully illuminated palaces, mosques and Bosphorus bridges, and enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner with select drinks. Glittering entertainment from belly dancers, whirling dervishes and other artistes is included, along with hotel pickup and drop-off.
Begin your Bosphorus dinner cruise with either a coach pickup from your hotel or join your guide at the port. Then, board your festive boat for a sightseeing cruise of the Bosphorus Strait and see the monument-laden European and Asian coastlines. See the Blue Mosque, the Kiz Kulesi tower and Dolmabahçe Palace glow gold at sunset. As dusk turns to nightfall see the last slivers of light illuminate Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, famously known for connecting the two continents.
Enjoy exciting performance of music and dancing which sheds light on the city’s Anatolian culture. As the show picks up, get ready for classic belly dancing with playful twists and shakes enjoyed by all. Once the show is over, spend the last few minutes admiring the sparkling city as your boat arrives at the port.
Spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the Bosphorus Strait during this spectacular 4.5-hour lunch cruise. Take in the iconic sights along the way and stop for a visit in the fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi and discover the old fortress remnants on a hill with breathtaking views of Bosphorus and the Black Sea.
Climb aboard a gorgeous boat and forget your worries as you enjoy a relaxing half-day cruise down the Bosphorus Strait. Admire the views of beautiful castles, palaces, old mansions and the minarets of the city mosques. During the cruise you will have plenty of time to relax, sit back and indulge in two course lunch that offers a variety of delicious dishes and fresh seasonal fruits.
The open air observation deck gives you the perfect place to capture photos. 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 towards the Black Sea, and then make your way to the small coastal town of Anadolu Kavagi.
Drop anchor and take a walk in the lush hills of the surrounding area. See the ruins of a medieval fortress and other landmarks before the journey back to Istanbul in the late afternoon.
Embark on an evening of a lifetime with this four-hour sunset cruise around the Bosphorus. Pass by Dolmabahce Palace, Maiden's Tower and Golden Horn, while enjoying a freshly prepared dinner, perfect views of Istanbul at sunset with a live tour commentary and DJ performance.
We'll bring the adventure, you bring the romance on our Bosphorus Sunset Dinner Cruise. Our stylish boat is the perfect vessel on which to wine and dine. Get up close and personal with the incredible views of Istanbul at sunset. It's good vibes only on this pleasure cruise that includes cocktails, locally-prepared appetizers, dinner and dessert.
Once we're on board, it's time to slow yourself down and let the sightseeing begin. For the ride, we've got a nice selection of snacks finger food, and soft drinks to welcome you. Our entertaining tour guide will share history and legends of Istanbul as we journey around the Bosphorus while going up and down along both European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus.
This relaxed trip is a photographer's dream, with endlessly amazing photo opportunities, courtesy of the breathtaking sunset views above the old City of Istanbul. This is definitely the time to get your new profile pic or your family's next holiday card photo.
At sunset, we'll pause to enjoy the last moments of the day, complete with a champagne toast. Grab your cameras so the crew can capture you and your favorite people with a colorful backdrop of the Bosphorus.
We will start the day with Spice Bazaar our guide explain the miracle of the herbs and we can taste delicious Turkish delights here. We depart from Spice Bazaar to have a sightseeing tour of the Golden Horn.
Then we will join the cruise on Bosphorus by public boat in 90 Minutes. From the awe-inspiring Dolmabahce Palace to the ancient Walls of Constantine and onto the Topkapi Palace, experience the best views the city has to offer while enjoying a wonderfull cruise along the Bosphorus. A journey along the Bosphorus with Cruise will give you a unique insight into the great city’s history.
We look forward to giving you a great experience.
CruiseSightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers