About this experience
The Bosphorus tour is a combination of stunning views and significant 'witnesses' of the past. During the cruise, you will admire beautiful neighborhoods, delve into the history of the conquest of Constantinople, passing by the Rumelihisar Fortress. Additionally, you will closely examine the ornate Ortakoy Mosque. To relax from the new knowledge and aesthetic impressions, gastronomic discoveries await - you will try Turkish sweets at a historical bakery and the best balik ekmek.
What To Expect
Panoramas and stories from the boat
On the Bosphorus tour, you will embark on a journey along the legendary strait. Along the way, you will see the wooden houses of the aristocratic Arnavutkoy district, the Naval High School from the Ottoman period, and the prestigious Bebek district. Special attention will be paid to the Rumelihisar Fortress - the place of Constantinople's fall and Istanbul's birth. From the water, you will see its 15th-century stone towers, and I will tell you about the construction of the citadel in record time for that era, explaining why the conquerors of Constantinople chose this part of the Bosphorus - ultimately understanding the main shift of eras in the city's past.
Mosques on the Bosphorus
After exploring the fortress, we will stroll along the promenade and observe the fishermen. Near the Bosphorus Bridge, one of Istanbul's iconic landmarks awaits you - the elegant Ortakoy Mosque. As you admire its facades and interiors, you will learn about the features of Ottoman Baroque architecture and the significance of the wall paintings. Not far from the Golden Horn bay, you will see perhaps the most unconventional mosque in Istanbul. And in the Kilych Ali Pasha Mosque complex, you will hear about the fate of the Ottoman admiral of Italian origin.
Flavors of the Maritime City
The tour will also delight you with gastronomic discoveries. By the Ortakoy Mosque, you will try traditional baked potato kumpir or a dondurma-like treat. We will visit the famous Mario for balik ekmek (fish in bread) or the fish market frequented by Istanbul locals. For dessert, we will head to the historical bakery Gulloglu, where you will sample various types of baklava, lokum, and other sweets.
Organizational Details
- Additional payment for the boat tour ticket (25 lira per person) is required
- You will cover expenses for public transport and any treats for yourself
- The tour will be conducted by me or one of the guides from my team
