Bosphorus tour locationsTopkapi Palace History: The Imperial Heart of the Ottoman Empire
For nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) served as the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans and the administrative center...
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Discover Istanbul's most spectacular views from the water on our 2-hour Bosphorus Tour, featuring a unique route from the historic peninsula to the most iconic landmarks along the Bosphorus Strait.
Our tour begins at Hagia Sophia, where our guide will be waiting for you with a distinctive yellow umbrella. After meeting all participants, we'll take a short 7-minute walk together to Ahirkapi Pier.
Tickets will be checked at the pier, and then you'll board the boat and take your seats. This is where your mesmerizing journey through the Istanbul Bosphorus begins.
⚠️ Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure
Once the boat sets off, we first glide past the magnificent silhouette of Topkapi Palace, then turn our route toward the Golden Horn, Istanbul's tranquil and historic district.
Along the Golden Horn, with our guide's engaging narration, you'll discover iconic Istanbul landmarks like the Süleymaniye Mosque, Galata Tower, and Egyptian Bazaar from the water. After completing the Golden Horn tour, we return to the main Bosphorus route.
One of the tour's most impressive segments features the stunning palace route, where you'll admire Dolmabahçe Palace and Çırağan Palace from the sea. Our guide will share fascinating historical and architectural details about these magnificent structures.
After the palaces, our route continues toward the scenic view of Ortaköy Mosque. We then sail beneath the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, heading toward the most beautiful sections of the Bosphorus.
Following the bridge passage, the journey continues along Istanbul's famous Bosphorus waterfront mansions (yalıs). After viewing Rumeli Fortress and Anadolu Fortress, we head toward the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.
In the final section of the tour, we cruise along the Asian coastline, passing significant landmarks like Kuleli Military School and Beylerbeyi Palace. The tour concludes with a spectacular view as we sail right next to the iconic Maiden's Tower.
Our approximately 2-hour Bosphorus tour concludes with a return to Ahirkapi Pier. This experience offers the perfect blend of stunning scenery, rich history, and the soul of Istanbul—all in a short timeframe.
Yes. Reach out to us with your preferred date and time, and we'll reschedule your tour based on availability.
We recommend arriving directly at Ahirkapi Pier at least 10 minutes before departure. Click here to view the location on Google Maps. Alternatively, join your guide holding a sign reading "Grand Boat Line" in front of the Hagia Sophia and begin a 10-minute walk toward the pier.
You can pay online via a secure link sent to your email or WhatsApp, or you can pay at the meeting point by showing your ticket. Only pay authorized Grand Boat Line staff.
We offer free cancellation up to 1 hour before the tour starts. Date and time changes are easily accommodated upon request.
Absolutely! This tour is designed for all travelers, including couples, families, solo travelers, and photography enthusiasts. Comfortable seating and a serene atmosphere provide ideal conditions for everyone.
The tour includes a 120-minute Bosphorus cruise and multilingual audio guide. Food and beverages are not included but can be purchased onboard.
✨ Experience Istanbul from its most magical perspective
Explore inspiring articles about Istanbul, Bosphorus tours, and travel experiences
Bosphorus tour locationsFor nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) served as the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans and the administrative center...
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"The grand boat line bus cruise a relatively inexpensive way to and the city from the water way. Tickets are about €20 although I paid €15 because I got a discount from my hotel. The cruise was about two hours in duration. The main floor has covered seating while the upstairs is uncovered. Both are available and you can choose as per the weather. The day I went was very cold and chilly so everybody was on the main floor. There was a canteen which is severely overpriced.I ordered a hot chocolate for 150 TL which otherwise should’ve been 50 TL. The staff was friendly. It was a budget cruise, so there was nothing luxurious about it but overall, I cannot complain. Definitely worth it if you want to see the main point of the city without breaking the bank."
"The Bosphorus tour is organized for tourists, and you board from the Cankurtaran shore and get off at the same point. The boats are quite clean and the tour is enjoyable. Food and drinks are available, but the prices are a bit high; for example, a glass of watermelon juice costs 200 TL"
"Il giro panoramico offre la possibilità di ammirare la città, i suoi palazzi, i suoi minareti e le sue cupole da un punto di vista davvero privilegiato. La guida registrata era piuttosto breve e sintetica; con qualche dettaglio in più l’esperienza sarebbe stata ancora più piacevole."
Join now for an unforgettable experience on the Bosphorus