English
Istanbul is a city that seduces very much; this is partly due to the enticing blue color of the Bosphorus, which is the strait that separates Europe from Asia, the same that has served to unite two cultural worlds. It is for this reason that travelers can’t miss the opportunity to go on a historic tour and enjoy second to none views of Turkey.
The Bosporus connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, making Istanbul a city located on two continents; one part is in Asia and the other in Europe. This strait measures about 30 km, the narrowest part is 700 meters and at the junction with the Black Sea it reaches 4 km wide.
For you not to spend more than you should and discover the enchanting secrets of the Bosphorus, we’ll give you some useful information so you can get the most out of your holidays.
The first thing to know is that there are many different tours, some of them last about 1.5 hours, some of them last more than two hours, and some others last six hours. Also there are some companies that offer a guided tour to learn particular history details of the area. All tours are very nice, but you should try to find out very well the price details, because some companies charge their fees in Euros, regardless of the exchange rate with the local currency, the Turkish Lira.
Tours usually start at 10:30, you should get there at least 15 minutes early to buy tickets. During the warm months, it is better to wear light clothing and bring water with you.
The public transport company IDO offers a good tour option, it departs from the Eminönü or Besiktas quay and costs about € 10 for 6 hours. No reservation is required and tickets can be purchased at the quay.
This tour will stop along the route, allowing you to get to know the banks of the Bosphorus. The trip takes 2 hours to the fortress of Anadolu, there you will have the chance to explore it and go to town, eat local specialties and learn about how people live. There are very good places where you can eat fresh fish. This magnificent fort offers exceptional landscapes. The return is an amazing show of lights thanks to the romantic views of the city during the night.
The company Viator also offers interesting tours. They last about four hours and travel both shores of the Bosphorus, including a visit to the Grand Bazaar for the ones who enjoying shopping. They also offer a moonlight tour for the ones who prefer a romantic night. These tours are available on Saturday afternoon.
The cheapest tour is offered by the company Turyol, it costs just € 4.85 for 1 ½ hours and departs at 12:00 and at 18:00 from the Eminönü.
There are also companies that offer very unique luxury cruises, as Bosphoro Tour that offers overnight trips, dinner and dances. It costs about 58 € per person.
If you’ve chosen the banks of the Bosphorus as your destination for your next holidays, rent apartments in Istanbul and make your holiday something truly unforgettable.
