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Bosphorus Strait
This magnificent strait, known as Bosphorus, has been significant since ancient times.
It shares similarities with the Dardanelles in length, breadth, and current, dividing Europe from Asia.
Unlike a solitary stream, it's a vibrant waterway lined with palaces and villages, offering constantly changing, lively scenes.
· 2 h 30 min· Admission included
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Dolmabahce Palace
Located on the European side of the Bosphorus, Dolmabahce Palace and its grounds create a small town with gardens stretching along the water.
· Non-stop passage
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Ortakoy
The Ortaköy Mosque, officially Büyük Mecidiye Camii, is a prominent landmark situated by the waterside at Ortaköy pier square, a popular Bosphorus spot.
· Non-stop passage
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Bosphorus Bridge
Inaugurated on October 29, 1973, this suspension bridge boasts the longest span in Europe and ranks fourth globally, with a total length of 1560 meters and a width of 33.4 meters.
· Non-stop passage
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Palais Çırağan
Between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy on the European shore, you'll find the ruins of Ciragan Palace, constructed by Sultan Abdülaziz between 1863-1867. Its long facade and baroque style are reminiscent of Dolmabahce Palace.
· Non-stop passage
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Rumeli Fortress
At the Bosphorus's narrowest point on the European shore stands Rumelihisarı Fortress, built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 to control sea passage and support his city conquest.
· Non-stop passage
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Bebek Park
In the 19th century, Ottoman elites chose Bebek for its prime location to build summer residences. It remains a sought-after residential area today.
· Non-stop passage
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Kanlica Meydani
Kanlıca, a neighborhood on the Asian side of the Bosphorus in Beykoz, is famous for its specialty yogurt, often served with castor sugar in local eateries.
· Non-stop passage
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Anadolu Hisari Fort
Across the strait, the Anadoluhisari Fortress graces the Asiatic shore near the Göksu stream. Originally built by Sultan Bayazit in 1395 and later expanded by Mehmet the Conqueror, it stands as a landmark of Turkish presence on the Bosphorus.
· Non-stop passage
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Kucuksu Pavilion
The Kucuksu Palace, also known as Göksu Palace, is a summer residence situated on the Asiatic shore between Anadoluhisan and Kandilli villages.
· Non-stop passage
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Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, or Second Bosphorus Bridge, was the fifth-longest suspension bridge span globally upon its completion in 1988 and currently ranks 24th.
· Non-stop passage
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Beylerbeyi Palace
Built in 1865 by Sultan Abdülaziz on the Asiatic shore, Beylerbeyi Palace appears as a magical white vision from the Bosphorus, representing extravagant 19th-century royal architecture.
· Non-stop passage
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Galata Koprusu
The Galata Bridge, spanning the Golden Horn in Istanbul, has been a recurring motif in Turkish literature, theater, and poetry since the late 19th century.
· Non-stop passage
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Galata Tower
The Galata Tower, known as Christea Turris by the Genoese, is a medieval stone structure located in the Galata/Karaköy district, north of the Golden Horn's confluence with the Bosphorus.
· Non-stop passage
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KIz Kulesi
Kızkulesi, or Maiden's Tower, stands about 180 meters offshore from Üsküdar. Europeans called it Leander's Tower, mistakenly believing it was where Leander drowned swimming to his beloved Hero, a legend actually associated with the Hellespont.
· Non-stop passage
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Halic
The Golden Horn shores, known as Haliç, are a must-see in Istanbul, recognized for their horn-like shape and historical importance as a major trade center in ancient times.
· Non-stop passage