Morning Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise
Istanbul, Turkey
Rating: 
Trip Type: Day Cruises
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Cruise along the Golden Horn and Bosphorus Straits, and visit the Spice Bazaar on this unusual 3.5-hour Istanbul experience! After time at the bazaar and beautiful Rüstem Pasha Mosque, board a sightseeing boat to sail the Golden Horn inlet that divides European Istanbul — an unforgettable experience that many visitors miss. Absorb the sights along the Horn and enjoy great views over the Old City as you cruise into the Bosphorus. Keep your camera ready as you pass even more showstoppers, including the Bosphorus bridges, Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Fortress.
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Cruise along the Golden Horn and Bosphorus Straits, and visit the Spice Bazaar on this unusual 3.5-hour Istanbul experience! After time at the bazaar and beautiful Rüstem Pasha Mosque, board a sightseeing boat to sail the Golden Horn inlet that divides European Istanbul — an unforgettable experience that many visitors miss. Absorb the sights along the Horn and enjoy great views over the Old City as you cruise into the Bosphorus. Keep your camera ready as you pass even more showstoppers, including the Bosphorus bridges, Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Fortress.
Start your experience in the morning with a pickup from your centrally located Istanbul hotel. Settle into your comfortable minibus and hear fascinating facts from your guide about this vibrant city as you head for Sultanahmet, the Old City, and the Spice Bazaar.
Built in the 17th century, this atmospheric market is a feast for the senses. Wander around the stalls of colorful spices, nuts and fruits and enjoy the the exotic aromas as your guide explains the goods sold here.
Next, head for one of Istanbul’s best-kept secrets, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque. This small building is laden with blue tiles and an enchanting example of Ottoman architecture.
Continue to nearby Eminonu Pier for your sightseeing cruise. Board your boat and sail along the Golden Horn, the inlet dividing European Istanbul in two. Most Istanbul cruises focus on the Bosphorus Straits, so cruising the Golden Horn is something special.
Drink in the sights, including the elegant Aynalıkavak Palace, Eyup Sultan Mosque and Galata Tower. Then, after roughly 45 minutes, enjoy stunning views of the Old City as you leave the Horn and enter the Bosphorus. Drift along the straits for around 90 minutes, past landmarks such as the two Bosphorus bridges, the Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Fortress. Along the way, get an insight into lesser-known Istanbul as you pass wooden Ottoman houses, mosques and mansions.
After your boat docks back at Eminonu, your tour ends when you say goodbye to your guide at the Spice Bazaar.
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