What makes Istanbul so charming and magical is the Bosphorus which separates it into two parts! This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the open sea and discover the city in a different way to explore places that would not be accessible by road, that is to say the Yali, old wooden Ottoman houses, the bridges suspended in addition to the sea air that invigorates you and opens your lungs. A cruise on the Bosphorus is essential.
Companies that offer cruises:
Istanbul residents cross the Bosphorus every day, it is a common form of transportation. There are two companies that offer tours every day, in all weather and at low cost: www.turyol.com and www.sehirhatlari.com.tr
There is a small tour of the Bosphorus which lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and a large tour of the Bosphorus which lasts about 5 hours. Most of the time, they start from Eminonu and Kadikoy.
The different types of cruises:
Some companies offer cruises without any indication. Others offer the Bosphorus tour in English, you will have to mix with other nationalities. Other tours rent headsets with information in your language. For tours with a private yacht tours and guide, in groups or individually, you must book in advance with a travel agency. The spoken language will therefore be your mother tongue or the common language of your group. The organization of evening shows by the Bosphorus is also common in Istanbul, in groups of friends or for a romantic dinner.
The Price of a Cruise:
Count from 5 to 450 € per person depending on the service offered as explained above, the type of boat you are going to embark on and whether it is the high or low season.
However, if you opt for a cheap Bosphorus cruise, expect to be on a crowded, noisy boat in an uncivilized atmosphere. When the price increases, it gives the right to more benefits such as more comfort, more duration, etc. It is therefore essential to choose your cruise in relation to the quality and not the price. If you are interested in sailing in Bodrum or anywhere else in Turkey have a look here.
Happy sailing!