Half-Day Afternoon Bosphorus & Black Sea Cruise with Lunch
Spend a memorable afternoon cruising from Istanbul toward the Black Sea. Visit Rumeli Fortress, enjoy lunch while sailing along the Bosphorus, and relax in Poyrazköy where the strait opens into the Black Sea.
This seasonal group cruise normally operates between 1 April and 30 September. On Wednesdays, Küçüksu Pavilion replaces Rumeli Fortress in the scheduled program.
- Afternoon Bosphorus and Black Sea cruise
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off included
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Scheduled entrance ticket included
- Lunch served during the cruise
Convenient hotel pick-up around 12:45
Rumeli Fortress or Küçüksu Pavilion
Served while cruising north
Free time in scenic Poyrazköy
Duration
Approx. 5 Hours
Pick-Up
Around 12:45
Tour Type
Group Cruise
Transfer
Selected Hotels
Guide
English-Speaking
Meal
Lunch Included
From Historic Istanbul to the Entrance of the Black Sea
Our Half-Day Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience Istanbul’s famous waterway without committing to a complete day. The program combines a guided historical visit, a scenic cruise between Europe and Asia, lunch on board and free time near the Black Sea.
After hotel pick-up, travel to Rumeli Fortress, the monumental fifteenth-century stronghold built by Sultan Mehmed II at one of the narrowest points of the Bosphorus. After the visit, continue by boat toward the northern end of the strait while lunch is served on board.
The cruise reaches Poyrazköy, a peaceful fishing village overlooking the point where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea. Depending on weather and operating conditions, you may enjoy free time near the beach and an opportunity to swim before the return cruise to central Istanbul.
Important Information
Please consider the following before booking:
- This is a seasonal group cruise normally operating between 1 April and 30 September
- Hotel pick-up is generally available from selected central Istanbul hotels
- The exact pick-up time is confirmed after your hotel details are received
- Rumeli Fortress is replaced by Küçüksu Pavilion on Wednesdays according to the scheduled operating program
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the historical shore visit
- Rumeli Fortress includes steps and uneven walking surfaces
- Guests wishing to swim in Poyrazköy should bring swimwear and a towel
- Swimming is subject to weather, sea conditions and the day’s operating schedule
- The route and visiting order may change because of weather, maritime traffic or operational conditions
- Return transfers are subject to the designated hotel area and Istanbul traffic conditions
Places You Will Experience
Rumeli Fortress
Explore the monumental fortress built by Sultan Mehmed II in 1452 to control maritime traffic before the conquest of Constantinople.
Bosphorus Cruise Route
Sail north between Europe and Asia while viewing waterfront mansions, bridges, mosques, neighborhoods and green hills.
Poyrazköy
Visit a peaceful fishing village near the northern end of the Bosphorus and enjoy free time close to its scenic beach.
The Black Sea Entrance
See the dramatic northern waters where the Bosphorus opens into the Black Sea, surrounded by forested coastal landscapes.
Küçüksu Pavilion
On Wednesdays, visit this elegant Ottoman imperial pavilion on the Asian shore as the scheduled alternative to Rumeli Fortress.
Europe and Asia
Experience Istanbul’s unique geography while cruising between two continents along one of the world’s most famous waterways.
Half-Day Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise Itinerary
Hotel Pick-Up
Your Half-Day Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise begins with pick-up from selected central Istanbul hotels at approximately 12:45. The exact time depends on your hotel location and will be confirmed with your travel voucher.
Meet your professional English-speaking guide and travel toward the Bosphorus for the first visit of the afternoon program.
Rumeli Fortress Visit
Visit Rumeli Fortress, situated at one of the narrowest points of the Bosphorus. Sultan Mehmed II ordered the fortress to be built in 1452 to control maritime traffic and prevent assistance from reaching Constantinople through the Black Sea.
Explore the historic fortress area and enjoy impressive views over the strait. Please be prepared for steps and uneven surfaces during this visit.
Wednesday program: Rumeli Fortress is replaced by a visit to Küçüksu Pavilion on the Asian shore.
Board the Bosphorus Cruise
Join the boat and begin cruising toward the northern Bosphorus. Relax on deck while passing waterfront homes, forested hills, bridges, historic neighborhoods and the changing scenery of Istanbul’s European and Asian shores.
Lunch on Board
Lunch will be served during the cruise as the boat continues north toward Poyrazköy. Enjoy your meal while taking in the panoramic Bosphorus scenery.
Lunch is included in the tour price. Any additional food or beverages not specified in the program are payable separately.
Poyrazköy and the Black Sea
Arrive at Poyrazköy, the scenic village that welcomes visitors to the Black Sea. From this northern point, you can experience the meeting area of the Bosphorus and the Black Sea.
Enjoy free time near the beach. Depending on weather, sea conditions and the day’s operating schedule, swimming may be possible. Guests interested in swimming should bring swimwear and a towel.
Return Cruise to Central Istanbul
Reboard the boat for the return journey along the Bosphorus. Relax and enjoy another opportunity to photograph Istanbul’s coastline, bridges, fortifications and waterfront skyline.
Arrival at Kabataş and Hotel Drop-Off
The cruise is scheduled to finish at approximately 17:30 in Kabataş. After disembarkation, you will be transferred back to your hotel, subject to the designated hotel transfer area and Istanbul traffic conditions.
2026 Half-Day Afternoon Cruise Price
Enjoy an afternoon journey from central Istanbul to Poyrazköy with hotel transfers, professional guiding, the scheduled shore visit, boat transportation and lunch included.
|
Seasonal Group Cruise
Half-Day Experience
|
75 Euro per person |
What’s Included
- Pick-up from selected central Istanbul hotels
- Transfer to the first scheduled visit
- Half-day afternoon Bosphorus and Black Sea cruise
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance ticket for the scheduled shore visit
- Lunch served during the cruise
- Hotel drop-off after the cruise
- All service charges and applicable taxes
What’s Not Included
- Additional food and beverages not specified
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities not included in the program
- Optional tips for the guide, driver and boat crew
Booking & Cancellation
Reservation Policy
How to Book
- Contact us with your preferred cruise date, number of guests and Istanbul hotel details.
- We will check the current cruise, transfer and entrance availability.
- A 30% deposit is required to confirm your reservation.
- Once confirmed, the agreed cruise rate and program are guaranteed.
- A detailed travel voucher containing your hotel pick-up time and instructions will be sent after confirmation.
- The remaining balance can be paid before or after the tour according to your booking arrangement.
Cancellation Highlights for Daily Tours
- Free Cancellation: No cancellation fee if canceled at least 48 hours before the scheduled cruise.
- Late Cancellation (24–48 hours): Cancellations made between 48 and 24 hours before departure are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
- Last-Minute Cancellation: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are charged in full.
- No-Shows: Guests who do not attend the confirmed hotel pick-up or departure without prior notice are considered no-shows, and payments are non-refundable.
- Weather-related or operator-initiated changes will be handled according to the conditions advised at the time of booking.
Book Your Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise
Please advise your preferred cruise date, number of adults and children, Istanbul hotel name and a reachable mobile number. We will confirm availability and send your exact pick-up time with the travel voucher.
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24/7 Support: +90 544 920 83 75
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