Bosphorus Strait and Black Sea Half-Day Cruise from Istanbul

Start your afternoon with a hotel pickup, and travel to Rumeli Hisarı Fortress where your sightseeing boat is docked. Learn about the striking-looking fortress that dominates the narrowest stretch of the Bosphorus Strait, enjoy photos in front of it, and then hop on board your boat in time for lunch.

While the boat remains docked, savor a delicious lunch of grilled chicken alongside an assortment of Turkish meze. Sip on a soda, relax in the sun and gaze out at the sights of Istanbul from the water. The Bosphorus Strait splits the city onto two continents, and both its Asian and European banks are scattered with important sights and must-see landmarks such as the Bosphorus Bridge and Galata Tower.

After lunch, help yourself to more snacks from the bar if you wish, and then cruise along the famous stretch of water to the Black Sea where the cute seaside village of Poyrazköy awaits. When your boat docks, make the most of some free time to swim in the sea or walk through the hills that fringe the village. Be sure to bring your bathing suit, sunscreen and walking shoes or sneakers! If the weather is not warm enough for swimming on the day, dock at Anadolu Kavağı instead, and explore the medieval castle ruins with your guide.

Return to your boat, and cruise back to Istanbul to dock at Kabataş port. Swap your mode of transport from boat to coach, and finish your trip with a hotel drop-off in the late afternoon.