The Bosphorus Bus & Boat tour promises a captivating journey across Istanbul’s iconic waterway. Combining a scenic cruise and visits to historic landmarks, the tour offers a well-rounded experience. However, the lack of onboard dining and limited cancellation policy may be drawbacks for some travelers. While the tour showcases the city’s renowned sights, it’s worth considering whether the itinerary aligns with one’s specific interests and preferences before booking.
Key Points

- This 5-hour tour includes a Bosphorus Strait cruise, visits to Küçüksu Palace and Pierre Loti Hill, and a guided bus tour of Sultanahmet’s landmarks.
- The tour is priced from $59.97 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour provides hotel pickup and a cable car ride at Pierre Loti Hill, but food and beverages on the boat are not included.
- According to reviews, the tour is well-organized, and the guide, Emirhan Santi, is praised, but some customers noted a lack of food and beverage options on the boat.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, with bus and coach transfers provided.
Tour Overview

The Bosphorus Bus & Boat tour is a 5-hour excursion that takes visitors on a journey through the cultural and historical highlights of Istanbul.
A 5-hour excursion through Istanbul’s cultural and historical highlights via the Bosphorus Bus & Boat tour.
Priced from $59.97 per person, the tour includes a Bosphorus Strait cruise, visits to Küçüksu Palace and Pierre Loti Hill, and a guided bus tour of Sultanahmet’s landmarks.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour provides hotel pickup and a cable car ride at Pierre Loti Hill.
With an overall rating of 2.5/5 based on 2 reviews, the tour’s accessibility and logistics cater to wheelchair users.
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Pricing and Duration

The Bosphorus Bus & Boat tour is priced from $59.97 per person.
The tour lasts 5 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve their spot without making an upfront payment.
The tour includes a 2-hour Bosphorus Strait cruise, a 1-hour visit to Küçüksu Palace, and a 1-hour visit to Pierre Loti Hill.
Highlights include views of the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower, and Rumeli Fortress, as well as a cable car ride at Pierre Loti Hill and a guided bus tour of historical sites in Sultanahmet.
Itinerary and Highlights

The Bosphorus Bus & Boat tour features an engaging itinerary that showcases Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.
Starting with hotel pickup, the tour takes guests on a 2-hour Bosphorus Strait cruise, providing stunning views of the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower, and Rumeli Fortress.
Next, visitors explore the historic Küçüksu Palace and ascend Pierre Loti Hill via cable car for panoramic vistas.
The guided bus tour through Sultanahmet highlights additional sites of interest.
While the itinerary packs a lot into 5 hours, some may find the pace rushed, and lunch at Pierre Loti Hill isn’t included.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes the entrance fee for the museum and an English-speaking guide to lead the group.
Hotel pickup is also provided, along with a cable car ticket.
However, the cost of food and beverages on the boat, as well as lunch at Pierre Loti Hill, aren’t included in the price. Customers should budget for these additional expenses.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, with bus and coach transfers to the various locations.
More Great Tours NearbyAccessibility and Logistics
According to the provided information, the Bosphorus Bus & Boat tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing for a more inclusive experience.
The tour includes hotel pickup from designated locations, ensuring convenient transportation. Travelers will enjoy bus/coach transfers, which take approximately 30 minutes each way.
This tour offers a well-organized logistics plan, catering to the needs of various travelers. However, the information suggests that drop-off service isn’t included, requiring attendees to make their own arrangements for their return journey.
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Customer Feedback
Regarding customer feedback, the Bosphorus Bus & Boat tour has received a mixed response, with an overall rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews.
Positive feedback highlighted the tour’s organization and the informative guide, Emirhan Santi.
The tour’s organization and the informative guide, Emirhan Santi, received positive feedback from customers.
However, some travelers expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of food and beverage options on the boat, as well as the lack of a drop-off service at the end of the tour.
Additional reviews are available for filtering by type and star rating, allowing potential customers to make a more informed decision about the tour’s suitability for their needs.
Tour Booking and Cancellation

How does one book the Bosphorus Bus & Boat tour? Customers can reserve their spot online without upfront payment, allowing them to book now and pay later.
The tour is priced at $59.97 per person and lasts 5 hours. It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility.
The tour includes pickup from designated locations in Istanbul, a 2-hour Bosphorus Strait cruise, visits to Küçüksu Palace and Pierre Loti Hill, and a guided bus tour of historical sites in Sultanahmet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
According to the tour details, food and beverages are not included on the boat. Travelers are not explicitly prohibited from bringing their own, but it’s not mentioned as an option either. It’s best to check with the tour operator for their policies.
Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?
The tour offers multilingual guides, with options for English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian. According to customer reviews, the guide’s language skills have been noted as a positive aspect of the experience.
How Long Is the Cable Car Ride at Pierre Loti Hill?
The cable car ride at Pierre Loti Hill is 1 hour long. This part of the tour allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait and surrounding historic sites.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Discounts for Children?
There are no age restrictions for the tour, but children under 6 get a 50% discount. Families with kids can take advantage of these reduced rates on the 5-hour Bosphorus Bus & Boat experience.
Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour or Add Additional Stops?
Travelers can’t extend the standard 5-hour tour duration or add extra stops. However, the operator offers flexibility to book private tours with customized itineraries and durations, though these come at an additional cost.
The Sum Up
The Bosphorus Bus & Boat tour offers a comprehensive 5-hour experience that showcases Istanbul’s iconic landmarks along the Bosphorus Strait. While the tour provides excellent value with hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and a cable car ride, it lacks food and beverage options. Overall, it’s a convenient and scenic way to explore the city’s historic sites, but travelers should plan accordingly for their dining needs.
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