The Bosphorus Strait Afternoon Cruise with Cable Car to Pierre Loti Hill offers a unique opportunity to explore Istanbul’s iconic waterways and vistas. This half-day adventure combines a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus with an exhilarating cable car ride to the top of Pierre Loti Hill, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Designed for up to 55 participants, the tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience, with hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as multilingual guidance. For those seeking to enjoy Istanbul’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, this tour promises an unforgettable journey.
Key Points

- This half-day tour offers a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait and a cable car ride to the scenic Pierre Loti Hill.
- The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, multilingual guidance, and cable car tickets.
- The tour is suitable for a maximum of 55 travelers and is not wheelchair accessible.
- The meeting point is at Buhara 93 Restaurant in Sultan Ahmet, Istanbul, and the tour departs at 1:30 PM.
- The tour is rated 4.3/5 from 10 reviews, with highlights including the scenic views and the cable car ride.
Tour Overview
The Bosphorus Strait Afternoon Cruise with Cable Car to Pierre Loti Hill is a half-day experience that allows visitors to explore the waterway linking Asia and Europe in Istanbul, Turkey.
The tour highlights include a cruise along the Bosphorus, offering views of the Dolmabahce Palace and Rumeli Fortress, followed by a cable car ride to the top of Pierre Loti Hill.
The experience lasts around half a day and is suitable for a maximum of 55 travelers.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off, guidance in multiple languages, and cable car tickets are included in the tour.
Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Istanbul
Inclusions

This tour includes admission to the Tunektepe Teleferik cable car, allowing visitors to ascend Pierre Loti Hill and take in panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait.
Guidance is provided in multiple languages, and all entrance fees are covered. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included, ensuring a seamless experience.
While food and drinks aren’t specified, the tour provides a convenient way to explore the iconic sights of Istanbul.
With a maximum capacity of 55 travelers, this half-day cruise and cable car experience offers an intimate and personalized tour along the waterway linking Europe and Asia.
Meeting and Logistics

The meeting point for the Bosphorus Strait Afternoon Cruise is Buhara 93 Restaurant, located at Sultan Ahmet, Nakilbent Sk. 13/A, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul.
The tour departs at 1:30 PM and returns to the same location. The maximum number of travelers is 55.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. The meeting point is near public transportation.
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Travelers should note that the tour isn’t suitable for those requiring wheelchair access, and parents with infants will need to make arrangements for their children.
Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The price for the Bosphorus Strait Afternoon Cruise starts from $48.12 per person.
This half-day experience offers a lowest price guarantee, and travelers can take advantage of the Reserve Now and Pay Later option. Customers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the start of the tour for a full refund.
The tour has a maximum capacity of 55 travelers. However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
The meeting point and return location are the same, near public transportation.
Bosphorus Strait Cruise

Although the Bosphorus Strait separates the European and Asian continents, this half-day cruise provides a unique opportunity to experience the waterway’s stunning scenery.
Glide past iconic landmarks, including:
- Dolmabahce Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans
- Rumeli Fortress, a 15th-century medieval castle
- Maiden’s Tower, a historic structure perched on a small island
- Ortaköy Mosque, a beautiful neo-Baroque mosque along the shoreline
- Bosphorus Bridge, one of the world’s largest suspension bridges connecting the two continents
Throughout the leisurely voyage, knowledgeable guides share insights into the rich history and culture of this vibrant city.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise With Live Performance, Folk Dance and DJ
- Istanbul E-Pass: Top Istanbul Attractions With Skip the Ticket Line
- ISTANBUL BEST : Iconic Landmarks FullDay Private Guided City Tour
- Professional Airport Transfer Services in All Turkey
- Istanbul Party Pub Crawl With Party Bus in Sultanahmet and Taksim
- Istanbul Private Transfer – Airports, Cruise Ports and Hotels
Cable Car to Pierre Loti Hill

After the leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the tour continues with a scenic cable car ride up to Pierre Loti Hill.
The cable car, known as the Tunektepe Teleferik, offers panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus below.
At the top of the hill, visitors can explore the historic Pierre Loti Café, named after the French novelist who frequented the spot.
This viewpoint provides an excellent vantage point to admire the convergence of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
The cable car is included in the tour, making it a convenient and picturesque way to experience this iconic Istanbul landmark.
Exploring the Views

As the Bosphorus Strait cruise comes to an end, travelers embark on the cable car journey to Pierre Loti Hill.
The cable car ride offers stunning panoramic views of the city:
- Gaze upon the iconic Bosphorus Strait, which divides Europe and Asia.
- Admire the majestic Dolmabahce Palace and Rumeli Fortress along the shoreline.
- Spot the historic Galata Tower and the bold modern architecture of the city.
- Enjoy the bird’s-eye view of the Old City and its mosques and landmarks.
- Marvel at the picturesque Golden Horn estuary and the distant Princes’ Islands.
The cable car ascent provides an unforgettable way to cap off the Bosphorus cruise experience.
Traveler Feedback and Experiences

Travelers have largely praised the Bosphorus Strait Afternoon Cruise, with the tour earning an impressive 4.3/5 rating from 10 reviews.
Guests highlight the friendly guides who provide helpful information, though some note the tour can run late and include unexpected visits to shops. A few travelers reported their guide didn’t give much information during the cruise itself.
The views of the Bosphorus Strait, Dolmabahce Palace, and Rumeli Fortress from the boat seem to make the experience worthwhile.
While some minor scheduling issues have occurred, the cable car ride up to Pierre Loti Hill appears to be a highlight for most visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
The tour does not specify if passengers can bring their own food and drinks. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm the policy on outside food and beverages.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour duration cannot be extended. It’s a half-day experience with a fixed schedule. While guests can’t bring their own food and drinks, there may be options to purchase refreshments during the cruise or on-site. Extending the tour would require booking a separate experience.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Cruise?
There are generally no restrictions on photography during the cruise. Passengers are free to take pictures of the scenic views along the Bosphorus Strait. However, it’s always best to be respectful of others and avoid disrupting the experience of fellow travelers.
Can I Purchase Additional Activities or Souvenirs During the Tour?
Yes, you can usually purchase additional activities or souvenirs during the tour. The tour overview mentions that food and drinks are not included, so travelers may have opportunities to make optional purchases along the way.
Is There a Dress Code or Required Attire for the Tour?
There’s no strict dress code, but wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Avoid overly formal or revealing attire. The tour involves walking, so opt for comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Dress in layers to accommodate changes in temperature during the day.
The Sum Up
This half-day tour offers a captivating blend of Istanbul’s waterfront scenery and panoramic vistas. Travelers can experience the iconic Bosphorus Strait by cruise, then ascend to Pierre Loti Hill by cable car for sweeping views across Asia and Europe. With convenient hotel transfers and multilingual guidance, this tour provides an enriching and seamless way to discover Istanbul’s natural and historical highlights.
More Private Drivers in Istanbul
- Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Show with Hotel Transfer
- Istanbul: Full Day Islamic Sahaba Tour with Lunch & Transfer
- Istanbul Airport Transfer Private Minivan or Minibus
- Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer
- Istanbul Airport Transfer Private Minvan
- Fat Taxi – Private Istanbul Airport (IST) Transfer to City
More Private Tours in Istanbul
- Istanbul: Private Full Day Byzantine / Ottoman Relics Tour
- Istanbul: Private Gallipoli Peninsula Day Trip with a Local
- Istanbul:Private Layover Tour from Istanbul Airports&Hotels
- Historical Ambiance of Istanbul: Private Full-Day Tour
- Istanbul: Private Guided Tour of Mosques, Bazaars & Museums
- Istanbul: Private Guided Tour of Bosphorus & Asian Side
More Tour Reviews in Istanbul
- Morning Bosphorus Cruise with Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar
- Istanbul Religious Sites Tour w Lunch Eyup Sultan & More
- Istanbul: 2 Continents, 1 City: From Europe to Asia Tour
- Istanbul: Private Full Day Byzantine / Ottoman Relics Tour
- Magnificient Mosques of Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque Tour & Ticket + Optional Basilica
Still browsing? Here are more Istanbul experiences we've covered recently
- 4 Best 4-Day Tours In Istanbul (With Reviews & Prices)
- Istanbul’s 14 Best Walking Tours: Which To Choose?
- 11 Top-Rated Istanbul Shopping & Market Tours
- 14 Best Historical Tours In Istanbul (With Prices)
- Istanbul’s 5 Top Coffee Tours
- We Rank The 14 Best Dining Experiences In Istanbul
- Which Istanbul Wine Tours To Choose? Our Best 4 Picks
- Istanbul’s 11 Top Workshops & Classes
- 14 Of The Best Tours In Istanbul
- What Are The Best Cooking Classes In Istanbul? Our Top 7 Picks
- Our Picks For The 14 Best Tours & Experiences In Istanbul
- 5 Fantastic Massage & Relaxation Services In Istanbul
