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Private Bosphorus Cruise
Istanbul Cruise Tours - Private Bosphorus Cruise
 



This private Bosphorus cruise pairs a stop at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar with a private chartered boat along the strait dividing Europe and Asia. See Ottoman palaces, 19th century waterfront mansions, and ancient fortresses from the water on this relaxing alternative to a walking-heavy Istanbul tour. Licensed guide, private vehicle and boat, round trip from the Istanbul cruise pier.

4 hours (private)
private excursion
licensed guide
english speaking expert
all group sizes
sedan to full size coach
››
port or hotel
pick up either location
  • Pick up from Port or your Hotel in Istanbul
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • Private Licensed English Speaking Guide
  • Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
  • Private Chartered Boat
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number:
TISTA-05


Group Size (Prices in USD)*:
2 People - $620 Per Person
3 People - $450 Per Person
4 People - $338 Per Person
5 People - $270 Per Person
6 People - $226 Per Person
7 People - $192 Per Person
8 People - $169 Per Person



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Name of Ship or Hotel*:


TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Market Shore Excursion from Istanbul

Experience a delightful and relaxing way to see the full depth of Istanbul on a private Bosphorus cruise. Your private licensed guide and driver meet you at the pier in Istanbul, then drive through the commercial district past Ottoman monuments to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. Enjoy a short visit amid the scents of saffron and vanilla before walking to your nearby vessel.

On your private chartered boat, you begin an excursion along the Bosphorus, the fabled waterway between two continents, Europe and Asia. Take in views of Istanbul's historic Ottoman palaces, wooden 19th century waterfront mansions, modern pleasure palaces, and ancient fortresses along both shores, with plenty of opportunity for photographs. Your private cruise ends in Sariyer, a fishing village on the Bosphorus near the mouth of the Black Sea, approximately 2 hours after departure. There you rejoin your driver for the return trip to the pier in Istanbul.

 

Tips on Visiting Turkey

Mosques:

Shoes must be removed to enter a mosque, and you may be required to carry them with you in a plastic bag. We suggest bringing socks to slip on if you are not wearing them. Women should carry a scarf, as they may be asked to cover their heads. Bare shoulders, shorts, and dresses above the knee are not allowed. A small gratuity may be requested at mosques.

Shopping:

If additional time is available, your guide may ask if you are interested in seeing how Turkish carpets are made or wish to shop. These free demonstrations are informative but are also a selling opportunity. You should never feel obligated to make a purchase.

Turkish Entry Visa:

Cruise passengers on a shore excursion do not need an entry visa. An entry visa is only required if your cruise begins or ends in Istanbul, or if you are staying overnight. Entry visas are obtained online in advance at evisa.gov.tr; the fee varies by nationality, so check the official site directly for the current cost that applies to you. Print your e-visa to show Customs and Immigration on arrival.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Istanbul tours and Istanbul shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer a private Istanbul tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from Port or your Hotel in Istanbul
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • Private Licensed English Speaking Guide
  • Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
  • Private Chartered Boat

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

  • 1
    30 Minutes
    Depart pier for Spice Market
  • 2
    Visit Spice Market- 45 Minutes
  • 3
    Walk to and board private boat- 15 Minutes
  • 4
    Private Bosphorus cruise- 2 Hours
  • 5
    45 Minutes
    Drive to back to pier- 30

Resources

Galataport Istanbul - Official Cruise Port. Cruise terminal in Karakoy, departure point for this tour Official Website

Go Turkiye - Official Istanbul Travel Guide. Official Turkey tourism site for trip planning Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No. Boarding the private boat is not accessible for wheelchair users. Please contact us for alternative sightseeing options, including private driving tours that may better accommodate your needs.
How long is the actual boat portion of the cruise?
The Bosphorus cruise itself lasts approximately 2 hours, sailing from near the Spice Bazaar to the fishing village of Sariyer near the mouth of the Black Sea, where you rejoin your driver for the return to the pier.
What can I expect to see from the water?
Ottoman-era waterfront palaces, 19th century wooden mansions, modern residences, and historic fortresses line both the European and Asian shores of the Bosphorus, the strait that has divided the two continents for millennia.
What is the Egyptian Spice Bazaar?
Also known as the Spice Bazaar, it is one of Istanbul's oldest covered markets, dating to the 17th century, known for stalls selling spices, teas, and Turkish delight near the Golden Horn.

Also Available:

›Highlights of Istanbul - Another great option from this port: Istanbul shore excursion from Istanbul cruise port - private guided visit to Haghia Sophia and Blue Mosques plus the Grand Bazaar with a licensed English-speaking guide.
›Best of Istanbul - Another great option from this port: Istanbul shore excursion from Istanbul cruise port - private guided full-day tour including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar with a licensed English-speaking guide.
›4 Hour Flexible Istanbul - If you would rather choose your own stops than follow a set itinerary, this flexible 4 hour option lets you build the day with your guide.

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›

Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
  • Depart pier for Spice Market - 30 Minutes
  • Visit Spice Market- 45 Minutes
  • Walk to and board private boat- 15 Minutes
  • Private Bosphorus cruise- 2 Hours
  • Drive to back to pier- 30 - 45 Minutes

Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 40 Write a review »

  3 of 3 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Istanbul Saturday, August 8, 2026
Reviewer: Walter H from Union Hall VA  
We had a wonderful vacation. Every one of the tour guides were great. My family was really impressed with their knowledge, service, and friendliness. I was pleasantly surprised with how much better an experience we had compared to the Princess Cruise Ship Tours. For example, our tour guide for the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii knew that Pompeii was closed until 1130 AM and changed our itinerary to travel along the coast in the morning and go to Pompeii at the end of the day. The other tours just took people to the gate and waited for two hours. Thanks again. My wife and kids felt that each guide was a   friend   by the end of the tour. The guides in Florence and Ephesus were probably the highlight for us. The Mercedes vans that were used in most cities were always nice and all of our drivers were really great. Ive already recommended you to a friend.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Istanbul Sunday, July 26, 2026
Reviewer: Louis P from Great Neck , NY  
We were able to find the guides fairly easily. They were both great and made sure we got to see everything. Thank you for the arrangements.

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  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Istanbul Saturday, May 16, 2026
Reviewer: Claire C from Mermaid Waters Queensland Australia  
I just wanted to let you know what a fantastic time we had in Greece and Turkey. The drivers and guides were prompt, smartly dressed and very courteous. Their English was excellent and knowledge of the areas we were touring, superb. The vehicles were also very clean and comfortable. I cannot thank you enough for making our visits to these places a once in a lifetime experience. I will certainly be recommending you to all my friends.

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  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Istanbul Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Reviewer: Bob S from Vestavia, AL  
Ken Diaz the Group Reservation Manager of Private Shore Trips organized an amazing set of tourstransportation events for our group of 42 friends and family in MULTIPLE countries! Yes Italy, Greece & Turkey!! Or tour guides provided excellent connections with the entire group and gave a dissertation on the history of each location we visited. We had teachers in our group and they were impressed with the tour guides that says a lot!

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Istanbul Thursday, April 23, 2026
Reviewer: Stephanie M from University Place WA  
The guide was absolutely superb. Alexandra was nice, intelligent, and informative. We loved her. Turkey was also wonderful. I am very impressed with the way you handled things. We had set up a couple tours elsewhere with someone else and were not happy at all. Thanks for everything.

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