Bosphorus Lunch Cruise, Lunch Included & Hotel Pick-up
Overview
Bosphorus Lunch Cruise, Lunch Included & Hotel Pick-up
See Istanbul from the calm waters of the Bosphorus on this lunch cruise between Europe and Asia. A freshly prepared meal is served on board while the city's landmarks, Ottoman palaces and waterfront mansions pass by.
Everything is arranged from pick-up to drop-off: you are collected from your central Istanbul hotel, taken to the pier and brought back after the cruise. It suits first-time visitors and anyone looking for a slower, more comfortable way to see the city, combining sightseeing, a meal and time to relax in one outing.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Istanbul Bosphorus Lunch Cruise
Pick-up is between 12:00 and 12:30, depending on your location, and the cruise starts at around 13:00.
- Hotel pick-up: you are collected from your centrally located Istanbul hotel or your chosen location and driven to the pier.
- Boarding: you board the boat and settle in for the cruise.
- Lunch on board: a freshly prepared lunch is served while you sail along the Bosphorus.
- Bosphorus cruise: you sail between Europe and Asia with views of landmarks including the Ortakoy Mosque and Rumeli Fortress.
- Return to the pier at the end of the cruise.
- Drop-off: transfer back to your hotel or preferred location.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Hotel or Location Pick-up and Drop-off
- ✓Bosphorus Cruise
- ✓Licensed English-Speaking Guide
- ✓Lunch Served On Board
- ✓All Entrance Fees
- ✓Air-Conditioned Transportation
- ✓Parking and Road Tolls
- ✓Local Taxes
- ✕Drinks During Lunch
- ✕Beverages (Available at Extra Cost)
- ✕Personal Expenses
- ✕Personal Purchases and Extras
- ✕Services Not Mentioned in the Itinerary
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour are not refundable. All times are local time.
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Bosphorus lunch cruise with hotel pick-up: what you need to know
This three-hour outing puts you on the Bosphorus at midday with lunch served on board, from $75 per person. You are collected from your central Istanbul hotel or chosen location, driven to the pier, and sail between Europe and Asia past Ottoman palaces, waterfront mansions, the Ortakoy Mosque and Rumeli Fortress while a freshly prepared lunch is served. A licensed English-speaking guide, transfers, parking, tolls and local taxes are included.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 3 hours |
| Price | from $75 per person |
| Pick-up | 12:00 to 12:30 from central hotels or your chosen location |
| Cruise starts | Around 13:00 |
| Included | Transfers, Bosphorus cruise, lunch on board, licensed English-speaking guide, entrance fees, taxes |
| Not included | Drinks with lunch, personal purchases |
Is a Bosphorus cruise worth it?
Yes. The Bosphorus is the reason Istanbul looks the way it does, and many visitors say the cruise was the highlight of their stay. From the water you see what you cannot see from the streets: the long line of palaces and wooden mansions on both shores, the fortresses that once controlled the strait, and the bridges joining two continents. A lunch cruise adds the comfort of a meal and a guide, and leaves your morning and evening free.
Lunch cruise or dinner cruise: which is better?
| Lunch cruise | Dinner cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Seeing the shoreline clearly in daylight, photos | Night lights, a party atmosphere |
| Time | Pick-up 12:00 to 12:30, about 3 hours | Pick-up 19:00 to 20:00, about 6 hours |
| Food | Lunch on board | Meze, main course, dessert |
| Entertainment | Licensed guide explains the sights | Folk dance, belly dance, DJ |
| Price from | $75 | $90 |
If you want to understand what you are looking at, choose the lunch cruise with its guide. If you want a night out, choose the dinner cruise with Turkish night show. Many visitors do both.
What will you see on the cruise?
You sail between the European and Asian shores with views of the city's landmarks, including the Ortakoy Mosque at the foot of the Bosphorus Bridge and Rumeli Fortress, built by Sultan Mehmed II before the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Along the way the guide points out the Ottoman palaces and the yali, the historic wooden waterfront mansions that line both shores.
What are the other ways to see the Bosphorus?
| Option | What is different | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| This cruise | Lunch, guide and transfers, 3 hours | $75 |
| Bosphorus dinner cruise with Turkish night show | Evening, dinner and shows | $90 |
| 2-hour private Bosphorus yacht cruise | Private yacht with a guide | $600 per group |
| Bosphorus private yacht for up to 12 | Private yacht by the hour | $299 per hour |
| Bosphorus helicopter tour | The whole strait from the air in 30 minutes | $800 |
Are drinks included?
Lunch is included; drinks during lunch are not, and are available on board at extra cost. Tell us about vegetarian or other dietary needs when you book.
When is the best time for a Bosphorus cruise?
The cruise runs year-round. From May to October the open deck is the place to be, with sun and a breeze off the water. Spring brings blossom along the shores, and autumn soft light. In winter it is colder on deck, but the views are clear on bright days and you can sit inside between photo stops.
Is it suitable for families and older travellers?
Yes. The hotel pick-up and drop-off mean no walking to the pier or finding your way back, and the cruise itself is relaxed and seated. It is one of the easiest ways for grandparents and small children to enjoy the Bosphorus.
What should you bring?
A light jacket or windbreaker, because it is cooler on the water than in the city, sunglasses and a hat for the deck in summer, sunscreen, and some cash or a card for drinks.
How do you book?
Choose your date on this page and send the form, or message us on WhatsApp with your hotel name. We confirm your pick-up time in writing, and you pay only after confirmation. For more ideas see our Istanbul tours and our Turkey tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay during the tour?
Yes, you can pay on the day of the tour, either at pick-up or on the boat.
Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?
Yes. You are picked up from your hotel or preferred location in central Istanbul and dropped off after the tour.
What is included in the lunch?
A freshly prepared meal is served on board during the cruise. Soft drinks are included, and alcoholic drinks are available as an optional upgrade.
What time does the lunch cruise start?
Hotel pick-up is between 12:00 and 12:30, depending on your location. The cruise starts at around 13:00 after boarding.
Which landmarks will we see?
You see Bosphorus landmarks such as the Ortakoy Mosque and Rumeli Fortress, along with the waterfront scenery.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 to 4.5 hours in total, including hotel transfers and the cruise.
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