Bosphorus Cruise Review: Morning Tour with Asia Stop (2024)

Thinking of grabbing a Bosphorus cruise when you’re in Istanbul? Well, I recently hopped on the ‘Morning Tour with 1 Stop Asia Side,’ and thought I’d, like, share my experience to hopefully help you figure out if it’s worth it. Basically, the Bosphorus Strait splits Europe and Asia right down the middle, and seeing it from a boat gives you some pretty different views of Istanbul. Plus, the bonus stop on the Asian side sounded pretty interesting. Anyway, here’s the lowdown.

What the Bosphorus Cruise Promises

So, the tour description sets things up to be quite great, to be honest. They really play up the stunning sights of Ottoman palaces, waterside mansions that they call “yalis,” and the general charm of Istanbul from the water. The cruise I booked promised a peek at both the European and Asian sides, plus a stop on the Asian side to check things out a bit. Like your brochure really hints at, picturesque photo ops and a different viewpoint on the city’s history, so it might appeal to the history buffs, you know?

When looking at various Bosphorus tours, you’ll see so many options and prices! You will see public ferries offering shorter, more commuter-style trips, all the way up to private yachts with dinner and entertainment. The ‘Morning Sunset Tour with 1 Stop Asia Side’ that I chose seemed like a good middle-ground, actually balancing the scenic views with, like, a brief on-land cultural experience on the Asian side. This stop sounded pretty great since it offered an easy chance to say that, “I have now been to Asia!” Very funny, I think. And really, it could offer, in a way, some stories that beat just seeing things from the boat.

My Actual Experience on the Cruise

Okay, stepping onto the boat was neat, arguably. The morning air was actually quite crisp, you know, and the sun was doing its best to burn away the early fog. Once we got moving, I was really struck by just how jam-packed the Bosphorus is with activity. You can catch anything from tankers and cargo ships to smaller fishing boats and, like, other tourist boats all vying for space. Really.

As for the scenery, there’s no denying that Istanbul has, like, some spectacular architecture. The Dolmabahçe Palace looked super grand from the water, I guess, and the Küçüksu Pavilion was a cute little contrast. The real stars, though, just had to be the “yalis” – these fancy wooden houses hugging the shoreline. Some looked incredibly old, while others looked really freshly renovated. One interesting thing is that the tour guide was pointing out landmarks, but the sound system, arguably, wasn’t the best, so I missed parts of the history and context. I could tell this because the folks clustered right near the guide seemed way more engaged, that’s right. The buildings and water seemed alright, very.

The Asian Side Stop: A Quick Jaunt

The highlight should have been the Asian side stop, I guess, but I’ll have to say it was, well, a bit rushed. We docked in, what I think was a small town, maybe Beylerbeyi, and got about an hour to just roam. Now, this is barely enough time to get any feel for the place. I quickly visited the Beylerbeyi Palace (you have to pay extra for that) and had a cup of Turkish tea at a local cafe. Still, it did break up the boat trip and, like, offered a brief change of scenery. In some respects, I think this could’ve been handled better. More time, and a bit of guidance on what to see, that’s a big point.

Sunset Views: Morning Edition

This cruise is called the “Morning Sunset Tour,” and well, you can’t see a sunset in the morning, so it might sound a bit weird. What you will catch are some pleasant morning views of the city, which do have, like, their own appeal. As the sun climbs higher, the light starts casting some really nice shadows on the buildings. The Bosphorus starts to sparkle, really. Though I suppose, keep in mind that morning light can be a bit harsh for photos, maybe. A bit of an uphill climb.

The Good and The Not-So-Good

Let’s just break down what I found worthwhile and where the tour fell a bit short, like. Here’s the good stuff:

• Spectacular Scenery: Istanbul looks beautiful from the water. It provides a unique perspective. Very valuable.
• A Glimpse of Two Continents: It’s genuinely cool to be able to see both Europe and Asia, well, pretty much at once. It helps people visualise Istanbul.
• Relaxing Experience: Simply sitting on the deck, feeling the breeze, and watching the city drift by is quite calming. I mean, isn’t that great.

However, here are a few potential downsides:

• Rushed Asian Side Stop: As I mentioned earlier, it just needed more time and some more structure. Very important I’d say.
• Tour Guide Sound Quality: It really can be improved. It will enhance the experience overall.
• Can Feel Crowded: If you get a packed boat, finding a good spot to see everything might be kind of tricky, yes it could.

Is This Bosphorus Cruise Worth Your Time and Money?

So, is the ‘Bosphorus Cruise Morning Sunset Tour with 1 Stop Asia Side’ a must-do? Arguably, that depends. If it’s important for you to see Istanbul from a different viewpoint and want a really brief peek at the Asian side, it could be. But, temper expectations when it comes to the Asian stop; it’s just a quick visit. Also, do think about what really matters to you in a tour.

If you value your in-depth historical info and can easily get distracted, you may want to consider other options like: smaller group tours, or, even public ferries where you are free to hop off at places that grab your eye. For those who want it and think it is vital, anyway. Also, I would compare what other tours are offering to decide. What features are on offer from competitor brands? Overall, so, the cruise offers fair value in exchange for a decent experience. To be honest, just make sure you manage what you hope you will see to avoid feeling let down.

Tips for an Awesome Bosphorus Cruise

• Book in Advance: Tours, naturally, tend to fill up, especially during the high season. Booking early ensures you get a spot. Very important to think of.
• Arrive Early: Get to the departure point a little early to grab a good seat on the boat. Or find your way if possible.
• Bring a Camera: You’ll want to capture all the views. Definitely do not forget one of those items.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Asian side stop involves some walking, so wear comfy shoes, is that okay with you?
• Check the Weather: Weather on the Bosphorus can, like, change quickly, so check the forecast. If it will rain or shine, you should know about that, I think.

Frequently Asked Questions