Bosphorus Lunch Cruise to Anadolu Kavağı

The whole Bosphorus, with lunch on board

Sightseeing in Istanbul can be tiring. On the Bosphorus lunch cruise you see the palaces, fortresses and mansions of two continents while you sit back and eat. The boat leaves Kabataş, sails under both bridges with a live guide telling the history of every landmark, and serves a two-course Turkish lunch as you head north towards the Black Sea.

The highlight is a stop at Anadolu Kavağı, a small fishing village on the Asian shore near the mouth of the strait. You have time for a walk, a famous local ice cream or a climb towards the ruins of Yoros Castle, with views over the Black Sea. Then the boat cruises back to Kabataş in the late afternoon. Prefer to set your own time and route? See our private lunch cruise.

Lunch cruise highlights

• Both bridges and both shoresFrom Dolmabahçe Palace to Rumeli Fortress and the second bridge.
• Live guideCommentary in English and Spanish on the history of the Bosphorus.
• Two-course lunchMezes, a warm starter and grilled meat or fish, with fruit.
• Anadolu Kavağı villageFree time in the fishing village near the Black Sea.
• Open observation deckThe best place for photos of the bridges and palaces.
• Hotel pickupIncluded from central hotels.

Bosphorus lunch cruise itinerary

1. 12:30 Boarding at Kabataş
   After your hotel pickup, board the boat and enjoy cocktail snacks.
2. 13:00 to 13:45 Towards the bridges
   The guide introduces Dolmabahçe, Çırağan, Ortaköy and Rumeli Fortress as you sail under both bridges.
3. 13:45 to 14:45 Lunch on board
   Lunch is served as the boat continues north towards the Black Sea.
4. 14:45 to 15:30 Anadolu Kavağı
   Walk around the village, taste the local ice cream or head up towards Yoros Castle.
5. 15:30 to 17:00 Back to Kabataş
   Cruise back along the shore and transfer to your hotel.

What is on the lunch menu?

Lunch starts with cocktail snacks and a plate of Turkish mezes: stuffed vine leaves, feta, Russian salad, broad bean purée, zucchini fritters, carrots with yoghurt, lentil balls and a tomato and cucumber salad. Then comes a warm starter of crispy filo rolls, and your main course: grilled meat (meatballs, chicken and beef) with tomato pilaf, or grilled sea bass or sea bream with a side dish. Seasonal fruit, one soft drink, and Turkish tea and coffee complete the meal. Vegetarian lunch is available if you tell us when you book.

What is included in the lunch cruise

Good to know before you go

• Children under 3 are free; children from 4 to 8 years get 30% off. Students with a valid student card get 20% off.
• Vegetarian meals must be requested when you book.
• The walk up to Yoros Castle is steep; wear comfortable shoes.
• The cruise runs every day, all year.
• The cruise runs on a fixed schedule, so please arrive on time; the boat cannot wait for late guests.

What our guests say about our cruises

Booking, payment and cancellation

1. BookingReserve here, on WhatsApp or by email. No prepayment.
2. ConfirmationWe confirm your seats and meeting time, usually within the hour.
3. On the dayPay in cash in euro, US dollar or Turkish lira.
4. 24+ hours beforeCancel or change your date free of charge.
5. Under 24 hoursLate cancellations and no-shows cannot be refunded.

If a cruise is cancelled because of bad weather or an official warning, you choose a new date or cancel at no cost. These terms are for shared cruises; private yachts have their own private tour terms.

Lunch cruise FAQ