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A trip on the Bosphorus Strait - the waterway that divides Europe and Asia - gives one such beautiful and unique experience of Istanbul. As part of many Turkey vacations, a cruise along the Bosphorus is a wonderful way to get a different view of the city's attractive skyline, splendid historical landmarks, and beautiful waterside palaces. The following are reasons that should put a cruise on the Bosphorus on top of your travel itinerary while in Turkey.
The best way to appreciate the true essence of Istanbul is by taking a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. As part of luxury dinner cruises in Turkey, you can enjoy a relaxing and memorable evening while you go along the strait, with the historical skylines of the city blessing your eyes with a panoramic view that juxtaposes the ancient and the modern in a way that few can. This is the cruise where you see important places like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace, visible from the water at their fullest splendor. The Bosphorus has been a major way for trade, culture, and politics for centuries, and it stays at the top today as part of the colorful life of Istanbul. Whether one is a history buff or a photographer or just loves natural beauty, the Bosphorus cruise is an experience of a multidimensional charm with which one can never measure up to a land tour.
It is traveling from one continent to another and literally and metaphorically bringing East and West together. Such that, a beautiful bimodality that blends together cultures, architecture, and nature makes a Bosphorus cruise a soul-searching, experience-laden journey through the heart of Istanbul, more than just a sightseeing cruise.
Views are quite wonderful for a Bosphorus cruise—their beauty will surely be the highlight of the experience. As one of the top things to do in Istanbul, the event becomes enriched with gazing at the beautiful palaces and traditional wooden houses as the boat glides gracefully along the strait. To European passengers, famous structures like Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower with a great view of the city, and Dolmabahce Palace, an opulent Ottoman structure, dominate the landscape. But against this contrast, almost all of that stands against the busy skyline of the city.
However, on the Asian side, the ambiance is much quieter and more relaxed. It is such a contrast to the more urban European side that there are so beautifully picturesque Kandilli and Anadolu Kavağı with their exquisitely built little houses and wonderful mounds of lemon trees. As you pass under the bridge joining Europe and Asia, the sheer scale of the construction and the history will hit home, especially in the dazzling evening lights. It is a magical time to cruise because of the orange and pink tinted sky with golden rays glittering down over the Bosphorus, making it ideal for taking pictures.
Last but not least, these are the last thrills one can be left with visits to some of the most important historic sites in Istanbul. Besides the historical sites, the city opens at night with nightlife in Istanbul for experience. The fantastic Dolmabahce Palace- which housed the sultans of the Ottoman Empire-looks today as such a striking jewel on the waterfront, its grand blend of grandeur neoclassical and baroque making a splendid confluence, the very echo of luxury and grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. Nearby, you will pass also by the Rumeli Fortress, a 15th-century castle built by Sultan Mehmed II, who used it while conquering Constantinople, from whose towers the fortress looks very impressive and very much represents the military power of the empire.
Another famous monument on this cruise is the Maiden's Tower (Kiz Kulesi). This is a small tower, which stands on a tiny islet in the Bosphorus, famous for its multiple legends and one of the most photographed landmarks of Istanbul. Further down the route, you'll come across the Beylerbeyi Palace Ottoman palace that used to be a summer residence for the sultans. Historic structures are not merely beautiful but also have their tie inside the magnificent history of the city and the empire.
Istanbul offers several different kinds of Bosphorus cruises, each of which offers something special and different from the others depending on how much time you have at hand or what you wish to see. The short Bosporus cruise, which lasts about one to two hours, penetrates the central part of the Bosphorus. This quick cruise is great for those who want a short and memorable adventure. You get to pass great places such as the Dolmabahce Palace and the Maiden's Tower, tasting both the European and Asian sides depending on how the boat is moving along.
Then when you have enough time, go for a whole day Bosphorus cruise that is greatly recommended. It will take you from the south of the strait to the entry point to the Black Sea. This takes one past small fishing villages and the greenest of scenery. Get off at some of the smaller villages along the journey, and taste what their seafood has to offer; all this makes up a whole day.
Perfect for those who seek something more personal or cuddly--a sunset Bosphorus cruise. Wouldn't that be magical at the end of the day when the setting sun paints the sky in golden and water hues, and silhouettes of the great landmarks of Istanbul become even more striking? Also, there are private yacht cruises that will further pamper one in luxury where one can customize the itinerary to his or her liking, such as a romantic evening, family celebration, or any other event.
Most of the tips on taking a Bosphorus cruise deal with practical things, and here are a few things to remember. The best times to take a cruise on the 'Bosh' are early in the morning or at sunset. Early morning cruises will be hushed, cool, or "veiled" in fog. Sunset cruises, on the other hand, come alive in the shimmering lights of a romantic glow. As one of the best attractions of Turkey, the view from the Bosphorus is breathtaking, so be sure to bring your camera because the scenery is picture-perfect.
You should pack some snacks if it is a longer cruise or at least carry a bottle of water along. While many cruises offer food and drink on board, it is wise to come packed and prepared. Dress in layers because one never knows what the temperature can be like, especially in the evening. Come summer, sunscreen and shades are a must as the sun blares down on the water. Finally, remember that certain cruises may not sail in bad weather or public holidays; go check the schedule ahead of time before you make plans.
By going on a cruise at Bosphorus, you explore Istanbul in one of the best kinds. From admiring the ancient structures to enjoying the brilliant scenic beauty or lazing on the water, this experience offers a different view of one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
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