Cruise the storied Bosphorus Strait that divides Europe from Asia in the evening when the surrounding city of Istanbul is fully illuminated and most radiant. Cruising will present a unique perspective of the city, which straddles both sides of the waterway. Depending on the route, you may pass ornate seaside mansions known as yalis, cruise under historical bridges and by Byzantine fortresses that attest to Istanbul’s strategic importance over the centuries. Commentary will describe key landmarks such as the 19th-century Dolmabahce Palace, a residence so lavish that its construction nearly bankrupted the imperial family. You will see countless slender minarets rising above Istanbul – often called the “City of Minarets” – including the six on the Blue Mosque, which was constructed about 700 years ago during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. The Bosphorus is always busy, which will make the cruise all the more scenic and entertaining. Snacks and drinks will enhance the experience.
