Frequently Asked Questions

Open the experience you are interested in, select your preferred date and submit the booking or availability request with the requested information.

Depending on the experience, we will either confirm the reservation according to the available booking process or contact you with availability, final pricing and payment requirements.

A booking request should not be considered confirmed until you receive confirmation from our team.

Your reservation is confirmed once availability, pricing and any required payment conditions have been completed and you receive our confirmation.

Submitting an enquiry or availability form by itself does not guarantee a reservation.

Yes.

Once your reservation is confirmed, you will receive confirmation information electronically.

Depending on the product, this may be a booking confirmation, voucher or other travel document containing the important details for your experience.

Keep this confirmation accessible on your phone during your trip.

First check your spam, junk or promotions folders.

Make sure the email address provided during your booking was entered correctly.

If you still cannot locate your confirmation, contact us with:

• Full name
• Tour or cruise name
• Travel date
• Number of guests
• Email address used for the booking

Our team can then check the reservation.

Normally, no additional reconfirmation is required after you receive final confirmation unless we specifically ask you to contact us.

However, you should contact us if important information changes, particularly:

• Hotel or accommodation
• Pickup location
• Phone or WhatsApp number
• Number of guests
• Flight or arrival information relevant to a transfer

Always review the final confirmation before the tour.

Booking early is recommended, especially for:

• Bosphorus sunset experiences
• Weekends
• Summer dates
• Public holidays
• Private yachts
• Marriage proposals
• Birthday celebrations
• Weddings
• Corporate events
• Larger groups

Some shared tours may remain available close to departure, but availability cannot be guaranteed.

Yes, subject to availability.

However, popular experiences and specific departure times may sell out.

If your dates are fixed or you are traveling during a busy period, booking before arrival gives you more choice.

Tour pages generally show the applicable starting or per-person price for the standard experience.

The final amount can vary according to:

• Date
• Number of guests
• Private or shared service
• Optional extras
• Transfers
• Catering
• Seasonal arrangements
• Special-event requirements

Private events and customized services are normally quoted individually.

Your final price will be confirmed before payment.

Yes.

Private experiences are normally priced according to the service requested rather than a standard per-person shared-tour rate.

Factors may include:

• Selected yacht or vehicle
• Number of guests
• Duration
• Date and departure time
• Catering
• Beverage package
• Transfers
• Entertainment
• Decorations
• Photography
• Other customized services

A detailed quotation will be prepared according to your requirements.

Available payment methods are provided during the booking or quotation process.

Please follow the payment instructions included with your confirmed reservation or payment request.

For security, only use the payment method and payment link supplied through our official booking communication.

No.

The contact and enquiry forms are used to send your request to our team.

We first check availability and the applicable conditions. Payment and final confirmation information are then provided according to the selected experience.

Changes may be possible depending on availability and the conditions of the experience.

Contact us as soon as possible if you need to change:

• Travel date
• Departure time
• Number of guests
• Hotel
• Pickup arrangement
• Optional services

Some reservations involve services reserved specifically for your booking and may have different amendment conditions.

Cancellation conditions vary by product.

The applicable cancellation policy is displayed on the relevant tour or event page and is repeated in your confirmation or quotation.

The cancellation conditions for your specific reservation always take priority over general website information.

Private yachts, private events, catering, accommodation, transportation and other customized arrangements may have different conditions from standard shared tours.

No.

Refundability depends on the terms of the product you booked and when the cancellation is made.

Some services may become partially or fully non-refundable after a specified deadline because suppliers, vessels, catering, tickets or other arrangements have already been reserved.

Check the cancellation terms before confirming your booking.

Contact us as soon as possible.

We will review the booking conditions and available alternatives for your specific reservation.

Where possible, we may be able to discuss a date change or another solution, but this depends on availability and the terms of the booked service.

Travel insurance is recommended for circumstances outside your control.

Tours and cruises normally operate in ordinary seasonal weather, including light rain.

However, the captain, guide, provider or local authorities may change, postpone or cancel an activity when conditions make operation unsafe.

If an experience cannot operate, the applicable arrangements will be explained according to your booking terms and may include rescheduling or a refund where applicable.

The standard departure or meeting point is shown on the individual tour page.

Your final confirmation provides the applicable meeting information for your booking.

Always use the instructions in your confirmation rather than relying on an old map, screenshot or third-party information.

Hotel pickup is included or available for selected experiences and selected areas.

The individual tour page indicates whether pickup is part of the service.

Provide your hotel name and location when booking so our team can confirm whether your accommodation is within the applicable pickup zone.

This varies by tour.

Some experiences include both pickup and drop-off, while others may include pickup only or require guests to return independently from the final pier.

Check the Includes, Excludes and Pickup / Meeting Information sections of the relevant product page.

We may provide:

• A nearby meeting point
• Instructions for reaching the departure pier
• A private transfer quotation

The available solution depends on the tour and your accommodation location.

Follow the arrival time shown in your confirmation.

For boat departures, arriving on time is especially important because pier operations and sailing schedules may not allow the vessel to wait for late guests.

Allow additional travel time because Istanbul traffic can be unpredictable.

Contact the emergency or operational number provided in your confirmation immediately.

We will try to assist where possible, but a boat or scheduled group tour may be unable to delay departure.

Late arrival or missing the departure may be treated as a no-show according to the conditions of your booking.

Usually, yes.

Light rain does not normally prevent a Bosphorus cruise from operating.

Many vessels provide both outdoor and sheltered or indoor areas.

The captain determines whether wind, waves, visibility or other maritime conditions make sailing unsuitable.

The captain and relevant maritime authorities determine whether conditions are suitable for navigation.

A weather forecast showing rain does not automatically mean a cruise will be cancelled.

Wind and sea conditions can be more important than rainfall.

Yes.

Exact sailing routes, pier access and the order of sightseeing can occasionally change because of:

• Maritime traffic
• Weather
• Navigation restrictions
• Pier availability
• Official restrictions
• Safety considerations

Any operational adjustment is made to keep the experience running safely and efficiently.

Yes, many Bosphorus experiences operate year-round.

The atmosphere changes considerably by season.

Summer offers longer daylight and warmer outdoor conditions, while winter cruises can provide quieter waterways and earlier evening views.

Check the individual cruise page for seasonal schedules and inclusions.

Temperatures on the water can feel cooler than they do on land, particularly in the evening and during winter.

A light jacket is useful during spring and summer evenings, while warmer clothing is recommended in colder months.

Many of the vessels used for our cruises have indoor or sheltered areas as well as outdoor viewing spaces.

Facilities vary by boat and product, so contact us if a particular feature is important to you.

The Bosphorus is a strait rather than open ocean, but water conditions can still vary depending on wind, maritime traffic and weather.

If you are particularly sensitive to motion, consider seeking advice from your doctor or pharmacist before traveling.

Choosing a stable seat and spending time in fresh air may also help some travelers.

No.

Inclusions vary significantly between cruises.

Some include refreshments, some include lunch or dinner, and others focus primarily on sightseeing.

Always check the Includes / Excludes section of the specific cruise page.

Only when specifically stated in the selected product or beverage package.

Some cruises offer alcoholic drinks for purchase or as part of an optional package.

Never assume alcohol is included unless it appears in your confirmed booking.

A private tour is arranged exclusively for your confirmed party rather than combining you with unrelated travelers.

Depending on the experience, this may include a dedicated:

• Professional guide
• Vehicle
• Yacht or boat
• Customized schedule
• Private event setup

Private experiences usually provide greater flexibility over timing, pace and special requests.

A shared tour operates with other travelers who have booked the same departure.

The route, timing and main itinerary are predetermined so that the group can travel together efficiently.

Group size varies according to the individual product.

Check the tour page for the applicable format and maximum or expected group size.

It depends on your priorities.

A shared tour is often suitable if you want:

• A structured itinerary
• A social experience
• A lower per-person cost

A private experience may be more suitable if you want:

• Greater privacy
• Flexible pacing
• Personalized interests
• A family-only experience
• Special-event arrangements
• Dedicated transportation or guiding

Yes.

Private Bosphorus arrangements can be prepared according to your group size, preferred duration, timing and required services.

Tell us your date and requirements so we can recommend an appropriate vessel.

Yes.

Our Private Events options include customized arrangements such as:

• Marriage proposals
• Birthday celebrations
• Weddings and receptions
• Corporate events

Each event is quoted individually according to guest count, vessel, duration and requested services.

Many of our experiences are suitable for families.

However, suitability depends on:

• Tour duration
• Walking distance
• Boat access
• Departure time
• Activity type
• Child's age

The individual product page should be checked before booking.

Contact us if you need advice for young children.

Child policies and prices vary by product.

The applicable age categories and prices are shown during the booking process or confirmed by our team.

Do not assume the same child policy applies to every tour.

This depends on the experience, vehicle, boat and attraction.

Some tours can accommodate a folding stroller more easily than others.

Please tell us in advance if you will travel with a stroller so we can check the specific itinerary.

Child-seat availability depends on the transportation service.

If you require one, provide the child's age and approximate weight when making your request so availability can be checked.

Accessibility varies considerably between historic attractions, piers, vessels and vehicles.

Before booking, tell us about any mobility requirements so we can check the exact tour and vessel rather than providing a general answer that may not apply.

Vegetarian meals are available on many food-inclusive experiences when requested in advance.

Make the request when booking so it can be confirmed for the specific tour.

Please tell us about dietary requirements before the tour.

We will communicate the request to the applicable catering provider and confirm what can reasonably be accommodated.

Because kitchens and catering arrangements vary, specific allergy requirements should always be discussed in advance rather than assumed.

Yes.

Private and customized arrangements can be prepared according to your interests and schedule.

When requesting a quotation, provide as much information as possible, including:

• Travel date
• Number of adults
• Number and ages of children
• Preferred duration
• Places or experiences that interest you
• Hotel or starting area
• Required transportation
• Any special requirements

This allows us to recommend the most appropriate option.

Yes.

Group arrangements can be prepared for families, friends, corporate groups and other private parties.

Vehicle, guide and vessel selection depends on group size and the type of experience required.

Yes.

Depending on the event and vessel, optional services may include:

• Catering
• Beverage packages
• Birthday or celebration cakes
• Flowers
• Decorations
• DJ
• Live music
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Private transportation

All requested services should be confirmed in writing before the event.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality, passport or travel document and purpose of travel.

Requirements can change, so we do not recommend relying on old travel blogs or general visa advice.

Before traveling, check the current requirements through the official e-Visa service of the Republic of Türkiye or your nearest Turkish diplomatic mission.

Do not assume that a visa on arrival is available.

Türkiye's visa rules vary by nationality and travel document, and many eligible travelers now use the official electronic visa system.

Check the official requirements before departure.

Cruise passengers can be subject to specific seaport rules depending on how they enter Türkiye, how long they remain and whether they also arrive or depart by air.

Do not rely on the old assumption that all cruise passengers are automatically visa-exempt.

Check the current official Turkish entry requirements for your specific itinerary before traveling.

No.

Travelers arriving in Istanbul should carefully check the airport code and arrival airport shown on their flight reservation.

Tour or transfer requests should include your correct flight and airport details whenever airport transportation is being arranged.

You can contact our team through the Contact Us page, by email, telephone or WhatsApp.

Current contact information:

Email: info@istanbulbosphorustours.com
Telephone / WhatsApp: +90 554 797 26 46
Operations Address: Cankurtaran Mah. Keresteci Hakki Sok. No:20/A, 34122 Fatih, Istanbul

For an existing booking, please include your reservation name and travel date so we can assist you more quickly.

Most enquiries are answered during the same business day.

Requests involving private yachts, larger groups, customized catering or special events may require additional availability checks before a detailed quotation can be provided.

Operational contact information is provided with confirmed reservations where applicable.

Keep your final booking confirmation accessible throughout the day of your experience.

Services are operated through a legally registered travel agency in Türkiye.

The applicable legal operator and travel-agency registration information should be shown in the company information and booking documentation.

If you require company or agency documentation before confirming a group or corporate booking, please contact our team.

If you cannot find the answer you need in our Frequently Asked Questions, contact the Istanbul Bosphorus Tours team.

Tell us your preferred date, number of guests and the tour, cruise or private event you are considering. We will help you compare the appropriate options and explain the relevant booking conditions before you confirm.