Bosphorus Cruise

Bosphorus Cruise
Bosphorus is the name of the strait which lies between Europe and Asia. The strait Bosphorus connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and its length is approximately 30 km., 21 mile long. It runs in the general direction of NE to SW and varying greatly in width from 700 m. 0.45 mile to over 3500m. 2 miles at its widest. Its depth is generally 50-75 m., 150-200 feet but at some points reach to 100 m. 300 feet. There are two strong currents in the sea, one is from the Black Sea towards the Sea of Marmara which runs from the surface due to the low salt density and level difference of two seas. The other current lies from the reverse side, from the deep, towards the Black Sea. Because of the dangerous currents and the narrowness of the strait, all the ships passing through the strait should have pilot captains.
Bosphorus Cruise is a must-see tour for the Istanbul visitors because it is a wonderful opportunity to observe the both sides of Istanbul. There are municipal ferries which operate daily three times from Eminonu, port number 3.(BOGAZ HATTI). The first ferry is at 10:35 am (runs all year round), the second one is at 12:00 am and the last one is at 1:35 pm. (only in summer).The ferry is a traditional one, which has seats inside and outside the interior. After the ferry departs, it first makes a stop in Besiktas, which is the downtown of the city. The Dolmabahce Palace could be seen here.
Later, you see the beautiful houses along the European Side, the Ciragan Palace Hotel and many other lovely buildings from 19th and early 20th C. On the way, the ferry passes by the huge European Fortress which was constructed by Sultan Mehmed II in 1452 before he conquered Istanbul. Then the ferry moves to the Asian Side and you see the old restored Turkish Houses(Yali) which are just on the waterfront. In Bosphorus, there is no low-hide tide, so the houses can be so near to the sea level. Then the ferry passes through “Kanlica”, a lovely village which is famous for its yoghurt. And it passes to “Yenikoy “on the European Side and makes another stop. In Yenikoy, Turkey’s ex prime minister Mrs. Tansu Ciller has a big Yali(old restored Turkish house). Then the ferry goes back to Asian Side and then comes back to Europe, to a fishing village called “Sariyer”. If one likes, he/she may leave the ferry and come back to city after having a walk in Sariyer or if one wants to enjoy it all day long, he/she can stay till the ferry comes to Anadolukavagi. It is a great place to have fish, fresh vegetables, fruits and raki, traditional Turkish drink. After staying there for two hours, the ferry comes back to Eminonu, where one gets on the ferry.
Aboard the ferry, you may enjoy fresh orange juice, apple tea, ordinary tea and yoghurt which are sold by loud waiters….”Orange juuuice, apppleee teeeaaa, yoghııırt…