Oblivious to the cold that would most likely accompany my time in Turkey at the end of October, one of the few things I really wanted to do while there was ride along the Bosphorus River.
Driving through Istanbul
Istanbul is an very large city, one that spreads across the shores of the Borsphorus River — a river (well… strait) which also divides the East from the West.
Ships in the Harbour
The cruise/tour lasted a total of about 4 hours, but the first part is generally a bus tour around the city to the Grand Bazaar and other tourist attractions.
Unfortunately, the Independence Day activities caused those large attractions to be closed on the day of our tour… but fortunately, we had already had a glimpse on our previous days there.
So, we got a bus tour to other parts of the old city of Istanbul instead for the first hour or so.
When we finally got on the boat, we were bundled up and ready to go. The cold breeze coming off the water led to many heading down to the inside of the boat, but the views were almost just as panoramic.
Istanbul stretches on along the shore, and it is a city that can remind you at times of Italian coastal towns, and at others it just wreaks of a rich history.
What made our ride even more special were the flags — bright red — strewn across the city, hung from buildings and flowing in the wind from the bridge. You could see red flags staggered in the distance at any which direction you looked thanks to the national holiday.
Flags on the Bridge
Of course, this river cruise would be 100 times better in the blazing summer sun when you can think of nothing better than enjoying the breeze from a boat deck on the water. Still, the cool late October Day, the breeze, the boat, the company and the feeling of being smack in the middle of such a historical site was perfect.
As mentioned, this tour was sponsored by Get Your Guide, a company that has hundreds of tours on offer in destinations around the world.
Istanbul is indeed a very beautiful place, as I have heard from so many travelers and reviews! I am looking forward to go there someday myself
A very captivating place for sure
The Bosporus is not a river.
Technically no, but it is commonly known as a river.