As you know Istanbul lies at the entrance from Marmara Sea to the Bosphorus Straits dividing Europe from Asia. When I was here for the first time there the only way to cross the straits was a ferry – there were plenty of them. Then they built the first high bridge, then second bridge, then the third one, then a 5,5 kms long tunnel.
Till today I didn’t have a chance to cruise 31-kms long Bosphorus. Today one more dream came true. Different companies offer here different cruises. I came to the conclusion that for the backpacker the best solution will be long cruise departing from the ferry landing near Galata Bridge at 10,35. Round trip ticket costs only 25 lira – less than 3 dollars. Locals use it as a ferry, because it is calling few places on both sides of Bosphorus. We were sailing under the the bridges, near the palaces and mansions, looking at the fortress… The turnaround point is Anadolu Kavagi on the Asian bank. The ferry stops here for almost 3 hours, so you have enough time to climb to the ruins of the Yoros fortress overlooking the straits which is 700 m wide only in minimum point. Great view from there and the entry is free! So it was 1,5 h sailing, 3 h visit and 1,5 h sailing back the same way. Great deal and unforgettable day!
