Bosporus Cruising

Posted byDerbyshire GalPosted inIstanbulTags:, , ,

If there is a river near by then we are heading to it – and Istanbul is no exception with the mighty Bosporus river.

A flag featuring a portrait of a historical figure in front of a blue wall. The flag is predominantly red with a white crescent and star.
An assortment of vibrant patterned textiles including a wall hanging, a rug, and decorative pillows, displayed against a doorway.
A close-up image of colorful decorative thimbles, predominantly in shades of red, blue, yellow, and pink, with intricate designs. The thimbles are arranged densely, highlighting their artistic patterns and textures.

After first doing a little celebration for the birthday boy, and admiring the iconic Hagia Sophia for the first time – plus I spot some tiled delights that derail us obviously!

A view of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, showcasing its distinctive domes and minarets against a clear blue sky.
A view of a historic mosque in Istanbul, featuring a tall minaret and dome, surrounded by green foliage and colorful autumn leaves under a clear blue sky.
View of a mosque with a tall minaret and dome, surrounded by greenery and autumn foliage.
A display of traditional Turkish coffee pots and kettles in various metallic finishes, showcasing intricate designs and craftsmanship.
A cat sitting comfortably on a patterned rug in front of a shop window displaying plush cat toys and decorative cushions.
A display of colorful postcards featuring iconic landmarks of Istanbul, including the Blue Mosque and views of the Bosporus River.
A pink birthday cake with candles on a decorative plate, overlooking a scenic view of the ocean and trees in the background.
A smiling man wearing blue glasses is cutting a small pink birthday cake with candles on a decorative plate, outdoors.
A slice of birthday cake with pink and blue candles on top, showcasing layers of chocolate and fruit filling, placed on a decorative table.
A decorative plate featuring a colorful illustration of Istanbul's skyline, with a prominent tower and traditional buildings, surrounded by a mosaic of various ceramic tiles.
Colorful ceramic mosaic featuring a bird design with floral patterns and vibrant colors.
Colorful ceramic wall art featuring a whimsical figure riding a donkey, adorned with a red turban and traditional clothing, set against a backdrop of intricate floral-patterned tiles.
Close-up view of colorful traditional Turkish tiles with intricate floral patterns and designs.
Colorful decorative tiles featuring various designs, including fish, abstract patterns, and traditional motifs, arranged together.
Colorful wooden houses in a row, featuring a red and blue exterior with various signs in Turkish, showcasing cultural heritage.

We book ourselves onto a boat trip up the river to the little town of Üsküdar so we’re heading down to the lovely riverside area of Eminönü.

Here activity is non stop as boats unload passengers at the ferry docks near the city’s bazaars. You can also get a great view across the river of the Galata tower, a city landmark.

A view of the Bosporus river in Istanbul with boats on the water and buildings along the shore, featuring the Galata Tower in the background.
A boat cruising on the Bosporus River with the skyline of Istanbul featuring the Galata Tower in the background.

Taking a sunset cruise is such a beautiful way to see this incredible part of the world.

A boat cruising on the Bosporus River with the Ortaköy Mosque in the foreground and modern buildings in the background, capturing Istanbul's vibrant skyline.
View of a bridge over water with buildings along the shore and trees in the background.
Turkish flag fluttering on a boat with a view of the sea and city in the background.
A person sitting on a boat, enjoying a drink while surrounded by views of a river and boats in the background.
View of boats on the Bosporus River during sunset, with birds flying overhead and waves in the foreground.
Person taking a selfie on a boat with a river backdrop during sunset.
A view of the Bosporus River with several boats on the water during sunset.
A view of the Bosporus River with several seagulls flying overhead and a boat on the water in the background.
Two people taking a selfie on a boat with the Bosporus River in the background, showcasing a bridge and cityscape.
A view of seagulls flying over the Bosporus River in Istanbul, with lush hills and buildings visible in the distance.
A view from a boat on the Bosporus river, with seagulls flying above and a shoreline in the distance during sunset.
A heart-shaped floral arch made of pink and blue flowers overlooking the water, with buildings and trees in the background.
Sunset view over the Bosporus River with a bridge in the background and boats on the water.

There’s not a great deal to see in Üsküdar but it is in Istanbul’s Asian side as the city actually sprawls two continents – about two-thirds of its population live in Europe and the rest in Asia, separated by the Bosporus.

A decorative panel featuring intricate gold calligraphy on a dark background.
A menu board displaying various appetizers and fish dishes, including roasted eggplant salad, Turkish shakshuka, and fried anchovy.
A vibrant display of fresh vegetables at a market, including carrots, lettuce, bell peppers, tomatoes, and lemons.
A colorful display of various fruits including apples, pears, dragon fruit, pineapples, and grapes arranged on a market stall, showcasing a vibrant selection in an Istanbul bazaar.
A colorful display of fresh fruits, including oranges, tomatoes, pears, plums, pineapples, strawberries, and pomegranates, arranged neatly on a market stand.

Sunset is a perfect time to wind down and enjoy a little peace in this otherwise hectic city!

A smiling couple takes a selfie by the Bosporus river at sunset, with the bridge in the background.
Selfie taken during sunset with the Bosporus river and a bridge in the background.
A scenic view of a bridge lit up at dusk over a river, with city lights visible in the background.
View of a brightly lit bridge over the Bosporus River at night, with colorful lights illuminating the structure and nearby buildings.
A nighttime view of a brightly lit bridge over water, with red lights illuminating the bridge and reflections on the surface of the river.
Night view of a waterfront area in Istanbul, with illuminated buildings and mosques reflecting on the water.
Night view of a riverside mosque lit up with soft lights, reflected on the water's surface, with hills and buildings in the background.

Back on dry land we get to see some of the city’s iconic sights lit up like fairytale castles.

Illuminated mosque at night, showcasing its minaret and dome with vibrant lighting.
Night view of a historic mosque with tall minarets and domes, surrounded by palm trees and illuminated by street lamps. People are sitting on benches in a plaza nearby.
Nighttime view of a beautifully illuminated mosque with a tall minaret, surrounded by trees and city lights.
Night view of a large mosque with illuminated minarets and domes.
Night view of a mosque beautifully illuminated with lit minarets and domes, surrounded by a street lamp.

Published by Derbyshire Gal

World traveller, proud auntie, bit of a liability.

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