While the inclusions mention hotel pick-up and drop-off, our tour operator initially simply refused to pick us up reasoning that our hotel in Zeytinburnu was not in central Sultanahmet area. When we requested the operator to reconsider, they agreed to provide us hotel pick-up but not drop-off. Then, on the day of the tour, they informed us that their pick-up vehicle had broken down and that we should reach a specified point on our own and that they would cover the expenses. We did reach the designated point about 10 minutes before the agreed time, but had to wait for about 25 minutes for the tour operator to show up!

I can understand that it may not be possible for tour operators to offer pick-up and drop-off services beyond a certain distance, it's unreasonable to expect every guest to be living within a short radius from the operator's office. And, if they really adhere to such tiny limits, then it should be clearly spelt out at the time of booking!

After reaching the Kabatas? pier, we had to wait another 10 minutes for the boat to arrive! At the price we paid for the tour, it was a rather disappointing sight to see our boat as it looked old and worn-out, at least from the outside. The lunch that we were served soon after wasn't bad but not great either. Maybe the non-vegetarian food was better as there were a couple of travelers going for a second helping of fish. On our onward journey, we pretty much cruised without any intervention from the tour guide. Our first stopover was at the fishing village Anadolu Kavagi where we stopped for about half an hour. The village did not have much to offer just a few restaurants and shops. The second and final yeah, final! stopover was at the entrance to the Black Sea where the boat stopped for some time to allow people to take a swim. On our way back, the guide finally got into action and told us about several things including the Bosphorus bridges, the Bosphorus strait itself, Dolmabace Palace etc.

For me, it was a pretty listless cruise which offered little more than cool sea breeze. I think one gets a lot more by going to, for example, the Buyukada islands on the public ferry boat which costs a fraction and is much more enjoyable despite the fact that there's no free food offered on it.

You don't actually enter the Black Sea, and I got terribly ill after I ate the salad. I had eaten a few bites when I saw a bug in it and sent it back. For the remainder of my time in Istanbul I was so sick.

Amendment concerning my preview : 10 Euro per person , we were 3 , total should be 30 Euros. The Total credited amount was 17.49 US Dollars

This tour was amazing!

Canceled on us twice and really cost us a lot of time on our vacation. Be wary that there are not many people traveling to istanbul these days and this trip will not take off without a large amount of commitments.

The tour was relaxing and comfortable. The tour guides were very friendly and helpful. There were only the 10 of us on a big boat and we could just lie on the benches on the roof and tan. Swimming in black sea was just amazing. The water was clear and and warm. Would definitely do this again.

Excellent tour and guides. Highly recommended.

The staff were friendly and considerate.
The guide was great and explained the sights in detail.
The lunch and snack were a lot better than expected!
The boat was clean and tidy.
It was convenvient that they came to pick us up and drop us off at the end of the tour.

5 stars just doesn't do this trip justice. Great tour guide, great chef, great food, amazing cruise. Stop over was beautiful and chance to swim was great. Din't be expecting a luxury cruise experience, but you will get a very friendly and enjoyable half day out. Please give these guys a go...you will NOT be disappointed...the highlight of our stay in the friendlist city on earth !!

Excellent size group, wonderful guide overall waited to share much info until well into cruise, good meal, very nice boat.