World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Istanbul  - Water
Water


The Bosphorus Strait divides Istanbul into its eastern Asian side and its western European side. Central Istanbul, including the historic sites, is on the European side. This quarter is itself divided almost in two by the natural harbour of the Golden Horn (Haliç). Tiny fishing boats and day cruisers share the Bosphorus with enormous international cargo ships, navy vessels, tankers and giant luxury liners from Europe. The two largest ports, Eminönü and Karaköy, are on opposite sides of the Golden Horn, but are linked by the Galata Bridge. Karaköy port (tel: (212) 249 5776) is where luxury cruise ships headed for the Aegean and Mediterranean dock, as well as smaller CIS vessels. The major commuter ferry lines (see the Public Transport section) mainly depart from Eminönü, Karaköy, Besikta? and Üsküdar.

Ferry and boat services:
Turkish Maritime Lines (tel: (212) 249 9222 or 244 0207) provides car and passenger ferry services from Kabata? dock (between Karaköy and Be?ikta?) eastwards along the Black Sea, stopping at Sinop, Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Zonguldak, Rize and Trabzon over three days and then returning by the same route. An overnight car ferry service from Istanbul to Izmir also leaves Kabatas in the summer, Fridays at 1500 (journey time - approximately 19 hours). The return voyage leaves Izmir on Sunday at 1200.
Faster, more expensive sea-buses (tel: (216) 362 0444 or 249 1558) connect Istanbul to Yalova, Ç?narc?k, the Prince's Islands, Band?rma and the Marmara Islands. These depart from Kabata? dock on a changing seasonal schedule.

Transport to the city:
Both Eminönü and Karaköy ports, and all the ferry terminals and quays around them, have row of buses, taxis and dolmu? lined up outside. Taxi is probably the easiest route to main tourist areas.



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
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