We met our guide at the ticket office and then a bus too the ferry terminal. A quick bit of information while we were on the bus, and some good advice not to get scammed on the boat with food and drinks offered. There's brief commentary from a recording on the boat, and intermittent pieces of info spoken by the guide. It's not a full on comprehensive guide to every single thing along the way, but enough bits to keep you entertained. Definitely go when the weather is nice and enjoy the sights and sunshine. Sitting on the left is better but it was an open deck so you could see both sides fine no matter where you sit. You have to ask the boat staff to bring out more chairs!

I booked a river cruise on the morning of the event. Literally booked it 3 hours before the actual cruis started which at first i was worried was too late however had no problems. I purchased it online using my visa debit card and it was a quick and easy also informative service. I was sent my e-ticket to my email within seconds alongside informed of the location i needed to go to for the meeting point. definately recommend this quick and easy service. When i got to the meeting point a rep was waiting to usher us to our transport to the river, then once we got to the river another rep was waiting to take us to the boat. We felt safe at all times and were fully informed throughout. The tour guides spoke in english when explaining all the different monuments which helped with the overal experience and stunning views! Defo worth the money!!!!

We decided to do this trip based on the fact we wanted to do a boat tour of Istanbul and were too late book any of the morning trips. This was convenient as it started at 14:30, was two hours long and we had a great tour guide despite the windy weather. So it's worth doing if your tight for time and money. Only trouble was locating the meeting point which happen to be a travel tours shop by the tram station at Old town.