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Our flexible booking conditions include a 14-day refund guarantee and free trip changes.
Terms and Conditions apply.
TRIP OVERVIEW
Tour Highlights
Take part in the world-famous Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim at the heart of Istanbul
Swim from Asia to Europe as one of the world's busiest shipping lanes closes for this once-a-year event
Join open water swimmers from around the world and soak up lively Bosphorus race village
Discover the history and culture of the fascinating city of Istanbul
The iconic Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim is back, bigger and better than ever. Complete an unforgettable crossing from Asia to Europe as the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul comes to a standstill for this annual event. Join more than 2,400 competitors from across the globe as swimmers take over the Bosphorus waters and one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world is temporarily closed to traffic.
SwimTrek Bosphorus Ballot - Is now closed for 2023.
The best way to secure one of the limited number of places in this heavily oversubscribed international event is to enter the SwimTrek Bosphorus Ballot.
Please note that entering the ballot does not guarantee your place in the Bosphorus swim.
Who Is This Trip For?
The Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim is a significant open water swim and conditions during the race may be challenging. A good experience of swimming in all sea conditions is essential and you should have relevant open water knowledge to be confident if such conditions do arise. Please be aware that this race also involves a mass start, but due to the large number of participants, it is possible to take your time and wait for a quieter period to enter the water.
This trip is only available to be booked through SwimTrek as a complete package (including accommodation). If you choose not to join as a swimmer, there is the opportunity to join as a supporter. There are a limited number of supporters tickets available which include shared accommodation with a race participant and all SwimTrek transfers.
NOTE: Turkish passport holders are unable to register for this event through SwimTrek and must apply via the Turkish Olympic Committee directly.
What's Included?
- Entry into the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim Race
- Two nights' accommodation
- Two breakfasts
- Welcome Drink
- Transfers to and from race registration and boat tour the day before the event
- Guided boat tour of the official Bosphorus Race route the day before the event
- Transfers to and from the race village before and after the event
- SwimTrek Representatives to assist in ensuring everything runs smoothly
- ABTOT Financial Protection
What's Not Included?
- Travel to and from the start of the tour
- Lunches and evening meals
What's Included For Supporters?
- Two nights' accommodation with a race participant
- Two breakfasts
- Welcome Drink
- Transfers to and from the race village before and after the event
- ABTOT Financial Protection
Related Links
- Swimming Holidays Europe
- Swimming Holidays Turkey
- Swimming Holidays Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim
- Swimming Holidays Hellespont Week Tour
- Swimming Holidays Hellespont and Dardanelles Swim
- Swimming Holidays Lycian Way - Turkey
- Swimming Holidays Lycian Way Short Swims - Turkey
- Swimming Holidays Lycian Way with Teens - Turkey
Related Trips
Trip Schedule
The below itinerary should be used as a guide only and a trip schedule with confirmed timings for all events and activities will be forwarded to all guests prior to the start of the trip.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Map
Location Summary
Bosphorus Ballot
Important Race Entry Information
Trip Grading
Equipment Checklist
Getting There
Accommodation
Travel Advice

Bosphorus swimmers on masse!

the start

Bosphorus swimmers in action

SwimTrekkers celebrate their swim success

The SwimTrek Bosphorus team looking excited

Showing off the SwimTrek tattoos

Istanbul from the Bosphorus

Turkey pride at the Bosphorus swim

celebrating finishing the Bosphorus

SwimTrekkers with some buoyancy aids

Swimmer finishing the Bosphorus swim

SwimTrekker getting ready for Bosphorus

Smiles all round

Off to the start of the race

SwimTrek Guide loves the Turkish race events!

One of the first swimmers to finish

the finish line

The SwimTrek 2018 Bosphorus contingent!

Elation for the finishers

💪

well done!

the first swimmer out

SwimTrek guides Cat and Ben arrive in the Athletes Village

We made it!
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This was an amazing trip. Such an iconic location, made all the better by the organisation, planning and service from the lovely Swimtrek team on-site
Neil G, UK - 2022 -
I really don’t think it would have been possible to swim without all the help and guidance from SwimTrek. They were fantastic!
Brenda P, UK - 2022 -
Was delighted with my Bosphorus swim trip. SwimTrek organisation was excellent both before the trip and on the ground during our stay.
Eleanor D, UK - 2022 -
The Bosphorus swim was an experience of a life time!
William K, USA - 2022 -
The Bosphorus Swim 2021 was the best swim we ever did. Thanks to all Swim Trek Team Helpers for preparation and accompaniment
Michael Schröder, 2021 -
Glad I went to Istanbul to compete, especially as I came 3rd in my category and received a bronze medal on the podium!
Philip Wood, 2021 -
I would like to thank all the team for the amazing experience that we had during cross-continental Bosporus swim race! We are glad that our dream came true with the assistance of professionals...
Victoria, 2021 -
SwimTrek have been amazing. This has been an unprecedented time with coronavirus and SwimTrek have handled things immaculately. SwimTrek stepped up to the plate and did a wonderful job for me and the other swimmers. Thank you.
Peter, UK - 2020 -
A great experience and would highly recommend.
Neil, UK - 2020 -
Jumping off a ferry into the Bosphorous - there's no start line like it!
Joanne, UK - 2020 -
SwimTrek facilitated my ambition to swim from Asia to Europe - a theatre of history. They achieved everything I expected and more in challenging circumstances.
Tim, UK - 2020 -
The Bosphorus swim exceeded my expectations. Truly impressed with Istanbul. Can’t wait to go back and do it again.
Sean Paul B, UK - 2019 -
SwimTrek gave me the opportunity to push myself and experience something I never thought I was capable of . I’m still in awe of what we all achieved in the Bosphorus. Thank you for the life changing memories.
Debra B, UK -2019 -
We jumped into the Bosphorus and immersed ourselves in a magnificent swim in a magnificent city; a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed.
Nicola B, UK - 2019 -
Great opportunity to combine my passion of swimming, whilst exploring new destinations and countries, with like minded swimmers
Sandra P, South Africa - 2018 -
Can't fault the trip at all. So many incredible people sharing a love for one sport, in an incredible location. Went away wanting more and feeling very inspired.
Lucy S, UK - 2018 -
Thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Bosphorus Cross Continental Race with Swim Trek. It was an outstanding experience and I highly recommend it!
Amy D, USA - 2018 -
It was one of the most iconic experiences of my 66 year old life and I would recommend to all those who enjoy swimming to give it a place on their bucket list.
Duncan M, UK - 2017 -
Outstanding experience to swim in such an epic race. Would not have done it without SwimTrek.
Keith E, UK - 2017 -
The Bosphorus Swim is a great event in a spectacular location in one of the world's most beautiful cities. Unbeatable
Clinton L, UK - 2017 -
Great swim, great location, brilliant organisation and wonderful people.
Nicola L, UK - 2017 -
It was an incredible weekend - a wonderful swim in an iconic location, with some really lovely people who will remain friends for years to come. Thanks SwimTrek for making it happen!
Claire R, UK - 2017 -
My second Bosphorus Swim with Swimtrek was even more relaxed enjoyable than the first and I can highly recommend a repeat trip to all swimtrekkers.
Holger H, Austria - 2017
Book with Confidence
Our flexible booking conditions include a 14-day refund guarantee and free trip changes.
Terms and Conditions apply.
Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim
The SwimTrek ballot is closed for 2023 and not live for 2024 just yet, if you'd like to take part in this iconic race next year, join the mailing list to be the first to know when entries go live!