Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side

Name: Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side
Start: 2026-02-27T10:30:00.000+03:00
End: 2026-02-27T12:30:00.000+03:00
Location: Istanbul

Experience Istanbul from the water on a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, where Europe and Asia meet. Sail past historic palaces, fortresses, and iconic bridges, and pause in Kanlıca to enjoy traditional Turkish coffee and local flavors. With live commentary and hotel transfers included, this tour offers a relaxed and informative way to explore the city’s waterfront.

Cruise the Bosphorus on the Sunset Bosphorus yacht

Sip Turkish coffee and nibble on Turkish snacks

Covers all the classic waterfront sights

Round-trip yacht cruise

Details

The Bosphorus Strait divides Europe and Asia and is central to Istanbul’s identity. This 2.5-hour round-trip yacht cruise offers a comfortable way to discover its shoreline, accompanied by live commentary and engaging insights from an experienced guide. As you sail, take in the city’s skyline, historic architecture, and daily life unfolding along the water.

The cruise passes many of Istanbul’s most recognized landmarks, including Dolmabahçe Palace, once built along a natural bay of the Bosphorus; Ortaköy Mosque (Büyük Mecidiye Camii), set beside the lively pier square; and the impressive Bosphorus Bridge, inaugurated in 1973 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Turkish Republic. You will also see Dolmabahçe Mosque, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, and the marble façade of Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian shore.

At the narrowest point of the strait stands the historic Rumeli Fortress, built in 1452 to control passage through the Bosphorus. Nearby, the legendary Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) rises just off the coast of Üsküdar, long associated with local myths and maritime history. The route also includes views of the Galata Bridge, the medieval Galata Tower, and the elegant Küçüksu Pavilion, a 19th-century summer residence along the Asian shoreline.

A highlight of the journey is a 30-minute stop in Kanlıca, a waterfront neighborhood known for its calm atmosphere. Stroll around İskele Square beneath the monumental plane tree and visit the historic İsmail Ağa Kahvesi, established in 1870. Here, you can sip freshly prepared foamy Turkish coffee and sample the neighborhood’s well-known Kanlıca yogurt, traditionally served with powdered sugar or honey.

Onboard Wi-Fi helps you stay connected throughout the cruise, and hotel pick-up and drop-off add convenience to your experience. Admission tickets are included, allowing you to relax and focus on the views as you explore Istanbul from the water.

Online Booking

What is included in activity

Coffee and/or Tea

Bottled water

WiFi on board

Snacks

Small sandwiches

Fruits

Hotel pick - up & drop off services

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Departure: Hotel pick-up

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Group size up to 40 persons

Children allowed

English

Mobile ticket

Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

River cruise ship

Change time

Open deck

WiFi

Tour program

Please note that the program and conditions are subject to change.

Bosphorus Strait

The Bosphorus, Ox-ford in English, runs for about twenty miles, at times like a river, at times as if a land-enclosed lake; then, before joining the Black Sea, it becomes a rocky, wild channel. The Bosphorus breathes calmly and regularly, and the flow of caiques echoes the rhythm with their slow splashes. Not only does the Bosphorus electrify the traveler by its light, but it also intoxicates him by the white incandescence of the sun on its bosom with blue sky pouring into it. It runs through the city of Istanbul, splitting it into two halves the city built on seven hills and described by one of her early foreign lovers, Julia Pardoe: Its clear calm sky, its glittering sea, its amphitheater of thickly-peopled hills, its geographical position, its political importance and above all, its surprising novelty, tend to make every day in that gorgeous scene, and under that sunny sky, a season of intense enjoyment.

2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Dolmabahce Palace (Pass By)

Until the 17th century, the area where t the palace is today was one of the bays along the Bosphorus the legendary sailing vessel, ARGOS on which the Argonauts set off to find the Golden Fleece, anchored here.

Ortakoy (Pass By)

Ortaköy Mosque officially the Büyük Mecidiye Camii in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey, is situated at the waterside of the Ortaköy pier square, one of the most popular locations on the Bosphorus.

Bosphorus Bridge (Pass By)

Which was inaugurated on October 29, 1973, on the fiftieth anniversary of the Turkish Republic, has the longest span in Europe and the fourth in the world. This suspension bridge has a total length of 1560 metres (1706 yards) and a width of 33.4 metres (110ft). The span between pylons is 1074 metres (1175 yards) and the clearance above sea level is 64 metres (210ft). The construction of the steel box-girder suspension was carried out by a British-german consortium. The second bridge to link Europe and Asia over the Bosphorus will be completed in 1989 between Emirgan and Kanlica.

Dolmabahce Mosque (Pass By)

The Dolmabahçe Mosque is a mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It was commissioned by queen's mother Bezmi Alem Valide Sultan.

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Pass By)

The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, also known as the Second Bosphorus Bridge, is a bridge in Istanbul, Turkey spanning the Bosphorus strait. When completed in 1988, it was the 5th-longest suspension bridge span in the world; today it is the 24th

Kanlica Meydani

Kanlıca welcomes its guests with its Pier (İskele) Square, monumental plane tree, 126 years old Turkish Caffee House, ever-smiling locals, seaside tranquility, and of course Kanlica Yogurt. İskele (Pier) Square is the heart of Kanlıca. The monumental plane tree in the center is almost resisting time with its grace and last big branch. It’s impossible not to daydream as you sip your foamy Turkish coffee at the 126-year-old coffeehouse İsmail Ağa Kahvesi with a view of the sea. Along with Turkish Caffee or instead of you should have Kanlica Yogurt, it is especially thick and citric, a quality coming from the mixture of cow’s and sheep’s milk. For full experience try it with powdered sugar or honey. Taking its name after the neighborhood. Kanlica Yogurt is a local trademark best enjoyed at its place of origin, established in 1870, İsmail Aga Cafe.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Beylerbeyi Palace (Pass By)

Situated on the Asiatic shore of the Bosphorus between the villages of Kuzguncuk and Cengelköy, the palace was built by Sultan Abdülaziz in 1865. Beylerbeyi Palace seen from the Bosphorus floats like a white vision in a fairy tale. It is the most extravagant royal house of the 19th Century on which millions were spent. It is built completely of marble, surpassing all the Palaces of European Kings. Empress Eugénie, during her visit of 1869 stayed in this palace as well as Czar Nicholas Il of Russia. Edward VIII was a guest in 1936. Stone lionesses recline on marble carpets set in lawns, and swans float and fish swim in the unobtrusive pool where pigeons fly to catch the spray of the fountain upon their wings.

Rumeli Fortress (Pass By)

At the narrowest point of the Bosphorus stands the Rumelihisarr Fortress, built by Sultan Mehmet, the Conqueror on the European shore. The Sultan himself on the 26th day of March 1452 laid the foundation stone of the Fortress with a view to controlling the passage of the ships through the Bosphorus and using it as a base for his attack on the city. The fortress or castle was built upon the ancient site of Hermaion. It was completed in five months on August 28th 1452. The cannon on the towers could command this narrowest part of the Bosphorus opposite the older fortress of Anadoluhisarr. Darius in 500 BC had thrown a pontoon bridge across the Strait at this point and passed over 700,000 men. To Sultan Mehmet, the Conqueror, it was the key to Constantinople. The design of the walls and the towers display the Prophet's and the Conqueror's name - Muhammet - Mehmet.

KIz Kulesi (Pass By)

About 180 meters away from the shores of Üsküdar stands this tower which bears two different names. Europeans who named it the Leander's Tower thought that it was here where Leander was drowned while attempting to swim the Bosphorus to reach his beloved Hero, the priestess of Aphrodite. But, in fact, Leander never crossed here even in the legend which refers to the The story of the Maiden's Tower, which has never been verified goes like this. Constantine built the tower here to protect his daughter since a magician had foretold she would be bitten by a snake. She was imprisoned and grew to womanhood there, until an officer of the Imperial Palace, fell in love with her beauty and sent her a basket of peaches and figs. The snake which had hidden under a fig leaf bit the Princess, who was at the point of death when the Officer arrived and sucked the poison from her arm. The lower was rebuilt during Ahmet III’s reign.

Galata Koprusu (Pass By)

The Galata Bridge is a bridge that spans the Golden Horn in Istanbul, Turkey. From the end of the 19th century in particular, the bridge has featured in Turkish literature, theater, poetry and novels.

Galata Tower (Pass By)

The Galata Tower, called Christea Turris by the Genoese, is a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of Istanbul, Turkey, just to the north of the Golden Horn's junction with the Bosphorus.

Kucuksu Pavilion (Pass By)

The summer Palace of Kucuksu, sometimes called the Palace of Göksu, is situated between the villages of Anadoluhisan and Kandilli on the Asiatic shore of the Bosphorus. The Kucuksu Palace was first built by Mahmut I in 1749. Later it underwent a restoration during the reigns of Selim Ill and Ahmet Il. It was renovated by Sultan Abdülmecit in 1857. Sultan Abdülaziz gave the palace a new face-lift and had it refurbished and redecorated. It is a small but elegant edifice, stretching along the lip of the Bosphorus, surrounded by intricately cast-iron railings. Waters and waves of the Bosphorus wash its terraces of glittering marble and sometimes penetrate their latticed and mysterious recesses.

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Meeting point

Hotel pick-up is available from the Fatih and Beyoglu Areas only.

Places you will see

• Bosphorus Strait
• Kanlica Meydani
• Dolmabahce Palace
• Bosphorus Bridge
• Dolmabahce Mosque
• Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
• Beylerbeyi Palace
• Rumeli Fortress
• KIz Kulesi
• Galata Koprusu
• Galata Tower
• Kucuksu Pavilion

Reviews by travellers

4.9 out of 5

1726 reviews

941

164

Clarence R.

Very fun knowledge crew. We had a wonderful time with a small group enjoying the views of the Bosphorus

2 months ago

Donald B.

"A wonderful and relaxing Bosphorus morning cruise! The views were stunning, the pace was calm, and the food was excellent—fresh fruit, bagel sandwiches, Turkish delights, and drinks made the experience feel extra special. The guide and crew were informative, funny, and incredibly engaging with everyone on board, including a toddler traveling with another family. The short stop on the Asia side of Istanbul was a highlight, especially getting to try some really good Turkish yogurt. We went as a family with two teenage boys, and they were fully engaged and enjoyed every part of the cruise. Highly recommend this experience for families or anyone wanting a laid-back and memorable way to see Istanbul from the water!"

3 months ago

Julia L.

The boat is beautiful and very comfortable. It is a lovely way to see the sights of the city and view both continents. We enjoyed it very much.

3 months ago

Melanie R.

The staff members were very friendly. Tour guide shared interesting historical information along the way. Refreshments were provided with the option to purchase spirit drinks.

3 months ago

Jessie B.

Great tour. The guide was knowledgeable, the staff were friendly, the boat ride was great, they even gave out drinks, blankets, and snacks. Highly recommend.

4 months ago

Luis W.

Very nice way to see this beautiful city. Away from the large crowds with a different perspective. Nice service on the boat and informative guide.

5 months ago

Beatrice S.

Great experience! Very easy to navigate and follow and book, the tour guides were very helpful and it was very easy to find everything especially the meetup points. They were very good at communicating and explained the history well. It was cold so they provided blankets and warm tea and lots of snacks. Everyone was very hospitable and inviting. Would definitely recommend this tour, the boat was also wonderful and the group size was perfect.

6 months ago

Elmer B.

Fascinating look at both the European and Asian sides of the Bosporus with commentary and a short stop on the Asian side to sample some authentic Turkish yogurt. We also enjoyed some small snacks, Turkish tea, & Turkish coffee along the way.

6 months ago

Melissa R.

The tour gave us a much better perspective on greater Istanbul, away from the major tourist spots. The tour included some nice snacks, tea and coffee, which we appreciated as we had missed lunch. The woman who narrated the tour was very good with impeccable English.

6 months ago

Elizabeth S.

The staff on board were warm and welcoming. The yacht was beautiful and the cruise felt like a little taste luxury.

7 months ago

You will discover

Rumeli Hisari

Dolmabahce Palace

Fatih Mosque

Galata Tower

Bosphorus Bridge

Categories

Bosphorus Cruises

Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side

Details

Important Info

Online Booking

What is included in activity

River cruise ship

Tour program

Meeting point

Places you will see

Reviews by travellers

You will discover

Categories