Sunset or Daytime Istanbul Guided Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks

Name: Sunset or Daytime Istanbul Guided Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks
Start: 2026-03-07T17:00:00.000+03:00
End: 2026-03-07T19:00:00.000+03:00
Location: Istanbul

Discover Istanbul from the water on a relaxed small-group cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Sail between Europe and Asia, passing grand palaces, historic fortresses, and elegant waterfront neighborhoods. With live commentary and traditional refreshments served onboard, this two-hour experience offers a comfortable way to take in the city’s skyline by day or at sunset.

Capture magical photos of sunset

See highlights of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides

Admire Dolmabahce Palace, the Maiden’s Tower

Enjoy baklava, canapés, fruit

Details

Dive into the beauty of Istanbul on our intimate small-group yacht adventure—perfect for sunset glow or vibrant daytime sails along the legendary Bosphorus Strait, the world's only waterway bridging Europe and Asia.
With just 20-30 guests max, escape the tourist crowd for a serene, stress-free voyage packed with exceptional 5-star service and mouthwatering onboard indulgences like gourmet canapés, fresh snacks, seasonal fruit platters, artisanal cheeses, and unlimited tea, coffee, or chilled lemonade.

Glide effortlessly past Istanbul's crown jewels: the Dolmabahçe Palace, a 19th-century Ottoman masterpiece, Europe's heaviest crystal chandelier, and gardens once home to sultans; the formidable Rumeli Fortress, Mehmet the Conqueror's 1452 blitz-build that sealed Constantinople's fate in just four months; the glittering Çırağan Palace, a Belle Époque icon turned 5-star hotel overlooking the strait; and the engineering marvel of the Bosphorus Bridge, linking continents since 1973.
You'll also catch enchanting glimpses of Ortaköy Mosque's seaside elegance, the mysterious Maiden’s Tower (ancient lighthouse of lover's legends), and colorful Ottoman yalıs (seaside mansions) dotting both shores.

Our passionate multilingual guides bring every sight to life with captivating stories, fun facts, and insider tips, while plush indoor lounges and open-air decks deliver 360° panoramas for those Insta-perfect shots.
Whether you're a history buff, romantic couple, or family seeking magic, this 2-3 hour premium escape redefines Istanbul sightseeing—pure luxury, zero hassle, all wow.

Online Booking

What is included in activity

Tour is guided and commentated by an experienced host

Complimentary drinks (homemade lemonade in summer and fresh fruit juice in winter), tea and coffee

Delicious canapés and snacks served aboard

Cookies with delicious Turkish baklava

What is not included

Hotel Pick - Up / Drop Off

Private Yacht

2 hours - 2 hours 30 minutes

Group size up to 36 persons

Mobile ticket

English

Children allowed

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

Please note that transport and route in different days subject to change.

Open deck

Tour program

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

Dolmabahce Palace (Pass By)

Dolmabahçe Palace is a palace-museum located in İstanbul. The palace was built in the 19th century during the period of Sultan Abdulmecid. After the foundation of Republic, it was used as a Presidential Residence until 1949. The palace was open to diplomatic meetings until 1984 when it became a museum.

Ortakoy (Pass By)

Seen from the Bosphorus cruise, the Bosphorus coastline on the European side resembles a string of villages, each with their own individual character and attractions, and indeed that’s just what it was. Located between down-to-earth Beşiktaş and chichi Kuruçeşme, Ortakoy does what its name suggests and positions itself somewhere in the middle (orta köy means ‘middle village’ in Turkish).

Bosphorus Bridge (Pass By)

The Bosphorus Bridge is one of two bridges that spans the Bosphorus Strait, connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. It stretches from Ortakoy on the European side to Beylerbeyi on the Asian side and is sometimes referred to as the First Bosphorus Bridge.

Bebek Park (Pass By)

At the time when ’Hallai’, where the oldest known name of the Baby, whose history goes back to pre-Christian period, is sometimes written in different sources (Challae, Chilai, Khile) and gelen Skallia gelen on the piers, is right there.

Rumeli Fortress (Pass By)

Rumeli Castle (Rumeli Hisarı) is an Ottoman fortress dating to 1452. It was built by Ottoman sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) in preparation of the conquest of Constantinople. The castle is situated on the shore of the Bosphorus Strait at its narrowest point with approximately 660 meters.

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Pass By)

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is a suspension bridge between Kavacık and Hisarüstü in Istanbul, connecting Asia and Europe for the second time after the Bosphorus Bridge.

Kucuksu Pavilion (Pass By)

The Anatolian Fortress (Anadolu Hisari) is located in in Beykoz (on the Asian Side), at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. It was built in 1395 by Beyazit I and is made up of a citadel and its exterior castle walls. After the conquest of Istanbul, it lost much of its strategic importance and was converted into a military hospital. Over time the area around the castle became settled. Today waterfront houses and old mansions are dispersed among the castle's ruins. During restoration work which lasted from 1991-1993 it was converted into a museum however it is not open to the public. Today, Anadolu Hisari is an open-air museum but only outer walls can be visited, and the road passes just through it.

Anadolu Hisari Fort (Pass By)

The Fortress of Rumeli Fortress, located on the European shore of the Bosphorus and in the northernmost district of Istanbul, is a striking monument.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski (Pass By)

The Cıragan Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz and designed by the architect Sarkis Balyan. It is located in the place of a former wooden summer palace built by Selim Ill in 1800. In the course of the palace's construction the wooden structure and the nearby Besiktas Mevlevihane were destroyed. Cıragan's construction was completed in 1871. The palace is made of marble and is spread out over a total area of 80,000 square meters. After Abdelaziz was deposed, he was imprisoned here for years together with his family. After Murat V was deposed, he was also imprisoned here in a similar fashion for 29 years with his family. After the declaration of the Second Constitutional Monarchy in 1908, the palace was used as the House of Parliament, however it was damaged by fire in 1910. The palace grounds were transferred to the Besiktas Sports Club and were used for some time as the Seref Stadium. Toward the beginning of the 1990's the palace was restored and reopened as a luxury hotel.

Beylerbeyi Palace (Pass By)

Described by some as a miniature Dolmabahce Palace but without the crowds, the Beylerbeyi Sarayı (Beylerbeyi Palace) was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz to act as an imperial summer residence. With 24 rooms, 6 halls, and a hamam, it would have been quite the summer home, and was also used to entertain visiting dignitaries.

KIz Kulesi (Pass By)

It literally means "Maiden's Tower" in Turkish. The name comes from a legend: the Byzantine emperor heard a prophecy telling him that his beloved daughter would die at the age of 18 by a snake. So he decided to put her in this tower built on a rock on the Bosphorus isolated from the land thus no snake could kill her.

Galata Tower (Pass By)

The Romanesque style tower was built as Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) in 1348 during an expansion of the Genoese colony in Constantinople. Galata Tower was the tallest building in Istanbul at 219.5 ft (66.9 m) when it was built in 1348.

Bosphorus Strait

Aboard the glass-encased luxury yacht, enjoy the Istanbul’s main attractions at dusk, including the Maiden’s Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Ortakoy Mosque Bosphorus Bridge and much more… Savor a delicious traditional Turkish drink such as demirhindi and canapés as you cruise the strait and delight in the magic of Istanbul’s urban shoreline as night falls.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Hide

Itinerary

Dolmabahce Palace

Ortakoy

Bosphorus Bridge

Bebek Park

Rumeli Fortress

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge

Kucuksu Pavilion

Anadolu Hisari Fort

Ciragan Palace Kempinski

Beylerbeyi Palace

KIz Kulesi

Galata Tower

Bosphorus Strait

Meeting point

'İbb Karaköy Sahil Park'' Our company representative will be holding a board on which ''Istanbul Express Travel''.

Places you will see

• Dolmabahce Palace
• Bosphorus Bridge
• Bebek Park
• Beylerbeyi Palace
• Rumeli Fortress
• KIz Kulesi
• Galata Koprusu
• Galata Tower

Reviews by travellers

4.8 out of 5

1990 reviews

1015

108

Rita M.

Nice, comfortable and informative Bosphorus cruise. The guide, Robert is very informative. You get a chance to take some breathtaking sunset pictures. Sunset views of the city are incredible.

3 months ago

Joe T.

"Nice sunset trip and a good way to see Istanbul during the day and night. We got to see both sides of the city with a good tour guide. The fruit was delicious too! "

3 months ago

Jennifer C.

It’s a long day but well worth it. It’s good to know the history before going Even if you just watch the Mel Gibson movie!

3 months ago

Carol R.

Very relaxing trip on the Bosphorus. The hosts were very knowledgeable about the history of Istanbul. The food and drinks were nice.

3 months ago

Gregory G.

A really lovely way to see Istanbul from the Bosphorus. So happy we choose the smaller more intimate boat. Captain and staff were very welcoming and gave a good commentary as we motored along. And it was just the right length!

3 months ago

Agnes F.

"Tour was very nice and well organized. Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Snacks and accommodations were very good. "

3 months ago

Charles M.

This was a super cool tour. We had an excellent tour guide and great experience. The cruise included refreshments and knowledgeable and kind guides. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a smooth sailing and easy going adventure.

4 months ago

Elizabeth C.

The tour was ok. The start time was delayed and there was no one to guide. Light refreshment was served and it was media core. They don't stop on the Asia side and it’s just a pass through.

4 months ago

Jackie M.

We had a lovely trip. It’s so worthwhile doing a smaller group tour as there was plenty of space on the boat. The guide was also where we were told to meet. Friendly host and guide. Highly recommend

5 months ago

Georgia B.

Simply terrific. I enjoyed seeing the different places and the rich culture heritage in Istanbul during sunset. Highly recommended ❤️

6 months ago

You will discover

Dolmabahce Palace

Maiden's Tower

Galata Tower

Bosphorus

Categories

Bosphorus Cruises

Sunset or Daytime Istanbul Guided Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks

Details

Online Booking

What is included in activity

What is not included

What is included in activity

What is not included

Important Info

Important Info

River cruise ship

Tour program

Tour program

Itinerary

Itinerary

Meeting point

Meeting point

Places you will see

Reviews by travellers

You will discover

Categories