Tours/Istanbul/Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Guide and Asian Side Stop
Viator · group up to 35 pax

Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Guide and Asian Side Stop

4.9(1,808)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR4.8(496)TRIPADVISOR4.9(1,312)

Description

Enjoy a memorable Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia with a knowledgeable multilingual guide, discovering Istanbul from a unique perspective on the water. This is a small-group cruise on a luxury yacht, offering a more personal, comfortable, and high-quality experience away from crowded boats. Stop on the Asian side in Beylerbeyi or Kanlıca and explore a peaceful waterfront neighborhood, with the option to taste the famous local yogurt. Sail past Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Maiden’s Tower, as well as the elegant districts of Ortakoy and Bebek. Cruise under the Bosphorus bridges and admire the historic Rumeli Fortress. During this 2.5-hour journey, move freely between decks, relax, and enjoy panoramic views while your guide shares engaging stories and insights. This scenic cruise combines history, culture, and comfort—an essential Istanbul experience.

Tour Options

With Hotel Transfers
  • Pickup included
Without Hotel Transfer
  • Without Hotel Transfer

Itinerary

Admission included135 min

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pass by

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

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

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.

15 min

Enjoy a relaxing stop in either Beylerbeyi or Kanlıca, where you can step ashore on the Asian side, stroll along the waterfront, explore charming streets, and soak in the peaceful, authentic atmosphere of Istanbul away from the crowds. You can also visit the beautiful gardens of 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Highlights

Authentic Turkish coffee accompanied by traditional Turkish delight
Freshly baked savory pastries served on board
2.5-hour Bosphorus cruise aboard a luxury yacht
Onboard high-speed WiFi
Unlimited Turkish tea
Seasonal fresh fruit platter
Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
Light snacks served throughout the cruise
Hotel pickup/drop-off (if option selected)
Complimentary bottled water

What's included

Included
Authentic Turkish coffee accompanied by traditional Turkish delight
Freshly baked savory pastries served on board
2.5-hour Bosphorus cruise aboard a luxury yacht
Onboard high-speed WiFi
Unlimited Turkish tea
Seasonal fresh fruit platter
Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
Light snacks served throughout the cruise
Hotel pickup/drop-off (if option selected)
Complimentary bottled water
Not included
Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase)
Food and drinks (unless otherwise specified)
Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off unless option selected

Pickup Locations & Times

Hotel pick-up is available from the Fatih and Beyoglu Areas only. Drop-off service to Taksim and Sultanahmet Squares.

Traveller Ratings

4.9
1,808 reviews
5
1,692
4
87
3
19
2
2
1
8

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Restroom facilities are available on board the yacht.

Reviews(1,808)

C
cielog558
July 17, 2026
Great experience

I really loved this experience. Everything was great! Would recommend it to anyone.

I
ilhamm1310
July 14, 2026
Enjoyable cruise with friendly crew

Enjoyable cruise with friendly crew. With time to explore asia side, comfortable yacht, and snack/drink along the way

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the cruise, our friendly crew, and the comfort of the yacht. It’s also great to know you appreciated the time to explore the Asian side, along with the snacks and drinks served on board. Thank you for cruising with us, and we hope to welcome you back to the Bosphorus again!

D
Deborah_T
July 13, 2026
Great Time

Excellent! The staff looked after you from start to finish. It was a brilliant morning cruising along the Bosphorus!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that our team took good care of you from start to finish and that you enjoyed your morning cruise along the Bosphorus. It was a pleasure having you on board, and we hope to welcome you again on your next visit to Istanbul!

S
Sameer_P
July 12, 2026
Amazing experience on the Bosphorus.

This is the best way to your the Bosphorus. The boat is sizable, immaculate yet is not crowded with plenty of seating (the top floor is amazing)! The guides were amazing, knowledgeable and hospital. The stop on the Asian side was short, yet sweet with a quick visit to a beautiful local mosque. Also the snacks were plentiful with bread and cheese, nuts, fruit and Turkish tea AND coffee!

Operator response

Thank you so much for sharing such a detailed and wonderful review! We are delighted that you enjoyed the spacious and comfortable yacht, especially the upper deck, as well as the Bosphorus views and the short stop on the Asian side. It is also lovely to hear that our guides and the selection of Turkish snacks, tea, and coffee added to your experience. Your kind words mean a lot to our entire team, and we hope to welcome you on board again in Istanbul!

C
caritoSantiago1
July 11, 2026
Great tour

Best tour for us in Istanbul, very nice staff and trip. Thank you

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are truly happy to hear that our Bosphorus cruise was the best tour of your Istanbul trip. Your kind words about our team mean a lot to us. It was a pleasure having you on board, and we hope to welcome you again!

R
r0pertg
July 9, 2026
It was very pleasant trip with very attentive and good looking staff. Worth the time and money. Highly recommended.

It was very pleasant trip with very attentive and good looking staff. Worth the time and money. Highly recommended.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are delighted that you had such a pleasant experience and appreciated the attentive service from our team. Your kind words certainly brought a smile to us! We are also very happy to hear that you found the cruise worth your time and money. Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you on board again!

7
797arlenem
July 9, 2026
Lovely Bosphorus Cruise

The trip was lovely and the explanations given were instructive. We also enjoyed the Turkish coffee and tea and snacks served.

Operator response

Thank you for your lovely review! We are delighted that you enjoyed the cruise and found the explanations informative. It is also wonderful to hear that the Turkish coffee, tea, and snacks added to your experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you on board again!

P
PeteInGa
July 9, 2026
Highly recommended

Amazing cruise full of great information. The staff was wonderful and the treats onboard were great!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your amazing review! We are delighted that you enjoyed the informative commentary, our wonderful team, and the treats served on board. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for another Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul!

P
Pilar G
July 9, 2026
Spectacular trip

Excellent outing and the service was unbeatable. Highly recommended

Operator response

¡Muchas gracias por su excelente reseña! Nos alegra muchísimo saber que disfrutó del paseo y de la atención de nuestro equipo. Agradecemos de corazón su recomendación y esperamos tener el placer de recibirle nuevamente a bordo en Estambul.

X
X2290ZXdianel
July 7, 2026
Fun on the Bosphorus.

Wonderful cruise on the Bosphorus. We really enjoyed our time on this cruise. The staff was very accomodating and doting on us the customers. Our guide was knowledgeable and made sure we understood the sights and history. He also made sure to talk to all the groups and got to know everyone. It was a wonderful cruise.

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such a great time on our Bosphorus Yacht Cruise. Providing attentive service and ensuring our guests feel genuinely looked after is at the heart of what we do. We are incredibly proud of our guide—making sure every group feels personally welcomed while sharing the rich history of Istanbul is exactly the boutique experience we aim to deliver. It was a true pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you aboard again in the future!

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