Tours/Istanbul/Bosphorus Sunset: An Enchanting Yacht Cruise in Istanbul
Viator · group up to 35 pax

Bosphorus Sunset: An Enchanting Yacht Cruise in Istanbul

5.0(1,223)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR4.5(14)TRIPADVISOR5.0(1,209)

Description

Sail on board an elegant yacht that adds a touch of luxury to the fun. Cruise over the Bosphorus Strait to gaze out over the sprawling urban landscapes of the city, as you watch the sunset over the old city, Sultanahmet. Taking a small-group cruise, this is the most stylish and unique way to discover the magic of Istanbul Bosphorus Strait with its breathtaking views. Watch the sun set into the Bosphorus Strait on an evening cruise, in a double-decker luxury yacht that makes for a smoother, more comfortable ride. The departure time is tailored to the sunset so you'll see both European and Asian coasts at their most scenic, as you pass sea-side villas, palaces, castles, and sailing ships that come out to catch the evening light. Listen to the interesting stories narrated by our professional tour guide and simply enjoy views of Istanbul at sunset, a totally magical ride all around the Bosphorus combining daytime, sunset time, and nighttime in one cruise.

Tour Options

Bosphorus Sunset: An Enchanting Yacht Cruise in Istanbul
  • Pickup included
Without Hotel Transfer

Itinerary

150 min

The Bosphorus, also known as the Istanbul Strait, is a narrow waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, separating the continents of Europe and Asia. It is located in Istanbul, Turkey and serves as a vital shipping route, as well as a popular tourist attraction. The Bosphorus stretches approximately 31 kilometers (19 miles) in length and varies in width from about 700 meters (2,300 feet) to 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles). It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with picturesque views of the surrounding hills and historic landmarks.

Pass by

The Dolmabahçe Mosque, also known as the Dolmabahçe Camii in Turkish, is a prominent mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated on the European side of the city, near the Dolmabahçe Palace, which served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Pass by

Dolmabahçe Palace is a magnificent historical palace located on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. The palace served as the main administrative center and the residence of the Ottoman sultans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Pass by

Çırağan Palace, also known as Çırağan Sarayı in Turkish, is a historical palace located on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait in the Beşiktaş district. The palace is considered one of the most luxurious and prestigious hotels in Istanbul.

Pass by

Ortaköy is a neighborhood located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated on the European side of the city, near the Bosphorus Strait. Ortaköy is known for its vibrant atmosphere, historical landmarks, and stunning views of the Bosphorus.

Pass by

The Ortaköy Mosque, also known as the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, is an iconic mosque located in the Ortaköy neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait, near the Bosphorus Bridge (also known as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge).

Pass by

The Bosphorus Bridge, officially known as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Turkish: 15 Temmuz Şehitler Köprüsü), is one of the iconic landmarks of Istanbul, Turkey. It spans the Bosphorus Strait, connecting the European and Asian sides of the city.

Pass by

Galatasaray Island, also known as Suada, is a small island located in the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated between the neighborhoods of Ortaköy and Kuruçeşme, on the European side of Istanbul.

Pass by

Arnavutköy is a district located on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated along the northern shoreline of the Bosporus Strait. Arnavutköy means "Albanian village" in Turkish, although the district's population today consists of various ethnicities.

Pass by

Bebek District is a well-known neighborhood located in Istanbul, Turkey. Situated on the European side of the city, Bebek is part of the larger Beşiktaş municipality. It is a picturesque and affluent area that stretches along the Bosphorus coastline.

Pass by

The Rumeli Fortress, also known as Rumeli Hisarı in Turkish, is a historical fortress located on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. It stands on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, just north of the neighborhood of Beşiktaş.

Pass by

The FSM Bridge, also known as the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, is a prominent suspension bridge in Istanbul, Turkey. It spans the Bosporus Strait and connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

Pass by

Kanlıca is a neighborhood located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey, along the shores of the Bosphorus Strait. It is known for its historical wooden houses, scenic waterfront, and popular yogurt shops. Kanlıca is famous for its traditional yogurt, called "Kanlıca Yoğurdu" in Turkish. This yogurt is made using a centuries-old recipe and is known for its creamy texture and slightly sour taste. Many visitors come to Kanlıca specifically to enjoy a serving of this delicious yogurt topped with powdered sugar.

Pass by

Anadolu Hisarı, also known as Anatolian Fortress, is a medieval fortress located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. It stands on a hilltop overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, north of the neighborhood of Beykoz. Anadolu Hisarı was built by the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I in 1395 as part of his preparations for the siege of Constantinople. The fortress played a strategic role in controlling the Bosphorus and defending against potential attacks from the north.

Pass by

Küçüksu Pavilion, also known as Küçüksu Kasrı or Göksu Pavilion, is a charming Ottoman-era pavilion located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait in the Küçüksu neighborhood, between the neighborhoods of Beykoz and Anadoluhisarı.

Pass by

The Vaniköy Mosque, also known as Vaniköy Camii in Turkish, is a historical mosque located in the Vaniköy neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated near the Bosphorus Strait, close to the neighborhoods of Beylerbeyi and Üsküdar.

Pass by

Kuleli Military High School, also known as Kuleli Askeri Lisesi in Turkish, is a prestigious military high school located in the Çengelköy neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated on the Asian side of Istanbul, along the shores of the Bosphorus Strait.

Pass by

The Beylerbeyi Palace, also known as Beylerbeyi Sarayı in Turkish, is an exquisite 19th-century palace located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated in the Beylerbeyi neighborhood, along the shores of the Bosphorus Strait.

Pass by

Kuzguncuk is a historic neighborhood located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, between the neighborhoods of Üsküdar and Beylerbeyi.

Pass by

Üsküdar, historically known as Scutari, is a vibrant district located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. Situated on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, across from the European side of the city, Üsküdar is one of the oldest and most culturally significant areas of Istanbul.

Pass by

The Maiden's Tower, also known as Kız Kulesi in Turkish, is a famous historical tower located on a small islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated near the Üsküdar neighborhood on the Asian side of the city. The exact origins of the Maiden's Tower are uncertain, but it is believed to have been built in its initial form during the Byzantine era, around the 5th century. Over the centuries, it underwent various reconstructions and additions. The tower has served different purposes throughout history, including a lighthouse, a defense fortification, and a quarantine station.

Pass by

Topkapi Palace, known as Topkapı Sarayı in Turkish, is a grand and historic palace complex located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. It served as the primary residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years.

Pass by

Hagia Sophia, also known as Ayasofya in Turkish, is a historic and iconic monument located in Istanbul, Turkey. Originally built as a Byzantine cathedral in the 6th century, it later served as an imperial mosque during the Ottoman Empire and is now a museum. Hagia Sophia is renowned for its architectural grandeur and historical significance. It was commissioned by Emperor Justinian I and completed in 537 AD. The building is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, characterized by its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and a combination of Eastern and Western influences.

Pass by

The Blue Mosque, known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque or Sultanahmet Mosque in Turkish, is a stunning historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, adjacent to the Hagia Sophia and facing the Hippodrome. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and constructed between 1609 and 1616, the Blue Mosque is an architectural masterpiece of the Ottoman era. It was designed by the renowned architect Sedefkar Mehmed Ağa, incorporating elements of both Byzantine and Islamic architectural styles.

Pass by

The Galata Bridge, known as Galata Köprüsü in Turkish, is a prominent landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. It spans the Golden Horn, a natural harbor and estuary separating the historic peninsula of Istanbul from the rest of the city.

Pass by

The Süleymaniye Mosque, known as Süleymaniye Camii in Turkish, is a magnificent historical mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It stands on the Third Hill of Istanbul, dominating the city's skyline with its impressive size and exquisite architecture.

Pass by

The Golden Horn, known as Haliç in Turkish, is a natural harbor and estuary located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is an inlet of the Bosphorus Strait and separates the historic peninsula of Istanbul from the rest of the city. The Golden Horn has played a significant role in the history of Istanbul since ancient times. Its strategic location made it an important waterway for trade and maritime activities. The name "Golden Horn" comes from the way the estuary curves, resembling the shape of a horn, and the golden color it takes on during sunset.

Pass by

Galataport, also known as Galataport Istanbul, is a major urban development project and cruise port located in the Karaköy neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated on the European side of the city, near the shores of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus Strait.

Highlights

Hotel pick - up & drop off
Light snacks
Bottled water
Turkish baklava and small cookies
Fresh seasonal fruits
Fresh fruit juice during winter period and homemade lemanode during summer period
Coffee and/or Tea

What's included

Included
Hotel pick - up & drop off
Light snacks
Bottled water
Turkish baklava and small cookies
Fresh seasonal fruits
Fresh fruit juice during winter period and homemade lemanode during summer period
Coffee and/or Tea
Not included
Alcoholic drinks

Pickup Locations & Times

Pick-up service is available exclusively for hotels located in the Fatih, Beyoglu, and Taksim areas.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
1,223 reviews
5
1,184
4
36
3
1
2
1
1
1

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

Reviews(1,223)

S
simonwX9671ZO
June 28, 2026
Lovely sunset cruise on the Bosphorus.

A lovely sunset cruise spanning a little over two hours with liquid refreshments and snacks provided. Well organised and commentary given on the main sights in Istanbul viewable from the Bosphorus. Good value for money.

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the sunset cruise, the refreshments and snacks, the organization, and the commentary on Istanbul’s main sights from the Bosphorus. It is also wonderful to know that you found the experience good value for money. We hope to welcome you again on board.

D
daisy_ray20
June 26, 2026
Really great tour

It was a really nice tour. Super nice team, and we learned a lot about Istanbul.

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Vielen Dank für Ihre freundliche Bewertung. Wir freuen uns sehr, dass Ihnen die Tour gefallen hat und dass Sie unser nettes Team sowie die interessanten Informationen über Istanbul genossen haben. Es war uns eine Freude, Sie an Bord zu haben, und wir hoffen, Sie wieder in Istanbul begrüßen zu dürfen.

P
philippedT3741LS
June 26, 2026
Bosphorus sunset cruise

Great experience and beautiful boat ride. Once in a lifetime !

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you had a great experience and enjoyed the beautiful boat ride. It is wonderful to know that the cruise felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We hope to welcome you again on the Bosphorus.

E
erinfG9227CJ
June 25, 2026
One of the best things to do in Istanbul

Fantastic experience, great value, premium feel, the guide was incredible, the boat was beautiful, views were special, this is a no-brainer thing people should do in istanbul

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for your fantastic review and recommendation. We are delighted to hear that you found the experience great value with a premium feel, and that you enjoyed the guide, the beautiful boat, and the special views of Istanbul from the Bosphorus. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we truly appreciate you recommending this as a must-do experience in Istanbul.

T
therealfoodgypsy
June 25, 2026
Great time

It was a beautiful experience and an informative ones. ++ If you are a football fan

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you had a beautiful and informative experience with us. It is great to know that the tour was enjoyable, especially for a football fan. It was a pleasure having you on board, and we hope to welcome you again in Istanbul.

P
payk2026
June 25, 2026
Fantastic!

It was a great tour! We had a blast. Going during the sunset was the best

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you had a great time and enjoyed the tour during sunset. It is truly one of the most beautiful moments to experience the Bosphorus. We hope to welcome you again in Istanbul.

I
inthebhag
June 24, 2026
Dreamy Sunset Bosphorus Cruise

FANTASTIC guide! Loved his dry humor and witty commentary. Loved the experience. Beautiful.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you loved the experience and enjoyed our guide’s dry humor and witty commentary. It is great to know that the tour felt both beautiful and entertaining. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again on the Bosphorus.

J
J2338AQsabrinac
June 24, 2026
Amazing Sunset Tour!

Such a fun sunset cruise in Istanbul!! The views were literally amazing and the music made it such a good vibe. The guys on the boat were so funny and kept everyone entertained while pointing out all the cool places. Definitely one of the best things we did in Istanbul, would 100% recommend

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for your wonderful review and recommendation. We are delighted to hear that you had such a fun sunset cruise in Istanbul and enjoyed the amazing views, music, and good atmosphere on board. It is great to know that our team kept everyone entertained while sharing the highlights along the Bosphorus. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again in Istanbul.

G
gayatrik2022
June 24, 2026
Bosphorus cruise

The guide and the service was amazing . Highlight of our trip

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the guide and the service, and that the cruise became a highlight of your trip. It was a pleasure having you on board, and we hope to welcome you again in Istanbul.

7
703nailaa
June 24, 2026
amazing

amazing, everything was so smooth and organized. everything was amazing

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that everything was smooth, well organized, and amazing throughout your experience. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you again in Istanbul.

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