Tours/Istanbul/Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise by Luxury Yacht
Viator · group up to 35 pax

Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise by Luxury Yacht

5.0(1,241)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR4.5(15)TRIPADVISOR5.0(1,226)

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
1,241 reviews
5
1,202
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(1,241)

N
N2302BAolgav
August 7, 2026
Beautiful sunset cruise

Beautiful excursion, very friendly and cozy, beautiful yacht sunset is romantic as pictures.

1 people found this helpful
T
tarikasullivan
August 7, 2026
You’ll Enjoy This!

Beautiful views. Nice snacks. And service people were so kind - even suggested & captured some great photos of me. Thanks. Would recommend!

1 people found this helpful
A
annelieseb769
August 3, 2026
Sunset and great music!

It was amazing, the views, the music, the food service too! Loved it

3 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you loved the views, music, and food service on board. It’s great to know that everything came together to make the experience so enjoyable. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again in the future!

S
Stay28902376467
August 3, 2026
Fabulous.

I will return without doubt

3 people found this helpful
Operator response

¡Muchísimas gracias por tu maravillosa reseña! Nos alegra saber que fue una experiencia inolvidable para ti. Será un verdadero placer recibirte nuevamente a bordo en tu próxima visita a Estambul. ¡Hasta pronto!

J
John_T
August 3, 2026
A view of Istanbul from the water.

This was a great view of the European and Asian sides of Istanbul while enjoying a great 2+ hour tour. Our tour guides on the boat were great.

Operator response

Thank you very much for your kind review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed seeing both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul from the Bosphorus. It’s also wonderful to hear that our guides helped make the experience even more enjoyable and informative. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you on board again!

M
MIMayers
August 1, 2026
Awesome Bosphorus Tour

One of the most informative tours. The service and tour were excellent. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and explained the history and modern day facts in a fun and engaging way. I loved the intimacy of the smaller yacht and the number of guests. Highly recommend

3 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re delighted to hear that you found the tour both informative and enjoyable. It’s wonderful to know that the guide brought Istanbul’s history and modern-day stories to life in an engaging way, and that you appreciated the more intimate atmosphere of the smaller yacht and limited number of guests. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you on board again in the future!

L
lelesk2026
July 31, 2026
Magnificent cruise

Very informative staff. Very professional. We had a really nice time. Would definitely recommend.

3 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a nice time and found our team both informative and professional. Your recommendation means a great deal to us, and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you on board again in the future!

I
I3053ZAstephanieb
July 30, 2026
A+ Hospitality

This was easily one of the highlights of our day! From start to finish, everything was exceptional. The ride was beautiful, the sights were unforgettable, the food was delicious, and our guide made the entire experience fun, informative, and welcoming. The food and hospitality was outstanding, and we truly felt taken care of every step of the way. I can’t recommend this tour highly enough—it was worth every minute and I’d absolutely do it again!

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted that the cruise became one of the highlights of your day. It’s especially rewarding to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful views, delicious food, warm hospitality, and our guide’s commentary. Our team works hard to make every guest feel comfortable and well cared for throughout the experience. We truly appreciate your recommendation and would be very happy to welcome you aboard again!

Q
Q9525XUalyssab
July 30, 2026
Bosporus Sunset Cruise

We had an unforgettable experience on the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise! Watching the sun set over Istanbul while sailing between Europe and Asia was absolutely breathtaking. The views of the palaces, mosques, and waterfront homes were stunning, and seeing the city light up as the sun went down made it even more magical. The crew was friendly, professional, and made sure everyone was comfortable throughout the cruise. The snacks and drinks were a nice touch, and there was plenty of time to relax, take photos, and simply enjoy the incredible scenery. If you're visiting Istanbul, this is a must-do experience. It's peaceful, beautiful, and one of the best ways to see the city from a completely different perspective. Highly recommend!

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you so much for your beautiful review! We’re truly happy to hear that your Bosphorus Sunset Cruise was such an unforgettable experience. Watching the sunset over Istanbul is always special, and we’re delighted that you enjoyed the magical views, the atmosphere on board, and the chance to see the city from such a unique perspective. It’s also wonderful to know that our crew, refreshments, and overall service helped make the evening even more enjoyable. Your kind recommendation means a lot to us, and we would be very pleased to welcome you on board again during your next visit to Istanbul!

L
laurencrockett
July 30, 2026
Absolutely recommend!!

Most thoughtful and well planned out tour. They picked us up right in front of hotel and was such an easy experience. Must do and worth every penny!

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you found the tour thoughtful, well organized, and worth every penny. It’s great to hear that the hotel pickup made the experience smooth and convenient from the very beginning. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again on another Istanbul experience!

You might also like...