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(1,826)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR4.8(500)TRIPADVISOR4.9(1,326)

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
1,826 reviews
5
1,709
4
88
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(1,826)

D
Donna_P
August 7, 2026
Bosphorus Cruise

We enjoyed our phosphorus cruise very much.The guide was knowledgeable and humorous.The boat was wonderful.The tour was very complete and educational and the treats.They served us on board, were delicious.I highly recommend it

Operator response

Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed the Bosphorus cruise, our knowledgeable and humorous guide, the yacht, and the treats served on board. It’s especially nice to hear that you found the tour both enjoyable and informative. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you aboard again on your next visit to Istanbul!

S
Sevingo
August 4, 2026
Amazing İstanbul bogaz turu

Amazing experience!!! Loved seeing bosphorous. Would definitely recommend this tour and I would do it again

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience exploring the Bosphorus with us. It means a lot to know that you would recommend the tour and even join us again. We would be very happy to welcome you back on board on your next visit to Istanbul!

C
Cindy_L
August 3, 2026
Book it!!

Wonderful value for your money! Perfect way to see the Bosporus river! It was fun trying Turkish tea and coffee! Highly recommend!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re very happy to hear that you found the cruise great value and enjoyed seeing the beautiful Bosphorus from the water. It’s also wonderful to know that you enjoyed trying the Turkish tea and coffee. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you on board again someday!

S
simonpC8746WY
August 3, 2026
A must do.

Brilliant! You have do this tour for the history and the views.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed both the fascinating history and the beautiful views along the Bosphorus. It’s a fantastic way to experience Istanbul from a completely different perspective. Thank you for recommending the tour!

T
theo13683
August 1, 2026
Best Istanbul experience

Great staff and wonderful experience. Beautiful new yacht and amazing staff. Definitely worth the money

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed the yacht, the experience, and especially the service from our team. It’s great to hear that you felt the cruise was worth the money. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on board again in the future!

D
DaveL744
August 1, 2026
Great Cruise

This was a GREAT value for the money! The yacht was awesome, we got to experience much of the local fare as well. Highly recommend!!

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that you found the cruise great value and enjoyed the yacht as well as the local Turkish treats served on board. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for another Bosphorus experience in the future!

T
tlbalcomb
July 28, 2026
Worth every dollar!

Great trip, hospitable staff, and great local information! Even got off for a short walk around the Asian side of Istanbul! Highly recommend!

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for your kind recommendation! We’re delighted that you enjoyed the hospitable service, local insights, and the short stop on the Asian side of Istanbul. We hope to welcome you aboard again!

S
spetimt
July 28, 2026
Fantastic

Really nice tour and experience everyone so friendly and the best service

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed the tour, friendly atmosphere, and attentive service. We hope to welcome you aboard again!

J
jaisimha_i
July 28, 2026
Bosphorus cruise

Gurkan was an amazing travel guide. Very informative easy gong , good English skills and a very pleasant demeanor. The yacht is very clean and the cruise is beautiful. A must do in Istanbul. Strongly recommend

Operator response

Thank you for your wonderful recommendation! We’re delighted that Gürkan’s knowledge, friendly manner, and clear commentary made the cruise so enjoyable. It’s also great to hear that you appreciated the clean yacht and beautiful Bosphorus views. We hope to welcome you aboard again!

R
renatagE1890QG
July 27, 2026
Excellent

It was excellent, wow, we loved it. Service, tour, snacks

Operator response

¡Muchísimas gracias! Nos alegra saber que les encantaron el tour, el servicio y los snacks. Esperamos volver a recibirlos a bordo en su próxima visita a Estambul.

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