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(1,852)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR4.8(502)TRIPADVISOR4.9(1,350)

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. 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

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

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
1,852 reviews
5
1,734
4
89
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(1,852)

S
S3333NVandreak
August 18, 2026
Great experience

Money well spent. Small group, big boat and knowledgeable and extremely friendly staff. Relaxing and pleasant way of seeing Istanbul highlights.

S
sarahpY4571MZ
August 18, 2026
Afternoon cruise

Almost missed the boat because of traffic affecting the pickup. European side had more sites and historic details. More people than originally advertis d, but still a lovely day to be on the water.

R
Relax41067196426
August 18, 2026
Great time, amazing team

Great experience with an amazing crew. Highly recommend 👌

6
605alexeik
August 18, 2026
Great Tour

Highly recommend. Good service, good tour.

L
Lovana_D
August 18, 2026
This is a must do tour in...

This is a must do tour in Istanbul! We enjoyed the experience in all aspects! The yacht was wonderful, the staff were super friendly and happy to help! The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and gave you time to relax and enjoy the view! The refreshments provided were good for the duration of the tour! 5/5 would highly recommend!!

Operator response

Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re so pleased to hear that you enjoyed every aspect of your Bosphorus cruise, from the yacht and friendly crew to the informative commentary and time to simply relax and take in the views. It’s also great to know you enjoyed the refreshments served during the cruise. Thank you for your 5/5 recommendation, and we hope to welcome you aboard again on your next visit to Istanbul!

W
W3559EFmichaelc
August 17, 2026
We set off to visit Asia and found Mautur

Murate was an amazing wealth of knowledge and I like his music! Very 80’s

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed Murat’s incredible knowledge and the personality he brings to the tour. We’ll make sure he hears that his 80’s music selection was appreciated too! It’s always great when history, beautiful Bosphorus views, and a little good music come together. We hope to welcome you aboard again!

C
Culture48985055775
August 16, 2026
A warm coffee and restaurant loved by locals near Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

We had lunch at Haruharu, a short walk from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto. The exterior is very calm and Japanese, but once you get inside, you'll find a cozy space. The fried chicken set meal I got was crispy, freshly fried and very good with the accompanying tartar sauce. The master politely told me that there were two dressings, French and sesame sauce, and that the set meal of rice was a mixture of brown rice. It was a very delicious rice that showed concern for health. The menu is written in English as well as Japanese, so even international travelers can order with confidence. Behind the counter, there were beautiful coffee cups neatly arranged, and on the wall were many coffee tickets that seemed to belong to regulars. I felt that it was a lovely cafe and restaurant that had long been loved by the local people. Smoking is allowed in the restaurant, but no one was smoking when I visited, so I was able to relax and enjoy my meal without worrying about smoke. It is a hidden famous restaurant where you can eat delicious Japanese food in a warm local atmosphere while being very close to the tourist area.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

ご来店いただき、またとても丁寧で温かい口コミをありがとうございます。鶏の唐揚げ定食やご飯、店内の雰囲気まで細かく見ていただき、大変嬉しく思います。海外からのお客様にも安心してお食事を楽しんでいただけるよう心がけております。北野天満宮へお越しの際は、ぜひまたゆっくりお立ち寄りください。

D
Dhanush_S
August 16, 2026
Beautiful boat and beautiful experience

Very lovely experience on the boat, got to see both sides of Turkey. Enjoyed the snacks on the boat. Most importantly, the boat is really beautiful. It has multiple areas to chill very very well maintained and the staff is extremely pleasant. Would highly recommend for a chill morning.

Operator response

Thank you very much for your lovely review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful boat, the comfortable areas on board, the snacks, and our friendly staff. It is wonderful to know that the morning Bosphorus cruise felt relaxing and memorable for you. We truly appreciate your recommendation.

9
912aiguls
August 15, 2026
Great time sailing the Bosphorus

We had a great time on the Bosphorus boat cruise this afternoon. Great guide, service, and atmosphere. Our small kids enjoyed it too. Small group of guests and a very pleasant experience. Great value for your money. Just the right amount of time. Definitely recommend for those looking for a relaxing time on water while doing some sightseeing.

Operator response

Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you and your family enjoyed the Bosphorus cruise, our guide, service, snacks, and relaxing small-group atmosphere. It is especially nice to know that your children also had a great time. We truly appreciate your recommendation.

V
valeriamI4716KP
August 15, 2026
Far beyond beauty

An unmissable tour that, in addition to offering a astonishing view of the city, helps foster a better understanding of Istanbul's geography and history. A great and pleasant learning experience.

Operator response

Thank you very much for your thoughtful review. We are delighted to hear that the tour offered not only beautiful views of Istanbul, but also a better understanding of the city’s geography and history. It is wonderful to know that you found the experience both pleasant and enriching.

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