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

Luxury Yacht Bosphorus Cruise with Live Guide & Asian Side Stop

4.9(623)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR4.9(112)TRIPADVISOR5.0(511)

Description

Discover the magic of Istanbul from the water on a captivating Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia. Led by a knowledgeable multilingual guide, this journey reveals the city’s rich history, architectural beauty, and vibrant character from a truly unique perspective. This is a small-group cruise on a luxury yacht, designed for travelers seeking comfort, space, and a more exclusive experience away from crowded ferries. Enjoy a relaxing stop on the Asian side in Beylerbeyi or Kanlıca, where you can explore a peaceful coastal neighborhood and experience the authentic rhythm of local life. Sail past world-famous landmarks such as Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Maiden’s Tower, along with the elegant districts of Ortakoy and Bebek. Pass beneath the Bosphorus bridges and admire the historic Rumeli Fortress. During this 2.5-hour cruise, unwind, take in panoramic views, and enjoy insightful commentary—an unforgettable way to experience Istanbul.

Tour Options

With Hotel Transfer
  • Hotel Transfer Included
Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht Experience – Asian Side Visit in Kanlica

Itinerary

Pass by

Dolmabahçe Mosque, also called the Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan Mosque was built along with the Dolmabahce Palace in neo-classical and imperial style and located in the south of Dolmabahce Palace.

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, once literally "the village in the middle" (orta) of the European Bosphorus shore 8 km (5 miles) northeast of Sultanahmet, is now among Istanbul's coolest, chic-est, most artsy neighborhoods, with trendy boutiques, atmospheric cafés, and bistros, and crowds of young, sophisticated residents and visitors.

Pass by

Arnavutköy (meaning "Albanian village" in Turkish) is a historic neighborhood in Istanbul, Turkey renowned for its wooden Ottoman mansions and seafood restaurants, as well as the campus of the prestigious Robert College with its historic buildings.

Pass by

The Galatasaray Islet is a small island on the Bosphorus strait off Kuruçeşme neighborhood in Istanbul, Turkey, which is owned by Galatasaray Sports Club.

Pass by

Bosphorus Bridge 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.

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Bebek is one of the best neighborhoods in Istanbul. It is by the Bosporus. There are plenty of eateries along the way, most of them are good and reasonably priced. Fish restaurants are great.

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Rumelishisari Fortress - (Rumelihisari Castle) 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.

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.

30 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

Beylerbeyi Palace 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.

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Anadoluhısarı Fortress (Anadoluhisari Castle) On the opposite bank stands the Anadoluhisari Fortress by the Göksu stream. This romantic castle which adorns the Asiatic shore of the Bosphorus was built in 1395 by Sultan Bayazit, the Thunderbolt, and named "Güzelcehisar". Later it was extended by Mehmet, the Conqueror. Today, as the first possession of Turks on the Bosphorus, it serves as the landmark of Turkish rule.

Pass by

Kucuksu Palace 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 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

Kızkulesı (Maıden's Tower - Leander's Tower) 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 Hellespont, Dardanelles. The Turkish name is KIZ kulesi ( Maiden's Tower ). It is now a modern lighthouse. In the past, it served as a fort to tax ships up to one-tenth of their cargo, similar to Pfalz Castle on the Rhine.

Pass by

Haydarpaşa station is a railway station in Istanbul. Until 2012 the station was a major intercity, regional and commuter rail hub as well as the busiest railway station in Turkey. Haydarpaşa, along with Sirkeci station, are Istanbul's two intercity and commuter railway terminals.

Pass by

Hagia Sophia Typical examples of the unique qualities of Byzantine architecture arc found in Istanbul, the capital of ancient Byzantium. Architects created a new style inspired by ancient monuments.

Pass by

Topkapi Palace After the conquest of Istanbul in 1453 Faith (the Conqueror) Sultan Ahmet moved the throne of the Ottoman Empire to this city. Me first palace he set up was in the middle of the city. The second was built in 1470 and has been called Topkapi Palace since recent history. Topkapi is a classical palace as all historical Turkish palaces are.

Pass by

Blue Mosque One of the most famous monuments of the Turkish and Islamic world is the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, which enchants visitors of Istanbul. An example of classical Turkish art and architecture is the only mosque with six minarets. It is surrounded by two thousand-year-old historical monuments.

Pass by

Suleymaniye Mosque The most impressive of the mosques which form the famous Istanbul silhouette is the mosque of Sfileymaniye. The well-proportioned and neat esthetics of its exterior and Only the three walls of the fountain's courtyard, the fountain, the crown doors, the mihrab, up to the first balcony of the minarets, and a part of the surrounding wall remain from the original construction.

Pass by

Sirkeci railway station, listed on maps as İstanbul railway station, is a railway terminal in İstanbul. The terminal is located on the tip of İstanbul's historic peninsula right next to the Golden Horn and just northwest of Gülhane Park and the Topkapı Palace.

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

Golden Horn The Golden Horn is a major urban waterway and the primary inlet of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey.

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.

Highlights

Tour guide
Hotel transfer (if option selected)
Turkish delight served with along Turkish coffee
Bottled water
Fruit platter
Delicious Turkish coffee served in tradational cups

What's included

Included
Tour guide
Hotel transfer (if option selected)
Turkish delight served with along Turkish coffee
Bottled water
Fruit platter
Delicious Turkish coffee served in tradational cups
Not included
Hotel transfers (unless the transfer option is selected)
Food and beverages (unless otherwise specified)

Pickup Locations & Times

The operator company contacts guests on the day before to confirm the pick up point and time.

Traveller Ratings

4.9
623 reviews
5
596
4
23
3
3
2
0
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(623)

E
EricaCabezasMarchese
July 27, 2026
Delightful luxury yacht Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul!

Wonderful experience Luxury Yacht Bosphorus Cruise with live guides Murat and Emre. The entire staff was friendly, professional and welcoming. Yacht picked us up at our hotel, Ciragan Palace Kempinski private dock. All guests were greeted with tea and snacks - Turkish coffee was served towards conclusion of tour. The cruise was delightful and informative. Highly recommend!!!

Operator response

Thank you for taking the time to share your fantastic feedback! We are delighted that you had a luxury experience from the moment we picked you up at the Çırağan Palace kempinski dock. Our guides Murat, Emre, and the entire staff are so happy to hear they made your journey both informative and welcoming. We are glad the Turkish coffee was a nice touch to conclude your tour. Hope to see you again soon!

5
540nataliam
July 20, 2026
Nice trip

Great service, on time, very good snacks.

F
F309FZannem
July 20, 2026
Bosphorus tour

A lovely tour, great views, boat and staff. The guide was very knowledgeable and interesting.

L
lmr24601
July 20, 2026
Bophorus cruise

Very pleasant and informative cruise.

B
biancacU2934HB
July 16, 2026
Family cruise

Very nice and premium experience.

M
montasjones
July 16, 2026
Bosphorus Tour Excelleny

The guide and the guy who spoke on the microphone giving us a great tour was very pleasant ! Love it

J
joacog95
July 16, 2026
Incredible experience

Incredible value for money. The quality of the tour was on another level.

S
Sightsee45903919846
July 16, 2026
Perfect

Superb experience Staff on board very attentive Intimate and comfortable Thank you very much

T
Trail68657286945
July 13, 2026
One of the best

It was one of the best cruises I've ever been on! On time, clean, super friendly tour guides, snacks and Turkish coffee on board. Throughout the cruise, the tour guide made sure to let us know historical facts about the buildings, Mosques and bridges we passed by. The stop on the Asian side was well timed and we had enough time to wonder around and get some ice-cream. So worth for the price, highly recommend!!

1 people found this helpful
V
viviancB9290ED
July 13, 2026
Amazing boat tour

Amazing experience! The tour guide wa very accurate and acknowledge. Private tour, small group of people.

1 people found this helpful

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