Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stopover
FromTRY 40
2 hours
Istanbul, Turkey
About this activity
Set sail on a luxurious Bosphorus yacht cruise, exploring Istanbul's iconic landmarks and experiencing the charm of the Asian side.
Highlights
- Cruise past iconic Bosphorus landmarks
- Explore Istanbul's Asian side
- Learn about Ottoman architecture
- Enjoy panoramic city views
- Experience a unique cultural blend
Full description
Discover Istanbul from a unique perspective on this luxurious Bosphorus yacht cruise. Glide along the strait, passing by iconic landmarks like the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Bosphorus Bridge. Enjoy a stopover on the Asian side, where you can explore local markets, savor authentic Turkish cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture. This guided tour offers historical insights, making it a perfect blend of relaxation and education. Don't miss this unforgettable journey through Istanbul's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
Included / Excluded
- Luxury yacht cruise along the Bosphorus Strait
- Stopover on Istanbul's Asian side
- Guided tour with historical insights
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
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.
Duration: 2h 15mAdmission: YES
2
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Pass by: The Dolmabahçe Mosque is a mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It was commissioned by queen's mother Bezmi Alem Valide Sultan.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
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
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
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.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
12
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
13
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Check the cruise schedule for available dates and times to plan accordingly.
- Be aware that the cruise may be subject to weather conditions; confirm the status before departure.
- Ensure you arrive at the departure point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and the weather conditions.
- Bring a camera to capture the scenic views and memorable moments.
- Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater, as temperatures can vary during the cruise.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Restroom facilities are available on board the yacht.
Traveler reviews
4.91,797 reviews
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Enjoying the Bosphorus
Wonderful experience with a knowledgeable guide and interesting route. Enjoyed the stop on the Asian side.
David_NJul 4, 2026VIATOR
Best of the best
It was one of the best moment in Istanbul! If you do not have much time to enjoy the city, this is the best option you can have with very reasonable price!! All the staffs are very kind and very good explaining of the city stories!! Definitely comes back and recommended!! Middle of the tour, short break to have a one of the best ice cream MADO also is the kick! You should try this !! 이스탄불에서의 최고의 순간 중 하나였습니다! 도시를 둘러볼 시간이 많지 않다면, 합리적인 가격에 즐길 수 있는 최고의 선택입니다!! 직원분들도 모두 친절하시고 도시에 얽힌 이야기들도 아주 잘 설명해 주셨어요!! 꼭 다시 방문하고 싶고 강력 추천합니다!! 투어 중간에 최고의 아이스크림 맛집인 '마도(MADO)'에서 잠시 쉬어가는 시간도 정말 좋았어요! 꼭 한번 경험해 보세요!!
Steven WJul 2, 2026TRIPADVISOR
A great way to see a larger perspective of Istanbul
My wife, I, and our two teenage children took this cruise on an afternoon in June. It offers amazing views of both the European and Asian side sides of the Bosphorus with a very informative narration during the tour. The crew was extremely attentive in serving snacks, coffee, sandwiches, and cocktails. The yacht is smaller and more intimate than the massive boats used by the other tour companies, which is a huge plus. This was a great way to get a feel for the larger layout of the city from a perspective other than the street level perspective in the tourist areas. Highly recommended.
TGS1969Jun 30, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great Experience
We had a fantastic experience on the Bosphorus cruise! The boat was luxurious, spotless, and very comfortable throughout the trip. The views were incredible, and everything was well organized. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made us feel very welcome. A special mention to Emre, who went above and beyond to make our experience even more enjoyable with his excellent service and warm hospitality. Highly recommend this cruise to anyone visiting Istanbul!
Rajeev7Jun 30, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Unforgettable day trip
Informative, funny, lovely yacht and delicious snacks. I brought my American guests, we were in love with everything. Thanks you Emre and Enes. I highly recommend to everyone!!
617melisgJun 29, 2026TRIPADVISOR