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Luxury Yacht Bosphorus Cruise with Live Guide & Asian Side Stop

4.9(625)IstanbulFree cancellation

About this activity

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.

Highlights

    What's included

    • Tour guide
    • Hotel transfer (if option selected)
    • Turkish delight served with along Turkish coffee
    • Bottled water
    • Fruit platter
    • Tea and coffee

    Not included

    • Hotel transfers (unless the transfer option is selected)
    • Food and beverages (unless otherwise specified)

    Itinerary

    1. 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 (no stop)Admission free

    2. Dolmabahce Palace

      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 (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    3. Ortaköy

      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 (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    4. Viaport Marina

      Arnavutköy (meaning "Albanian village" in Turkish)

      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 (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    5. The Galatasaray Islet

      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 (no stop)Admission free

    6. 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.

      Pass by (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    7. 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.

      Pass by (no stop)Admission free

    8. Rumeli Fortress

      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 (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    9. Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge

      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 (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    10. 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.

      30 minutesAdmission free

    11. 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.

      Pass by (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    12. 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 (no stop)Admission free

    13. Küçüksu Palace

      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 (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    14. Maiden’s Tower

      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 (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    15. Haydarpasa Railway Station

      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 (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    16. 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 (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    17. 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 (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    18. 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 (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    19. Süleymaniye Mosque

      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 (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    20. 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 (no stop)Admission free

    21. Galata Bridge

      The Galata Bridge

      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 (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    22. Golden Horn

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

      Pass by (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    23. Galata Tower

      The Galata Tower, called Christea Turris by the Genoese,

      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 (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    Meeting point

    Meeting Point: Dolmabahçe Mosque - https://maps.app.goo.gl/aFk3tXB51tnggpN46 Our staff will be waiting for you holding a VELENA TRAVEL signboard. We kindly ask all guests to arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the cruise departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process.

    The map shows Istanbul. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

    Pickup

    • Pickup, or meet at the start point
    • 1712 hotels are served
    • The operator contacts you to arrange pickup
    • Pickup begins 60 min before departure

    Know before you go

    • 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
    • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
    • One per booking

    Cancellation and refunds

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

    If you cancelRefund
    At least 1 days before100%
    Between 0 and 1 days before0%
    • Cancelled and fully refunded if the weather makes it unsafe
    • Cancelled and fully refunded if too few travellers book
    Supplied by
    Istanbul Bosphorus Tours
    Product code
    229049P7

    Customer reviews

    4.9 · 625 reviews
    4.9
    625 reviews
    • 5 ★598
    • 4 ★23
    • 3 ★3
    • 2 ★0
    • 1 ★1

    Ratings from Viator 4.9 (113) · Tripadvisor 5.0 (512)

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