Top Istanbul Water Tours

There's no better way to take in Istanbul's beauty than from the water. Discover many of its highlights with none of the step count as you sit back and relax on board this Bosphorus cruise. Learn history and context of what you're seeing as you go with an audio guide available in more than 30 languages, and stay refreshed with unlimited Turkish tea.

Istanbul is famous for its waterside landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower—but with so many tall buildings, it can be hard to enjoy clear views from land. On this Bosphorus cruise, soak up the city’s scenery while comfortably seated indoors or outdoors, and give sore legs a break. Plus, learn facts behind each attraction via an included online audioguide requiring your own headphones and smartphone.

Enjoy stunning, sunset views of Istanbul’s top heritage sites, all from the comfort of a luxury yacht. During this Bosphorus cruise, you’ll sail down both European and Asian sides of the renowned strait, covering highlights like 19th-century Dolmabahce Palace, imposing Rumeli Fortress, and the iconic towers of Maiden and Galata. Guided tours include complimentary refreshments, including fruit and homemade lemonade.

The Bosphorus Strait divides Europe from Asia, and a Bosphorus cruise is a signature Istanbul experience. This round-trip yacht cruise, with live commentary and fun facts from an experienced guide, covers all the classic waterfront sights—bridges, palaces, the Maiden’s Tower, the Rumeli Fortress, and more. It includes a stop for coffee and snacks in the characterful Kanlıca neighborhood, onboard Wi-Fi, and hotel pick-up and drop-off for added convenience.

Cruising the Bosphorus Strait affords magnificent views of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides, and the most magical time to set sail is at sunset. On this early evening cruise, relax on a luxury yacht and enjoy drinks and snacks on board as you glide past 19th-century palaces, Rumeli and Anadolu Fortresses, and the Galata district. The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours.

Explore Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait without stressing about handling the navigation or transportation with this guided yacht cruise, complete with a visit to the Asian side of the strait. Learn about the city's history, landmarks, and culture while your guides share their insights along the way. Take a break at Kanlica to wander its charming streets and savor some creamy yogurt. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Escape Istanbul’s bustle on a luxury sunset cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Sail between Europe and Asia as golden light reveals panoramic, water-level views of the city. Enjoy prime photo opportunities of Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and other iconic landmarks. This small-group experience includes live commentary in English and Spanish, with optional hotel pickup from select areas.

Istanbul’s bridges, palaces, and minarets look their best from the water at night. Enjoy a magical view as you sail between Europe and Asia on this Bosphorus dinner cruise. As well as a delicious meal, take in live shows, including a belly dancer and folk performances, for a truly cultural experience. Choose between dinner with soft drinks or dinner with two alcoholic drinks; upgrade for the ease of round-trip transfers.

Experience the magic of Istanbul on a Bosphorus dinner cruise, featuring stunning views of landmarks like the Maiden's Tower, Galata Tower, and Bosphorus Bridges. Enjoy a delicious multi-course meal with options like mixed grill or vegetarian dishes, paired with live entertainment including Turkish folk dances, belly dancing, and a DJ performance. With private VIP tables and optional hotel transfers, this unforgettable evening blends culture, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery.

Enjoy stunning views of historic Istanbul from the water during this 2-hour boat tour down the Bosphorus. Cover many of the city’s top attractions from the scenic strait, passing highlights like Galata Tower, Dolmabahce and Topkapi palaces, and Rumeli Fortress. You’ll also head to Asia and back, with a stop on Istanbul’s Anatolian side and free time to explore on your own.

Experience Istanbul’s beauty on a small-group sunset and daytime cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Glide past landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Cıragan Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge while enjoying a live professional English-speaking guide and delicious onboard treats including canapés, snacks, homemade lemonade, and fresh fruit. This intimate tour offers a stress-free way to soak in the city's highlights away from crowds, with insights into each sight you pass.

See Istanbul from the water at golden hour, during sunset, and at night on this elegant yacht cruise aboard a double-decker craft with indoor and outdoor areas. You’ll see both European and Asian coasts, with a guide sharing stories behind palaces, fortresses, mosques, and villas. Enjoy local nibbles including baklava, cookies, coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks, with hotel pickup and drop-off included for convenience.

Istanbul is a big city, so it can be hard to meet locals who aren’t in the tourist trade. Enjoy an authentic encounter with Istanbul’s culture, cuisine, and hospitality on this intimate walking tour through the Balat neighborhood. Soak up the atmosphere as you walk around and receive a guidebook with other tips and recommendations about Istanbul. The tour starts with a snack tasting; after that, pay as you go for what you choose to eat.

Discover Istanbul’s European and Asian sides—and taste a range of delectable Turkish delicacies—on this full-day, small-group tour. Meet your guide in the morning in Istanbul’s Old City, and be sure to come hungry: you have a day of feasting ahead of you. Explore a spice market, and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast, before crossing the Bosphorus to trendy Kadikoy. Sip Turkish coffee, visit multiple restaurants, and discover Istanbul’s must-try dishes.

Experience Istanbul's enchanting Bosphorus Strait aboard a sleek yacht designed for a small, intimate group of travelers. You'll sail past iconic landmarks like the Maiden's Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Rumeli Fortress while enjoying local snacks, Turkish coffee, and seasonal fruit. The tour includes a relaxing stop in the quaint village of Kanlıca, offering the perfect mix of history, culture, and scenic charm.

Cruise the Bosphorus and savor a delightful Turkish dinner surrounded by stunning views of Istanbul's iconic landmarks, such as the Maiden's Tower and Galata Tower. This 3-hour dinner cruise offers a rich menu featuring mixed grill, grilled fish, and vegetarian options, complemented by live entertainment, including traditional Turkish folk dances and belly dancing. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere on board the luxurious Mega Lüfer yacht, where you can relax with unlimited soft drinks or opt for a local alcoholic drinks package. Perfect for couples and groups looking for a unique dining experience in Istanbul. - Enjoy a 3-hour dinner cruise with picturesque views of Istanbul - Indulge in a multi-course Turkish dinner with various options - Experience live entertainment including folk dances and DJ performances

Discover Istanbul through its majestic waterway, the Bosphorus River. Cruise along the scenic river that divides Europe and Asia and see many landmarks and highlights in just a few hours. Enjoy insightful commentary as you pass Süleymaniye Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and Galata Tower. Optional stop at Beylerbeyi with palace visit is available only on 10:00 am and 1:15 pm departures.

Uncover the sacred practice of the mystical Sufis at a Mevlevi Sema ceremony, held at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha Culture Center. Have the special chance to witness the 750-year-old tradition, which has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Be mesmerized by the sight of the whirling dervishes as they perform their unique rituals during a show with a live orchestra.

Admire Istanbul’s skyline as you glide down the Bosphorus, passing landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower, and Bosphorus Bridge. Set sail in the evening to watch the sunset from the water, sip included soft drinks and enjoy a range of canapés while listening to live onboard commentary and multilingual audio guides about the city’s history and heritage. Wine is available with an upgraded option.

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname, tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight.

Island-hopping tours can spend more time traveling between stops than letting you experience the Princes’ Islands themselves. Focus your day on Buyukada, with more time to discover its car-free streets, Ottoman mansions, pine-covered landscapes, and sea views. An island shuttle tour helps you cover more ground and learn about local history and culture, while lunch adds convenience to your day away from central Istanbul.

Enjoy stunning evening views along Istanbul’s waterfront during this half-day Bosphorus dinner cruise. Settle back on a comfortable and spacious boat where a high-energy entertainment program awaits with folk dancing, belly dancing, and a live DJ set. Dinner cruises include hotel pickup and drop-off from the European side of the city and unlimited soft drinks.

Lined with palaces and mansions, the Bosphorus divides Europe and Asia, and its beauty comes into its own at sunset, when the fading sun paints the sky in spectacular colors. Experience it on this stylish yacht trip operated by Constantine Yachts, boarding at their own pier in Karaköy near Galata Bridge. Onboard Wi-Fi, nibbles, soft drinks, and hot drinks are included. Private yacht options are available for your group.