Top Istanbul Water Tours - page 3

Istanbul’s magical skyline looks dazzling in the golden light before sunset—and glitters after dark as well. See it from a very special vantage point, the water, when you book these Bosphorus cruises. The golden hour option features iconic landmarks bathed in golden light, including the Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and Rumeli Fortress; the night cruise lets you see the lights exclusively from the water.

This is not just a boat ride — it's a magical journey through centuries of history, art, and culture, all set against the glittering night skyline of Istanbul. What makes our cruise truly unique is the perfect blend of storytelling, comfort, and scenery. As you sip your warm Turkish tea and enjoy homemade cookies, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of palaces, mosques, fortresses, and iconic bridges — all beautifully illuminated and brought to life through the voice of our knowledgeable guide. Unlike daytime tours, our evening cruise offers a serene, romantic atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle. The reflections of city lights on the Bosphorus waters create an unforgettable ambiance — ideal for couples, photographers, history lovers, and anyone looking to see Istanbul from a new perspective. Add to that our carefully planned route covering both European and Asian shores, and you get an immersive cultural experience that you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Escape bustling Istanbul for a day with a small-group cruise trip to the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara. Board a ferry and admire landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque from the water as you cruise toward these nine, traffic-free islets. Dock at Buyukada and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour, restaurant lunch, and free time before your return ferry. Includes pickup and drop-off from selected hotels, boat trip, and lunch.

Step aboard a cruise between Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus to enjoy dinner and shoreline views. Eat a 3-course menu of traditional Turkish meze at a private table accompanied by soft drinks and alcohol. In addition to enjoying views of the sites on shore—such as the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge and the Bosphorus Bridge—enjoy a show of traditional Turkish entertainment. Hotel pickup and transfer are included for convenience.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul for a couple of hours on a private Bosphorus yacht tour. Passengers enjoy unobstructed views of both the Asian and European sides of the city. Your luxurious ride will pass by Istanbul’s Ottoman mansions and most iconic landmarks, including Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Rumeli Fortress.This aquatic excursion is perfect for photographers who want to capture the city from a unique vantage point.

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, and give sore legs a break. Plus, learn facts behind each attraction as you take in expansive views listening to an included audioguide

Float down the UNESCO-listed Bosphorus Strait-with a cold drink in hand-on a sunset cruise aboard a luxury yacht. Fun for solo travelers, couples, and families alike, this shared aquatic excursion is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. As you float past iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, Dolmahbace Palace, and Rumeli Fortress, snack on freshly prepared canapes and Turkish baklava.

A Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia is a rite of passage when in Istanbul. Skip the hassle of selecting a boat on the waterfront and enjoy a premium experience aboard a spacious, yacht-style cruiser—with an audio guide in nine languages to explain exactly what you’re seeing. Your package includes tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Upgrade to add snacks with alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.

See Istanbul’s minarets, mansions, mosques and palaces from the water as you sail between two continents on this long lunch cruise. Glide up to Anadolu Kavagi, a pretty fishing village near where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea, then scale the hill to an old fortress to capture dramatic photos. As you sail, savor a 2-course lunch with coffee, tea, water, snacks and fruit: alcoholic drinks are available for an extra charge.

If you are looking for something off the beaten path, consider our walking tour from Galata Tower, through backstreets of Galata and Karaköy, then across the Golden Horn to Balat and Fener neighborhoods, two of the most interesting on the old city side of the Golden Horn, followed by a ferry boat ride back to Karaköy. Once home to Greek and Jewish communities for centuries, Fener and Balat are fascination places, an area that is largely still "undiscovered" by tourists. ⦿ Explore the Galata tower, learning it's history and that of the area surrounding it, seeing the beautiful views from the top of the tower ⦿ Explore the charming neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, a very architecturally colorful area. ⦿ Taking a ferry home across Golden Horn and relax on the final leg while enjoying the view.

The Bosphorus Strait divides Europe and Asia. Watch the dreamy minarets and palaces of Istanbul glide by as you cruise this majestic waterway by night. A delicious Turkish buffet keeps you sated, with free-flow drinks as well (choose between soft or alcoholic packages). Traditional dances provide a cultural spin, while a live DJ gets the party spirit flowing, and round-trip hotel transfers keep life simple.

Taste your way around two continents during this small-group, half-day food and drink tour in Istanbul. Enjoy a mix of classic recipes, including doner kebab, meatballs, pide flatbreads, and the iconic baklava desert, passing by city landmarks along the way. Tours include all snacks and refreshments, plus ferry tickets to Kadıköy and back.

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.

Sail between two continents and into the Black Sea on this full-day cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, with an onboard guide plus a delicious meze lunch on deck. Gaze over the shores of Europe and Asia as you cruise the Bosphorus; stop to visit the pretty Ortaköy neighborhood; and enjoy guided tours of the ornate Küçüksu Palace and Rumeli Fortress. There’s even a chance to swim in the Black Sea.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner option but want to plan something that combines cuisine with culture, this Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Night Show from Istanbul is a perfect choice. With dinner included, you’ll cruise the strait while taking in sights of some of Istanbul’s impressive attractions like the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Blue Mosque. Plus, you’ll enjoy live entertainment, too.

See Istanbul from a whole new perspective on a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus. Marvel at sights like Dolmabahce Palace and Ortakoy Mosque as you relax on board. Then enjoy a dinner of Turkish food followed by a dance show, including belly dancing, whirling dervishes, and folklore, for an authentic taste of Turkey's traditions.

Istanbul is famous for landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace and Rumeli Fortress—but to access the best views, traveling by land just won’t cut it. On this half-day dinner cruise, take in a front-row panorama of the city’s most iconic attractions along the Bosphorus. As you relax onboard the boat, dig into a lavish dinner spread, followed by live dance performances and a DJ set for a total nightlife package.

Step aboard a cruise in Istanbul for a few hours to see the sights along the coast of the Bosphorus, all the way to the Black Sea. As you travel, sit down for a 2-course lunch accompanied by soft drinks and coffee or tea. You'll get great photo ops of the sights from the water, and stop in the fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi to visit the ancient fortress there. Book ahead to make sure you check this must-do cruise off your list.

Don't miss the chance to see Istanbul’s most iconic historical landmarks in one go, bathed in the beautiful light of sunset. This tour combines history, nature, and relaxation on a guided boat cruise along the Bosphorus. Once aboard, we sail along the European Side, passing the grandiose Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, and the historic Rumeli Fortress. After sailing under the spectacular bridges, we turn towards the Asian Side. Here, you will admire the exquisite Küçüksu Pavilion and Beylerbeyi Palace from the sea. Escape the city crowds and traffic, and enjoy a peaceful journey filled with history and fresh air before returning to the pier. What You Will See: -Dolmabahçe & Çırağan Palaces -Rumeli Fortress & Ortaköy Mosque -Bosphorus Bridge & Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge -Beylerbeyi Palace & Küçüksu Pavilion (Asia Side)

Experience the stunning beauty of Istanbul on a Bosphorus cruise. Glide along the famous Bosphorus Strait and marvel at the city's iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque and the Maiden's Tower, as well as the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Sip on complimentary Turkish tea or coffee while listening to fascinating stories about the history and culture of Istanbul. Opt for a sunset tour to see the city bathed in the sun's golden rays.

Istanbul is a city set on the water and to fully experience its beauty and diversity you need to get out onto the Bosphorus Strait. On this ninety-minute cruise you’ll see both the European and Asian halves of Istanbul, enjoy views of many picturesque mosques and palaces, and learn more about Istanbul’s centuries-long history through an audio guide app available in ten languages.

Embark on a culinary adventure through Istanbul's Kadikoy district, guided through hidden alleyways to savor authentic local flavors. Meet your guide and take the ferry across the Bosphorus Strait, taking inn the view of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides. Wander through the Kadikoy and Spice market to indulge in several tastings such as freshly baked simit, börek, baklava, lahmacun, and street food favorites like mussel dolma. Conclude at a coffeehouse, for a classic Turkish ending.

Explore Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait on this 3-half day boat tour. Enjoy a relaxed cruise in the company of experienced staff and discover the fascinating history of the sights you pass. Cruise under the Galata Bridge, stop at the European side under the Bosphorus Bridge, and take photos by the Rumeli Fortress. Bookings are available in the morning or late afternoon, to work conveniently with your travel schedule.

Make the most of an evening in Istanbul with a scenic dinner cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. See Istanbul’s palaces, mosques and bridges from the water. Choose from a package that includes soft drinks or alcoholic drinks. Stay entertained on board with shows featuring belly dancers, folk dancers, and more.