Top Istanbul Sailing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Flexible daily itineraries: Day 1 - Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, German Fountain, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar. Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside), Spice Market. Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Kadıkoy Market (or alternative sites).

Get more out of your time in Istanbul by going on a sunset evening cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy the personalized service of the onboard crew, and included snacks and soft drinks, as you sail. Sailing past Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Kucuksu Pavilion, and many more highlights, this cruise is a great way to see famous sights without being stuck in large crowds.

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.

Step into the golden ages of the Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman empires with a full-day, private walking tour through Istanbul’s Old City. See the monuments and historic sites of Hippodrome Square, where Roman charioteers raced in ancient times, then explore St. Sophia's stunning architecture and museum. See the iconic tiles, mosaics and slender minarets of the Blue Mosque and browse traditional handicrafts inside the Grand Bazaar. Learn about the lives of sultans and courtiers at Topkapi Palace, which contains a remarkable collection of Turkey's greatest holy relics, imperial treasures and artwork.

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.

Enjoy a full-day 8-hour private swimming tour aboard a luxury yacht, departing from the Karaköy docks. Your experience begins with a comfortable cruise away from the city as you explore Istanbul’s hidden bays, known for their calm waters and scenic surroundings. Throughout the day, enjoy multiple swimming stops, time to relax on deck, and stunning coastal views. Midway through the tour, you’ll stop at the Princes’ Islands for a lunch break, where you can dine at a local restaurant or enjoy free time by the sea. After lunch, the cruise continues with more swimming and leisure time. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, and the professional crew will be happy to serve them. This private yacht tour is ideal for families, friends, and groups seeking a relaxed and refreshing day on the water.

Guarantee your spot at an evening of non-stop entertainment by prebooking your ticket for the Rhythm of the Dance show at the Hodjapasha Culture Center in Istanbul. Feel the electric rhythms of Turkey as you enjoy shimmying belly dancers, harem dances, folklore performances, and dazzling costumes, accompanied by live music and 360-degree video projections.

Not many people can say they’ve traveled between two continents in a day. You can when you book our memorable dinner cruise. See the joining of the Asian and European continents while being entertained with elegant Turkish dancers. Don’t miss the opportunity to add a memorable addition to your Turkish holiday.

Visit the notorious World War I battlefields of Gallipoli in just one day on this tour from Istanbul, which includes lunch and hotel transfers. See Anzac Cove, where the troops first landed; visit the commemorative site where the Dawn Service is held; walk along Brighton Beach; and learn about the war from multiple perspectives as you view the Allied and Turkish trenches. An ideal tour for Australians and New Zealanders.

Get a fresh look at Istanbul on this sunset yacht cruise with a live guide to tell you all the top tales as you glide by palaces, mosques and minarets. Sail north as far as pretty Kanlıca, then head south to see the Bosphorus Bridge transformed into a dazzling LED light sculpture after sunset. As you travel, enjoy snacks, water, seasonal fruit, tea, coffee and, of course, Turkey’s signature baklava.

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.

This Bosphorus dinner cruise stands out with its large luxury 3-deck yacht, spacious seating, professional live show program including belly dance, whirling dervish, folk dances, live DJ and live saxophone, and a full Turkish dinner experience while cruising between Europe and Asia. Guests enjoy panoramic night views of the Bosphorus Bridge and Istanbul skyline directly from their table, combining sightseeing, dining and entertainment in one unforgettable evening.

There are a lot of Bosphorus cruise packages available, but it’s hard to find ones that are as suitable for 4-year-olds as they are for 40-year-olds. This all-ages dinner cruise, with discounted tickets for under-8s, fits the bill. Savor your river views of the lights of Istanbul burning in the darkness, stack your dinner plate with fresh seafood and delectable Turkish cuisine, and enjoy the thrills and colors of a cultural show with sword dances, whirling dervishes and much more.

The Sunset cruise starts from Kabatas Pier with a nice, decorated luxury yacht, sail up to second bridge of the Bosphorus from European part of Bosphorus Strait. While you are having your drinks with snacks enjoy the panoramic views that you wouldn’t see otherwise, and access excellent photo opportunities of Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Rumeli Fortress, and many more local landmarks. After reaching to second bridge sail up from opposite direction to the Asian part of Bosphorus Strait. Watch the views of wooden houses and have information about all beautiful spots of Bosphorus by our legendary guide. You are now at Maidens Tower in the middle of the sea one of the best iconic point of Marmara Sea. Get your cameras ready while you get interesting information about history from our experienced and friendly guide. Because you will want to take a picture of all the beauties of the Bosphorus.

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.

Unlike standard Bosphorus cruises, this experience begins from the historic Cibali area, allowing you to explore both the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus in one seamless journey. This unique route offers a more complete perspective of Istanbul—combining its rich history with its stunning waterfront lifestyle. In just 2 hours, you’ll sail between Europe and Asia, passing iconic landmarks, Ottoman palaces, and charming seaside neighborhoods, all from the comfort of a relaxing boat. The carefully designed itinerary ensures you see more in less time—without feeling rushed. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a high-value, time-efficient experience, whether it’s their first visit or a short stay in the city. With panoramic views, smooth sailing, and a balanced route, it delivers the essence of Istanbul in a single cruise.