Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side - (Morning or Afternoon)
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Istanbul, Turkey
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
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.
- Cruise the Bosphorus on the Sunset Bosphorus yacht, with a stop in Kanlıca
- Sip Turkish coffee and nibble on Turkish snacks in Asian Istanbul
- Onboard Wi-Fi saves on roaming charges and keeps you connected
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off add convenience and ease to your experience
What's Included
- 2.5-hour Bosphorus cruise aboard a luxury yacht
- Hotel pickup/drop-off (if option selected)
- Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
- Light snacks served throughout the cruise
- Freshly baked savory pastries served on board
- Seasonal fresh fruit platter
- Authentic Turkish coffee accompanied by traditional Turkish delight
- Unlimited Turkish tea
- Onboard high-speed WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase)
- The stop in Kanlica where guests can enjoy traditional Turkish yogurt at their own expense.
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
1
Bosphorus Strait
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Dolmabahce Palace (Pass By)
Ortakoy (Pass By)
Bosphorus Bridge (Pass By)
Dolmabahce Mosque (Pass By)
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Pass By)
2
Kanlica Meydani
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Beylerbeyi Palace (Pass By)
Rumeli Fortress (Pass By)
KIz Kulesi (Pass By)
Galata Koprusu (Pass By)
Galata Tower (Pass By)
Kucuksu Pavilion (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Restroom facilities are available on board the yacht.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Ian_H
We absolutely loved it from start to finish. Everyone was lovely and the narration was expertly delivered. Would highly recommend this trip. Well done to everyone for making it a memorable experience.
Reviews
4.9
based on 1,679 reviews
Jen_Y, Mar 2026
Wonderful boast cruise on the Bosphorous. Staff was friendly and attentive providing us snacks, drinks, and blankets. Tour guide was fantastic giving us with both historical information and lots of fun facts. We went on a somewhat chilly day but boat was so comfortable and warm. This tour was great value for the money. We highly recommend spending a relaxing afternoon on the Bosphorous on this cruise.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable and comfortable experience on the Bosphorus. It’s great to know our team, service, and guide made your cruise both informative and relaxing—even on a chilly day. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on board again soon!
David_H, Mar 2026
Our first visit to downtown Istanbul. The tour was very worthwhile. Well narrated by the guide. Comfortable boat - blankets provided when it got a little chilly. Recommended.
single downside: we had problems finding the meting point!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour, the guide’s narration, and the comfort onboard. We also appreciate your note about the meeting point and will work on making it clearer for our guests. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you again in Istanbul.
Keely_M, Feb 2026
Great trip along the Bosphorous! Learned several things about the history of different buildings on both the European and Asian side. Fun crew, great snacks too!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your lovely review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the cruise along the Bosphorus, learned more about the history of the landmarks on both the European and Asian sides, and had fun with our crew. It is also wonderful to know that you liked the snacks. We hope to welcome you again in Istanbul.
Carol_H, Feb 2026
The boat is beautiful and very comfortable. It is a lovely way to see the sights of the city and view both continents. We enjoyed it very much.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the comfort and beauty of the boat and had a lovely time seeing the sights of Istanbul from both Europe and Asia. Your lovely words mean a lot to us. We hope to welcome you again for another memorable Bosphorus experience.
Sheryl_M, Feb 2026
Very fun knowledge crew. We had a wonderful time with a small group enjoying the views of the Bosphorus
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time with our knowledgeable crew and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Bosphorus in a small-group setting. Your lovely words mean a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you again in Istanbul.
Eiman_N, Jan 2026
Great experience! Very easy to navigate and follow and book, the tour guides were very helpful and it was very easy to find everything especially the meetup points. They were very good at communicating and explained the history well. It was cold so they provided blankets and warm tea and lots of snacks. Everyone was very hospitable and inviting. Would definitely recommend this tour, the boat was also wonderful and the group size was perfect.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for your detailed and kind feedback. We are delighted to hear that the booking process, navigation, and meetup points were easy to follow, and that our team’s communication and guidance made the experience smooth and enjoyable. It is wonderful to know that you appreciated the historical explanations as well as the hospitality on board.
We are especially pleased that the blankets, warm tea, and snacks helped keep you comfortable, and that you found the boat and group size to be just right. Your recommendation means a great deal to us, and we truly appreciate your thoughtful comments.
We hope to welcome you on board again in the future.
Renee_C, Dec 2025
The staff members were very friendly. Tour guide shared interesting historical information along the way. Refreshments were provided with the option to purchase spirit drinks.
Brittany_R, Dec 2025
A wonderful and relaxing Bosphorus morning cruise! The views were stunning, the pace was calm, and the food was excellent—fresh fruit, bagel sandwiches, Turkish delights, and drinks made the experience feel extra special.
The guide and crew were informative, funny, and incredibly engaging with everyone on board, including a toddler traveling with another family. The short stop on the Asia side of Istanbul was a highlight, especially getting to try some really good Turkish yogurt.
We went as a family with two teenage boys, and they were fully engaged and enjoyed every part of the cruise. Highly recommend this experience for families or anyone wanting a laid-back and memorable way to see Istanbul from the water!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your wonderful and detailed feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the relaxing pace, beautiful Bosphorus views, and our fresh breakfast selection. It is great to know that our guide and crew made the experience engaging for guests of all ages, and that your family—especially your teenagers—fully enjoyed the cruise. We are also pleased that the Asian side stop and tasting local Turkish yogurt were highlights for you.
Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you again soon.
Michelle_N, Nov 2025
This was a very well organised trip, from before we were collected we were informed by WhatsApp of the exact vehicle picking us up (photos too) to how we were treated through the 2.5 hour trip. From stepping onto the boat we were given drinks and snacks and throughout the trip we received more drinks and snacks.
Nahed gave commentary throughout the trip and she obviously knows her stuff, very informative and lovely and friendly; all the staff on board were.
Highly recommended trip.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for sharing your detailed and generous feedback. We are delighted to hear that you found the entire experience well organized from start to finish. It is wonderful to know that the clear WhatsApp communication, the pick-up information, and the warm welcome on board contributed positively to your trip.
We are also very pleased that you enjoyed the drinks and snacks service throughout the cruise, and that Nahed’s knowledgeable and friendly commentary enriched your experience. Your kind words about our crew are truly appreciated.
Thank you for highly recommending the tour. We look forward to welcoming you again.
Lynne_C, Nov 2025
Just feel there was so much that could have been said from a guide perspective that just wasn’t said. Very dull obvious information pointing out a building - very little in-depth history that I was hoping for - lots of long gaps with no chat and no attempt to interact with the people on the boat - that I saw anyway. Boat was great, very lucky with weather so it was bright sunny - young guys on the boat were great, helpful and snacks were provided. At the ‘Asia’ stop - do not expect anything to make you think for a second you are in Asia 🙈 a yogurt shop where you could pay ( about $5 usd ) for a tub of very ordinary yogurt - certainly nothing Asian about it and no village to speak of that you had time to explore - definitely a let down - was the only reason I booked it - suppose I can still say I did it! I came home and googled how the Asia part came about and learnt more that way.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We truly appreciate both your positive notes and the areas you felt fell short of expectations.
We are glad to hear you enjoyed the boat, the weather, and the assistance from our team on board. However, we are genuinely sorry that the guiding did not meet the level of depth and interaction you were looking for. Your comments are extremely valuable, and we have already shared them with our guiding team to ensure a more engaging and informative experience for future guests.
Regarding the Asian side stop, the visit to Kanlıca is designed as a short cultural break to taste the area’s traditional yogurt, which is a local specialty rather than an “Asian-themed” experience. That said, we understand your expectations and are sorry it felt underwhelming. We will review how we describe this stop to make sure it is clearer for guests before booking.
Your insights help us improve, and we truly appreciate your honesty. We hope you will consider cruising with us again so we can provide you with the fully satisfying experience you deserve.
Warm regards,
Bosphorus Tours Istanbul
Greg_T, Nov 2025
Great tour. The guide was knowledgeable, the staff were friendly, the boat ride was great, they even gave out drinks, blankets, and snacks. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the yacht, the snacks, the amazing views, and the friendliness of our team. We agree—4 PM is a wonderful time to capture the best sunset light on the Bosphorus.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back again soon for another great experience.
Warm regards,
Bosphorus Tours Istanbul
john_p, Nov 2025
The tour gave us a much better perspective on greater Istanbul, away from the major tourist spots. The tour included some nice snacks, tea and coffee, which we appreciated as we had missed lunch. The woman who narrated the tour was very good with impeccable English.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We’re delighted that you enjoyed the yacht, the snacks, the views, and especially the sunset experience. It’s wonderful to hear that our team helped make your time on board enjoyable and relaxing.
We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back again soon.
Warm regards,
Bosphorus Tours Istanbul
Adam_W, Nov 2025
Amazing cruise on a lovely boat with really friendly crew. A much needed break from the crazy crowds in the city centre
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the yacht, the snacks, and of course the beautiful Bosphorus views. Our team is glad to know you found the staff friendly and the experience perfect for taking great photos and having a good time.
We also appreciate your note about the 4 PM sunset time — it truly creates a magical atmosphere.
We hope to welcome you back aboard soon!
Warm regards,
Bosphorus Tours Istanbul
Judy_P, Nov 2025
Fascinating look at both the European and Asian sides of the Bosporus with commentary and a short stop on the Asian side to sample some authentic Turkish yogurt. We also enjoyed some small snacks, Turkish tea, & Turkish coffee along the way.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for your kind review. We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed exploring both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus and appreciated the commentary and local touches along the way. It’s wonderful to know that the Kanlıca yogurt, snacks, and traditional Turkish tea and coffee made your experience even more enjoyable. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again soon for another memorable cruise.
Kind regards,
Danielle_O, Nov 2025
Very nice way to see this beautiful city. Away from the large crowds with a different perspective. Nice service on the boat and informative guide.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed seeing Istanbul from a different perspective and appreciated the calm atmosphere away from the crowds. It’s great to know that you were pleased with the service on board and the guide’s commentary. We look forward to welcoming you again on your next visit.
Nadia_D, Oct 2025
The staff on board were warm and welcoming. The yacht was beautiful and the cruise felt like a little taste luxury.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your kind words. We’re so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience on board and found the yacht beautiful. It’s wonderful that our team’s warm hospitality and the atmosphere of the cruise gave you a touch of luxury. We look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Armando_M, Oct 2025
It’s a interesting historical tour relating how Turkey occupies the link to both the European and Asian continents.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to know that you enjoyed the historical aspect of the tour and the unique experience of discovering how Turkey connects both Europe and Asia. It’s always wonderful to hear that our guests appreciate the cultural richness of Istanbul.
Warm regards,
Ian_H, Oct 2025
We absolutely loved it from start to finish. Everyone was lovely and the narration was expertly delivered. Would highly recommend this trip. Well done to everyone for making it a memorable experience.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you loved the experience from start to finish and that our team’s warm hospitality and narration made your Bosphorus cruise memorable. Your kind recommendation means a lot to us — it’s always a pleasure to know our guests leave with such great memories.
Karyn_F, Oct 2025
A great way to spend a relaxing few hours seeing Istanbul from a different perspective. Great tour guide and lovely snacks provided along the way.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed a relaxing time on the Bosphorus and appreciated seeing Istanbul from a new perspective. We’re also glad you liked the guidance and the snacks during the cruise. Your kind words mean a lot to us!
Warm regards,
myleshkehoe, Oct 2025
Very interesting and informative guide. Lots of fun facts and history. The quick stop on the Asian side was a nice little break
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for your kind review! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found our guide interesting and informative. It’s wonderful that you appreciated the fun facts, history, and the short stop on the Asian side — it’s always a pleasant little break during the cruise. We hope to welcome you again soon for another great Bosphorus experience!
Warm regards,
Velena Travel Team
Mike_F, Oct 2025
This is a weather-dependent experience. The warmer and calmer the weathe, the better will be your experience. This is a pleasant trip to get your bearings up and down the Bosphorus. Some snacks are provided (but don't skip your breakfast or lunch). You will have about 20 minutes to buy a gelato treat on the Asian side. The guide gave regular updates on what we were seeing. The problem is that only the 10 people in the very back of the boat had a really unobstructed view. The same clear coverings on the side of the viewing level of the boat made it difficult to get good views and good photos. Other boat rides might be better.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for sharing your detailed feedback. We’re happy to hear that you found the cruise pleasant, enjoyed the guide’s commentary, and appreciated the short stop on the Asian side for a gelato treat. We’re sorry to learn that the side coverings limited your view and photo opportunities — your input is valuable, and we’ll certainly take it into account to improve our guests’ overall experience. We truly appreciate your honest review and hope to welcome you again under warmer, calmer weather for an even better Bosphorus experience.
Warm regards,
Kim_K, Oct 2025
Fabulous experience and a very enjoyable excursion to see the sights. The commentary was informative and entertaining. Drinks and snacks were appreciated!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for your fabulous review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable time seeing the sights along the Bosphorus and that you found the commentary both informative and entertaining. We’re also glad you appreciated the drinks and snacks on board. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you again soon for another wonderful cruise!
Warm regards,
Tracy_A, Oct 2025
Started out poorly, but tour group recovered beautifully to give us a great experience! We chose to have a pick up from our hotel and had to change the hotel a few days prior to the tour. The tour group prompted confirmed our new hotel and provided a time for us to meet them in the lobby. On the tour day, the pickup time passed and we got a call telling us they were waiting at our first hotel. Traffic is so bad in Istanbul, that we were never going to make it by car. The tour operation was great about walking us through the process to take the tram, and met us at the port tram station to quickly get us to the boat just five minutes past the tour time (they held the boat for us). They took full responsibility for the mix up and apologized several times. And they offered to drive us wherever we wanted after the cruise. So getting there was very stressful, but the tour of the Bosphorus was amazing. The guide was knowledgable and funny, and the snacks on board were great.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience in such detail. We’re very happy to hear that, despite the initial mix-up with the hotel pickup, our team was able to resolve the issue quickly and ensure you still enjoyed a wonderful Bosphorus cruise. We truly appreciate your understanding and kind words about our crew’s professionalism and communication throughout.
It’s great to know you found the cruise itself amazing — with our knowledgeable and entertaining guide, smooth organization, and delicious snacks on board. Your recognition of how our team handled the situation means a lot to us.
We hope to welcome you again soon for a completely stress-free and equally enjoyable experience on the Bosphorus!
Warm regards,
Joseph_B, Oct 2025
It was a plus they picked us up and returned us to our hotel. The boat was very clean and comfortable. The narration throughout the trip was educational. They served tea and snacks as well as coffee near the end of the trip. Staff on board are courteous and helpful. We had a great time cruising on the Bosphorus.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the comfort and cleanliness of our yacht, as well as the educational narration during the cruise. It’s wonderful that you appreciated the hotel pick-up and drop-off service, along with the tea, coffee, and snacks served on board.
Our crew takes great pride in providing courteous and attentive service, and your kind words mean a lot to them. We’re thrilled you had a great time cruising on the Bosphorus and hope to welcome you again soon for another memorable experience!
Robert_C, Oct 2025
It starts near bridge one and proceeds under bridge two before returning. It goes up the European side and returns on the Asian side (that may alternate on different days but the point is you get to see both sides close up)..
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for your kind review and for sharing these helpful details! We’re glad you enjoyed the route and the opportunity to experience both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul up close. The Bosphorus truly offers a unique perspective of the city, and it’s great to know you appreciated the journey between the two continents.
We hope to welcome you again soon for another beautiful cruise!
Warm regards,
Judy_E, Oct 2025
Perfect 2 hours sailing along the bosphorus with informative commentary and comfortable boat. Not crowded, nibbles provided. Even though the weather was cool extra blankets provided and I felt special seated at the back with leather chairs and large table, alone in section, felt like my personal boat.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed a comfortable and relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus. It’s great to know that the commentary, snacks, and cozy atmosphere — complete with extra blankets — made your experience special.
We’re especially happy that you felt as if you had your own private yacht moment; that’s exactly the kind of personal and memorable experience we aim to create for our guests.
We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again soon for another beautiful journey!
Warm regards,
JohnStephen_G, Oct 2025
We were picked up promptly at our hotel and transferred to the boat. It was comfortable and spacious. We were given a variety of small snacks and drinks throughout the journey. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Our guide Serdar was excellent. As we didn’t want to go back to our hotel we asked to be dropped off at Sultanamet Square which they were happy to do. Altogether it was a very enjoyable way to spend our first morning in Istanbul and get a look at the city and a lot of interesting information.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for sharing your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the cruise from start to finish — from the comfortable yacht and delicious snacks to the friendly service from our crew. It’s great to know that Serdar made the experience even more enjoyable with his excellent guidance and insights about the city.
We’re happy we could accommodate your request to end the tour at Sultanahmet Square — it’s a wonderful place to continue exploring Istanbul! We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again soon for another memorable Bosphorus experience.
Warm regards,
Alaine_W, Oct 2025
Great trip on the Bosphorus, guide was great, we opted for hotel pickup and he was right on time, even with the traffic
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Bosphorus cruise and that everything went smoothly with the hotel pickup — even with Istanbul’s busy traffic! It’s wonderful to know our guide helped make your experience enjoyable. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Dmitry_K, Oct 2025
Fantastic experience on a good yacht. Calm waves of Bosphorus, picturesque views and friendly team. Highly recommended in a not overcrowded weekday
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that you had a fantastic experience on board and enjoyed the calm waters, beautiful scenery, and the friendly atmosphere created by our team.
It’s great to know that you appreciated the peaceful weekday setting — it truly makes the Bosphorus even more special. We sincerely appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again soon.
phil_m, Oct 2025
It is as described on the website and very efficiently run. The views from the Bosphorus from the boat are something you cannot experience from the land
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your kind review. We’re very glad to hear that the experience met your expectations and that you found everything well organized and efficient. You’re absolutely right — the views of Istanbul from the Bosphorus offer a truly unique and unforgettable perspective that can’t be seen from the land.
We appreciate your thoughtful feedback and hope to welcome you again on another beautiful cruise.
From $46.95
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side - (Morning or Afternoon)
1,679
2 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$46.95
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Istanbul, Turkey
- Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani) Tours & Tickets
- Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) Tours & Tickets
- Beyoglu Tours & Tickets
- Koza Han Tours & Tickets
- Viaport Marina Tours & Tickets
- Bosphorus Strait Tours & Tickets
- Hodjapasha Culture Center (Hocapasa Kültür Merkezi) Tours & Tickets
- Serpent Column (Yilani Sütun) Tours & Tickets
- Sapanca Lake (Sapanca Gölü) Tours & Tickets
- Panorama 1453 History Museum Tours & Tickets
- Beyazit Mosque (Beyazit Camii) Tours & Tickets
- Tombs of Osman and Orhan (Osman Gazi Türbesi) Tours & Tickets
- Yedikule Fortress (Yedikule Hisari Müzesi) Tours & Tickets
- Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi) Tours & Tickets
- Istanbul Sapphire Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Istanbul, Turkey
- Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) Tours & Tickets
- Bosphorus Tours & Tickets
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) Tours & Tickets
- Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) Tours & Tickets
- Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) Tours & Tickets
- Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani) Tours & Tickets
- Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi) Tours & Tickets