Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Live Guide & Asian Side Stop
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Istanbul, Turkey
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
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, known for its famous yogurt, offering the perfect mix of history, culture, and scenic charm.
- Cruise the Bosphorus Strait with a guide, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks
- Stop over in Asian Istanbul to visit the waterfront Kanlica district
- Choice of departure times lets you plan your day and fit more in
- Free hotel pickup service from Taksim, Sultanahmet, and Karakoy areas
What's Included
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Savory pastry
- Turkish coffee served with Turkish delight
- Small sandwiches
- Fresh seasonal fruit platter
- Free pick up service Old City and Taksim area
- Drop off service to Taksim or Sultanahmet Squares
- Alcoholic Beverages
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
Bosphorus Strait (Pass By)
Dolmabahce Palace (Pass By)
Ortakoy (Pass By)
Buyuk Mecidiye Camii (Pass By)
Bosphorus Bridge (Pass By)
Rumeli Fortress (Pass By)
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Pass By)
Kucuksu Pavilion (Pass By)
1
Beylerbi Parki
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Çengelköy (Pass By)
KIz Kulesi (Pass By)
TopkapI Palace (Pass By)
Blue Mosque (Pass By)
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (Pass By)
Galata Koprusu (Pass By)
Suleymaniye Mosque (Pass By)
Misir Carsisi (Pass By)
Galata Tower (Pass By)
Galataport (Pass By)
Anadolu Hisari Fort (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
- Pick - up time from hotels is 1 hour before in general
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 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
Sami_A
We had a wonderful time on the Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience. Everything from the booking process to the actual cruise was smooth and well organized. The yacht was very comfortable and gave us plenty of space to relax as a family. The views along the Bosphorus were breathtaking, and it was a great way to see both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. The crew was professional and friendly, making sure we had drinks and snacks while pointing out key landmarks. My family and I really enjoyed the whole experience and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Istanbul.
Reviews
5.0
based on 2,304 reviews
Robert_D, Apr 2026
Excellent trip! Boat was very well equipped, service was good and food/drinks were just right. Information shared was interesting and gave good insight into past and recent history of Istanbul and the Bosphoros.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the cruise, our yacht, the service on board, and the food and drinks provided. It is especially rewarding to know that the commentary gave you meaningful insight into both the history and modern life of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. We would be very happy to welcome you on board again on your next visit.
borisov_b, Feb 2026
Best tour try it and fill the spirit, go
A luxury cruise on the Bosphorus is an absolutely unforgettable experience. From the moment you step on board, everything feels refined, elegant, and perfectly organized. The views are simply breathtaking—gliding between two continents, with majestic palaces, historic mansions, and iconic bridges passing by, all reflected in the shimmering water.
The service was impeccable: attentive, discreet, and genuinely warm. The atmosphere on board was calm and sophisticated, making it perfect for relaxing, taking photos, and truly enjoying Istanbul from a unique perspective. Whether at sunset or at night with the city lights, the Bosphorus looks magical.
This is not just a boat trip—it’s a premium experience that combines comfort, beauty, and romance. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to see Istanbul at its most elegant and memorable.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed the elegance, comfort, and atmosphere of the Bosphorus cruise. Your kind words about the service, views, and overall experience mean a lot to us. We sincerely appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again in Istanbul.
Marija_M, Nov 2025
This is something which you shouldn’t miss when in Istanbul!
Tour organizers are 10/10.
Overall wonderful experience.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had a 10/10 experience with our team and that the tour became a highlight of your time in Istanbul.
Your kind words truly mean a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back on board for another memorable Bosphorus experience soon.
Velena Travel Team
Neville_B, Nov 2025
Wonderful informative experience. Our guide spoke perfect English and knew the city and its history very well. Snacks, tea and Turkish coffee were delightful. Highly recommended as it was much more intimate than the big ferries with it's hordes of people.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed the cruise, the guidance, and the Turkish refreshments onboard. Your kind words about our intimate experience compared to the big ferries mean a lot to us. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again soon for another memorable journey on the Bosphorus.
Kind regards,
Velena Travel Team
Linda_C, Nov 2025
Customer service (coordinator) was over and above for us. No matter what problem we threw at then, they handled it. Very responsive and avcommodating. Our tour guide, Asha was very knowledgeable and able and willing to answer any and all questions. Other staff were also very responsive with snacks and drinks. A wonderful ride!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear guest,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 🌟
We’re thrilled to hear that our team went above and beyond to make your experience smooth and enjoyable. Asha and our crew will be delighted to know their efforts made your cruise memorable. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back on board again soon!
Warm regards,
Velena Travel Team
James_L, Oct 2025
Easy to book with a hotel pickup and return, all done with no fuss. On board there were a variety of complimentary refreshments, including nuts, peaches, bread, tea, and coffee. There are other items available for purchase.
It’s a guided tour by speaker, which was great if you were near the speaker, but could be difficult to hear given the ambient noises in the Bosphorus.
There was one stop on the Asian side before the return trip, at a yogurt/ice cream store.
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 booking and transfer process smooth and enjoyed the complimentary refreshments and stop on the Asian side. We also appreciate your comment about the speaker volume — it helps us improve the experience for future guests. We’re glad you had a pleasant Bosphorus cruise overall and hope to welcome you again soon!
Warm regards,
Velena Travel Team
Michael_R, Oct 2025
The Bosphorus is beautiful and the cruise was excellent! Cruise guide was very informative and knowledgeable.. and a fun guy!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for your wonderful feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed the beauty of the Bosphorus and had an excellent cruise experience. It’s great to hear that our guide made the tour both informative and fun. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to see you again soon on another Bosphorus adventure!
Warm regards,
Velena Travel Team
Akanksha_D, Oct 2025
It was a beautiful, relaxed and paced out 2.5hrs cruise across the Bosphorus. The speed of the ride was just about enough to take pictures of the city shores of the Bosphorus but you need to be ready with the camera to be able to capture a good click because there are no stops for a leisure photography. The only stop is at Kanlica (asian side) for yoghurt. Serdaar's commentary was descriptive and informative - he made it fun by asking some trivias about some buildings as we passed them. Food and non alcoholic beverages were served at regular intervals so this keeps you engaged as well.
The only disappointment that I want to point out is: The iterinary mentions that we will cross The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and The Topkapi Palace. But we did not! All these 3 was just mentioned and pointed out from a very far distance (infact as we were reaching the Kabatas pier - the first/last point where we get on board and offboard). The same view of these monuments was seen from the Galata Tower so this was nothing special or different. My primary reason to book this package was because it clearly mentioned that we will be crossing The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and The Topkapi Palace. My suggestion would be to remove these off your itinerary to avoid misleading tourists. Only because of this, I give this a 4*.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed review of your Bosphorus cruise experience. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the relaxed pace of the cruise, the commentary by our guide Serdar, and the service provided by our crew throughout the journey. It’s wonderful to know that you appreciated the views, snacks, and the stop at Kanlıca for the traditional yogurt tasting — a highlight for many of our guests.
We truly value your constructive feedback regarding the visibility of the historical monuments. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace are indeed located on the southern entrance of the Bosphorus and can be seen from the water; however, due to maritime traffic regulations and the limited access to the Golden Horn, our yacht cannot sail directly in front of these monuments. We will review our description to ensure that this point is communicated more clearly for future guests.
Your comments are very helpful for us to improve, and we hope to welcome you again for another memorable experience on the Bosphorus.
Warm regards,
Velena Travel Team
Carol_T, Oct 2025
Great commentary, music, trivia and snacks!
A trip to Istanbul would not be complete without a tour of the Bosphorous.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the commentary, music, and snacks — and that you found the Bosphorus cruise to be an essential part of your Istanbul visit. Our team always strives to create a fun, informative, and memorable experience for every guest, and your kind words mean a lot to us.
We hope to welcome you back on board soon for another beautiful journey between two continents!
Warm regards,
Velena Travel Team
MAHYAR_S, Oct 2025
Everything was good except the address that they provided had a wrong building number which caused me togo up and down the street for 15 minutes.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re very glad to hear that you enjoyed your experience overall. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the incorrect building number in the address. The meeting point details have now been reviewed and corrected to ensure this doesn’t happen again. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding, and we hope to welcome you again for a completely seamless experience next time.
Kind regards,
Velena Travel Team
Tamara_L, Oct 2025
Communication was good and we were given a time for the shuttle to pick us up. As soon as our bus bearded the boat we were off seeing the sites.
The way the tour goes if you sit on the left side of the boat you will have the best views although if you're sitting on the right you can also see or stand up to take some photos.
There's commentary along the way and you can ask questions. There's a small amount of food and drink served.
There's a stop at the half way point where you'll be taken to a yoghurt shop (if you choose) and buy some yoghurt for 190 Turkish Lira.
The crew are very friendly. When the journey ends they will drop you off at your hotel but with the traffic it can take a long time.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed review. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the cruise, the friendly crew, and the sightseeing experience along the Bosphorus. Your tips about seating and the Kanlıca yogurt stop are very helpful for future guests — thank you for mentioning them!
We appreciate your understanding regarding the city traffic during the return transfer and are glad that communication and organization met your expectations. We truly value your feedback and hope to welcome you again for another relaxing and scenic experience in Istanbul.
Kind regards,
Velena Travel Team
Shirley_M, Oct 2025
Worth doing. Giving another look at Istanbul. Good commentary with yummy snacks along the way. Pick up and drop off very handy.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed the cruise, the commentary, and our tasty snacks along the way. It’s great to know the pick-up and drop-off service made your experience even more convenient.
We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again on another Bosphorus journey soon!
Warm regards,
Velena Travel Team
Mandy_D, Oct 2025
Perfect first day tour! Great crew, tour guide was engaging and informative. Refreshments were yummy! Nothing negative to say. Choose this Bosphorus cruise over the others.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear your first day in Istanbul started perfectly with our Bosphorus cruise. It’s great to know you enjoyed the engaging commentary, friendly crew, and delicious refreshments.
Your kind recommendation truly means a lot — we’re honored you chose us and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Warm regards,
Velena Travel Team
Norman_M, Sep 2025
Great 3hr trip along the River Bosporus.
Informative commentary, plus light refreshments provided.
Definitely the highlight of our stay in Istanbul.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the 3-hour Bosphorus trip and found the commentary both informative and engaging. It’s also great to know that the light refreshments added to your comfort on board. Knowing that this cruise was the highlight of your stay in Istanbul truly means a lot to us. We are grateful for your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable journey on the Bosphorus.
Warm regards,
Velena Travel Team
Warwick_G, Sep 2025
This was better than I expected. Plenty of room.on the boat, able to sit in shaded area if necessary. Great snacks and water, tea, coffee. People able to purchase other drinks.
Our guide Marat has grown in the area and a wealth of information. I wish we had done this on our first day
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed exploring both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus and appreciated the chance to experience the Asian shore up close. Your recommendation means a lot, and we look forward to welcoming you back on board.
Kind regards,
Velena Travel Team
Rskesg_S, Sep 2025
Right from booking to hotel pick up, cruise and hotel drop, worked like precision work out. Tour guide and others were very helpful and supportive.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear guest,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! 🌟 We’re so pleased to know that everything from booking to hotel pick-up, the cruise itself, and your drop-off went smoothly. Our team and guide will be delighted to hear your kind words about their support and hospitality. We look forward to hosting you again for another memorable experience on the Bosphorus! 🚤✨
Velena Travel Team
Richard_S, Sep 2025
This is a must do excursion. The staff and tour guide were magnificent. Brush up on your geography. The tour guide will test your knowledge along the Bosphorus Strait. He took us to an ice cream shop on the Asian side…get two scoops. Enjoy, relax and confirm your experience. Bon voyage!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled you consider the Bosphorus cruise a must-do experience. It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the guide’s interactive commentary, the friendly staff, and the sweet stop for ice cream on the Asian side. We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable journey.
Kind regards,
Velena Travel Team
Sami_A, Sep 2025
We had a wonderful time on the Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience. Everything from the booking process to the actual cruise was smooth and well organized. The yacht was very comfortable and gave us plenty of space to relax as a family. The views along the Bosphorus were breathtaking, and it was a great way to see both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. The crew was professional and friendly, making sure we had drinks and snacks while pointing out key landmarks. My family and I really enjoyed the whole experience and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Istanbul.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear that you and your family enjoyed the Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience. It makes us happy to know that everything from the booking process to the cruise itself met your expectations and that the yacht provided a comfortable setting for you to relax together.
We are also pleased that you enjoyed the breathtaking views of both the European and Asian sides, as well as the attentive service of our professional crew. Your kind recommendation means a lot to us.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family back on board for another memorable experience in Istanbul.
Velena Travel Team
RILEY_W, Sep 2025
The boat tour was a great way to spend the afternoon to relax. It was informitive and a great introduction to the Boshpforous River. Thanks again!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your kind words. We are delighted to hear that you found the Bosphorus yacht tour both relaxing and informative. It’s wonderful to know it provided a great introduction to the beauty of the Bosphorus. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you on board again in the future.
Velena Travel Team
paul_f, Aug 2025
Lovely experience, beautiful setting and a most enjoyable cruise. Visiting the Asian side a bit short and pointless in reality.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed the cruise and that our captain and crew made your experience special with their friendliness, attentiveness, and helpful insights into Turkey and Turkish culture. We’re also glad you appreciated the food recommendations and overall service.
Your 10/10 recommendation means the world to us, and we look forward to welcoming you on board again soon!
Warm regards,
Velena Travel Team
CJ_H, Aug 2025
This was a really lovely way to spend a morning. Seeing Istanbul from the water gives a different perspective. Our guide was very well informed an made this tour really interesting and funny too.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your morning on the Bosphorus. Seeing Istanbul from the water truly offers a unique perspective, and we’re glad your experience was both informative and entertaining thanks to our guide.
We hope to welcome you again on board for another memorable cruise.
Kind regards,
Velena Travel Team
Theresa_S, Aug 2025
Excellent cruise on a beautiful yacht with a knowledgeable host and quality hospitality. Very professional.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your cruise experience on our yacht and that you found the atmosphere, hospitality, and guiding to be of high quality. It makes us very happy to know that our team’s professionalism and care helped make your time on the Bosphorus memorable.
Your satisfaction is always our top priority, and feedback like yours encourages us to continue delivering excellent service. We would be honored to welcome you back on board in the future for another wonderful Bosphorus journey.
Warm regards,
Velena Travel Team
Sandra_M, Aug 2025
Great cruise of the Bosporus.
Trip went exactly as planned: Emre communicated the arrangements with us, met us exactly on time and delivered us to the spotless, air conditioned minivan, then to the boat. The boat was fabulous with only 22 guests, half it’s capacity, and the crew were professional and attentive. Murat, our guide, was excellent and really knew his Turkish history (and that of Britain and Ireland too). A really enjoyable afternoon spent on a beautiful river.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for your thoughtful and detailed review!
We’re delighted to hear that everything went smoothly from start to finish—your kind words about Emre’s coordination, the comfort of the minivan, and the cleanliness of the boat mean a lot to us. We're also happy you enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere with a small group onboard and the attentive service from our crew.
A special thank you for recognizing Murat’s knowledge and engaging commentary—it’s always a pleasure to hear our guides leave a lasting impression.
We truly appreciate you choosing to cruise with us and hope to welcome you again on your next visit to Istanbul.
Warm regards,
Tugrul Gokce
Reservation Manager
Velena Travel
Frank_B, Jul 2025
Pick up was very easy. Yacht was clean and the crew very attentive. Guide provided us with all of the pertinent information as we went up and down the Bosphorois.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Frank,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We’re delighted to hear that everything went smoothly from the pickup to the cruise itself. It’s great to know that you found the yacht clean, the crew attentive, and the commentary informative throughout your journey on the Bosphorus.
Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back aboard for another memorable experience in the future!
Warm regards,
Velena Travel
Renate_G, Jul 2025
Very organised! Fantastic pick up and return at our hotel.
The guide ( and all staff!!) was great and very engaging with some nice facts and trivia during the tour.
Boat was comfortable and good snacks and Turkish tea & coffee.
We had a great time on this boat trip ❤️
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your kind words and lovely feedback! ❤️
We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the boat trip and that everything from the hotel pick-up and return to the service on board met your expectations. It's wonderful to know that our guide and staff made the experience engaging with interesting facts and trivia.
We’re also glad you liked the comfort of the boat, as well as the snacks and traditional Turkish tea & coffee.
We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Warm regards,
Velena Travel Team
Virginia_B, Jul 2025
I loved this tour and would highly recommend it to others. It is a lovely amount of time and I enjoyed the mid-morning timing. The stopover at the little town on the Asian side for yogurt was fun. Our guide was interesting and pointed out many key sites on both ways of the trip. The boat was clean and comfortable and the sites are breathtaking, many photo opps. They picked us up at our hotel and dropped us at Taksim Square afterward, a nice touch that made it easier to see a great deal in a short amount of time. Do it!
Alison_B, Jul 2025
We really enjoyed this cruise. We learned a great deal about various sites along the way and enjoys the stop for yogurt.
Emily_M, Jul 2025
This was a lovely boat and friendly crew. The tour guide was funny and easy to listen to. The sites were interesting. There were lots of things to eat and drink including nuts, cheese sandwiches with fresh fruit, water, Turkish tea and Turkish coffee. Our only complaint was that the yogurt they recommended we try on the Asia side was incredibly overpriced and they didn’t tell you until it was too late. There are other yogurt shops near the boat and in the city you could go to. Each yogurt was approximately $5 USD.
Emma_W, Jul 2025
Excellent experience. Pick up and drop off to our hotel was perfectly arranged. Luxury boat with brilliant guide and delicious snacks - highly recommended!
Michael_L, Jun 2025
This was a very relaxing and informative cruise on a beautiful lot going up the Bosphorus channel. The boat made a short stop on the Asian side where most tried the yogurt for which Turkey is known. The stay could have been longer and in an area with more shopping and things to see. The narrator on board made the trip interesting.
From $59.60
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Live Guide & Asian Side Stop
2,304
2 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$59.60
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Istanbul, Turkey
- Military Museum and Cultural Center Command (Askeri Müze) Tours & Tickets
- Beyazit Mosque (Beyazit Camii) Tours & Tickets
- Patriarchal Church of St. George Tours & Tickets
- Ortaköy Tours & Tickets
- Obelisk of Theodosius Tours & Tickets
- Istanbul Museum of Modern Art (Istanbul Modern Sanat Müzesi) Tours & Tickets
- Troy Tours & Tickets
- Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) Tours & Tickets
- Pera Museum (Pera Müzesi) Tours & Tickets
- Rahmi M. Koc Museum (Rahmi M. Koç Müzesi) Tours & Tickets
- Istanbul Sapphire Tours & Tickets
- Eyup Sultan Mosque 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