See Istanbul from its most flattering angle — the water — on this private full-day yacht experience. This Istanbul day trip combines two classics in one relaxing journey: a cruise along the legendary strait dividing two continents, followed by an escape to the car-free Princes' Islands. With your own motor yacht and captain, the pace is entirely yours, making this daily excursion ideal for couples, families and small groups who value comfort and privacy.
The Bosphorus has been Istanbul's lifeline for millennia, a strategic waterway linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean world. Along its shores rise the city's grandest sights: Dolmabahçe Palace, the opulent 19th-century home of the late Ottoman sultans, and Çırağan Palace, once an imperial residence and now a landmark of the European shore. The Maiden's Tower, perched on a tiny islet, has served as a watchtower, lighthouse and quarantine station across the centuries, wrapped in romantic legend.
The Princes' Islands offer a complete change of rhythm. Used in Byzantine times as a place of exile for royalty, they later became the summer retreat of Istanbul's wealthy families, who built the elegant mansions still lining the quiet lanes today. With motor traffic banned, the islands are explored on foot, by bike or by phaeton, and their seafood restaurants are among the most beloved in the region.
Practical notes: this is a private, self-guided daily tour operated in English, suitable for ages 12 and over with a relaxed physical level. Bring swimwear, a towel and comfortable shoes if you plan to swim or explore the islands. Lunch can be enjoyed onboard or at an island restaurant (not included). The route can be tailored to your wishes, as the yacht is at your disposal for the full eight hours.
| Tour type | Private · day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full Day (8 Hours) |
| Price | From €560 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Stops | 2 |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours · TÜRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full day programme — click to see every stop.
Bosphorus Cruise & Princes' Islands by Private Yacht
Your day begins at Kuruçeşme in Beşiktaş, where you board your private motor yacht and set out onto the Bosphorus. The morning is spent cruising the famous strait that separates the European and Asian continents, with uninterrupted views of Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, the charming waterfront quarter of Ortaköy and the fabled Maiden's Tower. There is plenty of time for photographs as the Istanbul skyline unfolds around you. The yacht then continues across the Sea of Marmara toward the Princes' Islands, a tranquil archipelago of pine-covered hills, historic mansions and sandy shores. You will call at Heybeliada and Büyükada, the two best-known islands, where you can take a traditional horse-drawn phaeton tour, hire a bicycle or stroll the peaceful streets at your own pace. Lunch can be taken onboard or at one of the islands' celebrated seafood restaurants, according to your preference. If the weather invites it, the captain will guide you to secluded coves where you can swim in clear water away from the crowds — remember to pack swimsuits, towels and comfortable shoes. In the late afternoon the yacht returns you to Kuruçeşme, with a return transfer to your hotel rounding off a memorable day on the water.
Istanbul → Bosphorus
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!