Bosphorus & Golden Horn Sunset Yacht Cruise in Istanbul with Guide

Bosphorus and Golden Horn Sunset Yacht Cruise – A Guided Evening on the Water

A Bosphorus and Golden Horn sunset yacht cruise is a relaxed way to see the skyline of Istanbul change colour as the day ends. This two-hour daily tour departs from Kabatas Pier and finishes at Karakoy Pier, sailing past palaces, mosques and bridges while an English-speaking guide shares the history behind each landmark. Soft drinks, snacks and fresh fruit are served on board, making this short Bosphorus day trip and evening day tour an easy plan from Istanbul hotels on either side of the city.

Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers in Istanbul

This Bosphorus & Golden Horn Sunset Yacht Cruise in Istanbul with Guide also works as a shore excursion from the Istanbul cruise port — a popular choice for passengers who have one day ashore. As a private excursion it is fully flexible — pickup is right at the pier, the pace follows your group, and we make sure you are back on board well before departure. Tell us how many hours your ship stays in port and we will confirm that the full programme fits comfortably. Simply share your cruise itinerary and the date you are in Istanbul, and we will reserve your places.

• Two hours on a yacht along the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn
• Dolmabahce Palace and the Ortakoy Mosque seen from the water
• Passing beneath the Bosphorus Bridge between Europe and Asia
• The Maiden's Tower and the Topkapi Palace on the historic peninsula
• Live commentary from an English-speaking guide
• Soft drinks, snacks and fruit included

The Bosphorus is the narrow strait linking the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and dividing Istanbul between two continents. Dolmabahce Palace, with its long marble facade, was the residence of the later Ottoman sultans, while the Ortakoy Mosque sits right on the waterline beneath the first Bosphorus Bridge. The Maiden's Tower rises from a tiny islet off the Asian shore and is wrapped in local legends. Topkapi Palace crowns the old city above the meeting point of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the sheltered inlet that served for centuries as the city's natural harbour.

This daily excursion is best enjoyed with a camera ready, as the sky often turns copper, blue and red at sunset. Please arrive at Kabatas Pier 15 minutes before departure. Smoking and pets are not allowed, children under four travel free, and the yacht is not suitable for wheelchair users. In bad weather the cruise is rescheduled or refunded.