Bosphorus Yacht Cruise from Istanbul – Dolmabahce, Rumeli Fortress & Bebek

Bosphorus Yacht Cruise in Istanbul Between Europe and Asia

A Bosphorus yacht cruise from Istanbul is one of the most relaxing ways to see the city, and this two-hour day tour puts you on a yacht reserved for you and your own companions. Setting off from the Kurucesme waterfront in Besiktas, you glide along the strait that divides Europe from Asia, passing Ottoman palaces, wooden mansions and seaside neighbourhoods while a friendly captain and crew look after you.

Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers in Istanbul

This Bosphorus Yacht Cruise 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.

• Boarding at Kurucesme on the European shore of the Bosphorus
• Sea views of Dolmabahce Palace and Ciragan Palace
• Ortakoy, the Bosphorus Bridge and the village of Bebek
• Rumeli Fortress, Kucuksu Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace
• The Maiden's Tower at the southern mouth of the strait
• Complimentary tea or coffee served on board

Dolmabahce Palace, completed in the mid-19th century, was the administrative centre of the late Ottoman Empire and is best appreciated from the water, where its long marble facade fills the view. Nearby Ciragan Palace is a former sultan's residence, while Ortakoy is known for its baroque-style mosque right beside the Bosphorus Bridge. Further north, Rumeli Fortress was raised by Sultan Mehmed II in 1452 to control the strait before the conquest of Constantinople, and Bebek charms with its elegant bay. On the Asian shore you see the graceful Kucuksu and Beylerbeyi pavilions, and the Maiden's Tower rising from its tiny islet off Uskudar.

This daily excursion is ideal as a calm break between museum visits or as a special occasion with family and friends, and it makes a memorable Bosphorus day trip without the crowds of the public ferries. Cruises run daily in three time slots, from 08:30 to 10:30, from 10:45 to 12:45 and from 15:15 to 17:15, and the cruise can be extended on request. A bar on board offers alcoholic and soft drinks for purchase, and after the cruise you may ask to be dropped at a restaurant on either shore. A return transfer to your hotel is included. As a daily tour from Istanbul it suits travellers aged 12 and over.