Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise from Istanbul – Palaces & Maiden's Tower

Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise from Istanbul Between Europe and Asia

A Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise from Istanbul is one of the calmest and most memorable ways to end a day in the city. This two-hour daily excursion sets sail from the Kurucesme waterfront as the light softens, gliding past Ottoman palaces, seaside villages and mighty fortresses while the sky turns gold above two continents. With hotel transfers from central hotels on the European side, this short day tour fits easily into any Istanbul itinerary.

Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers in Istanbul

Arriving in Istanbul on a cruise ship? The Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise is one of the shore excursions we regularly arrange for cruise guests calling at the port of Istanbul. Because it runs as a private tour, we plan the timing around your ship: your guide and driver meet you at the cruise terminal, and the programme is adjusted to your all-aboard time. Tell us how many hours your ship stays in port and we will confirm that the full programme fits comfortably. Send us your ship name and the date of your call in Istanbul and we will confirm availability.

• Two hours on a yacht reserved for your party of 2 to 12 guests, with an upper deck for open views
• Sunset over the European and Asian shores of the Bosphorus
• Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace and the Bosphorus Bridge from the water
• Ortakoy, Bebek and the towers of Rumeli Fortress
• Kucuksu and Beylerbeyi palaces on the Asian shore and the Maiden's Tower
• Complimentary tea or coffee on board

The Bosphorus is the narrow strait that links the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia. Along its banks stand Dolmabahce Palace, the lavish 19th-century seat of the late Ottoman sultans, and Ciragan Palace, a marble waterfront residence of the same era. Further north, Rumeli Fortress was raised in 1452 by Sultan Mehmed II in only a few months to control shipping before the conquest of Constantinople. Opposite, the Baroque-style Beylerbeyi Palace and the small, ornate Kucuksu Pavilion served as summer retreats, while the Maiden's Tower rises from a tiny islet off Uskudar and is wrapped in local legends.

This daily Istanbul tour avoids the busy public ferries and lets you enjoy the strait at your own pace, with plenty of time for photos as the city lights come on. If you would like more time on the water, the cruise can be extended on request. Alcoholic and soft drinks are sold on board, and dinner is not part of the package. For anyone planning a relaxed Istanbul day trip on the water, this evening cruise is a fine choice.