Istanbul: Bosphorus Yacht Cruise With Stopover on Asian Side

Experiencing the vibrant city of Istanbul from the Bosphorus Strait is a must-do activity for any visitor. The Bosphorus Yacht Cruise offers a unique perspective, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace and the Bosphorus Bridge. With a knowledgeable guide providing historical insights, passengers can sit back and enjoy the scenic views. But the real treat comes when the yacht docks on the Asian side, where travelers can savor local Turkish delights and tea, seeing the rich culture of this captivating destination.

Key Points

• The Bosphorus yacht cruise offers a 2.5-hour journey featuring iconic Istanbul landmarks, including Dolmabahce Palace and Ortakoy Mosque.
• The cruise includes a 30-minute stopover on the Asian side, where guests can sample Turkish delights and tea.
• The luxury yacht provides an onboard experience with amenities such as freshly prepared snacks, Turkish coffee, and multilingual guides.
• The cruise has an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 768 reviews, with positive feedback on the luxurious yacht and knowledgeable guide.
• Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure and provide a WhatsApp number for location instructions and updates.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Istanbul: Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on Asian Side is a popular activity that allows visitors to explore the scenic Bosphorus Strait.

Priced from $43.62 per person, the 2.5-hour cruise features a live English-speaking guide. Passengers can enjoy views of landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace and Ortakoy.

The tour includes a 30-minute stop on the Asian side, where guests can sample Turkish delights and tea.

Travelers can opt for hotel pickup in the Sultanahmet and Fatih areas. Cancellations come with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility.

Itinerary Highlights

The cruise route takes passengers past some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Highlights include the grand Dolmabahce Palace, the historic Bosphorus Bridge, and the charming Bebek neighborhood.

Along the way, travelers see the Ortakoy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. The cruise also includes a 30-minute stop in Kanlica, where guests can sample local yogurt.

Other notable sights are the Anatolian Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the famous Maiden’s Tower. The itinerary provides a comprehensive introduction to Istanbul’s rich history and picturesque Bosphorus setting.

Onboard Experience

While aboard the luxury yacht, passengers can expect a comfortable and enjoyable onboard experience.

The yacht features plush seating and offers a range of amenities, including:

• Freshly prepared snacks, fruits, and savory pastries

• Aromatic Turkish coffee, delicate Turkish delight, and soothing Turkish tea

• A knowledgeable, multilingual guide who provides historical insights and fun facts about the Bosphorus and Istanbul

• A chance to savor the stunning architecture and scenic landscapes as the yacht cruises along the iconic waterway.

Customer Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Bosphorus yacht cruise, with an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 768 reviews. Reviewers highlighted the luxurious yacht, knowledgeable guide, and delectable Turkish treats. As one Austrian guest, Christina, noted, the route could be expanded to include Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. A British traveler, Mark, complimented the entire experience, while an Indian guest, Jayanti, enjoyed discovering the architecture and sampling yogurt on the Asian side.

| Reviewer | Location | Highlight |

| — | — | — |

| Christina | Austria | Suggested including Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque |

| Mark | United Kingdom | Complimented yacht, guide, snacks, and overall experience |

| Jayanti | India | Enjoyed architecture and yogurt tasting on Asian side |

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Important Information

To start your Bosphorus yacht cruise, guests should head to the Kabatas Transfer Center, located opposite the Kabatas Tram Station, arriving 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Be sure to provide your WhatsApp number for location instructions and updates.

The cruise offers:

• 4.9/5 rating for transportation

• 4.7/5 rating for value for money

• Luxury yacht with comfortable seating

• Snacks, fruits, savory pastries, Turkish coffee, Turkish delight, and Turkish tea served onboard

The cruise takes you past Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy, Bebek, Rumeli Hisari, and other iconic Bosphorus sights during the 2.5-hour journey.

Exploring the Bosphorus by Yacht

As guests board the luxury yacht for their Bosphorus cruise, they’ll be treated to stunning views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks lining the shores.

The knowledgeable guide provides historical context and fun facts, bringing the city’s rich past to life. Passing by Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and the iconic bridges, the yacht glides smoothly across the serene waters.

A knowledgeable guide regales guests with historical tales as the yacht glides past Istanbul’s iconic landmarks on the serene Bosphorus waters.

During the 30-minute stop in Kanlıca, guests can sample traditional Turkish snacks and delight while admiring the Anatolian Fortress across the strait.

With photo opportunities at every turn, this Bosphorus cruise offers an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Istanbul.

Discovering the Asian Side of Istanbul

During the 30-minute stop in Kanlıca, guests can explore the serene Asian side of Istanbul. They can stroll through the charming neighborhood, admiring the Ottoman-era mansions and traditional bakeries.

The area is known for its famous yogurt, which guests can sample at a local cafe. Plus, visitors can:

• Enjoy panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the European side of the city.

• Visit the historic Anatolian Fortress, dating back to the 15th century.

• Explore the stunning Beylerbeyi Palace, a former Ottoman summer residence.

• Wander through the lively Üsküdar district, with its bustling markets and vibrant atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Yacht Accessible for Passengers With Disabilities?

The activity overview doesn’t specifically mention accessibility for passengers with disabilities. It’s best to contact the tour provider directly to inquire about accommodations and accessibility features available on the yacht.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. The yacht provides snacks, fruits, pastries, Turkish coffee, tea, and Turkish delight as part of the experience. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.

Is There a Dress Code for the Yacht Cruise?

There’s no strict dress code for the yacht cruise, but passengers are advised to dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Casual attire is generally acceptable, and guests should avoid excessively revealing or formal clothing.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, guests are encouraged to take photos during the tour. The yacht cruise provides ample opportunities to capture the stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait and the surrounding landmarks along the route.

Are There Any Language Options Available for the Guided Tour?

The guided tour is available in English. The multilingual guide provides historical context and fun facts about the Bosphorus and Istanbul during the cruise, catering to English-speaking participants.

The Sum Up

The Bosphorus Yacht Cruise provides a captivating way to experience Istanbul’s architectural splendor. Guests enjoy a 2.5-hour journey along the waterway, with a guided tour and a stop on the Asian side to savor local delights. The cruise offers luxurious amenities, stunning views, and an unforgettable perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to explore Istanbul from a unique vantage point.

You can check availability for your dates here: