Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht Tour – Unlimited Wine, Sunset and Small Group
The way to see Istanbul at its most beautiful is from the water. On this two-hour yacht tour, you follow a route stretching from the Golden Horn to the Bosphorus, viewing palaces, waterfront mansions and bridges from angles you could never get from the shore—and your glass is never empty: award-winning Isabey Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc are served unlimited, accompanied by fresh seasonal fruit and mixed nuts.
The tour departs from Cibali on the shore of the Golden Horn. Leaving the silhouette of the Historic Peninsula behind, you enter the Bosphorus; cruising along the European side past Galataport, Dolmabahçe and Çırağan palaces, you reach the postcard-perfect view of Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge. After admiring Arnavutköy's wooden waterfront mansions and green hills, you cross to the Asian side; passing Kuleli, Beylerbeyi Palace and Maiden's Tower, you return to the starting point.
Throughout the journey, your guide tells the city's story from Byzantine to Ottoman times with local anecdotes you won't find in guidebooks, and shares recommendations ranging from where to eat to which neighborhood to explore. There's light music in the background, ample seating on deck and plenty of space to get up and take photos whenever you like.
The group is limited to a maximum of 16 people; whether you join alone, with friends or with family, you'll find a friendly atmosphere where you can chat and meet new people without getting lost in the crowd. Since the departure time coincides with sunset, you catch the moment Istanbul's skyline turns orange from over the water. The yacht has an enclosed section suited to any weather, so it sails in all four seasons, rain or shine. A non-alcoholic beverage option is also available for guests who don't drink alcohol.
Tour Information
- Duration: 2 Hour
- Languages: en
- Categories: Daily Tours, Boat Tours, Sunset & Romantic Tours, Istanbul Tours, Turkey Tours
- Age Groups: Baby: 0 - 0 · Child: 2 - 11 · Adult: 12 - 99
Included Services
- 2-hour Bosphorus yacht tour (small group of up to 16 people)
- Unlimited wine (Isabey Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc)
- Non-alcoholic beverage option
- Fresh seasonal fruit and mixed nuts
- Live commentary with an English-speaking guide
- Music throughout the cruise
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Meeting & End Points
- Starting Point: Bosphorus Yachts Fatih
- Ending Point: Bosphorus Yachts Fatih
Meeting Points
- Bosphorus Yachts Fatih — Özlem, Cibali, Park İçi Yolu, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Tour Route
16:00 · Bosphorus Yachts Fatih — Cibali Pier – Meet & Depart
Your guide and the boat crew welcome you aboard the yacht at Cibali on the shores of the Golden Horn. After a brief welcome and safety briefing, the first glasses are filled as the yacht slips away from the pier. Gliding through the calm waters of the Golden Horn, the domes of Süleymaniye and the skyline of the Historic Peninsula recede behind you, and your guide begins to tell the story of the ciGalataport and Dolmabahçe Palace
As you open out from the Golden Horn into the Bosphorus, you first pass the renewed Karaköy waterfront and Galataport. Then the white marble façade of Dolmabahçe Palace, the 19th-century residence of the sultans, comes into view, extending out to the sea. You savor the pleasure of seeing the palace not from the shore but from the water, exactly as it was designed to be seen, with your glass in hanÇırağan Palace and Ortaköy Mosque
The yacht slows in front of Çırağan Palace, allowing time for photos. Just ahead, Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge behind it form Istanbul's most photographed frame. Because departure time is set according to sunset, this is often exactly where you catch the moment the sky turns orange.Bosphorus Bridge and Arnavutköy
Passing beneath the bridge that connects Europe and Asia is one of the most exciting moments of the tour. Then come Arnavutköy's colorful wooden waterfront mansions and green slopes; as your guide tells the story of this old fishing district, your wine is refreshed with fruit and nuts.Asian Shore: Kuleli and Beylerbeyi Palace
The yacht crosses to the opposite shore. A short photo stop is made for the twin-towered silhouette of the Kuleli Military High School, then you watch the historic waterside mansions lined up along the coast and Beylerbeyi, the Ottoman summer palace. The conversation deepens on deck with music; in this section you can stroll freely and enjoy the view.Maiden's Tower
On the return route you approach the Maiden's Tower off Üsküdar. As you hear the legends told about it from your guide, the domes and minarets of the Historic Peninsula come back into view. In the evening lights, the tower becomes the final photo stop of the tour.18:00 · Bosphorus Yachts Fatih — Cibali Pier – End
After two hours, the yacht returns to Cibali Pier on the Golden Horn and the tour ends here. If you'd like to continue your evening in the city, you can ask your guide for restaurant recommendations in nearby neighborhoods for dinner.
Popular Points
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Büyük Mecidiye Mosque
- Arnavutköy
- Beylerbeyi Palace
- Maiden's Tower
Tour Rules
Guests Under 18
- Allowed: Guests aged 2 and over may participate. Alcoholic drinks are served only to guests aged 18 and over.
Transport and Baggage
- Allowed: You make your own way to the meeting point; hotel pickup is not available.
What to Bring and Dress Code
- Allowed: The Bosphorus can be windy in the evening; bring a light cardigan or jacket. A hat and sunscreen are recommended for sunny days.
Not Suitable For
- Not Allowed: Not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Good to Know
- Allowed: A minimum of 4 participants is required for the tour to take place; if this number is not reached, you will be offered the next available tour or a full refund of your payment.
- Allowed: The tour is conducted in English.
Booking Conditions
- Reservation request is instantly confirmed.
- Pay 20% now, the rest by Cash, Bank/Credit Card
- (Taxes Included)
Upcoming Departures
Tap a date to open the booking calendar with that date selected.
Recommended Tours
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are taxes included in the tour price?
- Yes, taxes are included in the prices shown on this page.