Description
The Bosphorus is at its best in the last hour of daylight. The palaces along the European shore catch the low sun, the hills above the Asian side turn amber, and by the time you turn back the waterfront has begun to light up. This cruise is timed for exactly that hour — the departure moves through the year to follow Istanbul's sunset, so you sail in daylight, through golden hour, and into the first of the evening lights.
The boat is a 25-metre yacht rather than a large sightseeing ferry: a scheduled small-group departure with both open deck and enclosed, heated seating, so you can stay outside for the photographs and come in when the wind picks up. A live guide points out the landmarks as they pass, and tea, coffee, homemade lemonade, baklava and a fruit platter are served on board.
This fare includes pick-up and drop-off from central hotels in Fatih and Beyoğlu, so you are collected and returned without arranging your own way to the pier.
Tour Highlights
- -Two and a half hours on the water
- timed for sunset
- -A 25-metre yacht with both open deck and heated indoor seating
- -Live guide covering the landmarks on both shores
- -Baklava
- fruit
- tea
- coffee and homemade lemonade included
- -Hotel pick-up and drop-off from central Fatih and Beyoğlu
Tour Information
- Cultural
- Nature
- Photography
- Evening cruise, 2.5 hours on the water plus transfers
- Max Group Size: 30 people
- Languages: English
- Difficulty: Easy
- Meeting Point: Your hotel in central Fatih or Beyoğlu; boarding on the Kabataş waterfront Open in Maps
- Ending Point: Back at your hotel Open in Maps
- Instant Confirmation
Itinerary
Hotel pick-up
Collected from your hotel in central Fatih or Beyoğlu. Pick-up is well before sailing, since the vehicle runs a collection route.
Boarding at the Kabataş waterfront
Check in at the pier and find your spot on deck or inside.
The European shore
Dolmabahçe Palace and Mosque, Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque beneath the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, then Arnavutköy, Bebek Bay, Rumeli Fortress and the second bridge.
The Asian shore
Turning back past Anadolu Fortress, Küçüksu Pavilion, Kandilli, Çengelköy and the Kuleli waterfront, then Beylerbeyi Palace, Kuzguncuk and the Maiden's Tower.
Sunset and the return
The light goes as you come back down the strait and the shoreline starts to illuminate.
Hotel drop-off
Back to your hotel after docking.
Route map
What's Included
- Two-and-a-half-hour Bosphorus cruise aboard a 25-metre yacht
- Professional live guide on board
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off for central Fatih and Beyoğlu addresses
- Air-conditioned transfer vehicle
- Baklava, light snacks and a seasonal fruit platter
- Homemade lemonade in summer, fruit juice in winter
- Tea and coffee
- All taxes
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks — available from the bar on board
- Transfers from addresses outside the central pick-up area
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Private yacht hire
- Celebration arrangements, unless agreed in advance
Important Information
Confirmation is received at the time of booking
The departure time changes through the year to follow the sunset; your confirmed time comes with the booking
The meeting point is on the Kabataş waterfront — the exact pier is confirmed after booking
Give the hotel name exactly when booking, and check transfer eligibility before paying; pick-up covers central Fatih and Beyoğlu, and guests outside that area come to the pier
Pick-up times are part of a collection route, not a private transfer, so allow for traffic
This is a scheduled shared departure and cannot wait for late arrivals
The cruise runs in the rain — the yacht has heated indoor seating as well as open deck
Suitable for children; there is a restroom on board
A cheaper fare without transfers is available if you prefer to make your own way to the pier — ask us
Cancellation policy
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