Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht with Transfers in Istanbul
by Golden City Tours
Choose from 3 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€100Overview
The Bosphorus Strait runs through Istanbul, dividing the city between Europe and Asia and connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. This two-hour yacht cruise takes place at sunset, offering views of Istanbul’s landmarks from the water on a luxury vessel. Transfers from designated locations are included to and from the yacht. The cruise visits numerous sights along the Bosphorus such as Dolmabahçe Palace, a 19th-century building featuring 285 rooms and 43 halls, and the marble Cıragan Palace, now a luxury hotel. The tour also passes the Ortakoy neighborhood and its lively bazaar, the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque known for its Baroque architecture, and the Bosphorus Bridge, the first suspension bridge connecting Europe and Asia. Additional highlights include the waterfront mansions of Kuruçeşme, the historic Bebek area with Bosphorus views, and the colorful wooden houses of Arnavutköy. The route continues past Rumeli Fortress, built in 1453 to guard the Bosphorus, and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the city's second suspension bridge opened in 1988. On the Asian side, the cruise passes the Anatolian Fortress, the Kucuksu Pavilion summer palace, the Kuleli Military High School, and the Beylerbeyi Palace with its gardens and lily pond. The tour also offers views of Üsküdar’s seaside promenades, the Kız Kulesi tower built in 1348 now housing a café, the Galata Bridge spanning the Golden Horn, the medieval Galata Tower with panoramic city views, and ends near the modern Galataport area, a port and cultural center in Karaköy. Onboard amenities include a professional local guide, restroom facilities, water, tea, coffee, homemade lemonade with fresh mint, cookies, baklava, and a fresh fruit plate prepared daily. Alcoholic drinks are not included. This cruise is not advised for travelers prone to vertigo or seasickness.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace was constructed between 1843 and 1856 by Karabet Balyan for Sultan Abdulmecid. This three-story palace follows a symmetrical design and contains 285 rooms and 43 halls. It remains largely intact with original decorations, furniture, silk carpets, and curtains. The palace is noted for its exceptional wealth and architectural grandeur.
Cıragan Palace
Cıragan Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz and completed in 1871, designed by architect Sarkis Balyan. It replaced an earlier wooden summer palace built in 1800, which was destroyed during construction. Made of marble, the palace covers 80,000 square meters and has been converted into a luxury hotel operated by Kempinski.
Ortakoy
Ortakoy is a neighborhood in Beşiktaş district on the European side of the Bosphorus, including the Ortakoy and Mecidiye areas along a valley opening to the coast. The Ortakoy Bazaar contains souvenir shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, and is lively after 10:00 am but quieter in the early morning.
Buyuk Mecidiye Camii
The Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, also known as Ortakoy Mosque, sits on the Bosphorus shore in Ortakoy. Built in the 19th century in Ottoman Baroque style, it is a prominent Istanbul landmark. The mosque's location provides views of the Bosphorus Bridge and makes it a popular site for photography.
Bosphorus Bridge
The Bosphorus Bridge links Ortakoy on the European side to Beylerbeyi on the Asian side. It was the first suspension bridge built over the Bosphorus and connects the two continents of Europe and Asia. Together with the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and ferries, it facilitates cross-Bosphorus traffic.
Kuruçeşme
Kuruçeşme is a Bosphorus neighborhood known for its waterfront mansions, upscale venues, and nightlife. It offers views over the sea and is located along the Bosphorus shore.
Bebek Sahili
Bebek is a historic neighborhood on Istanbul’s European Bosphorus shore, bordered by Arnavutkoy, Etiler, and Rumeli Hisari. Known as the 'baby,' Bebek was a popular residential area during Ottoman times. Today it features historic buildings like Boğaziçi University, waterside mansions, scenic Bosphorus views, and upscale restaurants.
Arnavutköy
Arnavutköy is recognized for its colorful historic wooden houses and cozy cafés along the Bosphorus shore. It maintains an authentic atmosphere and is considered one of Istanbul’s attractive neighborhoods.
Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress, located in Sariyer, was built in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, directly opposite Anadolu Hisari. Construction took three months. It was used to prevent naval attacks before Istanbul's conquest and later to monitor Bosphorus maritime traffic. It now functions as an open-air theater and museum.
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Istanbul's second Bosphorus suspension bridge, connects Kavacik and Hisarustu. Built between 1986 and 1988, it ranks as the 14th largest steel suspension bridge worldwide. Along with the Bosphorus Bridge and ferries, it carries significant traffic across the Bosphorus and is a notable city landmark.
Anadolu Hisari Fort
Anadolu Hisari is a fortress on the Asian side in Beykoz at the Bosphorus's narrowest point. Built in 1395 by Beyazit I, it consists of a citadel and outer walls. After Istanbul’s conquest, it was converted to a military hospital. Restoration between 1991 and 1993 transformed it into a museum, but only the outer walls are accessible to visitors, with a road passing through.
Kucuksu Pavilion
The Kucuksu Pavilion is a small Ottoman summer palace on the Bosphorus coast road between Uskudar and Beykoz. Ordered by Sultan Abdulmecit and designed by architect Nikogos Balyan, it features detailed furniture, paintings, and carpets. It was used by sultans for relaxation and is now a museum.
Kuleli Military High School
Kuleli Military High School is a historic building on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus. Known for its elegant architecture and waterfront location, it represents Istanbul’s military and educational history.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace, meaning 'Lord of Lords,' is an Ottoman summer palace built in the 1860s on the Bosphorus shore beneath the Bosphorus Bridge. Designed by Sarkis Balyan, it combines Renaissance, Baroque, and Eastern styles. The two-story stone building covers about 2,500 square meters with six halls, 24 rooms, a hamam, and a bathroom. The south side was the Imperial Mabeyn, and the north housed the Valide Sultan's apartment. Visitors can explore its large garden and lily pond.
Üsküdar
Üsküdar is a historic district on Istanbul’s Asian side, known for its seaside promenades, traditional neighborhoods, and mosques. It offers views of the Bosphorus and Maiden’s Tower and reflects local daily life alongside historical landmarks.
KIz Kulesi
Kız Kulesi (Maiden's Tower) was built by the Genoese in 1348. The nine-story tower stands 66.90 meters tall and was the city's tallest building at the time. It has served as a fire observatory and jail. In 1632, Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi reportedly glided from the Galata Tower to Üsküdar using self-made wings. The tower’s conical roof was destroyed in an 1875 storm and restored in the 1960s when the wooden interior was replaced by concrete. It is now open to the public and houses a restaurant and café on the upper floor.
Galata Koprusu
The Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn and has a history dating to 1845. The current bridge replaced an older one damaged by fire in 1992, while the old bridge was relocated to Halic. The bridge is central to Istanbul’s daily life and culture, featuring restaurants, cafes, and hookah lounges underneath, with trams and pedestrians crossing above. It is a popular place to observe city life, fishermen, and ferries.
Galata Tower
Built by the Genoese in 1348, the Galata Tower is a nine-story structure standing 66.90 meters tall, once Istanbul’s tallest building. It was used as a fire watchtower and jail during the Ottoman era. The tower witnessed the flight of Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi in 1632. Its conical roof was destroyed in 1875 and restored in the 1960s, replacing the wooden interior with concrete. The tower is open to the public with a restaurant and café on the top floor and offers panoramic views of Istanbul.
Galataport
Galataport is a modern port and social area in Istanbul’s Karaköy district. It integrates the city’s historic character with contemporary architecture and includes restaurants, cafes, shops, and cultural venues. Its underground terminal manages cruise ship operations efficiently.
Meeting point
Meeting Point: KABATAŞ SQUARE (seaside, opposite Kabataş Tram Station) Our team will be waiting across from BELTUR café, near the FUNICULAR ELEVATOR, holding a sign that says Golden City Tours. Please arrive 15 minutes before the cruise departure time.
End point
Meeting Point: KABATAŞ SQUARE (seaside, opposite Kabataş Tram Station) Our team will be waiting across from BELTUR café, near the FUNICULAR ELEVATOR, holding a sign that says Golden City Tours. Please arrive 15 minutes before the cruise departure time.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht with Transfers in Istanbul
by Golden City Tours
Choose from 3 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€100Overview
The Bosphorus Strait runs through Istanbul, dividing the city between Europe and Asia and connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. This two-hour yacht cruise takes place at sunset, offering views of Istanbul’s landmarks from the water on a luxury vessel. Transfers from designated locations are included to and from the yacht. The cruise visits numerous sights along the Bosphorus such as Dolmabahçe Palace, a 19th-century building featuring 285 rooms and 43 halls, and the marble Cıragan Palace, now a luxury hotel. The tour also passes the Ortakoy neighborhood and its lively bazaar, the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque known for its Baroque architecture, and the Bosphorus Bridge, the first suspension bridge connecting Europe and Asia. Additional highlights include the waterfront mansions of Kuruçeşme, the historic Bebek area with Bosphorus views, and the colorful wooden houses of Arnavutköy. The route continues past Rumeli Fortress, built in 1453 to guard the Bosphorus, and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the city's second suspension bridge opened in 1988. On the Asian side, the cruise passes the Anatolian Fortress, the Kucuksu Pavilion summer palace, the Kuleli Military High School, and the Beylerbeyi Palace with its gardens and lily pond. The tour also offers views of Üsküdar’s seaside promenades, the Kız Kulesi tower built in 1348 now housing a café, the Galata Bridge spanning the Golden Horn, the medieval Galata Tower with panoramic city views, and ends near the modern Galataport area, a port and cultural center in Karaköy. Onboard amenities include a professional local guide, restroom facilities, water, tea, coffee, homemade lemonade with fresh mint, cookies, baklava, and a fresh fruit plate prepared daily. Alcoholic drinks are not included. This cruise is not advised for travelers prone to vertigo or seasickness.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace was constructed between 1843 and 1856 by Karabet Balyan for Sultan Abdulmecid. This three-story palace follows a symmetrical design and contains 285 rooms and 43 halls. It remains largely intact with original decorations, furniture, silk carpets, and curtains. The palace is noted for its exceptional wealth and architectural grandeur.
Cıragan Palace
Cıragan Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz and completed in 1871, designed by architect Sarkis Balyan. It replaced an earlier wooden summer palace built in 1800, which was destroyed during construction. Made of marble, the palace covers 80,000 square meters and has been converted into a luxury hotel operated by Kempinski.
Ortakoy
Ortakoy is a neighborhood in Beşiktaş district on the European side of the Bosphorus, including the Ortakoy and Mecidiye areas along a valley opening to the coast. The Ortakoy Bazaar contains souvenir shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, and is lively after 10:00 am but quieter in the early morning.
Buyuk Mecidiye Camii
The Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, also known as Ortakoy Mosque, sits on the Bosphorus shore in Ortakoy. Built in the 19th century in Ottoman Baroque style, it is a prominent Istanbul landmark. The mosque's location provides views of the Bosphorus Bridge and makes it a popular site for photography.
Bosphorus Bridge
The Bosphorus Bridge links Ortakoy on the European side to Beylerbeyi on the Asian side. It was the first suspension bridge built over the Bosphorus and connects the two continents of Europe and Asia. Together with the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and ferries, it facilitates cross-Bosphorus traffic.
Kuruçeşme
Kuruçeşme is a Bosphorus neighborhood known for its waterfront mansions, upscale venues, and nightlife. It offers views over the sea and is located along the Bosphorus shore.
Bebek Sahili
Bebek is a historic neighborhood on Istanbul’s European Bosphorus shore, bordered by Arnavutkoy, Etiler, and Rumeli Hisari. Known as the 'baby,' Bebek was a popular residential area during Ottoman times. Today it features historic buildings like Boğaziçi University, waterside mansions, scenic Bosphorus views, and upscale restaurants.
Arnavutköy
Arnavutköy is recognized for its colorful historic wooden houses and cozy cafés along the Bosphorus shore. It maintains an authentic atmosphere and is considered one of Istanbul’s attractive neighborhoods.
Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress, located in Sariyer, was built in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, directly opposite Anadolu Hisari. Construction took three months. It was used to prevent naval attacks before Istanbul's conquest and later to monitor Bosphorus maritime traffic. It now functions as an open-air theater and museum.
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Istanbul's second Bosphorus suspension bridge, connects Kavacik and Hisarustu. Built between 1986 and 1988, it ranks as the 14th largest steel suspension bridge worldwide. Along with the Bosphorus Bridge and ferries, it carries significant traffic across the Bosphorus and is a notable city landmark.
Anadolu Hisari Fort
Anadolu Hisari is a fortress on the Asian side in Beykoz at the Bosphorus's narrowest point. Built in 1395 by Beyazit I, it consists of a citadel and outer walls. After Istanbul’s conquest, it was converted to a military hospital. Restoration between 1991 and 1993 transformed it into a museum, but only the outer walls are accessible to visitors, with a road passing through.
Kucuksu Pavilion
The Kucuksu Pavilion is a small Ottoman summer palace on the Bosphorus coast road between Uskudar and Beykoz. Ordered by Sultan Abdulmecit and designed by architect Nikogos Balyan, it features detailed furniture, paintings, and carpets. It was used by sultans for relaxation and is now a museum.
Kuleli Military High School
Kuleli Military High School is a historic building on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus. Known for its elegant architecture and waterfront location, it represents Istanbul’s military and educational history.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace, meaning 'Lord of Lords,' is an Ottoman summer palace built in the 1860s on the Bosphorus shore beneath the Bosphorus Bridge. Designed by Sarkis Balyan, it combines Renaissance, Baroque, and Eastern styles. The two-story stone building covers about 2,500 square meters with six halls, 24 rooms, a hamam, and a bathroom. The south side was the Imperial Mabeyn, and the north housed the Valide Sultan's apartment. Visitors can explore its large garden and lily pond.
Üsküdar
Üsküdar is a historic district on Istanbul’s Asian side, known for its seaside promenades, traditional neighborhoods, and mosques. It offers views of the Bosphorus and Maiden’s Tower and reflects local daily life alongside historical landmarks.
KIz Kulesi
Kız Kulesi (Maiden's Tower) was built by the Genoese in 1348. The nine-story tower stands 66.90 meters tall and was the city's tallest building at the time. It has served as a fire observatory and jail. In 1632, Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi reportedly glided from the Galata Tower to Üsküdar using self-made wings. The tower’s conical roof was destroyed in an 1875 storm and restored in the 1960s when the wooden interior was replaced by concrete. It is now open to the public and houses a restaurant and café on the upper floor.
Galata Koprusu
The Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn and has a history dating to 1845. The current bridge replaced an older one damaged by fire in 1992, while the old bridge was relocated to Halic. The bridge is central to Istanbul’s daily life and culture, featuring restaurants, cafes, and hookah lounges underneath, with trams and pedestrians crossing above. It is a popular place to observe city life, fishermen, and ferries.
Galata Tower
Built by the Genoese in 1348, the Galata Tower is a nine-story structure standing 66.90 meters tall, once Istanbul’s tallest building. It was used as a fire watchtower and jail during the Ottoman era. The tower witnessed the flight of Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi in 1632. Its conical roof was destroyed in 1875 and restored in the 1960s, replacing the wooden interior with concrete. The tower is open to the public with a restaurant and café on the top floor and offers panoramic views of Istanbul.
Galataport
Galataport is a modern port and social area in Istanbul’s Karaköy district. It integrates the city’s historic character with contemporary architecture and includes restaurants, cafes, shops, and cultural venues. Its underground terminal manages cruise ship operations efficiently.
Meeting point
Meeting Point: KABATAŞ SQUARE (seaside, opposite Kabataş Tram Station) Our team will be waiting across from BELTUR café, near the FUNICULAR ELEVATOR, holding a sign that says Golden City Tours. Please arrive 15 minutes before the cruise departure time.
End point
Meeting Point: KABATAŞ SQUARE (seaside, opposite Kabataş Tram Station) Our team will be waiting across from BELTUR café, near the FUNICULAR ELEVATOR, holding a sign that says Golden City Tours. Please arrive 15 minutes before the cruise departure time.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.