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Istanbul Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Istanbul Cruises & boat tours

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

1. Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Enjoy magical views of Istanbul from the Bosphorus on this dinner cruise. Sail on a yacht and watch a show with traditional Turkish folk dancing. Enjoy dinner and drinks while seeing sights like the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridge.  Choose from a cruise with hotel pickup and drop-off from Istanbul via an air-conditioned van or meet directly at the port. Enjoy drinks like Turkish coffee, tea, unlimited soft drinks, and unlimited alcoholic drinks (depending on option selected). Pick between a standard meal or a VIP option. Savor an appetizer plate with options like a seasonal salad or hot starters. Choose a main course like mixed grilled meat, seasonal fish, or a vegetarian menu. Finish your meal with a sweet dessert.  Dine on your tasty food while watching live entertainment like Turkish folk dancing, Latin flamenco dancing, and a DJ. Gaze out the window at the imposing Galata Tower and Maiden's Tower, which has stood since the medieval Byzantine period. Enjoy shows such as live music, Dervishes, Turkish dances, Latin dance, flamenco, Sirtaki, and belly dance in the middle of the Bosphorus. Capture pictures of the Baroque Revival architecture of Dolmabahçe Palace and the Ortaköy Mosque. Admire the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges which span the Bosphorus strait. Take in the waterside Ottoman architecture of the Beylerbeyi Palace. Vip Menu Starters: • 10 types of mixed Turkish appetizers or mixed seafood appetizers • Vegetable pastrami pie • Fish pastry • Shrimp stew • Fish meatballs • Grilled squid Main Dishes: • Mushroom beef stragozate • Beef medallion • Mixed grill plate (meatballs, lamb skewers, steak, chops) • Vegetarian vegetable casserole • Seasonal seafood grill • Italian pasta types • Salad • Mediterranean Turkish salad Desert and Fruit: • Mixed Special Turkish desert or fruity chocolate cake • Unlimited local and non-alcoholic beverages

Istanbul: Bosphorus Music and Dinner Cruise w/ Private Table

2. Istanbul: Bosphorus Music and Dinner Cruise w/ Private Table

Join a sightseeing dinner cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and dine with live entertainment. Pass some of Istanbul's most famous monuments, including Dolmabahçe Palace. Cruise between Europe and Asia and pass under the Bosphorus Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge. See the summer palaces of the Ottoman sultans, including Dolmabahçe Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace. Admire the fortifications of Rumeli Castle and Anatolian Castle, and marvel at the mansions that line both coastlines. Watch live folk dances from the regions of Turkey, be seduced by a belly dancer, and relax to international music played by the on-board DJ.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht

3. Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht

Take a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus Strait to see the European as well as Asian half of Istanbul. Jump aboard a luxury yacht from Kabatas and keep your cameras ready as you cross mosques, palaces, and seafront villas. Learn about the city’s centuries-long history through your guide. Start the tour at Kabatas Pier aboard an elegant yacht, drinking traditional Turkish drinks, and nibbling on canapés and fruit from tastefully arranged platters. Glide by palaces and minarets as you sail along the Bosphorus.  When dusk sets in, feel the soothing breeze from the Sea of Marmara on your skin as the sky puts on a colorful show, tinted with shades of orange and rose. Few places in the world are as mesmerizing as Istanbul in the setting sun. Hear the muezzin's call from a towering minaret. Cruise past majestic palaces and villas along the strait’s banks. Breathe in the legacy of ancient Byzantium, Constantinople, and the mighty Ottoman Empire with each breath of fresh salty air. Kick back and ride gentle waves in the comfort of a yacht. Watch the city and its iconic landmarks pass by, which is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. End the experience at Karakoy Pier.

Istanbul: Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise with Audio Guide

4. Istanbul: Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise with Audio Guide

Hop on a sightseeing cruise to tour the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Get a fresh look at Istanbul on this boat tour with an audio guide to tell you all the top tales as you glide by Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden's Tower, and Galata Tower. Sail as far south to see the Bosphorus Bridge. Meet your host on the other side of Hagia Sophia and walk down to the pier behind the grand mosque. Jump on board to discover the Golden Horn, considered to be the world’s largest natural harbor. Sail through the magnificent Bosphorus strait forming the continental boundary between Asia and Europe. On your way, come across cultural and historical emblems of Istanbul like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden's Tower, and Galata Tower. Learn about the city’s rich heritage with an audio guide. Admire the Bosphorus coastline on the European side from the cruise, and see a string of villages, each with its own individual character and attractions. Glide past Dolmabahçe Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and the Bosphorus Bridge, among others. Be sure to keep an eye out for ancient castles, famous parks, and spectacular seaside residences from different centuries. Capture stunning pictures of the vibrant city of Istanbul along the water on this scenic cruise.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on Asian Side

5. Istanbul: Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on Asian Side

Set sail on a cruise between Europe and Asia on Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait. See the wonders of both East and West from the water while accompanied by a multilingual guide. Stopover on the Asian side and explore Kanlica, a district that stands in defiance of time. On board the yacht, hear stories of this mesmerizing city as you set out to pass sights on both continents, including Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, the Leander Tower, and Istanbul's most posh areas, Ortakoy and Bebek. Pass under the two suspended Bosphorus bridges that connect Europe and Asia and Admire the thick walls of the medieval Rumeli Fortress. Snap photos of the city skyline and hear about the confluence of cultures that exists at this meeting point between Europe and Asia. During the cruise, you'll be free to wander between decks to capture the best shots of Istanbul's attractions. Your guide will illustrate the history of what you see during the cruise; Bosphorus has a storied past and your guides know the fun facts you can't find in a tourist handbook. The Bosphorus separating two continents has always been crucial to life in Istanbul. Once a prime channel to move fearsome armies through, it now serves more peaceful functions. Seeing this important trading route is a must-do for travelers.

Istanbul: Round-Trip Ferry Tickets to Princes Islands

6. Istanbul: Round-Trip Ferry Tickets to Princes Islands

Exchange your voucher at the ticket office in Kabatas and get access to the boat. The boat departs from Kabatas ferry station in the morning and returns in the evening. A Marine Officer will welcome you at the departure pier, help you onto the boat, hand you a Bosphorus cruise plan, and explain to you what you will see during the crossing. Set off for the Princes' Islands, which in Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times were used as exile sites and as a monastery region. Today only 4 of the total 9 Princes’ Islands are open to public settlement. Arrive at the most famous and beautiful of these islands called Büyükada, or 'Big Island'. Spend the day exploring the island at your own pace. Take a walk through the center and get used to the silence that reigns on the island. See the Merkez Eczanesi, a pharmacy from 1870, and feel you have stepped back in time. Go to Hamlaci Street 4 and see the ruins of the villa where Trotsky lived in exile between 1929 and 1933, writing his autobiography and 3 volumes on the "History of the Russian Revolution". Alternatively, rent a bike and cycle around the island admiring the magnificent old villas lining the streets. Explore the Greek Orthodox St. George Church on top of the island's tallest hill where you can also admire fantastic views of Istanbul, the Marmara Sea, and the neighboring islands.  Stop over and visit the former Greek Orphanage, Europe’s largest and the world's 2nd largest wooden house. Enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the many restaurants around the harbor. Go to one of the public beaches (Halk Plaji) or beach clubs for swimming and sunbathing. If you like hiking, you can also walk around the island on foot. When you have finished exploring, take the return ferry to Istanbul at your leisure. The boat departs Büyukada (Big Island) to return to Kabatas ferry station at 3:30 PM.

Luxury Private Yacht Rental

7. Luxury Private Yacht Rental

See Istanbul from the Bosphorus on an impressive and unforgettable cruising experience. With the yacht to yourself, you’ll soak up the atmosphere of this famous riviera, gliding by some of the best Bosphorus sights along both Asian and European shores from waterfront palaces of Sultans and their Pasha’s villas. Relax and enjoy close up views including the European Side, Dolmabahçe Palace, Çirağan Palace, Rumeli Fortress, the Bosphorus Bridge, Asian Side and more. Enjoy two hours on a Bosphorus Cruise with Panaromic view of the Bosphorus and of Istanbul. • You will be picked up in a non-smoking brand new van from your hotel or accommodation approximately 30 minutes before your trip • You will see the very best spots in history, such as Dolmabahce Palace, the Ortakoy Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridge, the Fatih Bridge, Rumeli Castle, Anatolian Castle, and Beylerbeyi Palace. • You can reserve the trip for anytime you want. If the main yacht is busy, you will be offered another yacht of the same quality •  After the trip you will be dropped to your hotel or in the city center • Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, or soft drinks

Istanbul: Bosphorus Night Dinner Cruise

8. Istanbul: Bosphorus Night Dinner Cruise

Take an evening cruise up the Bosphorous, with delicious food, drink, and entertainment on board. Choose from your choice of main course, benefit from unlimited drinks, and relax with some live music as you sail up the iconic strait. Start with pickup and be taken to your cruise ship in the Bosphorus Strait. Board the vessel to sail up the Bosphorus, the waterway between Europe and Asia. Pass under suspension bridges and view the Ottoman summer palaces, waterside mansions, and modern villas which line the European and Asian coasts. Enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner before tasting 10 different cold starters. For dinner, be served a fresh seasonal salad before your main. Take advantage of three different options for dinner: grilled fish with scallion garden rocket mashed potatoes, and lemon, or grilled chicken steak with rick and mashed potatoes, or grilled meatballs with rice and mashed potatoes. Throughout dinner, sip on unlimited local non-alcoholic or, if option selected, alcoholic drinks. After your entree, feast and some dessert served with coffee or tea.  Sit back and watch the onboard entertainment, including an Anatolian folk band. Take in a traditional Turkish musical performance as well as Romany dancing and a belly dancing show.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show

9. Istanbul: Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show

Enjoy Turkish food and entertainment on a scenic cruise with the mesmerizing city of Istanbul as the backdrop. Come across sites such as the Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, and Anatolian Fortress as you watch a vibrant dance show and listen to live DJ music. Get picked up from the European side of Istanbul or arrive at the meeting point by yourself, depending on the option chosen. Begin your experience with the Whirling Dervishes show, a spiritual ritual performed by the followers of famous mystic Rumi. Be captivated by the Zeybek, an Aegean folk dance with heroic vibes. Admire the energetic celebration dance of Latin and Halay from Central Anatolia. Witness Turkish belly dancing and some fast-paced Roman dancing. Move on to the jaw-dropping Kafka dance performed with Caucasian music. End the experience on a high note with a demonstration of the Black Sea's Horon dance before dinner. Taste a delicious meal of fish or grilled meat, accompanied by unlimited soft drinks. After dinner, a live DJ performance will make your night even more magical as you head back to the port.

Istanbul: Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise with Lunch

10. Istanbul: Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise with Lunch

Climb aboard a pleasure boat and forget your worries as you enjoy a relaxing half-day cruise down the Bosphorus Strait. Marvel at the views of beautiful Ottoman-era mansions and the minarets of the city mosques as you sit down to a lunch of grilled chicken and typical meze dishes. Go for a stroll on deck to soak up the sun and see the many famous sights that line both coastlines, such as Galata Tower and the immense Bosphorus Bridge that connects Asia and Europe. Sail to the Black Sea, and then make your way to the small coastal town of Anadolu Kavagi. Drop anchor and enjoy a walk in the lush hills of the surrounding area. See the ruins of a medieval fortress and other landmarks before the cruise back to Istanbul in the late afternoon. 

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Frequently asked questions about Istanbul

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Istanbul?

The best day trips and excursions from Istanbul are:

Büyükada

Other Sightseeing Options in Istanbul

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What people are saying about Istanbul

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 233 reviews

Highly recommended to take the full package, including all the drinks and hotel transfers. Food and entertainment is very good and the tour is well organised.

The boat show was fantastic. Good food, a lovely boat, and entertaining dance and music acts. I really like the atmosphere, we had good fun!

Amazing experience from start to finish, with door to door pick up. Would definitely to others

Nice experience! The food was relatively ok. The view worth all the money. I recommend it!

A very nice experience. It was a surprise for my parents and they love it