Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise: Yacht Tour & Kanlica Stop Asian Side

Bosphorus by yacht with Kanlica stop, palaces, bridges, city stories

You’ll cross continents on a Bosphorus yacht cruise from Istanbul with a local guide, seeing palaces and fortresses from the water before stopping in Kanlica for real Turkish yogurt. Expect laughter, strong tea, city legends, and views that stick with you long after you’re back on land.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 27 to US$ 56 per person, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

Half-day Bosphorus cruise including a stop on the Asian side 10:30 and 13:00 Guide in English

With Hotel Transfer 10:30 and 13:00 Guide in English With Hotel Transfer

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Step-by-step itinerary

Bosphorus cruise and Asian side visit

• Board luxury yacht for cruise
• Pass Dolmabahce Palace by sea
• See Bosphorus Bridge from yacht
• View natural Bosphorus island
• Pass celebrity district of Istanbul
• Pass Rumeli Fortress
• Stop at Kanlica fishing village
• Pass Küçüksu Palace
• Pass Military High School
• Pass Maiden’s Tower
• View Old City of Istanbul by sea
• Pass new International Cruise Terminal

Stops and time spent at each 11 stops

1. Dolmabahce Palace passing by
2. Bosphorus Bridge passing by
3. Suada Club passing by
4. Bebek passing by
5. Rumeli Fortress passing by
6. Beylerbeyi 15m
7. Küçüksu Palace passing by
8. Kuleli Sahil passing by
9. Maiden’s Tower passing by
10. Viaport Marina passing by
11. Galataport passing by

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if selected, WiFi onboard so you can share those skyline photos right away, guiding throughout by someone who actually knows their city stories (and jokes), bottled water plus complimentary snacks like cookies or fruit along with hot drinks (tea or coffee), while cruising between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores before heading back again.

Times

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• Every day 10:30 13:00

Information

Feel the pulse of Istanbul on a Bosphorus yacht cruise, cross continents, taste Kanlica yogurt, and see palaces from the water. Includes pickup and snacks.

Group Up to 30 1 similar private tour ›

Live guide English Another language? ›

Audio guide Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Turkish

Meeting point and pickup You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. When you book, you choose your hotel from 1,269 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you can type in your address. Pickup is about 60 minutes before departure. See the exact addressSee the pickup points

Book up to 2h before

Ages Adult (9 and older) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Public transport nearby Infants must sit on laps

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

4.95 ★★★★★ Exceptional 477 verified traveler reviews 97% rated it 5 stars

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The experience

Is it weird to say I didn’t expect Istanbul to feel so… alive from the water? We started our Bosphorus cruise early. The city was already humming, ferries darting around us. Our guide (I think his name was Cem) kept pointing out old Ottoman mansions tucked between modern apartments. The Dolmabahce Palace looked almost unreal in the morning light, like something painted onto the shore. There was this moment when we passed under the Bosphorus Bridge (wind in my face, seagulls yelling overhead), and I just felt small in a good way.

We drifted past Rumeli Fortress (Cem told us it’s from 1453, he had this way of making history sound like gossip), then crossed over to the Asian side for our Kanlica stop. The air changed there: quieter, with that milky smell from all the yogurt cafés. I tried their famous Turkish yogurt. Honestly, it’s tangier than I expected but somehow perfect after all that sea air. An old man at a table next to us winked when I sprinkled sugar on top: apparently that’s how you know who’s local and who isn’t.

Back on board, people were quieter, maybe thinking about what they’d seen or just letting the tea warm their hands. We cruised past Maiden’s Tower (our guide told us one of those tragic princess stories, classic), and I caught myself staring at the skyline where Europe and Asia blur together. It’s hard to explain unless you’re there: everything feels layered, noisy but gentle at once. Even now I can hear those boat horns if I close my eyes.

Top questions

Can I be picked up at my hotel?

You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. When you book, you choose your hotel from 1,269 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you can type in your address. Pickup is about 60 minutes before departure.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Bosphorus cruise?

The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours including a stop in Kanlica on the Asian side.

What food or drinks are provided on board?

You get snacks like cookies and fruit plus hot drinks such as coffee or tea. Bottled water is also available.

Do you visit both European and Asian sides of Istanbul?

Yes, the yacht crosses between both sides and stops in Kanlica on the Asian side.

Is there WiFi during the cruise?

Yes, WiFi is available onboard for guests.

Are alcoholic drinks served?

Alcoholic beverages are available for guests aged 18 and older.

Can infants join this Bosphorus cruise?

Infants can join. They may sit in a stroller or on an adult's lap as needed.

Which landmarks will we see during the cruise?

You’ll see Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Küçüksu Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Bosphorus Bridge and more from the water.

Operated by History Travel Turkey. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated today