Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht Cruise: Asian Side, Kanlica & Palaces

Summary

Small group yacht cruise between continents with Kanlica stop and Istanbul’s palaces

You’ll watch Istanbul’s skyline shift as you cruise down the Bosphorus on a small-group yacht tour, crossing under famous bridges before stopping at Kanlica for its legendary yogurt. Enjoy fresh pastries, fruit platters, Turkish coffee with delight, and stories from your guide—plus hotel pickup makes it all easy. The mix of city views and quiet moments lingers long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the light — sharp and a bit golden, bouncing off the Bosphorus as we pulled away from the dock in Istanbul. The city looked different from the water, quieter somehow. Our guide (I think his name was Cem) pointed out Dolmabahçe Palace on the European side, its white facade almost too bright against the sky. There was this low hum from the engine, but mostly you just heard water slapping against the hull and seagulls overhead. I didn’t expect to feel so far away from everything after only ten minutes.

We drifted past Ortaköy Mosque — everyone took photos but honestly, I just watched how locals leaned on the railings along the shore, chatting and sipping tea. Crossing under those huge bridges (the Bosphorus Bridge first, then Fatih Sultan Mehmet), Cem told us stories about sultans and old battles. Sometimes he’d switch to French or German for other guests; I stuck to English and tried not to butcher any Turkish words. The air smelled faintly salty but also sweet when they brought out pastries and fruit platters — small things, but it made me feel looked after.

The real surprise was stopping at Kanlica on the Asian side. It’s a quiet spot — not much traffic, just fishermen and old men playing backgammon near the water. We tried Kanlica yogurt with powdered sugar (Cem insisted it had to be sugar, not honey). It was tangy and creamy at once; I still think about that taste sometimes. A woman in a headscarf smiled when she saw me struggling with my spoon — maybe she knew it was my first time.

On the way back, Turkish coffee arrived in tiny cups with a piece of delight balanced on top — strong enough to wake up anyone drifting off in the sun. We passed Rumeli Fortress and Maiden’s Tower; Cem pointed them out but by then most of us were just quietly watching Istanbul slide by. There’s something about seeing both Europe and Asia in one sweep that sticks with you for days after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bosphorus yacht cruise and Asian side visit

• Board luxury yacht in Istanbul
• Cruise along Bosphorus Strait
• Pass Dolmabahçe Palace
• Pass Ortaköy Square and Mosque
• View Bosphorus Bridge
• Pass Rumeli Fortress
• Pass Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
• Stop at Kanlıca on Asian side
• Explore Kanlıca and taste yogurt
• Return cruise to starting point

Top questions

How long is the Bosphorus yacht cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours from departure to return.

Does this Bosphorus cruise include hotel pickup?

Yes, free pickup is included from hotels in Istanbul’s Old City and Taksim area.

Is there food or drink served during the yacht tour?

Yes, you get savory pastry, bottled water, snacks, fresh seasonal fruit platter, small sandwiches, and Turkish coffee with delight.

Do we visit both European & Asian sides of Istanbul?

Yes, the cruise sails along both sides of Istanbul and stops at Kanlica on the Asian side.

What is special about Kanlica during this tour?

You’ll try Kanlica’s famous yogurt topped with powdered sugar while enjoying waterfront views.

Are guides multilingual on this Bosphorus cruise?

Yes, guides can speak multiple languages including English, French, German and more as needed.

Is this yacht cruise suitable for families or children?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or sit on an adult’s lap; suitable for all fitness levels.

Which landmarks will we see during this Bosphorus cruise?

You’ll see Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque & Square, Rumeli Fortress, Maiden's Tower and more along both shores.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central areas like Taksim or Sultanahmet plus drop-off afterward; onboard snacks such as savory pastries and small sandwiches; bottled water; seasonal fruit platters; Turkish coffee served with delight; a stop at Kanlica for their signature yogurt experience; all guided by a multilingual local expert throughout your Bosphorus journey.