Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht Cruise & Asian Side Stop with Kanlica Yogurt

Morning on the Bosphorus, palaces drift by, Kanlica’s yogurt lingers

You’ll glide along Istanbul’s Bosphorus on a comfortable yacht, catching glimpses of palaces and bridges while your guide shares stories you won’t find in guidebooks. Cross to the Asian side for Kanlica yogurt in a sleepy village café before drifting back past iconic landmarks as daylight shifts over the city. It feels less like sightseeing and more like slipping quietly into Istanbul’s rhythm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Bosphorus Strait2h 15m · entry included
2. Dolmabahce Palacepass by
3. Ortaköypass by
4. Bosphorus Bridgepass by
5. Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridgepass by
6. Rumeli Fortresspass by
7. Beylerbeyi Palacepass by
8. Galata Bridgepass by
9. Galata Towerpass by
10. Küçüksu Palacepass by
11. Maiden’s Towerpass by

Bosphorus Yacht Cruise and Asian Village Visit

• Board luxury yacht for Bosphorus cruise
• View Dolmabahce Palace and Ortaköy Mosque
• Pass Bosphorus Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
• See Beylerbeyi Palace and Rumeli Fortress
• Spot Maiden's Tower and Galata Bridge
• Pass Galata Tower and Küçüksu Palace
• Stop at Kanlıca village on Asian side
• Try famous Kanlıca yogurt with honey
• Return to yacht and continue cruise

The experience

Istanbul always felt like a city I’d never quite figure out, so when we stepped onto that yacht for a Bosphorus cruise, I was both excited and oddly calm. The water was glassy that morning, except for the chugging ferries and the way our boat cut through it. Our guide (I think his name was Cem) started pointing out Dolmabahce Palace before I’d even found my sea legs. There’s something about seeing those palaces from the water. They look less like museums and more like old stories you could almost step into. The air had this faint salty-sweet smell, maybe from tea being poured somewhere below deck or just Istanbul itself.

We drifted past Rumeli Fortress and under the Bosphorus Bridge: Cem told us about sultans laying foundation stones and emperors getting lost in fog here. He had a way of making history feel casual, like he was talking about his own street. At some point, someone handed me a plate of fruit and a little sandwich. Honestly, I barely noticed eating because I was too busy watching fishermen waving from Galata Bridge. It’s funny how quickly you forget your phone when there’s so much to see outside.

Stopping at Kanlica on the Asian side was something else. The village felt quieter than anywhere else we’d been. Just old men playing backgammon under that huge plane tree in Pier Square, kids running around with sticky hands. We tried Kanlica yogurt at this café that’s apparently been there since 1870. They serve it with powdered sugar. It’s thick and tangy in a way I didn’t expect (I probably made a face, one of the locals laughed). I still think about that taste sometimes when I’m back home, which is strange for yogurt but there you go.

On the way back toward Beylerbeyi Palace and Maiden’s Tower, the light shifted. Everything went gold for maybe ten minutes. Cem pointed out where legends say Leander swam for love (though he said most of those stories are half-true at best). People were quiet then, just listening to the water slap against the hull. It wasn’t dramatic or anything. Just peaceful in a way that stuck with me longer than any photo could.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off right to the pier so you don’t have to stress about directions. Onboard you’ll get WiFi access (handy if you want to post photos right away), bottled water, fresh fruit plates, snacks like small sandwiches plus coffee or tea as you drift along both sides of Istanbul before stopping for that famous Kanlica yogurt in its original neighborhood café.

Options for this experience

2 options

Without Hotel TransferGuide in English · 10:30 and 13:15Without Hotel Transfer

With Hotel TransfersGuide in English · 10:30 and 13:15Pickup is included

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30 and 13:15

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Child (3 to 7 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 35

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree 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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bosphorus Cruise Tours Istanbul

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

1,908 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,785

4 ★93

3 ★20

2 ★2

1 ★8

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 7 years); Infant (under 3): 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 does the Bosphorus yacht cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Does this tour include stops on both European & Asian sides?

Yes, you see both sides of Istanbul and stop in Kanlica on the Asian side.

Is Kanlica yogurt included during the stop?

You’ll have time to try Kanlica yogurt at its original café during your stopover.

Are snacks or drinks provided on board?

Yes, fruits, small sandwiches, bottled water, coffee or tea are included during your cruise.

Is hotel pickup & drop-off part of this Bosphorus cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off services are included with your booking.

What are some main sights seen from the yacht?

You’ll see Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Galata Tower & more from the water.

Is there WiFi available during the cruise?

Yes, WiFi is available onboard throughout your trip.