Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht Cruise & Asian Side Stop with Kanlica Yogurt

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

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.

Can infants or children join this tour?

Yes—infants can ride in prams or sit on an adult's lap; it's suitable for all ages.

Is there WiFi available during the cruise?

Yes—WiFi is available onboard throughout your trip.

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.