Istanbul: Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stop & Snacks

Summary

Yacht ride between continents, palaces, bridges & Kanlica’s famous yogurt

You’ll cross between Europe and Asia on a small-group Bosphorus yacht cruise in Istanbul. Sip Turkish coffee as palaces glide by, snack on local treats, and pause in Kanlica for its famous yogurt. The city feels softer from the water—a bit distant but somehow closer too.

What’s the experience like?

“If you want to taste real Kanlica yogurt, you have to eat it right here—never from the supermarket,” our guide grinned as we docked on the Asian side. I didn’t expect to care about yogurt, honestly, but something about the way she said it made me curious. The Bosphorus looked silver under the clouds that morning—kind of moody but not cold—and there was this low hum from ferries passing by as we set off from Viaport Marina. The city felt different from the water. Istanbul’s skyline is always dramatic, but seeing Dolmabahce Palace slide past while sipping Turkish coffee (it’s strong, by the way) made it feel like I’d slipped into someone else’s story for a bit.

We drifted under both bridges—the Bosphorus Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge—and our guide kept pointing out little details: fishermen waving from Ortaköy’s shore, laundry flapping from old wooden houses in Besiktas. At one point I tried to pronounce “Küçüksu Kasri” (the old hunting lodge) and Li laughed at my attempt—probably deserved it. The snacks were simple but good: mini sandwiches, cookies, fruit. I liked that nobody rushed us; people just lounged on deck or leaned over the railings watching Rumeli Fortress go by. There was this salty smell mixed with something sweet—maybe from all those tea gardens along the banks?

Kanlica itself was quiet compared to the European side—no big crowds, just locals chatting outside little cafés. Our stopover there wasn’t long but it stuck with me; maybe because of that thick yogurt dusted with powdered sugar (I’m still thinking about it). On the way back, someone asked if we could see both continents at once and our captain just pointed straight ahead: “Here you are—Europe left, Asia right.” It felt almost too casual for such a big thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury Bosphorus yacht cruise and stopover

• Set sail on Bosphorus Strait
• See Dolmabahce Palace from yacht
• Pass Besiktas District
• Pass Ortaköy district
• View Bosphorus Bridge
• Pass popular Bosphorus entertainment area
• Pass Rumeli Fortress
• View Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
• Stopover and explore Kanlica town
• Pass Küçüksu Palace
• Pass Çırağan Palace
• Pass Kuleli Military Academy
• Pass popular Asian Side town with TV shows
• Pass biggest Asian Side district and transport hub

Top questions

How long is the Bosphorus yacht cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Is there a stop on the Asian side during this tour?

Yes, there is a stopover in Kanlica on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Are snacks or drinks included on this yacht cruise?

Yes, Turkish coffee, snacks like cookies and mini sandwiches, fruit, and soft drinks are included.

Which landmarks will I see during this Bosphorus cruise?

You’ll see Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Küçüksu Palace, Ortaköy, Besiktas District, and both main bridges.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

Is this Bosphorus cruise suitable for families or children?

Yes, infants and small children can join with prams or strollers; suitable for all fitness levels.

What makes Kanlica special during this tour?

Kanlica is known for its traditional thick yogurt served with powdered sugar.

What’s included

Your day includes a 2.5-hour yacht cruise along Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait with a multilingual local guide onboard. Enjoy complimentary Turkish coffee plus snacks like cookies, mini sandwiches and fruit as you relax on deck. There’s also a stopover in Kanlica on the Asian side where you can try their famous yogurt before returning across the strait.