Sailing the Bosphorus: 10 Dreamy Boat Tours to Discover Istanbul’s Beauty!

Ago 10, 2023 | Curiosity

Boat Tours Istanbul

Introduction

Embark on a mesmerizing journey along the enchanting waters of the Bosphorus, where the East and West embrace in perfect harmony. Istanbul, the city of dreams, offers a unique opportunity to explore its beauty from the shimmering waves. From historic landmarks to breathtaking vistas, these boat tours promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of Istanbul’s splendor.

1. Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Enjoy magical views of Istanbul from the Bosphorus on this dinner cruise. Sail on a yacht and watch a show with traditional Turkish folk dancing. Enjoy dinner and drinks while seeing sights like the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridge.

Choose from a cruise with hotel pickup and drop-off from Istanbul via an air-conditioned van or meet directly at the port. Enjoy drinks like Turkish coffee, tea, unlimited soft drinks, and unlimited alcoholic drinks (depending on option selected). Pick between a standard meal or a VIP option.

Savor an appetizer plate with options like a seasonal salad or hot starters. Choose a main course like mixed grilled meat, seasonal fish, or a vegetarian menu. Finish your meal with a sweet dessert.

Dine on your tasty food while watching live entertainment like Turkish folk dancing, Latin flamenco dancing, and a DJ. Gaze out the window at the imposing Galata Tower and Maiden’s Tower, which has stood since the medieval Byzantine period.

Enjoy shows such as live music, Dervishes, Turkish dances, Latin dance, flamenco, Sirtaki, and belly dance in the middle of the Bosphorus.

Capture pictures of the Baroque Revival architecture of Dolmabahçe Palace and the Ortaköy Mosque. Admire the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges which span the Bosphorus strait. Take in the waterside Ottoman architecture of the Beylerbeyi Palace.

Vip Menu

Starters: • 10 types of mixed Turkish appetizers or mixed seafood appetizers

• Vegetable pastrami pie • Fish pastry • Shrimp stew • Fish meatballs • Grilled squid

Main Dishes: • Mushroom beef stragozate • Beef medallion • Mixed grill plate (meatballs, lamb skewers, steak, chops) • Vegetarian vegetable casserole • Seasonal seafood grill • Italian pasta types • Salad • Mediterranean Turkish salad

Desert and Fruit: • Mixed Special Turkish desert or fruity chocolate cake • Unlimited local and non-alcoholic beverages

Book Now >>

2. Istanbul: Turkish Night Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

The Bosphorus night tour with dinner and “Turkish Night” show is a luxurious and entertaining way to experience Istanbul’s beauty and culture. This tour combines a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus Strait with a delicious dinner and a vibrant cultural performance.

The tour typically starts from the pier where the boat awaits. You’ll board a comfortable and modern vessel equipped with indoor and outdoor seating areas, as well as a bar serving refreshing drinks and snacks.

As the boat sets sail, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, such as the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Maiden’s Tower, all illuminated by the city lights. You’ll also see the European and Asian sides of the city, which are divided by the Bosphorus Strait.

The highlight of this tour is the delicious dinner that will be served on board, featuring a variety of Turkish specialties. The dinner is accompanied by a selection of local wines and soft drinks, creating a true feast for your senses.

After dinner, you’ll be entertained by a “Turkish Night” show, featuring traditional music, dance, and costume performances. The show includes belly dancers, folk dancers, and live music, all of which showcase the vibrant and colorful culture of Turkey. You’ll be invited to join in the fun and dance along to the music, creating a memorable and interactive experience.

The tour usually lasts for around three hours, and once it’s over. The Bosphorus night tour with dinner and “Turkish Night” show is a fantastic way to experience Istanbul’s beauty, culture, and cuisine all in one unforgettable evening. It’s perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends who want to enjoy a special night out in Istanbul.

Menu

TURKISH STARTER PLATE
Spicy Paste, Fava, Muhammara, American Salad, Feta Chese, Cheddar Cheese, Haydari, Tomato, Cucumber

GREENS SALAD

PAÇANGA PASTRY

MAIN COURSE
Grilled Meatballs, Spicy Chicken Skewers, Baked Seasonal Fish
(Vegetarian Menu: Grilled Vegetables with Rice or Pasta)

TURKISH DESSERT PLATE

UNLIMITED LOCAL ALCOHOLIC & SOFT DRINKS
Beer, Raki, Vodka, Red and White Wine, Gin and Soft Drinks

NOTE: Imported alcoholic drinks are extra charged. There are 50 kinds of imported alcoholic beverages on board.

Book Now >>

3. Istanbul: Sunset Yacht Tour with audioguide and snacks

They are embarking on a two-hour sunset yacht cruise along the Bosphorus, providing an opportunity to experience Istanbul from a completely different perspective. Istanbul, a city straddling two continents, finds its defining feature in the Bosphorus Strait. This iconic waterway stands as one of the city’s primary attractions, with a boat trip along its waters being an essential part of any Istanbul visit.

From the deck of their snow-white yacht, guests have the privilege of beholding a panorama of Istanbul’s eminent landmarks: Dolmabahçe Palace, Topkapi and Chiragan Palaces, Sultan Suleiman Mosque, Rumeli Hisar Fortress, the renowned Bosphorus Bridge, and the iconic Maiden Tower.

Accommodating groups of up to 18 people on their 22-meter yacht, they ensure an unforgettable experience coupled with unique vistas of Istanbul that gracefully unfold along the Bosphorus. Onboard the yacht, the journey is not solely about visual delight. Amidst the captivating beauty of the Bosphorus, the attentive staff treats guests to light snacks and seasonal fruits. A delectable selection of appetizers, accompanied by the freshest seasonal fruits, enriches the cruise as guests indulge in both the scenery and the flavors.

Book Now >>

4. Istanbul: Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show

Enjoy Turkish food and entertainment on a scenic cruise with the mesmerizing city of Istanbul as the backdrop. Come across sites such as the Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, and Anatolian Fortress as you watch a vibrant dance show and listen to live DJ music.

Get picked up from the European side of Istanbul or arrive at the meeting point by yourself, depending on the option chosen. Begin your experience with the Whirling Dervishes show, a spiritual ritual performed by the followers of famous mystic Rumi.

Be captivated by the Zeybek, an Aegean folk dance with heroic vibes. Admire the energetic celebration dance of Latin and Halay from Central Anatolia. Witness Turkish belly dancing and some fast-paced Roman dancing. Move on to the jaw-dropping Kafka dance performed with Caucasian music.

End the experience on a high note with a demonstration of the Black Sea’s Horon dance before dinner. Taste a delicious meal of fish or grilled meat, accompanied by unlimited soft drinks. After dinner, a live DJ performance will make your night even more magical as you head back to the port.

Book Now >>

5. Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht

Take a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus Strait to see the European as well as Asian half of Istanbul. Jump aboard a luxury yacht from Kabatas and keep your cameras ready as you cross mosques, palaces, and seafront villas. Learn about the city’s centuries-long history through your guide.

Start the tour at Kabatas Pier aboard an elegant yacht, drinking traditional Turkish drinks, and nibbling on canapés and fruit from tastefully arranged platters. Glide by palaces and minarets as you sail along the Bosphorus.

When dusk sets in, feel the soothing breeze from the Sea of Marmara on your skin as the sky puts on a colorful show, tinted with shades of orange and rose. Few places in the world are as mesmerizing as Istanbul in the setting sun.

Hear the muezzin’s call from a towering minaret. Cruise past majestic palaces and villas along the strait’s banks. Breathe in the legacy of ancient Byzantium, Constantinople, and the mighty Ottoman Empire with each breath of fresh salty air.

Kick back and ride gentle waves in the comfort of a yacht. Watch the city and its iconic landmarks pass by, which is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. End the experience at Karakoy Pier.

Book Now >>

6. Istanbul: Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on Asian Side

Set sail on a cruise between Europe and Asia on Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait. See the wonders of both East and West from the water while accompanied by a multilingual guide. Stopover on the Asian side and explore Kanlica, a district that stands in defiance of time.

On board the yacht, hear stories of this mesmerizing city as you set out to pass sights on both continents, including Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, the Leander Tower, and Istanbul’s most posh areas, Ortaköy and Bebek.

Pass under the two suspended Bosphorus bridges that connect Europe and Asia and Admire the thick walls of the medieval Rumeli Fortress. Snap photos of the city skyline and hear about the confluence of cultures that exists at this meeting point between Europe and Asia.

During this 2.5-Hours cruise, you’ll be free to wander between decks to capture the best shots of Istanbul’s attractions. Your guide will illustrate the history of what you see during the cruise; Bosphorus has a storied past and your guides know the fun facts you can’t find in a tourist handbook.

The Bosphorus separating two continents has always been crucial to life in Istanbul. Once a prime channel to move fearsome armies through, it now serves more peaceful functions. Seeing this important trading route is a must-do for travelers.

Book Now >>

7. Istanbul: Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset

A Bosphorus cruise is one of the best things to do in Istanbul. Get on the boat and start discovering the long waterway which separates Europe and Asia. Discover Istanbul’s main attractions, including magnificent palaces, ancient castles and famous hills and parks, as well as spectacular seaside residences from different centuries while passing under famous bridges.

You will start your tour from the Old City in Sultanahmet and cruise along the European side until the 2nd Bosphorus bridge and return back along the Asian coast. You will pass by Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress and Beylerbeyi Palace. You will aslo get to see some historical landmarks from a distance such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower

Book Now >>

8. Istanbul: Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise with Lunch

Climb aboard a pleasure boat and forget your worries as you enjoy a relaxing half-day cruise down the Bosphorus Strait. Marvel at the views of beautiful Ottoman-era mansions and the minarets of the city mosques as you sit down to a lunch of grilled chicken and typical meze dishes.

Go for a stroll on deck to soak up the sun and see the many famous sights that line both coastlines, such as Galata Tower and the immense Bosphorus Bridge that connects Asia and Europe.

Sail to the Black Sea, and then make your way to the small coastal town of Anadolu Kavagi.

Drop anchor and enjoy a walk in the lush hills of the surrounding area. See the ruins of a medieval fortress and other landmarks before the cruise back to Istanbul in the late afternoon. 

Book Now >>

9. Istanbul: Half-Day Cruise and Cable Car to Pierre Loti Hill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explore Istanbul in 3 fascinating ways on this action-packed sightseeing tour by boat, then the magnificent view of Istanbul from Pierre Loti Hill by cable car. Take an amazing cruise between the 2 continents of Europe and Asia. Enjoy a 1.5-hour Bosphorus cruise and pass by the Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi Palaces, wooden villas and mansions, all the way up to the Rumeli Fortress near the Black Sea. See imposing Rumeli Fortress, Yildiz Palace, and wooden Ottoman houses.

Then head back to shore to wonder at the ancient City Walls, iron-paneled St Stephen’s Church, and colorful former-Jewish district on a bus tour to the Golden Horn. Finish with a memorable experience in Istanbul’s iconic old city, Sultanahmet.

Book Now >>

10. Istanbul: Turkish Night on the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

 

Climb aboard a pleasure boat for a romantic dinner cruise of the Bosporus at night, and see some of Istanbul’s top attractions on 2 continents.

Following a pick-up and transfer by air-conditioned, non-smoking coach, climb aboard the boat with the help of your guide. Boat staff will welcome you and present you with some authentic Turkish Delight. Then, the wait staff will escort you to your seat and take your order. By the time you sit down, your starters will be served. Choose from 3 different options for your main course, such as grilled sea brass, grilled meatballs, and grilled chicken.

Once dinner is over, relax as you watch a program of folk shows, starting with katibim (a traditional Turkish melodic musical performance), and followed by Aşuk Maşuk (an imitation play of dwarfs), belly dancing, the dance of the tambourine (Gaval Regs-i), and a henna ceremony.

See performances from around Turkey as the Turna Folk Team take to the floor, and marvel at traditional Turkısh Romany dances. After the show is over, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Book Now >>

Related Posts: