Private Bosphorus Yacht Cruise

“Absolute highlight was the day of a two-hour boat charter with breakfast on the Bosphorus. It was so unexpectedly amazing. Perfect weather, fabulous boat, wonderful breakfast, lovely company. All views of Istanbul and experiences via street art, historical highlights, and water side were memorable. Until we can return again, we will remember.” Read more on Tripadvisor

Private Bosphorus Yacht Cruise

Lined with extravagant palaces, mansions, and ancient gardens, the Bosphorus is one of the most beautiful places in the world and a private yacht cruise is the best way to enjoy it. As so many of the waterway’s finest monuments are private homes, it can be difficult to see them from the road. From the water, however, you have a perfect vantage point into what makes the wooden yalıs, or waterside mansions, so special. This important waterway is a defining feature of Istanbul and a cruise along it gives visitors a chance to delve into the city’s history. As the famous Turkish painter Taner Ceylan puts it: “The Bosphorus is the artery of the city, and in it, you can feel the pulse of life. It’s not a simple breeze that strokes your face; it is a messenger who carries endless stories and feelings.” Thus, this tour offers the perfect blend of history, nature, culture and luxury.

Highlights:

• Private Bosphorus Yacht Cruise: We use a luxury motorboat to take us on a journey that starts in the southern part of the Bosphorus Strait. As we make our way to the north, we discover different neighborhoods (that were once former fishing villages) along the way. In addition to our standard yacht cruise offer, we have a rich portfolio of different yachts — from luxury motor yachts for couples or small groups to classic wooden boats and larger vessels that can accommodate up to 150–200 people.  If you are planning a private celebration, corporate event, or a larger gathering, we can provide different yacht and boat options suited to various group sizes and preferences upon request.
• A Floating Time Machine: This tour will take you back and forth between the past and the present of Istanbul, discovering its secrets as we go.
• Live Narration (optional/extra service): You can also book an English speaking local guide to point you out the various buildings and monuments that line the shores and explain their history to you.
• Bites and drinks (optional/extra service): If you want to elevate your experience with some drinks and bites, let us know and we will organize it for you. The price of the cruise includes coffee, tea and water. All other requests are subject to additional charges. 
• Listen to your favorite music along the way: If you have any specific music preferences, let us know and we will organize it for you.

Who is this tour for?

• Anyone interested in seeing the most glamorous face of Istanbul
• Anyone interested in the history of Istanbul
• Anyone that enjoys cruising in luxury (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?)
• People interested in landscapes, photography, architecture and culture
• People interested in organizing a special celebration such as anniversaries, birthdays, family reunions, marriage proposals

Why book with Istanbul Tour Studio?

• We use a luxury boat with a good contemporary design and an experienced professional team and captain
• We know the true of meaning of luxury and will accommodate your preferences on this cruise
• Istanbul Tour Studio is rated "Excellent" on Tripadvisor. Click to read the latest reviews about us
• We have a team of knowledgeable staff that are trustworthy, friendly, knowledgeable and always on time

How much is the Private Bosphorus Yacht Cruise per boat?

• The base price for our Private Bosphorus Yacht Cruise is €650 EUR for two hours, which includes private yacht rental only (no guide service), for small groups of up to 12 participants. Should you wish to enhance the experience with a private, English-speaking professional guide accompanying you on board during the cruise, this service is available at an additional charge of €325 EUR for two hours. 

  Price breakdown per motor yacht for a two-hour Bosphorus cruise is as follows:
• Yacht rental only (no guide): €650 EUR
• Private English-speaking guide (optional add-on): €325 EUR
• Total price including yacht rental + private guide: €975 EUR per motor yacht / two hours
• Please bear in mind that our rates do not include 20% Value-Added Tax.
  
• If you embark and disembark directly from and to your hotel’s private pier (such as The Peninsula Istanbul, Four Seasons Bosphorus, Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Mandarin Oriental Istanbul or Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus), no additional pier embarkation or disembarkation fees apply. If a public pier is used for embarkation or disembarkation, an additional €45 EUR per embarkation or disembarkation applies. Should both embarkation and disembarkation take place at public piers, the total additional pier fee is €90 EUR per booking.
  
• Please keep in mind that our boats allow approx. 12 participants. Therefore, feel free to invite your family and friends on this unique Bosphorus experience.
• In addition to our standard motor yachts, we also work with a rich and diverse fleet that includes classic wooden boats, smaller lobster boats, and large-scale vessels suitable for groups of 50+ guests, complete with professional catering and entertainment options. We can curate Bosphorus experiences ranging from two hours up to four or five hours, with the option to include fine Turkish cuisine, carefully selected wines & drinks, and cocktails on board. We also enjoy combining a Bosphorus cruise with hand-picked dinner reservations, allowing you to discover Istanbul from the water at sunset and disembark directly at a waterfront restaurant of your choice, ranging from fish and kebab houses to Asian and Italian cuisine, to celebrate a special occasion such as birthday or anniversary. This is truly one of the most memorable, once-in-a-lifetime ways to experience Istanbul, and we invite you to reach out to explore the available options tailored to your group’s needs and interests.
  

• For multi-day itineraries across Istanbul or elsewhere in Turkey, a 10% travel agency service fee applies, covering itinerary planning, bookings, and on-ground coordination.