Top Istanbul Day Cruises

Enjoy stunning views of historic Istanbul from the water during this narrated boat tour down the Bosphorus. Cover many of the city’s top attractions from the scenic strait, passing highlights like Galata Tower, Dolmabahce and Topkapi palaces, and Rumeli Fortress. You’ll also head to Asia and back, with a get-down stop on Istanbul’s Anatolian side and free time to explore on your own.

The Bosphorus Strait divides Europe from Asia, and a Bosphorus cruise is a signature Istanbul experience. This round-trip yacht cruise, with live commentary and fun facts from an experienced guide, covers all the classic waterfront sights—bridges, palaces, the Maiden’s Tower, the Rumeli Fortress, and more. But it also includes a stop for coffee and snacks in the characterful Kanlıca neighborhood and onboard Wi-Fi so you can share as you go.

Experience Istanbul's beauty and history on a morning Bosphorus yacht cruise with a stopover on the Asian side. As you glide along the strait, take in stunning views of the city's iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque and Dolmabahce Palace. Then, discover local culture on the city's Asian side. With comfortable facilities and informative commentary on board, this excursion is a great way to explore Istanbul without breaking a sweat.

Sail between two continents and into the Black Sea on this full-day cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, with an onboard guide plus a delicious meze lunch on deck. Gaze over the shores of Europe and Asia as you cruise the Bosphorus; stop to visit the pretty Ortaköy neighborhood; and enjoy guided tours of the ornate Küçüksu Palace and Rumeli Fortress. There’s even a chance to swim in the Black Sea.

Instead of driving around Istanbul all day in a stuffy tour bus, discover the city’s beauty in style on this relaxing sunset cruise down the Bosphorus, the waterway that marks the border between Asian Turkey and European Turkey. From the open-air deck of your luxury yacht, see riverside landmarks like the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ortaköy Mosque and the Rumeli Fortress, all lit by the beautiful dusk light.

Set sail along the Bosphorus, the meeting point of Europe and Asia, on this evening cruise. Experience Istanbul at its most atmospheric as you cruise past the illuminated city skyline and admire landmarks including Dolmabahce Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the Maiden's Tower. While on-board, tuck into a 3-course dinner and enjoy a variety of entertainment including whirling dervishes, belly dancing, and DJs.

Make it a night to remember in Istanbul when you book this all-inclusive dinner cruise package, with transfers and a show. Dine on a 3-course feast of Turkish cuisine, with fresh fruit, salad, soft and alcoholic drinks, and a choice of mains (including vegetarian and seafood options). Soak up the atmosphere as whirling dervishes, belly dancers and folk dancers strut their stuff. A professional DJ helps the party spirit along.

Istanbul’s minarets and bridges look their best by night, lit up in gleaming lights. Experience them from the comfort of an air-conditioned boat on this Bosphorus dinner cruise with belly dancers, whirling dervishes, folk dancers and professional DJ. Feast on a 3-course dinner with starters, desserts, salad, fruit and a choice of mains (including vegetarian options) as the sights glide by: alcoholic drinks are available to purchase.

Get a taste of Turkish culture and see the city from the water on this night-time dinner cruise. Depart from your European-side hotel and sail down Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait. Admire the views of Ottoman palaces and transcontinental bridges. Enjoy dinner and watch a Turkish Night show featuring belly dancing, folk dancing, a henna ceremony, and more.

Step aboard a cruise between Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus to enjoy dinner and shoreline views. Eat a 3-course menu of traditional Turkish meze at a private table accompanied by soft drinks and alcohol. In addition to enjoying views of the sites on shore—such as the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge and the Bosphorus Bridge—enjoy a show of traditional Turkish entertainment.

Spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the Bosphorus Strait and the Black Sea during this cruise from Istanbul. Before departing, taste traditional Turkish meze and other specialties aboard the boat at the dock and then begin your cruise of the Bosphorus Strait from Rumeli Hisarı Fortress. You will see top attractions like Galata Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge as you cruise into the Black Sea. Plus, discover the old fortress remnants at Anadolu Kavağı and even stop for dip into the Black Sea at Poyrazköy, a charming seaside village.

Istanbul is a city set on the water and to fully experience its beauty and diversity you need to get out onto the Bosphorus Strait. On this ninety-minute cruise you’ll see both the European and Asian halves of Istanbul, enjoy views of many picturesque mosques and palaces, and learn more about Istanbul’s centuries-long history through an audio guide app available in ten languages.

Get more out of your time in Istanbul by going on a sunset evening cruise on the Bosphorus strait. As it's a small-group tour, relax and enjoy the personalized service of the onboard crew—including delicious onboard treats such as canapes, snacks, and a glass of wine. The trip is a great way to see famous sights without being stuck in large crowds. Sail past Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Kucuksu Pavilion, and many more highlights.

Dinner with a night out can really get expensive in the city. This Bosphorus Strait All-Inclusive Dinner Cruise combines dinner, drinks, sightseeing, and entertainment for an affordable price. You'll pass by monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires as you eat, drink, and enjoy watching traditional Turkish folk dancing and belly dancing.

Take your Istanbul vacation to the next level on a private luxury yacht cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. With space for up to 10 people, this aquatic adventure is perfect for couples, families, and friend groups. As you gently cruise past iconic attractions like Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the Galata Bridge, you’ll enjoy exemplary service from your personal captain and crew.

Escape from the busy streets of Istanbul for a full-day excursion to the Princes Islands. Cruise past Topkapi Palace, Leanders Tower and Uskudar, then glide across the Marmara Sea to reach the islands of Heybeliada and Buyukada. Learn about the princes of the Byzantine Empire who once relaxed on these islands as you take a horse-drawn carriage tour. Have lunch at a fish restaurant and enjoy free time to explore on your own, taking in the beaches and historic sites at your leisure before returning to Istanbul.

Fit all of Istanbul's attractions at the top of your bucket list into one packed day, with the help of an expert local guide. Stroll Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, brimming with iconic buildings and storied streets. Tour the Blue Mosque, one of the most important sites in the Muslim world. Delve into history of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Istanbul Hippodrome as well as the 'sunken palace' of Basilica Cistern. And you won’t want to miss the bustling Grand Bazaar.

Book your evening cruise on the Bosphorus ahead of time; this must-do activity sells out quickly. Step on board the boat for views of Istanbul's top landmarks—including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Blue Mosque—lit up for the night. Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner with drinks, followed by entertainment.

Take in the highlights of Istanbul and maximize your time with skip-the-line entrance at the most popular attractions. Enjoy guided visits to the Hagia Sophia Museum and the Blue Mosque; browse the stalls at the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar; and tuck into tasty Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, discover Istanbul’s European and Asian sides on a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise.

Experience Istanbul’s timeless sights on a full-day tour of the city’s history, with lunch and transfers. Listen for the ancient echoes of pounding hooves at the Hippodrome and admire the distinctive tiles of the Blue Mosque. See the Byzantine mosaics of Hagia Sophia, then follow in the footsteps of powerful sultans, courtiers, and generals at Topkapi Palace. Finish your tour in the vibrant Grand Bazaar, browsing handicrafts, carpets, and souvenirs.

See Istanbul lit up for the night as you sail between Europe and Asia on this lively Bosphorus dinner cruise, aboard a spacious double-decker boat. Soak up the atmosphere as whirling dervishes spin and belly dancers twist and shake, while Istanbul’s historic skyline glides by. Your package includes dinner, performances and round-trip coach transfers from central hotels: alcoholic drinks can be purchased at the cash bar.

See Istanbul’s minarets, mansions, mosques and palaces from the water as you sail between two continents on this long lunch cruise. Glide up to Anadolu Kavagi, a pretty fishing village near where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea, then scale the hill to an old fortress to capture dramatic photos. As you sail, savor a 2-course lunch with coffee, tea, water, snacks and fruit: alcoholic drinks are available for an extra charge.

Glide by Istanbul's bridges, bazaars, palaces, mosques and bustling squares as you dine on Turkish cuisine on this Bosphorus dinner cruise, with pickup and drop-off so there's no need for a designated driver. Admire classic monuments and modernist lights as you enjoy a full program of live entertainment, including belly dancers and folk performances.To get you in the party spirit, your dinner includes alcoholic drinks.