Bosphorus Cruise & Asian Side
Sunset Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia, with stops at Ortakoy, Uskudar, and panoramic viewpoints.
Key facts
- Tour type
- Private — your group only
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- From $85 per person
- Region
- istanbul
- Includes
- Private boat charter, Licensed guide, Refreshments, Transfers
- License
- TURSAB #14817
Operator: Turkey Travel Agency · TURSAB #14817 · +90 544 673 22 02
From $85 per person on shared yacht; private charter from $320 for up to 6 guests.
Who this is best for
- Couples and honeymooners
- Sunset photographers
- Short Istanbul stays
- Small groups up to 12
Sample Day Schedule
- 16:00
Hotel or pier pickup — sunset departures recommended April–October.
- 16:30
Cruise under the Bosphorus Bridge — Europe and Asia in one frame.
- 17:15
Ortakoy Mosque and waterfront mansions — guide explains Ottoman summer palaces.
- 18:00
Tea or refreshment stop on the Asian side at Uskudar or Kadikoy.
- 19:00
Golden hour return past Dolmabahce Palace and Maiden's Tower views.
- 19:45
Drop-off at hotel or restaurant reservation in Karakoy.
Times are approximate and adjusted to your hotel location, season and pace preferences.
Highlights
- Bosphorus strait
- Ortakoy Mosque
- Maiden's Tower views
- Asian side tea stop
What's Included & Not Included
Included
- Private boat charter
- Licensed guide
- Refreshments
- Transfers
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal meals unless stated
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Optional activities not listed in your quote
From $85 per person
4 hours
No payment required · Reply within 24h
About this Istanbul tour
Sunset Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia, with stops at Ortakoy, Uskudar, and panoramic viewpoints. This is a fully private experience — your group travels alone with a licensed guide and dedicated vehicle, not a shared coach. Turkey Travel Agency (TURSAB #14817) has operated Istanbul tours since 2014 with hotel pickup, flexible pacing and English-speaking guides who skip generic scripts.
Who this tour is best for
Ideal for couples, families and small groups who want depth without a factory bus tour. History lovers appreciate licensed commentary at Bosphorus strait, Ortakoy Mosque, Maiden's Tower views, Asian side tea stop. Photographers benefit from stops timed for light and fewer crowds. If you are on a cruise calling at a nearby port, tell us your ship schedule — we build buffer time for return.
How your day is structured
Expect roughly 4 hours on the ground with private boat charter, licensed guide, refreshments, transfers. Morning starts with hotel pickup; touring focuses on Bosphorus strait, Ortakoy Mosque, Maiden's Tower views, Asian side tea stop at a pace you choose — linger at sites that interest you, skip lines where guides have relationships with site staff. Lunch can be a local restaurant recommendation or a quick break depending on your preference. We confirm exact timing in your written quote before payment.
Practical tips for Istanbul
Best months in the region: April–June, September–November. Plan 3–5 days in Istanbul if combining this tour with other sites. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water in summer. Entrance fees are paid separately unless noted. Combine with our Istanbul destination guide or explore multi-day packages from our Istanbul tour hub at /istanbul-tours.
Private boat vs shared Bosphorus cruise
Shared cruises are budget-friendly with commentary in multiple languages. Private charters let you choose music, route length and stop timing — ideal for proposals or family reunions. We quote both; evening light is best March through November.
More Istanbul Tours
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Taste baklava, kebap, meze and street food across the Spice Bazaar, Kadikoy and hidden local eateries with a culinary guide.
Visit Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque and Bosphorus viewpoints on a private half-day tour of Istanbul's European shore.