About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I’ve spent years watching the industry chase the next "hidden gem," yet we often ignore the obvious gold sitting right under our noses. Everyone talks about occupancy rates and driving higher RevPAR, but let’s be real: most Istanbul tours are just cattle calls on rusty ferries. This Bosphorus cruise is different because it actually respects your time—whether you're a "lead" looking for a quick daytime photo op or someone wanting the full, luxury-tier dinner experience. It’s slightly annoying how much the "authentic" travel crowd scoffs at these cruises, but honestly? Seeing the Rumeli Fortress from a mega yacht beats fighting the traffic in a taxi any day. If you aren't doing this, you're basically doing Istanbul wrong.
About the Tour
Experience the Bosphorus not just as a waterway, but as the heartbeat of two continents. This tour offers a flexible approach to Istanbul's most iconic sights, allowing you to choose between the bright clarity of a Daytime Cruise or the golden hues of a Sunset Cruise. Stepping aboard a modern mega yacht, you’ll leave the chaotic city streets behind to find a perspective of Istanbul that few land-bound travelers ever truly appreciate.
The Journey and Landmarks
As the yacht glides through the Bosphorus Strait, you'll pass an incredible lineup of architectural marvels. With the help of a mobile audio guide, you can learn the stories behind the stones without having to shout over a crowd. Key highlights include:
- Palatial Wonders: Dolmabahçe Palace, Küçüksu Palace, and Beylerbeyi Palace.
- Fortified History: The imposing Rumeli and Anadolu Fortresses.
- Modern Icons: The Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridges.
- Mystical Sites: The Maiden’s Tower and the Oratory Mosque.
Comfort and Catering
Depending on your selected package, your experience can range from a light sightseeing trip to a full-blown culinary event. Standard options include snacks and soft drinks, while the Lunch or Dinner upgrades transform the deck into a floating restaurant.
The Menu Highlights:
- Appetizers: A selection of traditional "Hors D’oeuvres" including haydari on cucumber, feta cheese, and broccoli tatar mit.
- Hot Starters: Crispy vegetable spring rolls.
- Main Courses: Your choice of succulent Chicken Shish, grilled meat balls, or fresh Sea Bream (Seamea) served with arugula and lemon.
For those seeking the pinnacle of relaxation, the luxury dinner option includes alcoholic beverages, allowing you to unwind completely as the city lights begin to flicker across the water. It’s the kind of experience that makes you forget about your "to-do" list and simply enjoy the moment.
Highlights
- Treat your eyes to a breathtaking sunset over the Bosphorus Strait
- Cruise along the Bosphorus and see Istanbul's landmarks from the water
- Admire the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahçe Palace, and many other sights
- Sip on unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee throughout the cruise
- Enjoy an optional luxurious evening with dinner and alcoholic drinks upgrades
Know before you go
- The activity caters to special dietary requirements, including vegetarian and halal
- Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the boat.
- The tours are provided with the Mega Lüfer-1, Mega Lüfer-2 and Mega Lüfer-3, which are Istanbul's only yachts with Safe Tourism Certification, subject to boat availability. There is no option to choose a specific boat. Boats quality is same.
- Departure and arrival times may vary according to changes in sunset hours.
- Please note that we cannot guarantee seating in the opendeck area during our tours. Due to weather conditions or operational reasons, some guests may be seated in the air-conditioned indoor lounge.
- Small Group option, limited to a maximum of 25 guests on our luxury boat. Your tour includes a mobile audio guide, soft drinks, and snacks.
- Please provide a WhatsApp-enabled phone number during booking. Make sure the number includes the correct country code and is accurate for communication purposes before and on the day of the tour.
What to bring
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Starting location:
Mega Lüfer Yachts | Bosphorus Dinner Cruise İstanbul | Sunset & Daytime Tours
Maiden's Tower
Sightseeing
Kuzguncuk
Sightseeing
Beylerbeyi Palace
Sightseeing
Küçüksu Palace
Sightseeing
Anatolian Fortress
Sightseeing
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
Sightseeing
Rumeli Hisari
Sightseeing
Arnavutköy
Sightseeing
Ortaköy Mosque
Sightseeing
Dolmabahce Palace
Sightseeing
Bosphorus Bridge
Aperitif, Cocktail, Brunch, Dinner, Lunch, Guided tour, Boat cruise, Sightseeing, Sunset, Self-guided tour, Meal onboard, Scenic views on the way (2.5 hours)
Dolmabahce Mosque
Sightseeing
Yacht
(2 hours)
Arrive back at:
Mega Lüfer Yachts | Bosphorus Dinner Cruise İstanbul | Sunset & Daytime Tours