The Bosphorus Bridge seen from Hermes

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Route guide

What you'll see on a Bosphorus yacht tour.

The Bosphorus is a 30-kilometre strait between Europe and Asia, lined with Ottoman palaces, fortresses and waterfront mansions. Here is what you pass on a private cruise from Bebek.

See free dates
€100Per hour, whole yacht
2–10Hours
10Guests max
30%Deposit

Heading south · 2–3 hours

Bebek to the Maiden's Tower

Most short cruises turn south from Bebek towards the old city. Along the way you pass:

  • Arnavutköy – rows of painted wooden houses right on the water.
  • Ortaköy Mosque – the baroque mosque at the foot of the 15 July Martyrs (Bosphorus) Bridge, one of Istanbul's most photographed spots.
  • Çırağan and Dolmabahçe palaces – the long marble façades of the late Ottoman sultans on the European shore.
  • Beylerbeyi Palace and Kuleli – on the Asian side, a summer palace and the striking military school with its twin towers.
  • The Maiden's Tower – the small tower on its own islet off Üsküdar, with the historic peninsula behind it.

Heading north · 2–3 hours

Bebek to the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and beyond

  • Rumeli Fortress (Rumelihisarı) – built in 1452 before the conquest of Constantinople, just north of Bebek.
  • Anadolu Fortress and Küçüksu Pavilion – on the Asian shore opposite, where Kandilli, our second free pier, is also located.
  • Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge – the second Bosphorus bridge, at the strait's narrowest point.
  • Waterfront mansions (yalı) – historic wooden summer houses of Yeniköy, Kanlıca and Tarabya.
  • Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge – the third bridge, near the Black Sea entrance. This is the turning point of our 6-hour 3rd Bridge swim cruise.

Timing

Best time to go

Sunset is the most requested slot. Set off about an hour before sunset and book 2–3 hours to see the strait in daylight, the sunset and the lights. Sunset times change through the year; our sunset cruise page has a table.

Mornings are calmer, with softer light for photos and less sea traffic.

Summer days (June–September) are perfect for a swim cruise to the 3rd Bridge or the Princes' Islands.

Evenings show the bridges lit up in changing colours, a beautiful backdrop for dinner on deck.

The Bosphorus at night from the deck of Hermes

Private vs shared

Why a private yacht instead of a public tour boat?

  • Your own timing. Start when you want, for as long as you want, from 2 to 10 hours.
  • Your own route. Stop for photos, slow down by the palaces, or head somewhere specific.
  • Your own people. Celebrate, talk and relax without crowds.
  • Pick-up near you. Board at Bebek, Kandilli or another Bosphorus pier.

All routes are examples and may change with the weather, currents and sea traffic. The captain has the final say.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long is a Bosphorus yacht tour?

The minimum is 2 hours. 2–3 hours is enough to see the main sights between the two central bridges; 4 hours or more lets you go further north or south.

What is the best time for a Bosphorus cruise?

Sunset is the most popular. Mornings are calmer and better for photos in the light; summer days from 10:00 are ideal for swim cruises.

Can we choose our own route?

Yes, within the time you book. Tell us what you would like to see on WhatsApp. The captain makes the final call based on weather, currents and sea traffic.

What should we bring?

A light jacket for the evening (it is windy on the water), sunglasses and sun cream in summer, and swimwear and a towel for swim cruises. Flat shoes are best on deck.

Live availability

See the Bosphorus from your own deck.

Choose your date and tell us the route you'd like on WhatsApp.

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