Private Cruise with 22m Yacht in Bosphorus Istanbul

Explore Istanbul’s Bosphorus on a Private 22m Yacht

A private cruise on a 22-meter Azimut yacht offers a luxurious way to see Istanbul’s breathtaking Bosphorus. For $710 per group, up to 15 people, this 2-hour journey combines comfort, privacy, and stunning scenery. Departing from Arnavutköy, the tour lets you enjoy an intimate experience with no other guests onboard, making it perfect for special occasions or just a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle.

The itinerary takes you past some of the most iconic sights in Istanbul, including palaces, fortresses, mosques, and bridges, with options to customize your experience with extras like live music, decorations, food, and beverages. The tour’s flexibility and personalized touches set it apart, though it’s worth noting that the tour starts at Arnavutköy and the price excludes alcohol and decorations unless booked separately.

Key Points

• Exclusive private yacht with capacity for up to 15 guests
• Duration of 2 hours on the Bosphorus, with optional extras available
• Starting point is Arnavutköy, with potential additional charges for pickup from other piers
• Passes by historic landmarks like Kucuksu Pavilion, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Rumeli Fortress
• Food and drinks optional, with prices starting at $40 for food and $10 per glass of alcohol
• Customizable experience with table decorations, live music, and photography options

Departing from Arnavutköy for a Private Bosphorus Experience

The tour begins at Arnavutköy, a charming neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere and scenic waterfront. The pickup from this pier is included in the base price, but additional charges apply if you need to be collected from a different location—so it’s best to confirm your pickup details in advance. The meeting point is easy to reach via public transportation, making the start of your cruise straightforward and hassle-free.

Once aboard the luxury Azimut yacht, you immediately notice the Bluetooth music system that sets a relaxed vibe. The private nature of the boat ensures that your group enjoys the views without interruptions or crowding, making this an ideal choice for intimate celebrations or quiet sightseeing.

Cruising Past Iconic Bosphorus Landmarks

During the 2-hour cruise, the yacht drifts along the European and Asian shores, offering panoramic views of palaces, mansions, and mosques. The Kucuksu Pavilion is visible from the sea—an important summer residence of Ottoman Sultans, its elegant structure perfect for photos. The Beylerbeyi Palace, built in the 1860s, is another highlight, located directly under the Bosporus Bridge.

Travel along the Bosphorus Strait provides a unique perspective of Istanbul’s historic sites. The Mosque of Ortaköy, with its distinctive architecture, is visible next to the Ortaköy region, while the Bosphorus Bridge itself offers a dramatic backdrop. As the yacht passes the Rumeli Fortress, built between 1451 and 1452, you get a sense of the area’s medieval past.

The boat can be slowed down for better viewing or photography, allowing ample time to appreciate each sight. This leisurely pace makes the cruise suitable for photography, relaxing conversations, or simply soaking in the scenery.

The Yacht: Comfort and Privacy on the Bosphorus

The 22-meter Azimut yacht is fully private, with no other guests onboard. It features restrooms onboard and offers bottled water for comfort. The Bluetooth music system allows you to set your preferred playlist or enjoy the onboard ambiance. The captain and skipper are professional and focused on ensuring a smooth, safe journey.

The interior and exterior spaces of the yacht are designed for relaxation, with ample deck area for sunbathing or taking photos. The yacht’s luxurious design enhances the overall experience, making the two hours feel like a personalized escape into Istanbul’s scenic waterways.

Customizing Your Bosphorus Cruise with Extra Services

One of the main strengths of this tour is the ability to tailor the experience. Optional extra services include:

• Table decorations, balloons, floral bouquets (starting from $8 per person or $35 for flowers)
• Live music, DJ performances, laser shows, belly dancers to add entertainment
• Delicious food options such as dinner, snacks, or Turkish mezze, starting at $40
• Beverages including champagne, wine, hard liquor, or soft drinks (starting at $10 per glass/soft drinks at $5 per person)
• Photography services to capture your memories
• An English-speaking tour guide for additional insights (starting from $60)

These extras turn a simple boat ride into a personalized celebration or special event, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or romantic outings.

Flexibility with Stopover and Route Options

The itinerary includes passing by several key sites such as Kucuksu Pavilion, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ortaköy, Bosphorus Bridge, and Rumeli Fortress. The cruise is primarily a pass-by experience, offering views from the water rather than stops on land. If desired, the captain can slow down to give you more time to admire or photograph certain landmarks.

The end of the tour returns to Arnavutköy, completing a scenic loop along the Bosphorus. The flexibility to request additional time or specific viewpoints makes this cruise adaptable to your interests.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The meeting point is located at Bebek Arnavutköy Cd No:62, Beşiktaş, Istanbul, easily accessible via public transportation. The tour includes all fees and taxes, with bottled water provided onboard. The activity is suitable for most travelers, with a minimum age of 18 for alcohol consumption.

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellations up to 24 hours prior; beyond that, refunds are not available. The tour depends on good weather, and bad weather may lead to rescheduling or full refunds.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The private nature of the yacht ensures exclusivity and intimacy, perfect for those seeking a peaceful, personalized experience. The luxury Azimut yacht offers comfort and style, while the customizable extras let you create a memorable occasion. The two-hour duration strikes a good balance between seeing key sights and enjoying a relaxed pace.

The positive review highlights the ease of communication and accommodating nature of the tour operator, with Basak being specifically noted for her helpfulness. The stunning views and quality of service make this cruise a compelling choice if you want a private, scenic escape on the Bosphorus.

Private Bosphorus Yacht Tour: A Sophisticated Way to See Istanbul

This private cruise delivers a high-end experience that combines luxury, privacy, and scenic beauty. It’s an excellent option for those who value comfort and personalized service over large tour groups. The flexibility to add food, drinks, and entertainment makes it ideal for celebrating special moments or simply enjoying a tranquil day on the water.

While the price might seem steep for some, the exclusivity and tailored experience justify the investment for those seeking a memorable, luxurious day in Istanbul. The pass-by route offers plenty of opportunities for photography and admiration of the city’s waterfront architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The $710 fee covers the private yacht rental, captain, skipper, all taxes, bottled water, and restroom use onboard. Extras such as food, drinks, decorations, or guides are available at additional costs.

Can I customize the experience with decorations or entertainment?
Yes, you can add flower bouquets, table decorations, balloons, live music, DJ performances, laser shows, and belly dancers. These extras have specific starting prices and should be booked in advance.

Where does the cruise depart from?
The main departure point is Arnavutköy, with an address at Bebek Arnavutköy Cd No:62, Beşiktaş. Pickup from other piers incurs extra charges.

Is there a minimum age for alcohol consumption?
Yes, the minimum age is 18 years for drinking alcohol onboard.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise duration is approximately 2 hours, which provides ample time to enjoy the scenery and landmarks.

Are meals included in the base price?
No, meals are not included in the standard package; they start from $40 if you choose to add food such as dinner or snacks.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour depends on good weather conditions. If canceled due to weather, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

Can the boat slow down at certain landmarks?
Yes, you can request the captain to slow down for better viewing or photography opportunities at specific sites.

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
The private yacht accommodates up to 15 guests, making it ideal for small groups, celebrations, or intimate gatherings.

How do I book this experience?
Bookings are available through the provided platform, with the confirmation received immediately upon reservation. It’s advisable to confirm all details, including pickup and any extras, beforehand.

This private Bosphorus cruise on a luxury yacht offers a refined way to enjoy Istanbul’s scenic waterway with personalized options, ensuring a memorable day on the water.