The classic route: Bebek – Maiden's Tower – Bebek
On a 2-hour private Bosphorus cruise, the yacht departs from Bebek, heads south along the European shore, turns at the Maiden's Tower and returns north past the waterfront mansions of the Asian shore. With more time, the route can be extended north of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge to Emirgan and Yeniköy. The 14 stops below are the most photographed sights along the way.
European shore
- Bebek BayOur departure point; with its cafés, waterfront mansions and Bebek Mosque, one of the best-loved bays on the Bosphorus.
- Arnavutköy mansionsHistoric wooden-fronted waterfront mansions, where we pass closest to the shore.
- Ortaköy MosqueRight beside the Bosphorus Bridge, one of the most photographed views in Istanbul.
- Çırağan PalaceOne of the last Ottoman palaces, its white marble facade stretching along the shore.
- Dolmabahçe PalaceWith its long facade facing the Bosphorus and its clock tower, the palace best seen from the water.
- Historic Peninsula skylineOff the Maiden's Tower, the skyline of Topkapı Palace and the Süleymaniye Mosque comes into view.
Asian shore
- Maiden's TowerOn a tiny islet off Üsküdar; the turning point of the cruise and a favorite backdrop for proposal photos.
- Beylerbeyi PalaceThe summer palace on the Asian shore, at the foot of the Bosphorus Bridge.
- Kuleli Military High SchoolThe large twin-towered building on the Çengelköy shore.
- Küçüksu PavilionA small hunting lodge with an ornate facade at the mouth of the Göksu stream.
- Anadolu FortressAt the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, opposite Rumeli Fortress.
Bridges and fortresses
- Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge)With its color-changing lights at night, the most impressive moment of the cruise.
- Rumeli FortressBuilt in 1452, with its walls and towers just north of Bebek.
- Fatih Sultan Mehmet BridgeThe second bridge over the Bosphorus, spanning between Rumeli and Anadolu Fortresses.
Which view at which time?
On daytime cruises the palaces and mansions are at their clearest; midday is ideal for photos. On a sunset cruise, the sun sets behind the Historic Peninsula and the bridges appear in silhouette. On an evening cruise, the bridges, mosques and palaces are lit up; this is the favorite time for a dinner cruise.
We can tailor the route to you: stay between the two bridges, pause in front of the Maiden's Tower for photos, or head north to see the quieter shores of the Bosphorus.
Bosphorus moments
5 photos from our cruises. Click to enlarge.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Bosphorus cruise take?
The classic route between Bebek and the Maiden's Tower takes 2 hours. We recommend 3 hours for dining cruises and 4 hours or more for routes extending north.
Does the yacht stop anywhere during a Bosphorus cruise?
On a private cruise, the captain can slow down or briefly pause in front of the Maiden's Tower or a bridge for photos; we plan the route and stops together with you.
What is the best time of day for a Bosphorus cruise?
Sunset is best for photos, evening for the lights and morning for calm water.
