Sunset cruise Without wine
€39 per person
- 2-hour cruise at sunset with a live guide
- Tea, Turkish coffee and cold drinks
- Snack platter: nuts, crackers and fresh fruit
Sunset cruise · Istanbul
Sunset Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul: 2-Hour Yacht Tour
Sail the Bosphorus for two hours as the sun goes down over Istanbul. The yacht passes Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridge and Rumeli Fortress between Europe and Asia, while a live guide tells the stories of the shores. Tea, Turkish coffee, cold drinks and a snack platter are served on board. €39 per person.
- Duration2 hours
- DepartureBefore sunset
- GuideLive, in English
- Pricefrom €39 / person
Photos from the cruise
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Golden hour on deck -
On the bow
Prices and options
Both options include the 2-hour cruise, the live guide, tea, Turkish coffee, cold drinks and the snack platter. The wine option adds 2 glasses of wine per adult for €6 more.
Sunset cruise With wine
€45 per person
- 2-hour cruise at sunset with a live guide
- Tea, Turkish coffee and cold drinks
- Snack platter: nuts, crackers and fresh fruit
- 2 glasses of wine per adult (18+)
Children aged 3–12 pay €39 in both options; wine is served only to adults. Babies aged 0–2 are free.
The cruise, step by step
- 0:00Boarding Find a seat on the open deck or in the sheltered indoor area. Tea, Turkish coffee and cold drinks are served.
- 0:10Palaces on the European shore Dolmabahçe Palace, then Ortaköy Mosque under the Bosphorus Bridge. The guide tells you what you are looking at.
- 0:40Fortresses and mansions Bebek bay, Rumeli Fortress and the old wooden waterside mansions (yalı) in the softening light.
- 1:00Sunset The yacht turns back along the Asian shore and Beylerbeyi Palace as the sun sets behind the European hills.
- 1:30The city lights up Bridges, mosques and the Maiden’s Tower light up for the evening.
- 2:00Back at the pier The cruise ends where it began.
Times are counted from boarding. The departure time moves with the sunset through the year; yours comes with the confirmation.
Between two continents at golden hour
The Bosphorus is the 31-kilometre strait between Europe and Asia, and Istanbul lines both shores. In two hours the yacht covers the classic stretch between the Old City and Rumeli Fortress, so you see both continents from the water without traffic or crowds. The sun sets behind the European shore, and the Asian shore turns gold. On the way you see:
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Ortaköy Mosque
- The Bosphorus Bridge
- Rumeli Fortress
- Beylerbeyi Palace
- The Maiden’s Tower
The boat does not stop at the landmarks. The route can change with the weather, sea traffic and port rules.
Sunset in Istanbul through the year
Summer (June–August)
Sunset between about 19:40 and 20:40, the latest of the year in late June. Warm evenings on the open deck.
Autumn (September–November)
Sunset from about 19:40 in early September to 17:35 at the end of November. Clear skies and soft light, ideal for photos.
Winter (December–February)
Sunset between about 17:35 and 18:50. Bring a warm jacket; the indoor area keeps you sheltered.
Spring (March–May)
Sunset from about 18:50 in early March to 20:30 at the end of May. Mild evenings and the judas trees in bloom along the shore.
Included
- 2-hour shared cruise on the Bosphorus at sunset, on a yacht
- Live guide with commentary in English
- Hot drinks: tea and Turkish coffee
- Cold drinks: iced tea, lemonade, fruit juice and bottled water
- Snack platter: mixed nuts, crackers and fresh fruit
- With the wine option (+€6): 2 glasses of wine per adult
Not included
- Wine, unless you choose the wine option
- Other alcoholic drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (on request, at extra cost)
- Dinner
- Tips
What to bring
- A valid photo ID
- A light jacket or sweater: the wind on the water is cool after sunset
- Comfortable, flat shoes for the deck
- A camera or a charged phone
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Motion sickness tablets, if you need them
Good to know
- This is a shared cruise: you sail with other guests. For a yacht only for your group, see the private yacht tour.
- The departure time follows the sunset, so it changes through the year. We send the exact time, the pier and a map pin with the confirmation.
- Please be at the pier 15–20 minutes before departure. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals.
- A clear sunset depends on the weather and cannot be guaranteed.
- In rain or strong wind, access to the open deck can be limited for safety.
- Children stay with their parents or guardians throughout the cruise.
- Guests with reduced mobility: tell us in advance so we can check boarding.
- Please give an active WhatsApp or phone number when you book.
Questions about the sunset cruise
How much does the sunset Bosphorus cruise cost?
€39 per person. The price includes the 2-hour cruise, a live guide, tea, Turkish coffee, cold drinks and a snack platter. Children from 3 years pay the same price; babies aged 0–2 are free.
What time does the sunset cruise start?
The departure follows the sunset, so it changes with the season. In Istanbul the sun sets at about 17:35 in early December and about 20:40 in late June. We send your exact departure time with the confirmation.
How long is the cruise?
2 hours on the water, from boarding back to the same pier.
Where does the boat leave from?
We send the boarding pier and a map pin with the confirmation. Please be there 15–20 minutes early. A hotel transfer to the pier can be added at extra cost.
Is the sunset cruise private?
No, it is a shared cruise with other guests. If you want the boat only for your group, the private yacht tour costs €120 per hour for the whole yacht, 2 hours minimum.
Is food or alcohol included?
Tea, Turkish coffee, iced tea, lemonade, fruit juice, water and a snack platter are included. With the wine option (€45 instead of €39) you get 2 glasses of wine per adult; other alcohol is not included. For a full dinner with shows, see the Bosphorus dinner cruise.
Which side of the boat is best for the sunset?
The sun sets behind the European shore, so face west for the sunset itself. The Asian shore, with Beylerbeyi Palace, glows in the evening light, which is good for photos too.
Does the boat stop at the landmarks?
No. You see the palaces, mosques, fortresses and bridges from the water while the guide explains them.
What if it is cloudy or rainy?
A clear sunset cannot be guaranteed. The route can change with the weather, and in rain or strong wind the indoor area keeps you sheltered.
How do I book?
Choose the date and the number of guests in the booking form and send it on WhatsApp. We reply with availability, the departure time and the pier.