A sunset cruise on the Bosphorus is a completely different, calm and at the same time dazzling Istanbul will open before you. A boat tour of Istanbul is the best option between hiking through the city to relax and dive into the embrace of the city. The magnificent strait, surrounded by the city’s main attractions, is especially mesmerizing in the rays of the setting sun.
Evening hours, especially during the warm season, are very popular with locals and visitors alike. If you are planning to take a sunset stroll on the Bosphorus, take advantage of advance reservations.
Istanbul cruise
When you’ve already walked around almost all of Sultanahmet, been enchanted by the grandeur of the Blue Mosque and the Ayia Sofia, and even haggled in the Grand Bazaar, allow yourself a break from the long marathons on foot and slow down in the moment, feeling the barely perceptible breath of the city.
And Istanbul has it all. To understand its mysterious soul and to get to the heart of it, you need to take a tour of the Bosphorus at sunset. Listening to the murmur of the water and the cries of the thundering seagulls, with a cup of hot tea on board a private yacht and admiring the views of the sleeping metropolis is the dream of every romantic. And everyone becomes a dreamy and romantic person in Istanbul, because it does not leave anyone indifferent.
The Charm of the Bosphorus
The Bosphorus Strait is the artery of Istanbul and an important shipping route not only for Turkey, but also for the whole world. The length of the strait is about 30 km, its beginning is from the Galata Bridge. It connects the Black Sea with the Marmara Sea, and ship traffic never ends here. Here you can see the huge cruise ships and steamships, small fishing boats and luxury yachts.
A sunset cruise on the Bosphorus is perfect for a romantic date, birthday, anniversary, proposal, or other important event among family and friends. Celebrate a special occasion on a personal yacht in the warm glow of the sunset, watching the ball of fire hiding behind the 7 hills of Istanbul. It’s something to remember for a lifetime and sometimes only happens once.
Walking on the Bosphorus at sunset: general information
- The yachts are conveniently located at the Haliç pier and your adventure starts from there
- Sunset cruise on the Bosphorus is available all year round
- Free shuttle service can pick you up from many central destinations or hotels and then take you back
- Sailing on a private yacht for 2 hours
- Maximum capacity of the yacht is 12-13 people
- All tours on the Bosphorus are fully secured
- Sunset cruise on the Bosphorus assumes a small number of guests, so the tour can be said to be individual and limited
- A yacht tour in Istanbul in the company of a boat owner with years of experience, who will not make you feel bored and will tell you many interesting stories
- Free drinks, fresh fruit, snacks and sweets will be provided
- You can bring your own food and drinks or entrust the entire organization to the company, writing on the reservation
- A warm welcome and excellent service is guaranteed
What time does the sunset walk on the Bosphorus begin?
The Bosphorus sunset walk takes place at different times of the year. So, for example, to get a better idea of booking times, it is better to take the tour:
November-February – the evening boat tour starts at 4:30 p.m. (ends at 6:30 p.m.)
March-April and September-October – sunset cruise starts at 5:30 pm (ends at 7:30 pm)
May-August – evening boat tour starts at 19:00 (ends at 21:00).
Sunset Bosporus tour program
The boat tour starts from Eminenu Halic pier. You will see the elegant mosques and palaces of the 19th century. The front doors of the palaces face the sea. From these gates you could see the mesmerizing view of the Bosphorus for centuries before the eyes of the sultans. Now you can see this grandeur with your own eyes.
Be sure to sail under the two bridges: the Bosphorus Bridge and the Sultan Mehmet Fatih Bridge, which connect Asia and Europe. Did you know that the Bosphorus Suspension Bridge is the ninth longest bridge in the world? It is especially beautiful in the evening at sunset and in the lights. Make a wish under the bridge and it will definitely come true 🙂 .
Moreover, you will see such iconic sights as the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Baroque Ortaköy Mosque, the Maiden’s Tower, the Rumeli Fortress and much more, and all these views just for you, without crowds of tourists and waiting.
Also Read: 9 Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises: Prices & Online Booking
A sunset stroll along the Bosphorus – what is included in the price:
- Modern motor yachts
- Complimentary shuttle service from and to central hotels on the European side
- English speaking captain and crew
- Complimentary tea, coffee and other soft drinks
- Fruit, sweets and snacks
- Istanbul’s best photo locations
- And of course, breathtaking sunsets
Yachting tours in Istanbul
Only when you see firsthand the richness of history of a city incredible in every aspect, which has experienced many events and wars, will you understand the admiration of others. A yacht tour Istanbul will give you a gamut of impressions that you will keep in your memory with awe and warmth for years to come 🙂
By the way, Istanbul is also attractive by the fact that you can easily get to almost any corner of the world. So if you get tired of the bustle of the metropolis, Turkey has prepared for you a lot of unique routes. For example, go to a fabulous place where the balloons of Cappadocia excites the imagination, and a tour on horseback gives a real spirit of freedom!