The waterfront mansions of the Bosphorus
A yalı is a waterfront mansion built right at the edge of the Bosphorus, so close that the water laps at its walls. For three centuries Ottoman pashas, diplomats and wealthy families built their summer homes along both shores, and the most beautiful of them still stand today: painted wooden mansions, marble palaces and elegant Art Nouveau villas. The best way to see them is from the water, the way they were designed to be seen.
On a private Bosphorus mansions cruise your yacht sails close to the shore, slowly, so you can admire every façade and stop for photos. A guide can join you in any language to tell the stories of the families who lived here. Chips, nuts and soft drinks are complimentary on this tour, and you can add drinks, snacks or a full meal.
We recommend 2 or 3 hours; 3 hours is ideal for a comfortable cruise along both shores. As a TURSAB-licensed Istanbul agency, we arrange every private cruise directly with our own crews. Before you go, read about the palaces and pavilions of Istanbul.
Mansions cruise highlights
- Close to the shoreSlow sailing along both shores, so you see every mansion up close.
- A guide in your languageOn request, a guide tells the stories behind the façades.
- Palaces and yalısDolmabahçe, Çırağan and Beylerbeyi, and the finest yalıs of both shores.
- Snacks and soft drinks on usChips, nuts and soft drinks are complimentary on this tour.
- With or without a mealAdd drinks, snacks or a full menu, as you like.
- Only your group on boardA private yacht with captain and crew, for 10 to 250 guests.
Famous yalıs you will see
On a three-hour cruise you can see these mansions, along with many others whose stories your guide can tell:
- Esma Sultan Mansion, OrtaköyA 19th-century brick waterfront mansion beside Ortaköy; after a fire only its walls remained, and today it is an event venue.
- The Egyptian Consulate, BebekAn Art Nouveau mansion built in the early 1900s for the mother of the last Khedive of Egypt, one of the most elegant buildings on the shore.
- Sait Halim Pasha Yalı, YeniköyA 19th-century mansion known for the two stone lions that guard its waterfront.
- Amcazade Hüseyin Pasha Yalı, AnadoluhisarıBuilt in 1699, the oldest surviving yalı on the Bosphorus; only its sea-facing hall still stands.
- Kıbrıslı Yalı, KandilliAn 18th-century wooden mansion with one of the longest waterfront façades on the Bosphorus.
- Sadullah Pasha Yalı, ÇengelköyA rust-red wooden yalı from the 18th century, one of the classic images of the Asian shore.
- Fethi Ahmed Pasha Yalı, KuzguncukThe "Pink Mansion", one of the oldest yalıs on the Asian shore, easy to spot by its colour.
Who a mansions cruise is perfect for
- Private Bosphorus Yacht CruiseA classic cruise at any time of day
- Private Sunset Yacht CruiseSee the mansions at golden hour
- Private Lunch CruiseAdd a long lunch on board
- Corporate Yacht PartyA cultural outing for your guests
- Anniversary Yacht CruiseAn elegant afternoon for two
The mansions route
The yacht sails north along the European shore past the palaces and yalıs of Ortaköy, Bebek and Yeniköy, then returns slowly along the Asian shore past Anadoluhisarı, Kandilli, Çengelköy and Kuzguncuk. Tap the map to explore the landmarks on the way.
On the way you pass Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, the Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace and the Maiden's Tower. See the full route map and all the landmarks.
On a two-hour cruise the yacht usually turns at Rumeli Fortress; with three hours you can continue to Yeniköy and see more of the Asian shore on the way back. Tell the captain whenever you want to slow down for photos.
Yachts for your mansions cruise
For a sightseeing cruise you want open decks with good views of the shore. All five of our yachts have them, along with a closed saloon for cooler days; for a big group, choose a larger yacht such as Majesty or Crescent Star. Tap a yacht to see more photos.
Our flagship
White Istanbul
24 m · up to 77 guests
Made for celebrations
Crescent Star
24 m · up to 130 guests
Our largest yacht
Majesty
44 m · up to 200 guests
Heated on both decks
Blue Wave
23 m · up to 60 guests
Brand new for 2026
Sea Fairy
22 m · up to 55 guests
Classic and elegant
Ocean Breeze
21 m · up to 40 guests
Sleek and sporty
Riviera
22 m · up to 20 guests
Two decks, heated saloon
Blue Horizon
18 m · up to 12 guests
Intimate and cosy
Azure
16.5 m · up to 12 guests
Tell us your group size and whether you want a guide, and we suggest the right yacht with your quote. See all our yachts
Snacks, drinks and menus
On this tour, chips, nuts and soft drinks are complimentary. You can add alcoholic or soft drinks, a snack platter or a full meal from the menus below, or ask for a menu made for your group.
On board
Our yacht menus
Swipe to see all menus →
Turkish breakfast on the morning water
Breakfast Menu
A long, Turkish-style brunch at sea
Brunch Menu
Freshly baked bites for an afternoon cruise
Snack Menu
Party food for a standing reception
Cocktail Menu
Turkish favourites, bite-sized
Finger Food Menu
A relaxed dinner under the lights
Chicken Dinner Menu
Steak dinner on the Bosphorus
Meat Dinner Menu
Seasonal fish from the Turkish seas
Fish Dinner Menu
Prefer something else? Our private chef can prepare any menu you like: halal, vegetarian, vegan, children's meals or a dinner designed around your occasion. Menus can be combined for larger groups, and alcoholic drinks are available as an extra.
What is included in your mansions cruise
Included
- Private yacht for your group only
- Licensed captain and professional crew
- Chips, nuts and soft drinks (complimentary on this tour)
- Slow sailing close to the shore for photos
- Fuel and marina fees
Not included
- Guide in your language (optional)
- Alcoholic drinks (optional)
- Food menus (optional)
- Hotel transfer (optional)
- Tips for the crew
Make your mansions cruise special
Add any of these to your cruise. We arrange everything in advance, so it is ready when you come on board.
- A professional guide in any language
- Wine, champagne or cocktails
- A snack, cocktail or finger food menu
- Lunch or dinner on board
- Photographer
- Private transfer from your hotel
Mansions cruise prices: what affects your quote
A private mansions cruise has no fixed price, because the yacht, the length of the cruise and your extras change the cost. Your quote is based on five things:
- The yacht: size and capacity
- Duration: 2 or 3 hours, with 3 hours recommended
- Date and time: weekends, summer evenings and holidays are busiest
- Group size: number of adults and children
- Food, drinks and extras: what you add to the cruise
You receive a written price with any guide, drinks or food clearly listed, and fuel and marina fees always included.
Meeting points for your mansions cruise
Choose the pier closest to your hotel. We board from eight piers along the Bosphorus:
- European shoreKaraköy · Kabataş · Beşiktaş · Kuruçeşme · Arnavutköy · Bebek
- Asian shoreKuleli · Beylerbeyi
We send the exact pier with a map pin when you book.
What our guests say about our cruises
468 reviews on Tripadvisor
Read all reviews“Very nice and friendly staff. Thank you!”
M A · September 2026
Sunset Cruise with Wine on a Luxury Yacht
“Fantastic tour. Guides were incredible. Service was great. Highly recommend.”
Patrick M · September 2026
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise
“it was a great tour. We were very satisfied. reliable tourism business.”
558beyza_ · April 2023
Acetes Travel
Reviews from Tripadvisor, shown as written by guests.
Booking and cancellation terms
- At booking30% advance payment confirms your yacht
- 48 hours beforeThe remaining 70% is due
- 7+ days beforeCancel for a full refund of the advance
- Under 7 daysThe advance payment is not refundable
- Under 3 days100% of the tour price is due
Payment, cancellation and weather terms for all private tours are on one page: Read the full cancellation terms
Mansions cruise FAQ
What is a yalı?
A yalı is a historic waterfront mansion built at the very edge of the Bosphorus. Most were built between the 18th and early 20th centuries as summer homes for Ottoman pashas, diplomats and wealthy families.
How long is the mansions cruise?
We recommend 2 or 3 hours. Three hours is ideal for a comfortable cruise along both shores.
Can we have a guide?
Yes. A guide can join you in any language to tell the stories of the mansions and palaces. Let us know the language when you ask for a quote.
Are food and drinks included?
Chips, nuts and soft drinks are complimentary on this tour. You can add alcoholic drinks, snacks or a full meal.
Can we go inside the mansions?
Most yalıs are private homes, so they are seen from the water. That is also the best view, as they were built to face the sea.
Is this cruise good for photos?
Yes. The yacht sails slowly and close to the shore, and the captain can slow down whenever you want to take photos. Late afternoon light is especially beautiful.
Where does the yacht pick us up?
From a central pier on the European or Asian shore: Karaköy, Kabataş, Beşiktaş, Kuruçeşme, Arnavutköy, Bebek, Kuleli or Beylerbeyi. Boarding at Kuruçeşme is included; boarding at any other pier adds one hour of yacht time to your quote. We send the exact pier with a map pin when you book.
Why is there no price on this page?
The price depends on the yacht, the date, the length of the cruise, your group size and what you would like to eat and drink. Send us your plan and we reply with a written quote, usually within the hour.
Can we cancel or change the date?
Cancel at least 7 days before your cruise and your advance payment is refunded in full. Within 7 days the advance payment is not refundable, and within 3 days the full tour price is due. See our private tour cancellation terms.
