Tailored Experience by Private Yacht

Üsküdar: Historic neighborhood on the Asian side. It offers the iconic silhouette of historic Istanbul with domes and spires, once the hub for caravans heading to the Holy Land, Mecca and Medina. 

Kuzguncuk: A late-Ottoman era neighborhood with a warm, village-like, bohemian flair, wooden houses, art studios, multi-faith heritage with synagogues, churches, and mosques side by side. 

Ortaköy: Lively and trendy, waterfront promenade with an amazing view of the Bosphorus and the city, cafes, food stalls, local art market. It reflects Istanbul’s diversity, with synagogues, churches, and mosques all standing within a short walk of each other.

Bebek: Chic neighborhood in a distinctly Istanbul style—intimate and without the metropolitan vibe of London or New York. Patisseries, designer cafes and delis, bustling waterfront promenades, boutiques, restaurants line the streets. Make sure to try almond marzipan and its delicious, uniquely Turkish pistachio version. 

Kanlıca: Tranquil neighborhood on Asian shore, famous for its creamy yoghurt topped with powdered sugar, a favorite of Istanbulites. 

Emirgan: It was named after the Persian noble who surrendered to the Ottomans and was awarded this Bosphorus estate. Famous for its large park, which hosts the annual tulip festival in the spring, Ottoman kiosks and home of Sakıp Sabancı Museum. 

Anadolu Kavağı: Laid-back fishing village at the Bosphorus mouth, seafood restaurants and serves as the starting point for the hike up to the Byzantine-Genoese Yoros Castle. 

Dolmabahçe Palace: On the European side of the Bosphorus, this 19th-century residence of the Ottoman Sultans is the most opulent of Istanbul’s palaces, counterpart of Versailles in Istanbul. Today it welcomes visitors as a museum. 

Çırağan Palace: Built in the 19th century as an imperial residence, it serves as a luxury hotel, allowing guests to experience the Ottoman grandeur. You can stop for a break and treat yourself to a refreshment. 

Beylerbeyi Palace: Located on the Asian shore, this elegant summer retreat of the Ottoman imperial family, is now open to the public as a museum. 

Küçüksu Pavilion: The hunting lodge of the Ottoman imperial family, richly decorated in the baroque style. It has been preserved as a museum. 

Rumeli Fortress: Massive 15th-century Ottoman stronghold built to control the Bosphorus. It is in an excellent state of preservation. Today it is open to visitors as a museum. 

Yoros Castle: A Genoese-Byzantine fortress, perched on a hilltop. It offers panoramic views of the Black Sea and the northern mouth of the Bosphorus.  

IstanbulModern: Turkey’s leading modern art museum housed in a landmark Renzo Piano building on the Bosphorus front. 

Sakip Sabanci Museum: former mansion of the late industry giant Sakip Sabanci. It houses the best collection of Ottoman illuminated scripts.

Sadberk Hanım Museum: Turkey’s first private museum, stands out with its ethnography and tile collections. 

Perili Köşk—Haunted Mansion: Striking waterfront mansion with a tower housing a contemporary art collection. Modern art in historic settings. 

Beykoz Shoe Factory and Çubuklu Silos: Formerly industrial, now a cultural hub for exhibitions and art events. 

Golden Horn & Galata Bridge: Iconic grilled fish sandwich.

Beşiktaş: Vegan take on Turkish steak tartare (çiğ köfte), wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.

Karaköy: Baklava, dripping with syrup and pistachios.

Ortaköy: Tea in a tulip-shaped glass. 

Kanlıca: Yogurt, the rustic way: thick, creamy, and dusted with powdered sugar. 

Bebek: Almond marzipan and its pistachio version — a unique Turkish specialty.

Rumeli Fortress: Bosphorus breakfast in the cafés tucked along its walls: spreads of simit, cheeses, olives, and eggs.

Emirgan: Menemen — scrambled eggs with tomato and peppers, and rice pudding, silky and lightly caramelized on top.

Sarıyer: Börek, flaky phyllo pastry filled with meat or cheese, and stuffed mussels.

Anadolu Kavağı: Seafood taverns and the Bosphorus’ most prized catch: bluefish.

Poyrazköy: Catch of the day for lunch—simply grilled and served right by the shore.

Garipçe: Rustic village breakfast with village cheeses, olives, local honey, and bread straight from the oven.

Sea kayaking: on the Asian shores of the Bosphorus, between Küçüksu and Kandilli, in the quieter where Bosphorus is at its quietest.

Swimming: Possible closer to the Black Sea—either in Garipçe, a small scenic bay and fishing harbor, or in the small seaside village of Poyrazköy.