Sunset Bosphorus cruise

Guests board a private motor yacht or a restored wooden boat at the Karaköy or Kuruçeşme pier about an hour before sunset. The route runs north past Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Rumeli Fortress and the waterfront yalıs of Bebek and Kandilli, as far as the second bridge or, on longer cruises, to Anadolu Kavağı near the Black Sea.

A guide points out landmarks on the way out, then dinner is served at anchor as the light goes: mezes, grilled fish or a meat main and seasonal fruit. Music is kept low enough for conversation, with a DJ or live fasıl trio as an option.

Boats range from 12 to 300 guests; for very large groups, two or three boats sail together and meet mid-route.