Şehir HatlarıOffering the opportunity to cruise the Bosphorus by ferry from sunset into the night, the Moonlight Tours have returned for the 2026 summer season. Organized by Şehir Hatları, the updated ticket prices, departure times, route, and details of the Anadolu Kavağı stopover have been announced.
Istanbul Moonlight Tours 2026 Season Kicks Off
A classic summer evening activity in Istanbul, the Moonlight Tours have started welcoming passengers again for the 2026 season. Operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) subsidiary Şehir Hatları, these excursions provide a chance to witness the historical landmarks and natural beauty of the Bosphorus during a ferry ride that stretches from sunset to late night.
The Şehir Hatları 2026 summer schedule is valid between June 29 and September 6, 2026. During this period, the Moonlight Tours are accompanied by live performances from ferry musicians. This allows passengers to enjoy a musical Bosphorus cruise while taking in Istanbul's night skyline from the water.
Which Days Do the Istanbul Moonlight Tours Operate?
The Istanbul Moonlight Tours operate exclusively on Saturdays. Starting from Bostancı, the cruise calls at various piers on both the Asian and European shores. In addition to the starting point in Bostancı, passengers can also board the ferry at the Kadıköy, Eminönü, Üsküdar, Beşiktaş, and Rumeli Kavağı piers.
According to the current Şehir Hatları route, the ferry follows the Bostancı-Kadıköy-Eminönü-Üsküdar-Beşiktaş-Rumeli Kavağı-Anadolu Kavağı line. Passenger boarding in Kadıköy takes place at the Old Kadıköy Pier (Eski Kadıköy İskelesi).
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes and includes a long stopover in Anadolu Kavağı. Şehir Hatları has set the duration of this break at 2 hours and 25 minutes. During this time, passengers can take a stroll along the waterfront, dine at local restaurants, or explore the surrounding historical sites.