Discover the enchanting flavors of Turkish viticulture on a luxurious private yacht in Istanbul. This exclusive experience whisks you away from the bustling city streets to an intimate setting where you’ll savor four local wines guided by a professional sommelier. As you sip and swirl, you’ll also indulge in a delectable cheese platter while taking in the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait and iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia. Unwind in the tranquility of the open waters and prepare to be captivated by the interplay of taste, sight, and atmosphere.
Key Points
- Guests can enjoy a 2.5-hour wine tasting experience hosted by a professional sommelier on a private yacht cruising along the Bosphorus Strait.
- The activity includes sampling four local quality wines and a cheese platter, providing an intimate and exclusive setting to experience Istanbul’s viticultural heritage.
- The private yacht offers breathtaking views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, with a dedicated photo stop.
- The centralized pickup locations in Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, and Karaköy districts make it convenient for visitors to join the experience.
- The package includes hotel pickup, private yacht access, sommelier-led wine tasting, and a scenic Bosphorus cruise, with gratuities and hotel drop-off excluded.
Activity Details
The wine tasting activity on the private yacht lasts for 2.5 hours and is hosted by a professional sommelier.
During this private experience, guests will sample four local quality wines.
To complement the wine tasting, a cheese platter featuring local cheeses and jams will be served.
The activity provides an intimate and exclusive setting, allowing participants to fully enjoy the flavors and aromas of the curated selection.
With the yacht’s scenic Bosphorus backdrop, this wine tasting promises to be a truly memorable and luxurious experience for those seeking a unique way to indulge their palates and appreciate the city’s rich winemaking heritage.
Location and Pickup
For the wine tasting experience, guests can be picked up from their hotels located in the Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, or Karaköy districts.
The yacht’s pickup point is situated in Galata port, providing a convenient access point for participants. This ensures a seamless start to the journey, as guests are transported directly to the vessel for the private wine tasting event.
The centralized pickup locations make it easy for visitors staying in these popular Istanbul neighborhoods to join the experience.
With the yacht docked in Galata port, guests can look forward to an immersive Bosphorus cruise and wine tasting set against the stunning backdrop of the city’s iconic landmarks.
Itinerary
The 2-hour scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait is the highlight of the itinerary, offering guests breathtaking views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.
Following this, the tour includes a 30-minute photo stop, providing an opportunity to capture memorable moments against the picturesque backdrop.
Throughout the journey, you will witness the passing of the main sites and other notable attractions along the Bosphorus.
The itinerary includes:
- 2-hour scenic trip on the Bosphorus Strait
- 30-minute photo stop
- Passing by major sites and other attractions
This immersive experience allows guests to soak in the beauty of Istanbul from the comfort of a private yacht, making it a truly luxurious and unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Topping the list of highlights is the private yacht experience, providing guests with an intimate and exclusive setting to savor the delights of the luxury wine tasting.
Hosted by a professional sommelier, guests can expect to taste four local quality wines, each carefully selected to complement the cheese platter featuring local cheeses and jams.
The scenic Bosphorus trip offers breathtaking views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, and the photo stop allows guests to capture the stunning scenery.
With the private yacht, private sommelier, and curated wine and cheese experience, this luxury tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in the finest aspects of Istanbul’s vibrant wine culture.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the luxury wine tasting experience are hotel pickup, private yacht access, a private sommelier, the wine tasting itself, and coffee or tea. However, gratuities and hotel drop-off are excluded from the package.
This exclusive experience offers several key inclusions:
- Private yacht access for a scenic Bosphorus cruise
- A private sommelier to guide the wine tasting
- Tasting of 4 local quality wines
- A cheese platter with local cheeses and jams
While the package covers the core elements, guests will need to account for additional expenses like gratuities and transportation back to their hotel. This ensures the experience is tailored to each individual’s preferences and budget.
Yacht Experience
Guests embark on a private yacht for a scenic 2-hour cruise along the iconic Bosphorus Strait, offering breathtaking views of Istanbul’s skyline and historic sites.
The yacht provides an intimate and exclusive setting for the private wine tasting experience.
A professional sommelier leads the tasting, guiding guests through four carefully selected local wines.
As the yacht glides along the Bosphorus, guests savor the wines accompanied by a delectable cheese platter featuring local specialties.
This private yacht experience allows guests to enjoy the city’s stunning waterfront in a refined and luxurious manner, creating a truly memorable moment during their time in Istanbul.
Sommelier-led Tasting
A professional sommelier guides guests through a tasting of four carefully curated local wines, imparting their expertise on the region’s unique varietals and flavor profiles. The sommelier’s passion and deep knowledge bring the wines to life, allowing passengers to fully appreciate the nuances of each pour.
The sommelier provides detailed tasting notes, describing the wines’ aromas, textures, and harmonious pairings with the artisanal cheeses and jams served alongside.
Guests are encouraged to engage in thoughtful discussions, asking questions and sharing their own impressions, fostering a convivial atmosphere of wine exploration.
Through the sommelier’s guidance, passengers gain a newfound understanding and appreciation for Turkish viticulture, setting the stage for a truly memorable Bosphorus adventure.
Bosphorus Views
The private yacht’s Bosphorus journey affords guests breathtaking panoramas of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and historical sites. As the yacht glides along the strait, passengers are treated to stunning views of the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace.
The city’s European and Asian sides come into view, showcasing the unique blend of cultures that define Istanbul. During the 30-minute photo stop, guests can capture the Bosphorus’ serene beauty and document their luxurious experience.
Throughout the scenic trip, the professional sommelier is on hand to share insights about the region’s rich winemaking history and the carefully selected vintages being sampled. This one-of-a-kind experience immerses guests in the enchanting sights and flavors of Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Wine on Board?
No, you cannot bring your own wine on board. The wine tasting is a private event hosted by a professional sommelier, and they provide the wines for the tasting. Outside alcohol is not permitted.
Are Children Allowed to Participate in the Tasting?
No, children are not allowed to participate in the wine tasting. The activity is specifically designed for adults and is not suitable for minors. The wines served during the tasting are for adults only.
What Is the Dress Code for the Yacht Experience?
The dress code for the yacht experience is smart casual. Guests should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and non-slip closed-toe shoes. There’s no need for formal attire, but looking presentable is recommended.
Can I Purchase Additional Wines After the Tasting?
Yes, guests can purchase additional wines after the tasting. The sommelier will be available throughout the experience to facilitate any wine purchases beyond the 4 wines included in the package.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
Yes, there’s an option to extend the duration of the tour. Guests can discuss this with the tour provider and arrange for additional time on the yacht, which would incur an additional fee.
Recap
This exclusive wine tasting experience on a private yacht offers a chance to savor the flavors of Turkish viticulture while taking in the iconic sights of Istanbul’s waterfront.
Guided by a professional sommelier, guests can enjoy a selection of local quality wines paired with a delectable cheese platter, all while cruising along the scenic Bosphorus.
It’s a truly luxurious and intimate way to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.