A love for Istanbul, a tradition of hospitality
Every city has a story. Istanbul’s is one of extraordinary history, rich culture and a location that joins two continents. Ours is a family story that began in this city and lives on in the way we welcome our guests.
The foundations of our family business were laid in Istanbul in 1967. It grew out of travel agency work and tour organisation, and from the start it was built on hospitality, trust and attentive service. Today that heritage continues under the Acetes Travel name, bringing our Istanbul roots together with what travellers expect today.
Who we are today
Acetes Travel is a brand of AST Tourism, a travel agency licensed by TÜRSAB, the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, under licence no. A-805. We are an Istanbul family business, and for generations we have welcomed visitors to the city we grew up in.
Our focus is the Bosphorus. We plan private yacht cruises for couples, families and groups of friends, celebrations from marriage proposals to weddings, and corporate events for companies from around the world, for 10 to 250 guests. We also run shared Bosphorus cruises and guided tours of Istanbul, so that every visitor can see the city from both the water and the land.
Istanbul from a different perspective
Historic landmarks and waterfront palaces, old wooden yalı mansions and lively neighbourhoods: Istanbul offers an extraordinary range of experiences. The Bosphorus, flowing between Europe and Asia, is still the most remarkable of them all.
We help visitors experience it through private Bosphorus yacht cruises, shared sunset and dinner cruises and guided Istanbul tours. Whether you want to explore the city’s heritage or celebrate a special day on the water, our aim is to find the experience that fits your plans.
Every occasion is different. A private cruise, a marriage proposal and a corporate event each need careful planning and attention to detail, so we start by listening to what you need.
What we do
- Private yacht cruises: ten yachts, eight boarding piers and menus prepared on board. See private Bosphorus cruises and our fleet.
- Corporate events: gala dinners, product launches, team building and meetings on the water. See corporate yacht events.
- Celebrations and weddings: proposals, birthdays, anniversaries and receptions. See celebrations and yacht weddings.
- Bosphorus cruises and tours: sunset, dinner and lunch cruises, and guided days in the old city. See Bosphorus cruises and Istanbul tours.
Our values: trust, care and hospitality
The heritage that began in 1967 still shapes the way we work. For us, travel is more than visiting places: it is discovering a culture, sharing an experience and making memories that last long after the journey ends.
That is why we value clear communication, careful planning and a personal approach, whether this is your first visit to Istanbul or your tenth.
How we work
We arrange every cruise directly with our own crews and work with professional, licensed tourist guides. Our menus are prepared fresh, our yachts carry life jackets for adults and children, and fuel and marina fees are always part of your price. We update our tours all the time based on what our guests tell us, and we are happy to build a programme around your own wishes.
Asking for a quote is free: you never need to pay or share card details to get one. Tell us your plan and we reply with a written price, usually within the hour, 24 hours a day.
Building on our heritage, looking to the future
Acetes Travel builds on a family tradition that began in Istanbul and keeps evolving with the way people travel today. Our aim stays the same: to connect our guests with the history, the culture and the extraordinary scenery of the Bosphorus through well-planned experiences.
Every journey is a chance to create a new story. Whether you are exploring Istanbul, celebrating a milestone or enjoying a private cruise along the Bosphorus, we invite you to discover the city with us.
Acetes Travel, a family tradition since 1967. Discover Istanbul. Create your story.
What our guests say
Our guests rate us 4.8 out of 5 from 470 reviews on Tripadvisor. Thank you to everyone who has sailed with us.