Istanbul Workshops
    HomeOur Story
    Workshops
    Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop
    Perfume Making Workshop
    Traditional Stained Glass Painting Workshop
    Chocolate Making Workshop
    Turkish Coffee Making & Fortune Telling Workshop
    Ebru Tote Bag Art Workshop
    Turkish Illumination Art Workshop
    Traditional Turkish Calligraphy Workshop
    View All Workshops →
    Events
    Bosphorus Canoe Experience via Maiden's Tower
    Whirling Dervishes Ceremony at a Real Mevlevihane
    Anatolian Tasting Journey
    See All Events →
    GuestbookCertificate
    Get in Touch →
    TurkeyIstanbulThings to do
    Two smiling women raise their paddles in an orange tandem kayak by Maiden's Tower, canoeing on the Bosphorus, Istanbul
    Two smiling women raise their paddles in an orange tandem kayak by Maiden's Tower, canoeing on the Bosphorus, Istanbul
    Red and yellow sea kayaks on the shore at sunset before a Bosphorus kayaking trip in Istanbul.
    Three smiling paddlers in a green kayak on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, the Maiden's Tower behind
    Two kayakers paddle a blue tandem across the Bosphorus at sunset in Istanbul, a ferry in the distance
    Two paddlers in an orange kayak on the Bosphorus at sunset near Istanbul's Maiden's Tower

    Bosphorus Canoe Experience via Maiden's Tower

    New
    5 / 5

    Bosphorus Canoe Experience via Maiden's Tower

    New
    5 / 5
    Two smiling women raise their paddles in an orange tandem kayak by Maiden's Tower, canoeing on the Bosphorus, Istanbul
    Two smiling women raise their paddles in an orange tandem kayak by Maiden's Tower, canoeing on the Bosphorus, Istanbul
    Red and yellow sea kayaks on the shore at sunset before a Bosphorus kayaking trip in Istanbul.
    Three smiling paddlers in a green kayak on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, the Maiden's Tower behind
    Two kayakers paddle a blue tandem across the Bosphorus at sunset in Istanbul, a ferry in the distance
    Two paddlers in an orange kayak on the Bosphorus at sunset near Istanbul's Maiden's Tower

    Between two continents, one hour on the water, You know Istanbul, but seeing the Bosphorus from water level, with the sound of your paddle and the seagulls, is something else entirely. Paddling out from the Uskudar shore, you glide right up to the legendary Maiden's Tower and take in the city's timeless skyline from a brand-new angle, right between Europe and Asia. No experience needed: this journey begins with a short safety briefing and ends as an unforgettable memory.

    Once in a lifetime

    Guests say it's special and unique.

    Up to 1 hour

    This activity lasts about 1 hour

    Languages

    English, Turkish

    Reserve Now & Pay Later

    Secure your spot and pay at the venue

    Cancellation flexibility

    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance

    Away from the city's noise

    Guests say it's a peaceful, calming escape.

    Experience

    On the water, between two continents, This is much more than an ordinary boat tour. With your own paddle, at your own rhythm, you glide across the calm waters of the Bosphorus. No phone, no traffic, no crowds; just you, the paddle and Istanbul's incomparable skyline.

    The journey begins with a warm welcome at the meeting point. Even if you've never paddled before, there's nothing to worry about: after a short, easy-to-follow safety and paddling lesson, you put on your life jacket and settle into your canoe. Within a few minutes, you're out on the Bosphorus.

    Your expert guide stays with you throughout, sharing the legends behind the Maiden's Tower and the stories of the Bosphorus, and pointing out the perfect moments for photos. As the sun sets behind centuries-old palaces and ferries glide between two continents, you capture that unforgettable shot. After about a 50-minute paddling session, you return to the starting point and savor the moment over a warm cup of Turkish tea.

    By the end of the day, you won't have simply paddled in Istanbul; you'll have experienced the city you know from an angle you've never seen, right from the water.

    Highlights

    • Unbeatable, water-level views, a paddle's distance from the Maiden's Tower
    • One hour on the Bosphorus, right between Europe and Asia
    • Beginner-friendly, safe canoe session that requires no experience
    • Photo break with the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace skyline
    • Expert guide sharing the legends of the Bosphorus and the Maiden's Tower
    • Small, intimate group of up to 10 people
    • Traditional Turkish tea after the session

    What's Included

    Equipment

    • 50-minute guided Bosphorus canoe session
    • Safety briefing and basic paddling instruction
    • Canoe (single/double), paddles and life jacket
    • One small dry bag per canoe
    • Turkish tea after the session

    Where we will meet

    Salacak Su Ürünleri Kooperatifi

    Open in Maps

    Salacak Mahallesi, Harem Sahil Yolu Caddesi, Salacak Balıkçı Barınağı No:1 Üsküdar/İstanbul.

    S.S. Üsküdar Su Ürünleri Kooperatifi is a small, traditional harbor hosting local fishing boats, located on the Salacak coastline in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, directly facing the historic Maiden’s Tower. Offering an unobstructed, panoramic view of the Bosphorus, its easy sea access and relatively sheltered structure from strong currents make it one of the most popular and strategic launching points for water sports like canoeing in Istanbul.

    $0person

    Free cancellation

    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

    Secure your spot

    Reserve now and pay at the venue

    Bosphorus Canoe Experience via Maiden's Tower

    Liked what you read? Book your spot today.

    $25person

    What our guests said about Istanbul Workshops

    Real reviews from our guests across our experiences in Istanbul.

    M

    Molly

    United Kingdom·June 9, 2026
    5.0
    It was so so fun! Loved the communication beforehand and Bahar came to pick us up and guide us to the workshop from a meeting point which was very easy to find (and paid for our travel!). We were greeted very warmly by everyone once we arrived and served snacks and drinks. Zanib who ran our workshop was a delight. So knowledgeable and fun to interact with. Getting to smell so many scents and really being able to choose something unique to you was amazing and if in any doubt Zanib was there to offer her excellent guidance. I would recommend this to anyone even remotely interested in making perfume or even just looking to fill a couple of hours.
    G

    GetYourGuide traveler

    Germany·June 9, 2026
    5.0
    I had a great time and the perfume is a nice souvenir to take home. The guide was great, the place is very cute and comfortable, we got tea, coffee and some snacks for free. Would 100% recommend!
    A

    Alexis

    United States·June 8, 2026
    5.0
    Loved this activity making the lamp. A perfect keepsake to bring home. The girls in the shop were lovely! The snacks weren’t much, so don’t plan on skipping any meals. But the tea and coffee was very good. The lamp is the important part, and absolutely wonderful!
    Tripster logo, a booking partner of Istanbul Workshops craft experiences
    Viator logo, a booking partner of Istanbul Workshops craft experiences
    Bucketlist logo, a partner platform for Istanbul Workshops experiences
    GetYourGuide logo, a booking partner of Istanbul Workshops craft experiences
    Airbnb logo, a booking partner of Istanbul Workshops craft experiences
    Cookly logo, a booking partner of Istanbul Workshops cooking and craft classes
    Tripadvisor logo, a review partner of Istanbul Workshops craft experiences
    Tripster logo, a booking partner of Istanbul Workshops craft experiences
    Viator logo, a booking partner of Istanbul Workshops craft experiences
    Bucketlist logo, a partner platform for Istanbul Workshops experiences
    GetYourGuide logo, a booking partner of Istanbul Workshops craft experiences
    Airbnb logo, a booking partner of Istanbul Workshops craft experiences
    Cookly logo, a booking partner of Istanbul Workshops cooking and craft classes
    Tripadvisor logo, a review partner of Istanbul Workshops craft experiences

    Other workshops & events you might like

    Maker pours colorful glass grains into a lamp globe at a Turkish mosaic lamp workshop in Istanbul
    ISTANBUL CLASSIC

    Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop

    Experience the creation of a beautiful Turkish mosaic lamp under the guidance of expert artisans in a hands-on workshop. Learn about the craft and enjoy Turkish delicacies as you craft your lamp.

    Learn More — Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop
    A dervish bows with arms crossed as others whirl behind, Sufi sema ceremony in Istanbul.
    LIVE PERFORMANCE

    Whirling Dervishes Ceremony at a Real Mevlevihane

    Experience the 800-year-old Mukabele ceremony at Kasımpaşa Mevlevihanesi. Istanbul's hidden Mevlevi lodge, founded in the 1620s. A living tradition, not a show.

    Learn More — Whirling Dervishes Ceremony at a Real Mevlevihane
    Selecting fragrance essences from amber bottles at an Istanbul perfume-making workshop
    TIMELESS

    Perfume Making Workshop

    Join expert perfumers to create your own signature perfume from a palette of over 50 premium ingredients. Learn the secrets of fragrance composition and leave with a personalized perfume that's uniquely yours.

    Learn More — Perfume Making Workshop
    Tasting a plated Anatolian dish on the Anatolian Tasting Journey in Istanbul
    TASTING EXPERIENCE

    Anatolian Tasting Journey

    Your culinary journey begins with a refreshing homemade peach mocktail, setting the stage for the plates to come. This is not just a dinner; it is a story of Anatolian heritage, told through a progression of seven exquisite courses.

    Learn More — Anatolian Tasting Journey
    Reading the grounds in a Turkish coffee cup at an Istanbul coffee fortune-telling workshop
    TRADITIONAL

    Turkish Coffee Making & Fortune Telling Workshop

    Discover the art of Turkish coffee making and fortune telling in our engaging workshop. Learn to cook rich Turkish coffee under expert guidance, and delve into the tradition of reading coffee grounds

    Learn More — Turkish Coffee Making & Fortune Telling Workshop
    Hand-painting a colourful floral stained glass panel at an Istanbul stained glass workshop
    HANDCRAFTED

    Traditional Stained Glass Painting Workshop

    Step into the world of stained glass painting in a hands on stained glass workshop. Dive into the local community, learn from skilled artists, create a beautiful piece, and taste Turkish snacks.

    Learn More — Traditional Stained Glass Painting Workshop
    Painting a black ink design at an Istanbul brass-framed calligraphy workshop
    MASTER'S CRAFT

    Traditional Turkish Calligraphy Workshop

    Explore the elegant art of Turkish calligraphy with master calligraphers. Learn traditional writing techniques and create beautiful pieces using authentic tools and methods.

    Learn More — Traditional Turkish Calligraphy Workshop
    Handmade leather wallet and card holders crafted at an Istanbul leather workshop
    OLD-WORLD CRAFT

    Leather Crafting Workshop

    Create a unique & lasting memory of Istanbul! Join our fun, hands-on leather crafting workshop and make your very own quality leather good to take home. No experience needed!

    Learn More — Leather Crafting Workshop
    See all WorkshopsSee all Events

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Got a question? We're here to answer! If you don't see your question here, contact with us directly on our Contact Page →

    What language is the workshop in?

    Open sessions run in English and Turkish. The guide moves with each guest as needed. A private session can be set fully in English or fully in Turkish. Other tongues are open on request with a guide who covers them on some dates.

    What should I wear to a workshop?

    Wear something casual you do not mind a small mark on. Aprons are provided for crafts that can stain. Closed shoes are best for sessions with sharp tools or glass. No formal dress code beyond that simple guidance.

    How long does a workshop typically last?

    Most workshops run two to three hours from start to finish. A short demo and a wrap-up sit on either side of the build phase. You leave with the piece you made. Add buffer for travel to the meeting point.

    Check for more questions

    PARTNER PROGRAM

    Are you an Agency?

    Partner with us to offer exclusive activities and broaden your market while providing unique activities.

    Get Started

    Are you a Content Creator?

    Broaden your content spectrum, enhance your audience's experience while earning.

    Get Started
    Istanbul Workshops

    Authentic Turkish cultural & craft experiences in the heart of Istanbul.

    Explore

    • Workshops
    • Events
    • Our Story
    • Blog
    • Guestbook
    • Certificate
    • Contact

    Popular Workshops

    • TURKISH COFFEE MAKING & FORTUNE TELLING WORKSHOP
    • TURKISH MOSAIC LAMP WORKSHOP
    • TURKISH TILE PAINTING ART WORKSHOP
    • STAINED GLASS PAINTING WORKSHOP
    • ISTANBUL PERFUME MAKING WORKSHOP
    • View All Workshops →

    Contact

    Call us at

    +90 533 167 62 71

    Say hello via

    info@istanbulworkshops.com

    See us at

    Aziz Mahmut Hüdayi, Gülfem Sk. No:15, 34672
    Üsküdar/İstanbul
    © 2025 — All rights reserved
    SitemapPrivacy Policy

    Select participants, date, and language

    English