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Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Turkish Night Show with Alcohol

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Overview

  • Duration:4 hours 0 minutes
  • Travelers:1 - 44 guests
  • Tour Type:Daily Tour, Regular Tour
  • Language:Arabic, English
As the sun begins to set over Istanbul, the city’s rhythm changes. Shops close, lights flicker on along the shoreline and the call to prayer rolls softly across the water. Your evening starts when our driver meets you at your hotel and you leave the busy streets behind, heading down toward the Bosphorus.

At the pier you see the boats lined up, decks already glowing with warm light. You step on board and are shown to your private table, reserved just for your party. While the crew makes final preparations, you have time to settle in, take your first photos and watch the last ferries criss-cross between Europe and Asia.

Once the boat pulls away from the pier, Istanbul turns into a moving postcard. You pass mosques, palaces and waterfront mansions, all reflected in the dark water. A Turkish dinner is served at your table – starters, grilled main course and dessert – while soft music plays in the background. The air smells of the sea and grilled meat, and the wind on the open deck is just cool enough to feel refreshing.

Then the lights dim, the music changes and the show begins. Whirling dervish ceremony, regional folk dances, belly dancing and a fun, interactive finale where guests are invited to join in – it’s lively but never aggressive. You can watch from your table or step to the side to take photos and videos.

By the time the boat turns back toward the city, the bridges are lit in colour, the palaces glow like lanterns and the skyline of domes and minarets shines against the night sky. After docking, your driver is waiting to take you back to your hotel, comfortably full and with the Bosphorus at night now ticked off your Istanbul wish list.
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Highlights

  • Private table on a shared Bosphorus dinner cruise between Europe and Asia.
  • Turkish set menu with starters, main course and dessert, plus unlimited soft drinks (or optional alcoholic package).
  • Live Turkish night show with folk dances, belly dancing, whirling dervish and DJ music.
  • Spectacular night views of illuminated palaces, mosques, bridges and waterfront mansions.
  • Round-trip hotel transfers from central Istanbul so you don’t worry about taxis or directions.

Itinerary

Hotel Pickup & Transfer to the Pier

Time: 19:00 – 20:00
Location: Your hotel lobby (central European Side)

Your evening begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel. The driver confirms your name and boat, then you join a small shuttle heading to the Bosphorus pier (usually in Kabataş or Eminönü). On the way, your escort or guide gives a quick briefing about the night and checks any special requests (birthdays, vegetarian meals, etc.).

Stop 1: Boarding & Welcome on Board

Time: Around 20:00 – 20:30
Location: Bosphorus pier (exact pier confirmed after booking)

On arrival at the pier, you board the cruise boat and are escorted to your private table. Welcome drinks or soft drinks are served while other guests arrive. This is a relaxed time to take photos from the deck, enjoy the breeze and watch the city lights starting to reflect on the water.

Stop 2: Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus

Time: Around 20:30 – 22:30
Location: Sailing between the European and Asian shores

Once the boat departs, Istanbul’s landmarks slowly pass by – Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridge and the mansions lining both shores. A Turkish set menu is served at your table: cold and hot meze starters, a grilled or baked main dish (usually fish or meat, with a vegetarian option on request), and a local dessert with tea or coffee. You can move freely between your table and the open deck to enjoy the views.

Stop 3: Turkish Night Show & Entertainment

Time: Integrated with dinner (usually 21:00 – 23:00)
Location: Main deck stage area

While you dine, the show program unfolds: a mystical whirling dervish performance, regional folk dances from different parts of Anatolia, a lively belly dance show and an interactive section where the host invites volunteers to join in. Between acts, there is DJ music and time for you to dance or simply relax and watch. The atmosphere is fun and friendly, suitable for couples, families and small groups.

Stop 4: Return to Pier & Hotel Drop-off

Time: Around 23:00 – 23:30
Location: Bosphorus pier → Your hotel

As the boat turns back toward the pier, you get a final look at the illuminated skyline. After docking, you disembark and find your shuttle waiting. The driver returns you safely to your hotel or a nearby central point, ending the evening with zero stress about taxis or directions.

Tour maps

Includes/Excludes

  • Hotel pickup & drop-off from centrally located hotels (European side).
  • Seat on a shared Bosphorus dinner cruise boat.
  • Private table reserved for your party.
  • Turkish set dinner (starters, main course, dessert).
  • Unlimited soft drinks (water, tea, coffee and local soft beverages).
  • Alcoholic drinks.
  • Turkish night show with live performances and DJ music.
  • Imported premium drinks and cocktails.
  • Professional photos taken by the onboard photographer.
  • Personal expenses and shopping.
  • Tips for crew and driver (optional).

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 120 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Frequently asked questions

Is the dinner cruise suitable for children?

Yes. The show is family-friendly and many local families bring children. The music can be lively later in the evening, so we recommend bringing a light jacket or small blanket if younger kids might fall asleep.

What kind of food is served?

Most dinner cruises offer a fixed Turkish set menu: cold and hot starters, a main course (often grilled chicken, fish or köfte) and dessert, plus unlimited soft drinks. Vegetarian options are usually available if requested in advance; vegan and gluten-free choices may be more limited, so please mention your needs when booking.

What should I wear?

There is no strict dress code, but “smart casual” works best. Think comfortable trousers, dresses or shirts rather than beachwear. You will spend time on the open deck, so bring a light jacket or shawl – even in summer the breeze on the water can feel cool at night.

Will I get seasick?

Bosphorus dinner cruise boats are large and the water in the strait is usually calm. Most guests feel completely fine. If you know you are sensitive to motion, it can help to sit near the center of the boat and avoid heavy alcohol. You’re free to go outside to the open deck for fresh air at any time.

Do you pick up from the Asian side?

Our standard pickup is for European side hotels (Sultanahmet, Taksim, Beyoglu). If you are staying on the Asian side or Airbnb, we will ask you to meet us at a central meeting point like The Marmara Taksim Hotel.

Extra Services

Airport transfers

Airport transfers

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$30.00/person
Childcare services

Childcare services

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$65.00/person
Photography

Photography

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$22.00/package

Customer reviews

William Baker
On November 14, 2025

Our guide on the boat pointed out all the landmarks. Very helpful.

Robert Mitchell
On November 2, 2025

We had lunch on the boat. It was fresh and tasty. Highly recommend.

Christopher Taylor
On October 12, 2025

The best way to see Istanbul is from the water. Beautiful views of palaces and bridges.

William Khan
On September 25, 2025

We enjoyed this trip very much.

William Sanchez
On August 28, 2025

We enjoyed this trip very much.

Wei Walker
On May 31, 2025

Professional service and great guide.

Sarah Mueller
On May 17, 2025

Staff on the boat were very attentive. Pick up from hotel was on time.

Karen Garcia
On May 9, 2025

We had lunch on the boat. It was fresh and tasty. Highly recommend.

Ivan Williams
On May 4, 2025

Everything was perfect. Highly recommend.

Robert White
On May 1, 2025

Exceeded our expectations.

William Thomas
On April 20, 2025

After walking all day, sitting on the boat was a relief. The breeze was nice.

Thomas Ali
On March 21, 2025

Don't hesitate to book this.

Donald Thomas
On February 21, 2025

Away from the crowds. The villas along the water are beautiful.

Amanda Clark
On January 23, 2025

Punctual, clean vehicles, polite staff.

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