Bosphorus Sunset Cruise in Istanbul | Private Yacht Tours
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Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
Duration
3,5 Hours
Max People
50 People
Availability
All Year
Pick-up & Drop-Off
Include
Dinner on the Bosphorus, with the Turkish Night show
The dinner cruise is a different kind of evening from the sunset cruise. This one starts later — boarding around 8 PM — and runs for about two and a half hours. The boat itself is larger: a three-deck cruise vessel with an indoor dining hall on the lower deck, an open upper deck for the ship’s skyline views, and a stage in the middle.
Dinner is a Turkish buffet: mezzes to start (hummus, haydari, ezme, stuffed vine leaves), grilled chicken or fish as a main, rice and salads, seasonal fruit and baklava at the end. Soft drinks are included; beer, wine and rakı are available to order. You eat while the boat sails slowly up the European side, past Dolmabahçe Palace lit for the night and under the first Bosphorus Bridge.
The Turkish Night show begins after dinner, around an hour in: a folk dance group in traditional costumes, a belly dancer, and a live band playing Turkish classics. At one point they invite guests up to dance — about half take them up on it. It’s friendly, a bit kitsch in the best way, and genuinely fun if you arrive expecting an evening out rather than fine dining.
Who this is for: groups of friends, couples who want the whole evening handled in one stop, travellers who’d rather eat with a view than fight for a restaurant booking. If you want the quiet photographic sail, book the sunset cruise (€34, no dinner, no show). If you want a private boat with your own catering, see the private dinner yacht.
Practical: dress code is smart casual, not formal. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available — note your preference at booking. The boat sails even in light rain; only major storms get rescheduled.
Why is it called “Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise”?
The title Bosphorus Dinner Cruise perfectly reflects the essence of this experience. The Bosphorus is the heart of istanbul, connecting Europe and Asia, history and modern life. Dining on the Bosphorus is not just about food; it is about experiencing Istanbul’s culture, night life, and traditions in the most iconic setting of the city.
This dinner cruise combines Istanbul’s rich culinary heritage, traditional Turkish flavors, and world-famous Turkish Night shows such as belly dancing, whirling dervish, and folk dances. While enjoying dinner, guests witness the illuminated skyline of Istanbul, historic palaces, mosques, and bridges that define the city’s identity at night.
The name Bosphorus Dinner Cruise clearly communicates what makes this experience special:
a night on the Bosphorus, authentic Turkish culture, delicious food, live music, and unforgettable Istanbul night views — all in one journey.
Included/Excluded
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off services from centrally located hotels (European side of Istanbul)
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Beverages (local beers, spirits and soft drinks)
- Live entertainment, DJ
- Dinner
- Important Drinks
- Tips
Tour Plan
Our Bosphorus Dinner Cruise has 3 main courses: fish, meat, and chicken. For drinks, you are free to choose unlimited soft drinks or unlimited local alcoholic drinks (wine, beers, gin, vodka, raki). Our foods are prepared daily and fresh in our modern and hygiene kitchen.
- Welcome Cocktail - 10 kinds of Cold Mezes (Starters)
- Fresh seasonal salad
- ENTREE (Main Dish with 4 options)
- Mixed grill served with rice and potatoes
- Grilled Fish served with arugula, onion and lemon
- Grilled Chicken Steak served with rice and potatoes
- Grilled Meat Ball with served with rice and potatoes
- Vegetarian Meal (Curry rice, sautéed vegetables, and oven Potato content)
- Dessert ( Baklava & Fruit)
- Unlimited soft drinks or unlimited local alcoholic drinks
- Unlimited hot drinks (tea, coffee)
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Vegetarian Menu :
- Welcome Cocktail - 10 kinds of Cold Mezes (Starters)
- Fresh seasonal salad
- Main Dish
- Vegetarian Meal: Curry rice, sautéed vegetables, and oven Potato content. (We can prepare your requests such as pasta with sauce, pizza with vegetables, or boiled vegetables if you inform us in advance.)
- Dessert ( Baklava & Fruit)
- Unlimited soft drinks or unlimited local alcoholic drinks
- Unlimited hot drinks (tea, coffee)
All shows are performed by professional teams on the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. You will have the chance to watch many shows from many different regions of Turkish culture: folk dances from the Black Sea, Central Anatolia, and the Anatolian region, henna night specific to Turkish culture, and Aşık Maşuk.
- Whirling Dervish
- Turkish Gypsy Dance
- Caucasian Dance
- Belly Dancer Group Show
- Turkish Folk Dance
- Asuk Masuk
- Rhythm Show
- Belly Dancer
- Professional DJ Performance
All the information you need to know before joining the Bosphorus dinner cruise. What to expect, how to buy ticket, from which pier it departs...
What to expect on a Bosphorus Dinner cruise?
You can expect a Bosphorus boat cruise in the evening, a romantic dinner with soft drinks or alcoholic drinks, entertainment with folk dance from different regions of Turkey, a whirling dervish show, belly dancers, and a live DJ performance.
How to book a Bosphorus dinner cruise ticket?
You do not need to buy a ticket for the Bosphorus dinner cruise. You can request a pre-reservation a few days in advance. After your reservation request, you will be notified of the transfer time and your reservation will be finalized.
How to pay for the Bosphorus dinner cruise?
There is no need to prepay or pay online for the Bosphorus dinner cruise. After making a reservation request, you can pay on the boat with cash or credit card. You can make your cash payment in Turkish lira, dollar, or euro.
What is included in the Bosphorus dinner cruise price?
Bosphorus dinner cruise is an all-inclusive tour. Dinner, Turkish night shows, unlimited drinks, and hotel transfers are included.
Where is the Bosphorus dinner cruise pier?
The departure pier of the Bosphorus dinner cruise ship is Kabataş pier. It is within walking distance of Dolmabahçe Palace and next to the IDO boat pier.
Is there free transfer from the hotels on the Bosphorus dinner cruise?
On the Bosphorus dinner cruise, there is a free transfer service from central hotels on the European side of Istanbul (Sultanahmet, Kabatas, Taksim, Şişhane, Karaköy, Sirkeci, Yenikapı, Laleli, Pera, Şişli, Nişantaşı, Aksaray, Eninönü, Cemberlitaş, Beyazıt, Harbiye, Beyoğlu).
Is there free transfer from the Istanbul Asia side on the Bosphorus dinner cruise?
Unfortunately, there are no transfers from hotels on the Asian side of Istanbul. If you are staying in a hotel on the Asian side, you have to come to Kabataş pier yourself. You can reach Kabataş pier in 15-20 minutes by ship from Kadıköy pier. Since the tour ends around 23:30 in the evening, it is very difficult to go back by public transport. For this reason, we recommend that you return by taxi.
Is there a transfer from Airbnb?
Unfortunately, there is no transfer service from Airbnb. For our Airbnb customers, they are notified of the location of a hotel within walking distance of their location, and a transfer service is provided from that point.
How do get to the boat by public transport?
The easiest way to get to Kabataş pier, where the boat departs, is by tram. When you get on the tram going in the direction of Kabataş, you should get off at the last stop, Kabataş. The pier is right across from the station.
If you are coming by your car, you can park your car at Dolmabahçe palace car park. Kabataş pier is 5 minutes walking distance from Dolmabahçe Palace.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise is a kind of boat tour on the Bosphorus with Turkish food, appetizers, and drinks. It also offers the opportunity to see some entertainment, such as boat tours, Turkish belly dance, Turkish folk shows, and much more. The Bosphorus dinner cruise is the best way to explore the Bosphorus.
After a romantic dinner, you can enjoy some entertainment offered by professional teams. This tour is incredible for Whirling Dervish, Turkish belly dances, caucasian dance, belly group show, Turkish folk fance, Belly Dancer, and more. You can continue reading our article for more about our Bosphorus Dinner Cruise options.
How much does the Bosphorus Dinner cruise cost?
The dinner cruise on the Bosphorus has three different package offers. The prices for these packages start from 45€. These are as follows:
1- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show
Soft Drinks in this option: 45 €. Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks cost 60 €. We pick up our guests from their hotels and drop them off at their hotels. Our departure time is between 7-8 pm, and events lasts 3.5 hours. There is a free cancellation option up to 24 hours before our event starts.
2- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Ottoman Night
Istanbul Dinner Cruise with Ottoman Night show, cruise the Bosphorus on a 3.5-hour dinner cruise and enjoy the magnificent view of the Ottoman palaces and the Blue Mosque under the magic of evening illuminations. Enjoy unlimited drinks and live entertainment on board. Moreover, soft Drinks in this option: 40 €. Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks cost 55 €.
How long is Bosphorus Dinner Cruise?
In general, our dinner tours take about 3.5 hours. Apart from that, you can customize this service with our Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with a Private Yacht option.
3- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Yacht
The combination of panoramic Bosphorus views, delicious Turkish food, and attentive service on board make this a great place for an unforgettable dinner in Istanbul. In this option, the prices vary according to your wishes. Take-off is also optional. Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or airport are offered.
Two-and-a-half-hour dinner cruise with Turkish buffet and live Turkish Night show (folk dance, belly dancer, live band). Boarding around 8 PM, sails past Dolmabahçe Palace and under the Bosphorus Bridge. From €30 per person — soft drinks included, English-speaking guide onboard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We serve an open buffet dinner with traditional Turkish cuisine including grilled meats, fresh salads, rice dishes, mezze, and seasonal desserts. Vegetarian options are available on request.
Yes. The dinner cruise includes a Turkish Night show with belly dancing, whirling dervish performance, and traditional folk dances. Live music plays throughout the evening.
The dinner cruise lasts approximately 3.5 hours, departing in the evening. Plenty of time to enjoy dinner, watch the shows, and take in the illuminated Bosphorus views.
Soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee are included. Alcoholic beverages including local wine, beer, and raki are available for purchase on board at reasonable prices.
Yes, families are welcome. Children enjoy the shows and the boat experience. We can arrange a kids-friendly menu if you let us know in advance.
Smart casual is perfect. There is no strict dress code, but most guests dress nicely since it is an evening event. Comfortable shoes are recommended as you will be on a boat.
Absolutely. Let us know in advance and we can arrange a cake, decorations, and a special announcement during the evening. Many guests choose the dinner cruise for celebrations.
Yes. Our Private Bosphorus Dinner Yacht Cruise gives you a yacht exclusively for your group with a custom menu and flexible timing.
Aisha Khan (verified owner) –
This cruise was an absolute delight. Everything was handled professionally, from the timely hotel pickup to the friendly boarding process. The boat was lovely and we had a table with a view. The food was excellent—the mezes were fresh and flavorful, and the chicken steak was tender. The cultural show was the highlight: authentic, vibrant, and incredibly entertaining. The whirling dervish was a performance I’ll never forget. Seeing the historical sites along the Bosphorus lit up at night was breathtaking. The entire staff was courteous and efficient. A perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and captivating views.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you so much, Aisha! We are delighted the cruise was a delight from the professional pickup to the friendly boarding. Your kind words motivate our entire team!
Kiran Patel (verified owner) –
We loved every minute. The organization was top-tier, making the whole evening stress-free. The boat was beautiful and not overly crowded. The dinner was a delightful affair; the cold meze table was incredible, and the grilled fish was excellent. The cultural shows were the highlight—authentic, skilled, and utterly captivating. The whirling dervish was a truly spiritual performance. The backdrop of Istanbul’s glittering skyline added a layer of magic. The staff were attentive and friendly. It was the perfect blend of fine dining, cultural education, and spectacular sightseeing. An absolute must-do in Istanbul.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Kiran! Stress-free and beautiful — that’s what a Bosphorus dinner cruise should feel like. We’re so happy the organization, food, and atmosphere all delivered for you!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Arjun Mehta (verified owner) –
We went on this cruise on our last night in Istanbul and it was the perfect finale. The organization was seamless from hotel pickup to drop-off. The boat was modern and the upper deck had amazing open-air views. The food was a pleasant highlight; the mezes were fresh and varied, and the grilled chicken was juicy and well-seasoned. I appreciated the unlimited raki, which really added to the festive feel. The performances were captivating—the energy of the Caucasian dance was incredible. It’s a long evening but it flew by. A truly memorable way to see the city from a different perspective.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Arjun! What a wonderful way to close out your Istanbul trip. We’re so glad the seamless organization from pickup to drop-off made your last night truly special!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Hannah Scott (verified owner) –
A very good value package tour. You get a lot for one price: transport, dinner, drinks, and a show. The coaches are comfortable. The boat is fine, though seating is open. The food is decent mass catering—the cold mezes were the best part. The open bar with local drinks is a fantastic perk. The entertainment is fun and gets everyone involved. The night-time views of the Bosphorus are stunning. It’s a loud, party atmosphere, so not for a quiet dinner. But for a fun, social evening with iconic views, it’s a great choice. Well-organized overall.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Hannah! Great value with transport, dinner, drinks, and a show all in one — that’s what makes this cruise popular. Appreciate your feedback on the coaches too!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Kian Jones (verified owner) –
The Gold Package provided a truly luxurious and memorable evening. Our private table was perfectly situated for uninterrupted views. The service was flawless—attentive, anticipatory, and discreet. The upgraded dinner menu was delicious, with higher-quality ingredients and presentation. We enjoyed the vibrant Turkish shows from the comfort of our exclusive area. The premium drink selection was appreciated. While it is a significant investment, the enhanced privacy, comfort, and personalized service made our celebration feel extraordinarily special. It’s the ideal choice for those seeking a more refined and intimate experience on the water.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Kian! We are thrilled the Gold Package lived up to its promise of luxury. The perfectly situated private table and first-class service are what make it special. We hope to host you again!
Ben Miller (verified owner) –
A good value, well-organized excursion. Everything ran on time. The coach pickup was easy. The boat had plenty of space, though seating is open so it’s a bit of a scramble. The food was average but plentiful—the cold starters were tasty, the main course (chicken) was a bit dry. The unlimited local drinks package is excellent and the staff kept the drinks coming. The entertainment was fun and the views are undeniably beautiful. It’s loud and busy, so not a quiet romantic cruise. But for a fun, social evening with everything taken care of, it’s a reliable choice.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Ben! Running on time and easy logistics are things we take seriously. Good note about open seating — arriving early is always a smart move!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Amir Khan (verified owner) –
This cruise was a wonderful celebration of Turkish culture. The evening was perfectly organized. The boat was beautiful and we had a great table. The meal was a feast, with a vast array of delicious mezes and a perfectly cooked main course. The performances were the highlight—authentic, skilled, and utterly captivating. The whirling dervish was a profound experience. Gliding past the illuminated historical sites was magical. The staff were all courteous and efficient. A perfect blend of fine dining, cultural immersion, and spectacular sightseeing. A must-do experience in Istanbul.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Amir! Celebrating Turkish culture on the Bosphorus is what this cruise is all about. We’re thrilled the organization, boat, and table all met your expectations!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Jonas Weber (verified owner) –
A solid, enjoyable experience that offers great convenience. The all-inclusive aspect is its biggest strength. The transport removes all stress. The boat is functional and the views are phenomenal. The food is acceptable mass catering—the starters were good, the main was average. The open bar is a great value and well-serviced. The entertainment is fun and lively, perfect for a group. It’s not a quiet or gourmet evening; it’s a festive party on the water. If you go in with those expectations, you’ll have a great time. Good value for the overall package provided.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Jonas! We appreciate your feedback about the all-inclusive convenience. Removing the stress so you can just enjoy the evening is exactly our goal. We hope to welcome you back!
Omar Khalid (verified owner) –
An absolutely wonderful night filled with color, music, and flavor. The organization was seamless. The boat was comfortable and we had a great view from our table. The dinner was delightful, with a huge selection of tasty mezes and a well-grilled main course. The performances were the star—authentic, high-energy, and incredibly skilled. The whirling dervish was a mesmerizing spiritual experience, while the folk dances were pure joy. The backdrop of Istanbul’s illuminated skyline was magical. The staff were all friendly and efficient. A perfect way to experience Turkish culture and the beauty of the Bosphorus in one evening.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Omar! We appreciate your feedback about the all-inclusive convenience. We are always working to ensure comfortable seating for all our guests. Hope to see you again!
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Omar! It means a lot that you found the night wonderful and the organization seamless. The colorful atmosphere of the Bosphorus at night is truly special. We hope to see you again soon!
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Omar! The all-inclusive convenience is a big selling point, and we appreciate your note about seating. Early boarding always helps with the best spots!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Lara Croft (verified owner) –
We celebrated a birthday with the Gold Package and it was perfect. The private table provided an intimate setting with breathtaking, uninterrupted views. The service was exceptional—attentive, personalized, and seamless. The gourmet dinner options were delicious and beautifully presented. We enjoyed the vibrant shows from our exclusive area without the crowd. The premium drink selection was appreciated. The price is high, but for a special occasion, the enhanced comfort, privacy, and elevated experience made it a memorable and luxurious celebration. We felt truly pampered.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Happy belated birthday! Thank you, Lara, for choosing the Gold Package to celebrate. The intimate private table with breathtaking views is perfect for special moments like yours!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team