Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Turkish Night Show All inclusive

A Bosphorus dinner cruise in Istanbul offers an evening of relaxing views, delicious food, and lively entertainment. Priced at $40.48 per person, this 3-hour 30-minute tour combines comfort, sightseeing, and cultural shows. It departs from Sultania Luxury Cruise at 8:30 pm, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making it a convenient choice for travelers seeking a hassle-free night out. While reviews highlight great value and tasty food, some mention inconsistencies in service, so it’s best suited for those wanting a lively, inclusive experience with plenty of entertainment.

This tour is perfect for those who enjoy scenic Bosphorus views, live dance shows, and a well-rounded evening with unlimited soft drinks. It does, however, have some mixed feedback related to the quality of certain aspects like the food presentation and service, so expectations should be moderate. If you want a straightforward, enjoyable night with light entertainment and a scenic backdrop, this cruise offers a solid choice.

Key Points

• All-inclusive price of $40.48 includes dinner, unlimited soft drinks, and entertainment.
• Departure at 8:30 pm from Sultania Luxury Cruise with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Includes a scenic Bosphorus tour, passing iconic landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace and the Bosphorus Bridge.
• Features traditional dance performances and a DJ set for lively evening entertainment.
• Stops at major sights like Ortaköy Mosque, Rumelihisar Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower.
• Reviews note good value but some criticisms about service and food quality.

The Start at Sultania Luxury Cruise with Hassle-Free Pickup

The tour begins at Sultania Luxury Cruise, located at Ömer Avni, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd., 34427 Beyolu/stanbul. From here, air-conditioned vehicles pick up all participants, ensuring comfort and convenience. The departure time is 8:30 pm, and the tour lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes. The included hotel pickup and drop-off helps eliminate any transportation worries, especially after a lively night.

This setup suits visitors staying in central Istanbul who prefer a stress-free start to their evening. The tour is designed to accommodate up to 70 travelers, making it lively but still manageable for those who appreciate a more personal atmosphere.

Scenic Nighttime Views of Istanbul’s Historic Waterfront

The Bosphorus cruise sets the scene with stunning nighttime vistas of Istanbul’s waterfront. As the boat glides along, views of the Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Maiden’s Tower, and both Bosphorus Bridges unfold. The Dolmabahçe Palace, a 600-meter-long opulent structure built in 1856, was once the Ottoman Empire’s administrative center. Its architectural blend includes Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and modern Ottoman styles, and it exudes luxury and grandeur.

Passing by the Grand Imperial Mosque in Ortaköy, built between 1854-1856 in neo-Baroque style, you’ll see the mosque’s Islamic calligraphy, some of which was created by Sultan Abdülmecid himself. The boat’s route also includes a view of the Bosphorus Bridge, which at 1560 meters long, was the fourth-longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1973.

The Rumelihisar Fortress, a medieval castle on the European side, and the Beylerbeyi Palace, an Ottoman summer residence from the 1860s, dot the route. Passengers enjoy night-time illumination on the bridges, thanks to an LED lighting system that creates colorful light shows every evening, adding a vibrant visual element to the experience.

Enjoying a 3-Course Meal and Unlimited Soft Drinks

Onboard, dining is a central feature of the tour. Passengers are served a three-course meal, which offers a satisfying and straightforward dining experience. The meal is complemented by unlimited soft drinks, allowing everyone to enjoy refreshments throughout the cruise.

While reviews mention that the food presentation and quality are mixed, most find the meal to be adequate for the price. The emphasis remains on the relaxing environment and the scenic backdrop rather than gourmet dining. The all-inclusive drinks help guests stay refreshed without extra costs, which adds to the overall value of the experience.

Live Entertainment: Traditional Dances and DJ Set

A highlight of this Turkish Night Show is the live entertainment. The cruise features traditional Turkish dances that add cultural flair to the evening. Alongside these performances, a DJ provides lively music, encouraging guests to dance or simply enjoy the energetic atmosphere.

The entertainment aims to create a festive mood, making this cruise more than just a sightseeing tour. Based on reviews, the dancers are friendly, though some comments suggest the performances might not be highly professional. Still, the vibe remains lively, and the music keeps the energy upbeat.

Major Stops and Landmarks Along the Route

The cruise passes several historic and architectural landmarks. The Dolmabahçe Palace is the most ostentatious, representing Ottoman European-style splendor. The Grand Imperial Mosque in Ortaköy showcases neo-Baroque architecture and Islamic calligraphy, some of which was created by Sultan Abdülmecid.

On the European side, the Rumelihisar Fortress offers a medieval sense of history, perched on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus. The Maiden’s Tower, sitting on a small islet near Üsküdar, is another iconic sight, known for its medieval Byzantine origins.

Both Bosphorus Bridges—the Bosphorus Bridge (first bridge, opened in 1973) and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (second bridge, opened in 1988)—are visible during the cruise, with the latter crossing the strait further south.

The Nighttime Light Shows and Visual Highlights

The Bosphorus Bridge is illuminated nightly with a colorful LED light display, which enhances the scenery and provides a stunning visual. This illumination, coupled with the nighttime views of palaces and mosques, creates a picture-perfect setting for photography and memorable moments.

The cruise’s route maximizes these visual elements, offering excellent perspectives of Istanbul’s illuminated skyline. The Maiden’s Tower, often lit up in the evening, adds to the fairy-tale atmosphere.

Practical Aspects: Booking, Timing, and Group Size

This tour is most often booked 36 days in advance, indicating good interest and planning. The meeting point is centrally located, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, with the most recent reviews reflecting a good overall experience despite some service hiccups.

The maximum group size of 70 travelers ensures a lively but not overly crowded experience. The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, which is convenient for last-minute plans or changes.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour provides great value and a scenic, lively atmosphere, some reviews highlight issues like service delays and food quality. Notably, some reviewers experienced long waits, dark meal settings, or non-professional performances.

Plus, photography is not included, so guests should plan to bring their own cameras without worry of restrictions. The all-inclusive drinks do not extend to alcohol, as some reviews suggest, so it’s worth confirming if you prefer alcoholic beverages.

Who Would Enjoy This Bosphorus Dinner Cruise?

This all-inclusive cruise suits travelers seeking a relaxed evening, enjoying stunning night views of Istanbul with live entertainment. It’s ideal for those who appreciate value for money, a lively social atmosphere, and scenic landmarks. It may be less suitable for those demanding high-end cuisine or professional performances consistently.

The hotel pickup and drop-off add convenience, especially for visitors not wanting to navigate public transport at night. This cruise offers a fun, accessible way to experience Istanbul’s illuminated skyline from the water amid music, dance, and delicious soft drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include alcohol?
No, the all-inclusive drinks only cover soft drinks. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but most reviews agree that soft drinks are unlimited during the cruise.

What is the duration of the cruise?
The total duration is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, from departure to return.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the package, making the experience more comfortable.

What landmarks can I see during the cruise?
You will pass sights like Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumelihisar Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower. The Bosphorus Bridges are also illuminated along the route.

What is the starting time?
The tour departs at 8:30 pm from Sultania Luxury Cruise.

Is this suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, though it’s mainly an evening activity, so consider the physical comfort of all guests.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours in advance.

Are food and drinks served?
Yes, a three-course meal is served onboard, with unlimited soft drinks included in the price.

What’s the price for this tour?
The cost is $40.48 per person, offering good value for the combination of sightseeing, dining, and entertainment.

How many people usually book this tour?
Most bookings are made 36 days in advance, indicating steady interest.

Are there any notable negatives to consider?
Some reviews mention service delays, mixed food quality, and performance professionalism, so manage expectations accordingly.

This Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show provides a relaxed, scenic, and fun way to enjoy Istanbul after a day of exploring. With live performances, iconic landmarks, and all-inclusive soft drinks, it offers a lively night out with a good balance of sightseeing and entertainment.