Gliding along the shimmering Bosphorus, a Dinner Cruise in Istanbul offers a captivating blend of culinary delights and cultural entertainment. Passengers indulge in a full-course meal complemented by drinks, while taking in the city’s iconic landmarks. But the true highlight lies in the mesmerizing performances that showcase the vibrant heritage of Turkey, leaving guests with an unforgettable taste of Istanbul’s rich traditions.
Key Points

- A 3-hour sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, featuring a full-course dinner and unlimited drinks.
- Onboard cultural performances include whirling dervishes, belly dancers, and folk dances, creating an immersive Turkish experience.
- Scenic highlights include iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, and Rumeli Castle along the Bosphorus.
- Optional hotel pickups from select European side hotels in Istanbul, with a designated meeting point at a gas station.
- Priced from $43.78 per person, the cruise offers a unique blend of dining, entertainment, and breathtaking views.
Activity Overview

The Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise offers a 3-hour sightseeing experience along the scenic Bosphorus Strait.
Priced from $43.78 per person, the cruise includes a full-course dinner with starters, a main dish, and dessert. Guests can enjoy unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, depending on the package selected.
The cruise also features cultural performances such as whirling dervishes, belly dancers, and folk dancers.
Travelers can take in views of historical landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Rumeli Castle, Galata Tower, and Maidens Tower.
The tour offers free cancellation with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.
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Dinner and Drinks

As part of the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise experience, guests can indulge in a full-course meal featuring a variety of starters, a main dish, and a delightful dessert. The dinner menu includes options such as meat, fish, or chicken, accompanied by Turkish tea and coffee. Unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (if selected) are also provided. Guests can enjoy the scenic views while savoring the flavors of Turkish cuisine and being entertained by cultural performances such as whirling dervishes, belly dancers, and folk dancers.
| Dinner Menu | Beverage Menu |
|————-|————–|
| Starters | Soft Drinks |
| Main Dish (Meat, Fish, or Chicken) | Alcoholic Beverages (if selected) |
| Dessert (Baklava) | Turkish Tea and Coffee |
| Turkish Tea and Coffee | |
Cultural Performances

While guests enjoy their delectable dinner and captivating views, they’re also treated to a vibrant cultural performance aboard the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise.
The cruise showcases a mesmerizing display of traditional Turkish entertainment. Guests witness the graceful twirls of whirling dervishes, the mesmerizing movements of belly dancers, and the lively folk dances that celebrate Turkish heritage.
A DJ performance adds to the festive atmosphere, inviting guests to dance the night away. These cultural highlights immerse travelers in the rich tapestry of Turkish culture, creating an unforgettable experience on the Bosphorus.
Scenic Highlights

Breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks unfold before guests as the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise glides along the historic waterway.
Passengers are treated to sights of the grand Dolmabahçe Palace, the elegant Çırağan Palace, and the imposing Rumeli Castle.
Passengers are treated to sights of the grand Dolmabahçe Palace, the elegant Çırağan Palace, and the imposing Rumeli Castle.
The cruise also offers spectacular views of the Galata Tower and the Maidens Tower, both stunning architectural marvels.
Throughout the journey, guests can admire the city’s skyline and the natural beauty of the Bosphorus Strait, creating an unforgettable visual experience that complements the cultural entertainment and delicious cuisine offered on board.
More Great Tours NearbyTransportation and Meeting Point

For the convenience of guests, the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise offers optional hotel pickups from select European side hotels in Istanbul. The meeting point is a gas station, where the boat, named Elite Dinner Cruise, will be waiting.
Guests should wait in their hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time, as drivers will only wait 5 minutes.
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Pickup locations include Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Aksaray, Topkapı, Zeytinburnu, Karaköy, Eminönü, Taksim, Şişli, Kabataş, and Beyoğlu.
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The pickup service is designed to make transportation easy and hassle-free for passengers.
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Guests should look for the gas station and the Elite Dinner Cruise boat to locate the meeting point.
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Drivers will wait only 5 minutes, so it’s important for guests to be ready on time.
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Customer Reviews

The Bosphorus Dinner Cruise has received an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 78 reviews. Guests have praised the quality of the food and the friendly service. Some suggestions for improvement include better positioning of the dancers to improve visibility. Customers have also recommended specific dishes, like the fish, and highlighted the scenic views along the Bosphorus.
| Positive Feedback | Suggestions for Improvement | Recommendations |
| — | — | — |
| Food quality | Dancer positioning | Fish dish |
| Friendly service | | Scenic views |
Important Considerations

While the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise offers a scenic and cultural experience, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
The cruise isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and pets aren’t allowed. Vegetarian options are available, but the standard menu includes meat, fish, or chicken.
Alcoholic beverages are included in the package, but extra drinks aren’t provided.
The Bosphorus Dinner Cruise provides a memorable evening of dining, entertainment, and sightseeing, but travelers should review the details to ensure it aligns with their needs and preferences.
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Not wheelchair accessible
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No pets allowed
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Vegetarian menu available
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Extra drinks not included
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
No, passengers cannot bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. The package includes a full dinner and unlimited drinks, so bringing outside items is not permitted.
Is the Cruise Wheelchair Accessible?
The cruise is not wheelchair accessible, according to the important information provided. It states that the activity "is not suitable for wheelchair users".
How Long Is the Wait Time to Board the Cruise?
The pickup time for the cruise is 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. Drivers wait 5 minutes for passengers at the designated meeting point, so the overall wait time to board the cruise is around 15 minutes.
Is There a Dress Code for the Dinner Cruise?
There’s no strict dress code for the dinner cruise, but it’s recommended to wear casual, comfortable attire. Guests should avoid overly formal or revealing clothing to blend in with the relaxed atmosphere on board.
Can I Customize My Meal Selection?
Yes, the dinner cruise offers a customizable meal selection. Guests can choose from meat, fish, or chicken options for the main dish. A vegetarian menu is also available upon request.
The Sum Up

The Bosphorus Dinner Cruise in Istanbul offers an enchanting experience that combines a delectable full-course meal, breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, and captivating cultural performances. Theres some good unlimited soft drinks and optional alcoholic beverages as they sail along the stunning Bosphorus Strait, seeing the rich heritage and hospitality of Turkey.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Dining Experiences in Istanbul
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