Istanbul

Shows & Musicals

Watch a magnificent 1-hour show of the Mevlevi Sema ceremony at the HodjaPasha Culture Center in central Istanbul and witness the miracle of the whirling dances and dervishes. Dating back 800 years, the show represents in thrilling fashion the idea that everything in the universe, from atoms, to the solar system, to the blood that circulates in the body, revolves. Sema is a spiritual journey that the soul makes to God as it becomes mature and attains unity. After the journey, it returns to its life and to serve humankind again. This thrilling program begins with a classical Turkish music concert, followed by the Sema ceremony, comprised of 7 parts. Watch in wonder as the whirling dervishes and sheikh take their place and praise the Prophet Mohammed. Following the chant, a drum voice is heard and all 7 parts unfold, - the ceremony climaxes when the extraordinary whirling dervishes revolve to represent the birth of humanity. The Sema ends with a Fâtiha for the souls of all prophets, martyrs, and believers, and a prayer for the salvation of the country. Chosen as the best authentic local event in 2010 by the Federation of Tourist Guides in Turkey, this fantastic show takes place in the fantastic HodjaPasha Culture Center, which is a restored 550-year-old Ottoman Turkish bath in Sultanahmet-Sirkeci.

Climb aboard a pleasure boat for a luxurious cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, while dining from a 3-course menu of Turkish meze and local drinks. Sail past some of Istanbul's greatest monuments, while watching traditional entertainment along the way. Following a pick-up from your hotel, transfer to the yacht for the start of your journey. Get a welcome cocktail on deck as you begin to sail as far as the Black Sea. Cruise between Europe and Asia, passing under the Bosphorus Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge. See the summer palaces of the Ottoman sultans, such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, and Beylerbeyi Palace. Admire the grand Ottoman fortifications of Rumeli Castle and Anatolian Castle. Soak up some of Istanbul’s legendary nightlife as you pass famous nightclubs, such as Reina and Sortie. Marvel at the waterside mansions and villas that line the European and Asian coasts. As you feast on a meal of typical meze dishes and mains, watch live folk dances from different regions of Turkey. Be seduced by the sensual moves of a belly dancer, and relax to international music by the on-board DJ. Back on dry land, enjoy a free shuttle transfer back to your hotel.

Climb aboard a pleasure boat for a luxury cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Get a welcome cocktail on arrival and then set sail for the Black Sea passing some of Istanbul's most famous monuments along the way. Cruise between Europe and Asia and pass under the Bosphorus Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge. See the summer palaces of the Ottoman sultans, including Dolmabahçe Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace. Admire the fortifications of Rumeli Castle and Anatolian Castle, and marvel at the mansions that line both coastlines. Watch live folk dances from the regions of Turkey, be seduced by a belly dancer and relax to international music played by the on-board DJ.

After departing from your hotel, you will jump into this unforgettable boat excursion up the Bosphorus, the bridge that separates Europe and Asia. Its shores offer a delightful mixture of past and present, grand splendor and simple beauty. During the journey you'll pass magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace as well as Çırağan Palace, refurbished in 1874 by Sultan Abdulaziz and now restored as a grand hotel. Overshadowing Istanbul’s traditional architecture is one of the world’s largest suspension bridges, the Boğaziçi Bridge, linking Europe and Asia. Tour Program Welcome cocktail on deck D.J. Katibim (traditional Turkish melody musical performance) Asuk Masuk (imitation play of little people from the Taseli district of Silifke, performed by 2 male dancers) Belly dancer Henna ceremony Turna folk team Turkish romany dance Meal Menu Cold Starters: Cold and smoked meat plates Selection of fine cheeses Ottoman-style appetizer plate Special sultan spring rolls Exotic medallions Main Dishes: Grilled filled steak or Meatball with rice and garlic or Tornado chateau with mushroom sauce or Grilled spring chicken breast or Filled sea bass pane or Chef's recommendation From the Garden: Seasonal salad Orient house salad Dessert and fruit: Selected Turkish dessert or Seasonal fresh fruits or Fresh fruit salad Drinks Drinks are available for an additional fee Turkish coffee Alcoholic beverages are included if you choose the corresponding option.This option also includes unlimited local drinks including local wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks. After the cruise you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Delve into the oriental night as you watch this Turkish dance performance. Be enticed by Turkish folklore dances from different regions of Anatolia performed by professional dancers, blended with modern choreography, stunning costumes, and live music. Enjoy the intimate and authentic atmosphere of this evening show inside the Hodjapasha Cultural Centre, situated within the ancient construction of the Hodjapasha Hamam: a restored 550 year-old Ottoman bath. Admire the original architecture of the building and discover the Dervish exhibition, presented in the foyer area.

Enter the most exciting theme park in Turkey home to the first shopping center that combines shopping and exhibition centers, entertainment and lifestyle complex. Isfanful (formerly known as ViaLand) offers its guests world-class fun with its park consisting of rides selected carefully from all around the world and specialized staff. Spend quality time with your children and family in a safe environment.  Feel the adrenaline on Nefeskese, the 4th biggest rollercoaster in the world which exceeds speeds of 110 kph in 3 seconds. Then, experience the fantastic 15 m sudden drop on the Viking water ride before heading over to the 360-degree entertainment station which is suitable for all ages.  See all of Istanbul under your feet at the Tower of Justice viewing platform which is 50 m high. Finally, swing on the Saray Salincagi ride, with a 40-person capacity and 20 m diameter cycle. End your day at the outdoor concert and event stage which features the biggest outdoor screen in Turkey and seats a capacity of 10,000 people. Watch a range of special shows and concerts by famous artists at this never-ending festival environment. Choose between the Diamond, Silver, or Gold Packages and receive extra food, drink, and attractions depending on your choice. Take a thrilling ride down the zip line. Choose a package with "Zoom My Day," and you'll take home photos and videos unforgettable moments you've had. Enjoy, ice cream, hookah and coffee at Bloom Hookah Cafe.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with an unforgettable cruise on the Istanbul Bosphorus. Experience Istanbul at its most romantic. Eat and drink your fill and watch live performances as you drift across the Bosphorus Strait. Be picked up from you hotel and board your boat. Kick off the night with a cocktail, then dance on deck as you enjoy stunning views of palaces, bridges, and mansions that line the water’s edge. Watch performances by traditional dancers and relax over a sumptuous buffet dinner with unlimited drinks. See the stars come out over the city and watch a midnight firework display. Gaze in wonder at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge which connects Asia to Europe. Dine on traditional Turkish appetizers, spring rolls with cheese, fresh seasonal salad, roasted turkey with rice, mixed fruits, and dessert.

Your 5-hour program begins with a free pick-up at your Istanbul hotel between 19:00 and 20:00. When you board the cruise ship you’ll enjoy a complimentary welcome drink that you can enjoy along with the live music. Relax and get ready to enjoy an evening cruising along the Bosphorus Strait. Your cruise follows a route that passes historical sites, including Ottoman palaces, and stunning bridges illuminated by night. For dinner, you can choose from a fish or meat main course on a menu that features 3 courses. While you enjoy your meal you’ll be entertained by traditional belly dancing, a henna ceremony, a Romany dance, folk dancing, a live DJ, and an asuk-masuk show. You’ll be picked up and transferred back to your hotel, arriving by midnight.

You will be picked up from your hotel between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM and taken to the cruise ship in the Bosphorus Strait. Once you board the ship you will sail up the Bosphorus, the waterway between Europe and Asia, passing under the suspension bridges and viewing Ottoman summer palaces, waterside mansions and modern villas which line the European and Asian coasts. When you board enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner as well as ten different cold starters. For dinner, you will be served a fresh seasonal salad before your main. You will have three options for dinner: grilled fish with scallion garden rocket mashed potatoes, and lemon, or grilled chicken steak with rick and mashed potatoes, or grilled meatballs with rice and mashed potatoes. Throughout dinner, you will be able to enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic local (or optional unlimited alcoholic) drinks. After your entree, you will be served dessert and can enjoy coffee or tea.  Onboard you will not only enjoy dinner and the stunning views of the city but have plenty of entertainment. There will be an Anatolian folk team onboard and you will get to watch a traditional Turkish musical performance known as Katibim. You will also get to watch a performance by two male dancers known as Asuk Masuk, and belly dancers perform. You will also get to enjoy live music onboard, as well as a Turkish Romany dance and a dance party. After taking in the sights, enjoying dinner and watching the shows you will be taken back to your hotel at midnight.

You’ll be picked-up at your Istanbul hotel and travel by air-conditioned coach to Kabatas port to board a luxury ship for this Bosphorus dinner cruise and show. The Bosphorus connects the Black Sea to the Marmara, dividing the city of Istanbul between 2 continents. The best way to appreciate the beauty of the Bosphorus and the spectacular area views is from the water. During the 4-hour cruise you’ll sail up to the Black Sea from the European side and return from the Asian side. You’ll be able to see many of Istanbul’s top landmarks from the ship, as you enjoy a sumptuous dinner and exciting live entertainment. Dinner Menu Welcome cocktail Hors d’oeuvres (10 kinds of Turkish appetizers) Mediterranean fresh seasonal salad Grilled fish or chicken steak or grilled meatballs Dessert or fruit Turkish coffee Drinks (unlimited local alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks) Show Program Katibim show (Turkish folk song) Aşuk Maşuk show (comedy with 2 male dancers) Belly dancing show Traditional henna ceremony Turkish Romani (Gypsy) dancing show Turkish Folk Dancing show