Istanbul: Traditional Turkish Dinner and Dervish Experience

Set out on a captivating 4-hour journey through Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage with the "Istanbul: Traditional Turkish Dinner and Dervish Experience." Starting at the iconic Sirkeci Train Station, guests will enjoy a delectable meal at a family-owned restaurant, featuring a variety of kebabs, meze, and the traditional dessert künefe. The evening culminates in an enchanting Whirling Dervish performance near ancient Byzantine walls, offering deep insights into Sufism and Turkish traditions. This immersive experience promises to transport visitors to the heart of Istanbul’s vibrant culture, leaving them yearning to uncover more.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Dinner Tours In Istanbul.

Key Points

• 4-hour immersive cultural experience in Istanbul featuring a traditional Turkish dinner and a mesmerizing Whirling Dervish performance.
• Dinner at a 140-year-old family-owned restaurant showcasing authentic Turkish cuisine, including kebabs, meze, salads, and the traditional dessert künefe.
• Witnessing an enchanting Whirling Dervish performance set against the backdrop of Istanbul’s historic Byzantine walls, with detailed explanation of the Dervish tradition and Sufism.
• Comprehensive cultural exploration through interactive discussions, enhancing understanding of Turkish traditions and customs.
• Convenient meeting point at the iconic Sirkeci Train Station and drop-off locations in various Istanbul neighborhoods for a seamless experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The activity offers a comprehensive 4-hour experience that immerses participants in the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul.

Guests meet at the iconic Sirkeci Train Station before being whisked away to a 140-year-old family-owned restaurant for a traditional Turkish dinner.

The menu features an array of delectable kebabs, meze (tapas), salads, and drinks, culminating in the signature dessert, künefe.

The highlight of the evening is an enchanting Whirling Dervish performance, set against the breathtaking backdrop of 1650-year-old Byzantine walls.

Throughout the experience, knowledgeable guides provide insights into Turkish traditions, Sufism, and the significance of the Dervish ritual.

At the end, guests are conveniently dropped off near their hotels in various Istanbul neighborhoods.

Cultural Highlights

Immersing guests in the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul, the activity highlights several captivating experiences.

Attendees will witness an enchanting Whirling Dervish performance, where Sufi mystics engage in a mesmerizing ritual dance set against the backdrop of 1650-year-old Byzantine walls. A detailed explanation of the Dervish tradition and Sufism provides deeper insights into this profound spiritual practice.

On top of that, the experience offers valuable opportunities to explore Turkish traditions and cuisine, allowing participants to gain a richer understanding of the local culture through interactive discussions and an authentic dining experience.

Dining Experience

After the captivating Dervish performance, guests can look forward to an authentic dining experience at a 140-year-old family-owned restaurant.

The dinner features a delectable selection of five different kebabs, meze (tapas), salads, and drinks, allowing guests to savor the rich flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.

The meal concludes with tea, coffee, and the traditional dessert künefe, a sweet cheese pastry.

This dining experience provides a well-rounded culture, complementing the earlier insights into Turkish traditions and the Dervish spiritual practice.

Booking Details

Customers can book the Traditional Turkish Dinner and Dervish Experience starting from K₴1,935 per person, with potential savings of up to 5%. Free cancellation is available if booked 24 hours in advance, and customers can reserve now and pay later.

Booking Details
Price Range	From K₴1,935 to K₴1,838 per person
Cancellation Policy	Free cancellation 24 hours in advance
Payment Options	Reserve now, pay later	Full refund if cancelled
Languages	English, Turkish
Drop-off Locations	Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Eminönü, Taksim, Galata, Beyoğlu, Fatih

The experience includes a traditional Turkish dinner, a captivating Whirling Dervish performance, and cultural insights, making it an unforgettable evening in Istanbul.

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Customer Testimonials

The Traditional Turkish Dinner and Dervish Experience has been highly praised by past participants.

With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 3 reviews, this culture tour has left a lasting impression on travelers. Guests highlight the knowledgeable guides who provided insightful commentary on Turkish traditions and Sufism, enhancing the experience.

The impressive Dervish show performed against the backdrop of 1650-year-old Byzantine walls was a particular standout, captivating audiences.

Plus, the authentic dining experience at a 140-year-old family-owned restaurant received rave reviews, with diners sampling a variety of kebabs, meze, salads, and the traditional dessert künefe.

Meeting Point and Drop-off

Typically, the tour begins at the meeting point in front of Sirkeci Train Station, a convenient location easily accessible to participants.

After the cultural and dining experience, guests are then dropped off near their hotels in neighborhoods like Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Eminönü, Taksim, Galata, Beyoğlu, or Fatih.

This ensures a seamless experience, as travelers can easily make their way back to their accommodations after an evening of immersion in Turkish traditions and cuisine.

The tour is offered in both English and Turkish, catering to a diverse audience and providing a comprehensive, culturally enriching journey through Istanbul’s vibrant heritage.

Languages Offered

The activity is offered in both English and Turkish, catering to a diverse audience and providing a comprehensive, culturally enriching journey through Istanbul’s vibrant heritage. Guests can choose their preferred language, ensuring they fully grasp the significance and nuances of the Dervish performance and Turkish culinary traditions.

Language	Benefits
English	Accessible for international visitors
Turkish	Authentic, immersive experience for local participants
Both	Cater to a wide range of cultural backgrounds and preferences
Multilingual Guides	Facilitate seamless communication and understanding

This linguistic flexibility enhances the overall experience, allowing participants to engage with the cultural elements at a deeper level and fully enjoy the captivating traditions of Istanbul.

Experience Duration

The activity’s Experience Duration lasts approximately 4 hours, providing guests with ample time to fully enjoy the cultural wonders of Istanbul.

During this comprehensive experience, visitors will depart from the Sirkeci Train Station and be escorted to a family-owned restaurant dating back 140 years.

After savoring a traditional Turkish dinner featuring an array of kebabs, meze, salads, and drinks, guests will be treated to an enchanting Whirling Dervish performance set against the backdrop of the 1650-year-old Byzantine walls.

The experience concludes with the serving of tea, coffee, and the beloved traditional dessert künefe, leaving participants with a deep appreciation for Turkish culture and cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Specific Dietary Requirement?

Yes, you can request a specific dietary requirement. The experience offers vegetarian or vegan options upon request, allowing you to customize the dining experience to your dietary needs.

Is This Experience Suitable for Solo Travelers?

This experience is suitable for solo travelers. The group size is flexible, and the activity provides an opportunity to learn about Turkish culture and connect with others in a safe, guided setting.

Is There Any Dress Code for the Event?

There’s no strict dress code for the event, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, modest clothing. Casual attire like long trousers or skirts and shirts that cover the shoulders are appropriate. Comfortable shoes are also advised.

Can I Take Photos/Videos During the Performance?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the Dervish performance, though they’re asked to avoid using flash photography as it can disrupt the show. Many attendees capture the mesmerizing whirling dance on their cameras to remember the experience.

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required?

The minimum group size for this experience is 2 people. There is no maximum group size stated, allowing for a flexible booking for solo travelers, couples, families, or larger groups. The activity can accommodate a range of party sizes.

Recap

Experience Istanbul’s rich cultural tapestry with this immersive tour. Savor a delectable traditional Turkish dinner, then witness the captivating Whirling Dervish performance, gaining insights into Sufism and ancient Turkish traditions. This 4-hour journey through the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems promises an unforgettable evening, transporting you to the heart of Istanbul’s vibrant heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: