Viator Rating : 5 (481 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.9/10 (Solid Experience)
Istanbul
Istanbul Turkish Dinner & Dervish Show: Cultural Night
Overview
Discover Istanbul with the Istanbul Traditional Turkish Dinner and Dervish Experience! This top-rated experience immerses visitors in Turkish culture. See a mesmerizing 800-year-old dervish show in a local venue and enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner at a unique, 140-year-old family restaurant. Meet fun people from around the world and explore Istanbul like a local. Make sure to come hungry!
The adventure begins near the historic Sirkeci Train Station, a gateway to the East. Then, witness the spinning dance of the Dervishes. This UNESCO Heritage performance is a must-see in Turkey. Enjoy a delicious and authentic Turkish dinner at a local favorite restaurant. The experience ends with a convenient private car drop-off near visitor's hotels.
This all-inclusive tour provides a hassle-free experience. It includes private transportation, a dervish performance ticket, and a traditional Turkish dinner. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request. It excludes any extra costs, ensuring a budget-friendly adventure. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (8 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (5 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Mobility (7 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Highlights
Witness a Dervish Show: See the amazing spinning Dervishes, a special part of Turkish culture.
Eat Real Turkish Food: Taste many different Turkish dishes at a restaurant loved by locals.
No Extra Costs: The price includes everything, so no need to pay extra.
Easy Transportation: A private car will drop you off close to your hotel.
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free: Enjoy dinner with food options for everyone.
Small Group Experience: Meet new people on this culinary and cultural tour of Istanbul.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved seeing the Dervish show.
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Many enjoyed the delicious Turkish food.
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The tour guides are very nice and make the experience fun.
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Visitors found the whole night well-organized.
Some visitors did not know there would be a set menu and not an a la carte dining experience
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Some reviewers thought the restaurant was in a touristy area.
The Journey
Sirkeci Train Station & Dervish Venue
Begin your Istanbul journey at the iconic Sirkeci Train Station, the former gateway to the Orient Express, steeped in history and romance. After a brief introduction to your itinerary, savor the local street food as you make your way to a venue hosting the mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes. Witness the Sema ceremony, a captivating spiritual dance recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage. Delve into the rich symbolism and 800-year history of this Sufi tradition during an hour-long performance that offers a profound glimpse into Turkish spirituality. Prepare to be entranced by the hypnotic music and graceful movements of the dervishes.
140-Year-Old Kebab Restaurant
Following the dervish performance, indulge in an authentic Turkish culinary experience at a historic 140-year-old kebab restaurant. Savor an unlimited feast featuring a selection of five different kebabs, accompanied by a variety of mezes (Turkish tapas), fresh salads, and refreshing drinks. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request, showcasing the diversity of Turkish cuisine. Conclude your meal with traditional Turkish tea or coffee and a delectable dessert, completing your immersive cultural and gastronomic adventure.
Hotel Drop-off
After a memorable dinner, relax and enjoy a private transfer back to a location near your hotel. This seamless service ensures a comfortable and convenient end to your evening, allowing you to reflect on the captivating experiences and flavors of Istanbul.
Know Before You Go
This all-inclusive tour includes private transportation that will drop you off near your hotel after the experience. A delicious dinner is included, as is your ticket to the mesmerizing Dervish performance. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meal options are available, but it's important to inform the tour operator of your dietary needs after booking. This is an all-inclusive tour, so there are no extra costs or hidden fees.
Hot Tip
Some reviews from Viator suggest to arrive hungry, so you can enjoy all of the many food options. Also, remember to tell them if you have any special food needs when you book so they are ready for you.
Review Summary
Customers finds this experience highly memorable, praising the Whirling Dervishes performance, the variety and quality of Turkish food, and the knowledgeable, friendly guides. Many highlight the intimate group size and the inclusion of local restaurants and street food as standout features. Some negative feedback mentions minor issues with transportation cleanliness and limited drink options at the rooftop, but overall, the tour is consistently rated as exceptional and a must-do in Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
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