Istanbul: Original Whirling Dervish Ceremony
3.5

Istanbul: Original Whirling Dervish Ceremony

By Travelgroup
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Ages 0-99
Duration: 1h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • 60 minute Dervish Ceremony
  • Entry/Admission - Istanbul
  • Guaranteed to skip the lines


  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Pushchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Infant seats available
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8996P108

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Most travellers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8996P108

From
£16.99
per adult
Select date and travellers
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
  • Travelgroup
    3.6 of 5 bubbles325
    Istanbul, Türkiye
    Joined in January 2020
  • AldoDow
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great thing to see
    The best thing we g do one in Istanbul. Very interesting. Though you don’t skip the queues, we still had to stand with everyone else.
    Written 4 March 2025
  • drayman_andrea
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must visit place in Istanbul
    This is a real speciality, where high humidity and beautiful lights create a special atmosphere. Unique handcrafted decorations make this experience even more memorable.
    Written 16 January 2025
  • G3045VLjudithp
    0 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Choose a smaller quicker trip. This was a long 2 hours.
    We were collected from Topaki cafe and walked to the boat. The boat was already full of people when it arrived. We were packed on board, couldn’t hear the commentary. If you went inside people were smoking… a lot! Apparanetly this is permitted in Turkey. It was slow and it became very cold. Worst of all they dropped us off at least 2 miles from the pick up po8nt with no idea how to get back!
    Written 7 January 2025
  • anap890
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Handrian legacy in Instanbul
    It was a great experience, you went through a very organised system, as we ordered online we were led inside the Basilica immediately after arrival. This is a top attraction, a historical site that you can follow via audio or at your own pace. It is a remarkable visit, top-notch for educational panels, and the light effects.
    Written 6 December 2024
  • enjoyd704
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Serene Bosphorus Cruise Experience in Istanbul
    My solo Bosphorus sightseeing cruise was a peaceful and unforgettable experience! The boat was comfortable, with ample seating and panoramic views. Cruising between Europe and Asia, I marvelled at Istanbul's iconic landmarks, including palaces, mosques, and bridges, all set against the shimmering water. The audio guide provided insightful details about the city's history, enhancing the journey. It was a relaxing way to explore Istanbul from a unique perspective. Perfect for solo travellers seeking a mix of tranquillity and discovery. Highly recommend it.
    Written 3 December 2024
  • Alson v
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Smooth experience lets you skip the long ticket line with decent audio tour
    Smooth experience getting the ticket the morning of my visit via WhatsApp. The line for the ticket office was quite long, so I was happy to skip that and get priority access to the security check. The audio tour (from Cosmic Tickets Audios) was pretty good and gave a background story for what would otherwise be a quick walk through the cistern. The only downside is that the ticket was sent briefly after 9am, which for me meant I couldn't load it from my hotel room. Although it's just a web page, so I'm not sure how long it would stay loaded. My ticket expired almost a year in the future, so it doesn't appear to be tied to the specific day.
    Written 17 November 2024
  • Robert19581958
    0 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Disappointing
    Very disappointed with this attraction-overpriced. Huge queues to get in, fortunately we had skip the line tickets. But once inside, the building is impressive, but it's a walk through tour, takes no more than 15 mins, and is very poor value for money. So I would advise giving this attraction a miss, the Haggia Sophia, Topkapi and Dolmbahce are much better experiences and well worth the entry fee
    Written 23 October 2024
  • Balladmeister
    0 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do your homework thoroughly
    Went on a 90 minute non audio guided cruise on the Bosphorus. Pleasant experience. If you pick the right day (weather wise) it makes for a good attraction. Because we were there at 10.30, we went for a walk along the harbour to go on the Galata bridge and get a coffee. After passing some docks of boats going to different areas, I noticed another cruise company offering 90 minute boat tours for 150 tl. I paid 250tl. These two boat companies were at different ends of the harbour. Was booked for a 12.00 cruise but the boat didn't leave til 12.35. In that time a crew member came round and offered us cold drinks, pots of fruit and other snacks but wouldn't take any money, just garbled in Turkish. After the boat had left the dock he returned and wanted money for whatever had been bought.
    Written 20 October 2024
  • permfriis
    0 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don't buy tickets here
    You get a QR code, but it doesn't work. I found out at the entrance and needed internet for download. I was offline and it was very difficult. There vas no audioguide as promised.
    Written 13 October 2024
  • Navigate67718498146
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a visit but….
    Must see however not sure worth paying skip the line price. Line seemed reasonable in October so depending on your time and budget, maybe not so bad to wait in line! Only spent 30 minutes there.
    Written 13 October 2024
  • Sunshine59034982842
    0 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely place but with ticketing downfalls
    pricing is very high for the experience and the ticketing was difficult to work out on arrival. Would recommend mosques and Topkapı palace instead.
    Written 29 September 2024
  • chrisandjackiem
    0 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tickets didn’t arrive
    The tickets were not sent to us before the tour. We only managed to receive them thanks to our tour guide in the cafe who helped by ringing the company & getting tickets sent to him. He then sent them to us, so an hour of unnecessary stress and only for a helpful guide we would have had to pay again. Haghia Sofia was ok but nothing like as good as tokapi
    Written 27 September 2024
  • 230beckyk
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent!
    Wonderful experience!! Beautiful history and easy to walk around. Loved how the color of the lighting changes and lights up the pilars!
    Written 16 September 2024
  • jberriz
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Surreal Instanbul
    There are definitely many places to visit in Instanbul and the Basilica Cistern is one that you do not want to miss. It is incredible by itself but the addition of lighting and several sculptures takes it to another level. If you decide to visit this site getting a skip the line ticket is a must. When we arrived, I was quite distraught when I saw a line that with more that 400 hundred people but with our skip tickets we only had 4-5 people before us. Without it I would have probably not have the stamina to spend 1-2 hours in line to get in.
    Written 8 September 2024
  • Dirkie2203
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful
    Stunning and make sure you go early. If you dont have signal you can not use the audio. Also when you go early you can take pictures with out other people in your pics
    Written 6 September 2024
See all 325 reviews
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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3.5
3.5 of 5 bubbles13 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
4

CyrilSen
Seremban, Malaysia30 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
The first thing to do i to go at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time so that you can read the many posters with good information.
The theater is not too big, so it does not really matter where you sit, you can see the show clearly.
The musicians and the sound system is good.
The dervishes are professional and the show was a great experience.
My experience was at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

nicki m
Manama, Bahrain2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Solo
Fabulous original authentic hamam setting. Mesmerizing Sufi performance with live music and traditional instruments. The energy & atmosphere incredible. No photos or videos allowed - a rare occurrence were audience sat in silence to experience ancient tradition and culture. Wonderful!
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AntonioMarquezBordas
9 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
The shows is not performing, anyway they got my money and now awaiting the refund. I wasted my precious holiday time looking for a completely fake advertising. I called customer service and the provider, any of them are working. The Orient Express restaurant, beside the event hall inside the Sirkesi train station, indicated me that they stopped the show two weeks ago.
Written 26 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Antonia, I am very sorry for this. Yes we changed the location and now are close by Blue Mosque. I am very sorry nobody informed you. Have you received your payment back? If not please write an email so you get the refund. With Regards, Deniz
Written 17 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Thomas S
3 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
We were unable to find the theatre after 90 minutes searching. We took 2 taxis. Asked directions of 5 tour guides and one tourist agency. No one knew of this theatre nor how to locate it. We were very disappointed
Written 15 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You have not found Hocapasa theater? Even in the confirmation the google directions are written. Why you have not called the emergency number?
Written 10 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

SusanCWilby
Harrogate, UK20 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 • Couples
The information on ticket was wrong it gave a wrong address for the experience. We spent two hours trying to find it. It was only when we went into a travel agency that we found the correct address. I even sent a message but no one replied. The actual whirling dervish experience was very poor and not enjoyable. I would not recommend it.
Written 15 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Susan, I am very sorry to read you had difficulties finding the location. Have you not seen the google map directions link in the confirmation? With Regards, Deniz
Written 19 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Brother D 78
San Francisco, CA44 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019 • Solo
It was a great experience, with a great history. I was totally impressed.

Right hand to Allah, left hand to man.
Written 30 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Husin A
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The host gave us a warm welcome. He brought us in from the front door of the train station. The setting was cosy. We expected more people. All in all it was a great experience.
Written 15 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dana O
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Couples
Amazing, professional experience. Comfortable location and a unique tradition I enjoyed
Fantastic service, cozy location, and a memorable experience. Highly recommend!
Written 16 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

applee17
London, UK123 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
This is a fascinating ceremony. Mesmerising watching the men spinning for over 5 minutes a time with the commentary letting you know what each part means. This is not a 'show' - no clapping, no pictures or audience appreciation involved.
Written 31 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Saad M
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
It was a really lovely experience. I enjoyed it a lot.
And the sales executive called "baby Bayram" was really funny and remarquable person. He gave us all the informations we neesed before selling us the dinner cruise ticket. Big up to him🙏
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Istanbul: Original Whirling Dervish Ceremony provided by Travelgroup

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