Why This Tour Is Worth Choosing

— Authentic dinner in a real Turkish family home
— Homemade traditional Turkish cuisine
— Floor table or dining table cultural setting
— Genuine cultural interaction and conversation
— Non-touristic, real local experience
— Convenient location near Side

What to Expect

Authentic Turkish Dinner Experience Near Side

Experience genuine Turkish hospitality with an unforgettable evening spent at a local family’s home near Side. This cultural dinner experience goes beyond a standard meal—offering real human connection, authentic flavors, and insight into everyday life in Turkey. Ideal for travelers seeking meaningful experiences, this tour combines warm hospitality with traditional homemade cuisine in a real home setting.

A Genuine Cultural Experience in a Local Home

This experience is designed for guests who want to see, taste, and feel real Turkish culture. You are welcomed not as a customer, but as a guest.

— Meet a local family living near Side
— Learn about Turkish daily life, traditions, and customs
— Enjoy open conversation and cultural exchange
— Experience traditional dining customs in an authentic environment

Dinner Setting & Atmosphere

Traditional Home Dining

Depending on the family’s customs, dinner is served in one of two authentic styles:

— Yer Sofrası (floor table) — a traditional Turkish way of dining together
— Classic dining table — common in modern Turkish households

Both options offer a warm, family-oriented atmosphere where sharing food and conversation is central.

Homemade Turkish Menu

What You’ll Taste

All dishes are freshly prepared by the host family using traditional recipes passed down through generations.

— A variety of traditional appetizers (meze)
— Main dishes featuring regional flavors
— Freshly prepared desserts
— Non-alcoholic beverages included

Dietary Needs

Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, allergies, etc.) can be accommodated if informed in advance.

Tour Logistics & Practical Information

Transportation Options

— Guests may arrive using their own transportation
— Optional transport assistance (taxi or minibus) can be arranged via Vigo Tours for an additional fee

Arrival & Welcome

— Meet the host family
— Short introduction to family traditions and home etiquette
— Time to settle in and connect before dinner

Departure

— Guests return to their accommodation after dinner
— Optional transport assistance available on request

Who Can Join This Experience?

Participation Guidelines

— Minimum 2 participants required (ideally a couple)
— Children are welcome — families with kids can join comfortably
— Suitable for travelers looking for cultural depth rather than luxury

Cultural Etiquette & Helpful Tips

Gifts & Courtesy

— Bringing a small gift for the family’s children is a thoughtful and appreciated gesture
— Monetary gifts in an envelope are also culturally acceptable

Photography

— Photography is encouraged
— Capture meaningful moments with your host family and your shared dinner

Important Notes to Know Before Booking

— No alcoholic beverages are included or served
— Minor program adjustments may occur due to family or local conditions
— The core experience and itinerary remain unchanged

Why Choose This Experience?

— Real Turkish home — not a restaurant or staged setting
— Authentic homemade food — not commercialized cuisine
— Cultural exchange — stories, traditions, and human connection
— Ideal for couples, families, and culture-focused travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this a restaurant experience?

No — this is a real dinner hosted in a local family’s home near Side.

Is alcohol included?

No — alcoholic beverages are not part of this experience.

Can children join?

Yes — families with children are welcome.

What should we bring?

Optional small gifts for the host family’s children or a monetary gift in an envelope are appreciated but not mandatory.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes — please inform us in advance about any dietary needs.

Is transportation included?

Transportation is not included by default, but Vigo Tours can assist with arranging a taxi or minibus for an extra fee.

Is this suitable for solo travelers?

A minimum of 2 participants is required; solo travelers may join if paired with another guest group.

Can the program change?

Minor changes may occur, but the overall experience and structure remain the same.

What’s Included in the Price

Pickup Information

Meeting Point

Important Information Before You Go

Important Information to Know Before Booking

— Social Support Purpose — This activity is organized to provide direct budgetary support to local, low-income Turkish families, including households with children. Vigo Tours prioritizes families who benefit most from this type of community-based tourism.

— Family Location — The host family lives approximately 10 km from Side. The exact address and meeting details are shared after booking confirmation to protect family privacy.

— Who This Experience Is For — The program is designed specifically for couples and families who value cultural exchange, respect local customs, and seek meaningful, non-commercial experiences.

— Gifts for Children — Bringing small gifts for the family’s children is a thoughtful and highly appreciated gesture. Simple items or a small envelope with cash are culturally appropriate.

— Dining Style — Meals may be served either at a traditional floor table (yer sofrası) or at a regular dining table, depending on the family’s household customs.

— Transportation Details — Vigo Tours assists with taxi organization. Transportation costs are paid in cash directly to the driver by the guests. The return journey may be arranged with a different taxi if needed.

— No Alcohol Policy — This activity does not include alcoholic beverages, in line with family preferences and cultural norms.

— Program Flexibility — Minor adjustments may occur due to family or local conditions; however, the core experience and purpose of the program remain unchanged.

Tour Program & Schedule

Activity Program Overview

— Transportation & Arrival — Guests arrange their own transportation to the host family’s home. Upon request, Vigo Tours can assist with organizing a taxi or minibus. Arrival details and directions are shared in advance.

— Warm Welcome — Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the local family and introduced to their home, daily life, and cultural customs, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere from the start.

— Traditional Dinner Setup — Dinner is served according to the family’s tradition, either at a floor table (yer sofrası) or at a regular dining table, offering an authentic local dining experience.

— Homemade Turkish Menu — Enjoy a variety of freshly prepared homemade appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Non-alcoholic beverages are included with the meal.

— Cultural Exchange & Conversation — Spend meaningful time with the family, share stories, ask questions, and learn about Turkish traditions, family life, and local culture through open conversation.

— Departure & Return — After dinner, guests return to their accommodation. Return transportation can be facilitated by Vigo Tours upon request.

Prices & Availability