3 Nights / 4 Days Islamic Istanbul

Breakfast and departure for Istanbul Islamic and Sahabe Tour. Istanbul is the center of religion for centuries. After the ottoman period Islamic Religion separated throughout the city. First we visit to  ARAP MOSQUE (Arap Camii) is the only mosque in Istanbul that was converted from a Roman Catholic Church. Originally it was built in the fourteenth century. The first grand mosque which was built in the city proper is the EYUP SULYAN MOSQUE (1458). Next to Eyup Sultan Mosque we will visit the tombs of the Sahabe, which is very famous in Turkey by being the first generation of Muslims, who had come as far as Istanbul and besieged the city. The small Sahabe Cemetery just outside Egrikapi Gate may seem like a standard Muslim cemetery. We will climb PIERRE LOTI HILL by cable car which is located close to Eyüp Sultan Mosque and where the Golden Horn view can be watched the best.  From the location of the hill, you can see the two sides of the Golden Horn, namely Beyoğlu and Fatih. The domes and minarets of the mosques rising on the Historical Peninsula of the Golden Horn are worth seeing. You can watch Fatih Mosque, Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Beyazıt Tower, Hagia Sophia Museum and Topkapı Palace from a far with the binoculars on the observation deck. Then visit to The MERKEZ EFENDI MOSQUE was built on the site of a dervish lodge which had been commissioned by Süleyman the Great and built by the architect Sinan in 1517. After the death of Merkez Efendi, the mosque that bears his name was built in his memory between 1552-1572. Continue to visit The SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE becomes most meaningful when understood in its historical and cultural context. It was built during the latter part of Süleyman's long and prosperous reign, which stretched from 1520 to 1566. Continue to the RUSTEM PASA MOSQUE which was designed by Ottoman imperial architect Mimar Sinan for the grand vizier Rüstem Pasha (the husband of one of the daughters of Suleiman the Magnificent by Hürrem Sultan(Roxelana), Mihrimah Sultan). Rüstem Pasha died in July 1561 and the mosque was built after his death from around 1561 until 1563. The mosque complex hosts now a religious school. Return to your hotel and overnight.

Breakfast and departure for full day city tour. We will visit TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. HIPPODROME Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. THE HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE This ancient basilica, built by Constantine the Great, in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, is one of the architectural marvels of all time. Then will take you to the Grand Spice Bazaar which is a unique atmosphere with reasonable prices for your shopping. Here you will find;Exotic Spices and Herbs, Turkish Baklava, Turkish Delights, Turkish Coffee, nuts and fruits, small souvenirs such as Ceramic Handicrafts, Evil Eyes totems, all naturel olive oil, soaps and many other goods in Souvenir Shops and stores. After the tour turn back to your hotel and overnight.

Breakfast and transfer to Istanbul International Airport for home bound flight