5 Nights/ 6 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  Arab 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 Sultan 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 Süleymaniye 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 Rüstem Pasha 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. Visit to THE HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE, which is 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, now coverted to a mosque. Across the 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. Proceed to The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, which was Constructed in 1524, the building was formerly the palace of Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha, who was the second grand vizier to Suleiman the Magnificent, and was once thought to have been the husband of the Sultan's sister, Hatice Sultan.The collection includes notable examples of Islamic calligraphy, tiles, and rugs as well as ethnographic displays on various cultures in Turkey, particularly nomad groups. These displays recreate rooms or dwellings from different time periods and regions. Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque is a 16th-century Ottoman mosque which was commissioned jointly by the grand vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha and his wife İsmihan Sultan. It was designed by the imperial architect Mimar Sinan and completed in 1571/2. The mosque is noted for the fine quality of the Iznik tiles that decorate the interior walls. Final visit to The Little Hagia Sophia mosque, formerly the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus , is a former Greek Orthodox church dedicated to Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Constantinople built between 532 and 536, and converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. Return to your hotel and overnight.

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. Continue to Dolmabahçe Palace which was built between 1843 and 1856 when the Ottoman Empire was losing its power. This superb palace displays the richness and power that the Sultans had. Drive to Asian side of Istanbul by passing through Bosphorus Bridge. Contınue to Çamlıca Hill one of the highest point in Istanbul. At the top of it you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from the beautiful gardens, landscape in traditional style, as you sip your drinks in a cafeteria. Visit to Çamlıca Mosque which is considered the newest symbol of the city since its foundation, is the biggest mosque in the history of the republic. Final visit to The Museum of Islamic Civilizations in which you can see the Turkish Weaving Art, Artifacts Attributed to the Prophet, Decorative Elements in Islamic Art, The First Temple Kaaba, Damascus Documents, The Holy Kuran and Enclosures, Science in Islam, Berats and Edicts, Calligraphy, Ottoman Clothing, Talismanic Objects, Destimal Tradition and Sanduka Pusheeds, Conquest in Islam, Turkish Tile Art, Islamic Coins. Return to your hotel and overnight.

Breakfast and departure for full day tour to Production Set of famous Ottoman TV and Film Studios. Step into a world where history meets cinematic artistry at Bozdağ Film Studios & Theme Park! Originally established in 2014 for the iconic Diriliş Ertuğrul series, this extraordinary destination has grown into a cultural gem, hosting the production of many renowned Turkish series and films, including Kuruluş Osman, Yunus Emre: Aşkın Yolculuğu, Mehmetçik: Kut’ul-Amâre, and more. Nestled in the heart of nature, Bozdağ offers visitors an unforgettable journey through time and storytelling. Explore meticulously crafted historical sets that transport you to the eras of legendary warriors, scholars, and sultans. Walk through vibrant bazaars, imposing castles, and tranquil countryside—all while surrounded by lush greenery. Since June 2023, Bozdağ has opened its doors as a theme park, inviting guests of all ages to immerse themselves in the magic of Turkish history and entertainment. Enjoy guided tours, interactive activities, and exclusive experiences where you can step into the shoes of your favorite historical characters. Return to your hotel and overnight.

Breakfast and transfer to Istanbul International Airport for home bound flight.