Istanbul & The Islamic Heritage

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. You will have time to rest and relax.

Day 2: We will have an extensive tour of Istanbul. Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents and was the capital of three great empires. Our first visit will be to the legendary Hagia Sophia, built 1,500 years ago and one of the greatest monuments of the Roman Empire. We will then visit the famous Blue Mosque, followed by Topkapi Palace, where the Ottoman Sultans ruled the empire for centuries. Overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 3: In the morning, we will enjoy a Bosphorus cruise and admire the beauty of Istanbul from the water. We will then visit the famous Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest shopping areas in the world. In the afternoon, we will visit the tomb and mosque of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Eyup), one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad. We will then visit the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4: Today we will drive to Edirne, located near the European border of Turkey. Here, the famous Ottoman architect Sinan built his masterpiece, the Selimiye Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive mosques of the Ottoman Empire. After lunch, we will return to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 5: We will drive to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Known as “Green Bursa,” the city is home to two important Ottoman mosques, the famous Ulu Mosque and Green Mosque. Since many Ottoman Sultans, their wives, and their children were buried in Bursa, we will also visit several important Ottoman tombs. After the tour, we will return to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 6: Transfer to the airport for your flight home..