Trésors islamiques de la Turquie

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. Overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast – Lunch)

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: We will fly to Konya, one of the most fascinating cities in Turkey. We will visit the Mevlana Museum, the resting place of Mevlana Rumi, the famous 13th-century philosopher and spiritual thinker. After lunch, we will visit two historic Islamic schools from the Seljuk period, the Karatay Madrasa and the Ince Minareli Madrasa. In the evening, you will enjoy a traditional Whirling Dervishes ceremony. Overnight in Konya.

Day 7: We will drive to Ankara. After lunch, we will visit the Haci Bayram Veli Mosque, one of the most important spiritual sites in Ankara, where you will have time to pray. Later, we will visit Kocatepe Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the modern Turkish Republic. Dinner and overnight in Ankara.

Day 8: We will fly from Ankara to Diyarbakir. We will visit the historic Ulu Mosque and explore the old city center of Diyarbakir. Then we will drive to Sanliurfa, also known as Urfa. Overnight in Urfa.

Day 9: Today we will explore Sanliurfa, known as the “City of Prophets” and traditionally associated with the birthplace of Prophet Abraham. We will then drive to Harran, where we will see the famous traditional Harran houses and the remains of one of the oldest Islamic centers of learning in the region. According to tradition, Harran is also associated with the story of Prophet Abraham and his family. We will return to Urfa for the night. Overnight in Urfa.

Day 10: Fly from Urfa to Istanbul and connect with your international flight home..