5 Days Religious Istanbul Tour

About Istanbul

Istanbul has roots going way back to Pagan culture. Many civilizations find home in Istanbul for many centuries so Istanbul has many different layers of cultural heritage. Istanbul is not only a city rich with historical locations and beautiful scenery, but also a bridge between two continents – Asia & Europe. Great empires throughout history desired to own this holy land; many cultures left their marks in Istanbul, and now is your chance to discover what secrets this beautiful landmark holds. Istanbul (former Constantinople) was the heart and capital of the Ottoman Empire and has many cultural heritages including the most tremendous mosques in the history (Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque), beautiful Maiden’s Tower, Hagia Sophia of Byzantine Empire, and countless art left from the Ottoman Empire.

5 Days Religious Istanbul Tour Program

Day 1: Arrival to Istanbul

We will meet you at the airport upon your arrival (or pick you up at 18:30 from the hotel if you already are in Istanbul). We will have a lunch in a local restaurant before your transfer to the hotel for check-in and have a rest. You will be picked up from the hotel to enjoy a Whirling Dervish show. After the show you’ll have a dinner with your guide and transferred back to your hotel to spend the night.

Day 2- Istanbul Walking Tour ( Breakfast)

You can have your breakfast at the hotel before the pick-up time at 09:00. Places to visit on the second day are:

Rustem Pasha Mosque: This beautiful Ottoman mosque was designed by famous architect Mimar Sinan and built in 1563.

 Spice Bazaar: This covered place is also called Egyptian Bazaar, because it was filled with merchandise from the Egypt state during Ottoman rule.

Hippodrome: It has been built in 203 AD and it was used for chariot races and other entertainment in time. Some of the remnants of the Hippodrome are kept in Istanbul Archaeological Museum, but The Obelisk of Thutmose III, The Serpent Column and Walled Obelisk can be seen here.

Blue Mosque: Textured with beautiful blue Iznik tiles, Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as Blue Mosque) is one of the highlights of Ottoman architecture. Pope Benedict XVI has visited The Blue Mosque when he visited Istanbul in 2006.

Hagia Sophia: Built in 6th century AD, Hagia Sophia is a marvel of Greek Architecture. It was the largest cathedral in the world for a long time. After the conquest of Constantinople, Hagia Sophia was used as a mosque until 1931. In 1935 it was turned into a museum.

Caferaga Medresseh: Today as a tourist attraction and as a place to rest, Caferaga Medresseh stands firmly since the time of Sultan Suleiman The Magnificent.

You will be transferred back to your hotel at the end of the tour (lunch included).

Day 3:  Istanbul City Tour with Golden Horn Boat Tour ( Breakfast )

You can have your breakfast at the hotel before the pick-up time at 09:00. Places to visit on the third day are:

Eyup Sultan Mosque: This mosque was built in 1458 right after the conquest of Istanbul by Ottomans. We will also visit the tomb of Sahaba Abu Ayyub al-Ansari which is kept in Eyup Sultan.

Pierre Loti Hill: We will go up Pierre Loti Hill by cable-lift. Here you can view Istanbul and some of its most beautiful spots from high. When we reach Pierre Loti Hill, you can rest and enjoy the beautiful view of Golden Horn while having your drink.

Golden Horn Boat Tour: You will enjoy beautiful Golden Horn by boat and sight-see the coast and several churches and old buildings.

Suleymaniye Mosque: Built by famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan under the orders of Sultan Suleiman (The Magnificent), The Suleymaniye is the largest mosque in Istanbul.

Topkapi Palace: This large palace has been the residence of Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. Now the palace serves as a museum which contains the most important relics of the Muslim world (including Muhammed’s cloak and sword) and the Ottomans. (Note that Treasury and Harem sections are not included in the tour program).

You will be transferred back to your hotel at the end of the tour (lunch included).

Day 4 –  Bursa Tour (Breakfast)

You can have your breakfast at the hotel before the pick-up time at 07:00. Fourth day of the tour is devoted to Bursa city. Places to visit are:

Green Mosque: This work of art has been built under the orders of Sultan Mehmet I in 1420.

Green Mausoleum: This tomb was built in the memory of Sultan Mehmet I by his successor Murad II.

Grand Mosque: Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami in Turkish) was built in Seljuk style under the orders of Sultan Bayezid I in 1396. One of the best architectural examples of the early Ottoman period influenced by Seljuks.

Covered Bazaar: You can find every kind of gift items and famous Bursa cloths here.

Koza Han Caravansary: Former a bazaar where beautiful silken Bursa cloths were sold, Koza Han was built in 1491 under the orders of Sultan Bayezid II.

Uludag Mountain: You will climb up Mt. Uludag by cable car. Uludag is the most popular center of winter sports in Turkey.

At the end of the tour you will be transferred back to your hotel in Istanbul to spend the night.

Day 5 – Istanbul Tour With Dolmabahce Palace and Bosphorus Cruise (Breakfast)

You can have your breakfast and have to check-out from the hotel before the tour begins. Pick-up is at 09:00 o’clock. Places to visit on the fifth day are:

Fatih Mosque: Built in the name of the conqueror of Constantinople (Fatih Sultan Mehmet – fatih meaning conqueror in Turkish), Fatih Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul and also serves as an example of Turkish-Islamic architecture.

Yahya Efendi Lodge: Built by Yahya Efendi in 1538, this place was an important religious structure in Ottoman rule. Today it serves as a mosque.

Bosphorus Cruise: Cruising through Bosphorus is a romantic and fascinating experience. Bosphorus is important for it seperates Asia and Europe continents. The Bosphorus Bridge connects the two parts of Istanbul. During the cruise you’ll have a chance to view Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ciragan Palace and Rumeli Fortress.

Uskudar: Uskudar is one of the oldest and famous districts of Ottoman rule.

Camlica Hill: Surrounded by trees, Camlica Hill is a famous meeting and resting point with cafes and restaurants.

Dolmabahce Palace: Dolmabahce was the administrative center of Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1922. The palace contains 285 rooms, 46 halls and 6 baths. It was designed in European style. Also the founder of modern Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk spent his last days in Dolmabahce Palace.

You will be transferred to the airport to take your flight back to your country at the end of the tour.